Lee Kuan Yew played the pivotal role in Singapore s transition from British Crown Colony to independent developing nation, and on to the economically powerful and diplomatically influential city-state it is today。 Throughout this surprising and at times painful journey, he has proved a charismatic and occasionally controversial leader。 Lee is a conviction politician whose speeches are unambiguous, characterful and eminently quotable; this collection of almost 600 short quotations provides a compelling summary of his views on a wide range of topics from Singapore s past, present and future。 In Lee's own words: "I have been accused of many things in my lfe, but not even my worst enemy has ever accused me of being afraid to speak my mind。"