This man born in Chinese family, studied in UK, founding father of modern Singapore, now his family is facing...

Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first prime minister, is celebrated as the leader who transformed a small, resource-scarce British colony into one of the most prosperous nations in the world. Serving as prime minister from 1959 to 1990, Lee's leadership laid the foundation for Singapore’s emergence as a global financial hub, known for its strong economy, high living standards, and strategic influence in Southeast Asia.

While his tenure is widely admired for fostering growth and stability, it also sparked debate due to his authoritarian style of governance. Lee prioritized discipline, education, and industrialization to achieve national progress, but political freedoms were often limited under his rule.

Early Life and Political Beginnings
Born into a well-established Chinese family in Singapore, Lee’s first language was English. He later learned Chinese, Malay, and Tamil as part of his political journey. After studying in Singapore, he briefly attended the London School of Economics before completing his law degree at Cambridge University, where he graduated at the top of his class in 1949.

Upon returning to Singapore, Lee worked as a legal adviser to trade unions, advocating for better wages and working conditions for laborers. This marked the beginning of his political career, culminating in his appointment as Singapore’s prime minister in 1959. He immediately launched initiatives for urban renewal, public housing, women’s rights, education, and industrialization.

Singapore’s Independence and Growth
In 1963, Lee led Singapore into the Federation of Malaysia, but ethnic tensions between Chinese and Malay communities caused riots. These conflicts led to Singapore’s expulsion from the federation in 1965, making it an independent state with Lee as its leader.

Despite the challenges of being a young, resource-limited nation, Lee’s administration steered Singapore toward remarkable growth. By emphasizing industrialization, infrastructure development, and global trade, Lee helped Singapore achieve one of the highest per capita incomes in East Asia by the 1980s.

As a founder of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1967, Lee also worked to promote regional cooperation and stability. He resigned as prime minister in 1990 but continued influencing Singaporean politics as a senior statesman.

Family Dispute After His Death
Lee Kuan Yew passed away in 2015, leaving behind a legacy of progress and debate. However, his death also brought a family feud to light over the fate of his colonial-era bungalow, a home with immense historical significance.

Lee had wished for the house to be demolished after his death to prevent it from becoming a public museum. However, his will left its future unclear, leading to disagreements among his three children. His eldest son, Lee Hsien Loong, who was also Singapore’s prime minister, argued that the will was not explicit. His daughter, Lee Wei Ling, lived in the house and delayed its demolition, while his youngest son, Lee Hsien Yang, supported following their father’s wishes.

The conflict escalated in 2023 after Lee Wei Ling’s death, with Lee Hsien Yang accusing his elder brother of abusing political power. In a dramatic twist, Lee Hsien Yang sought political asylum in the United Kingdom, claiming he feared imprisonment in Singapore.

This family rift has sparked broader discussions about governance in Singapore, with critics questioning whether its prosperity has come at the cost of political transparency and accountability.