Although he ceased to be in a position of power years ago he continues to be one of the most influential and sought-after politicians in the world. He is the main founder of the Singapore that we know  now having seceded from Malaysia in 1965 amid  prophecies of doom that saw independent Singapore heading for instant disaster with no natural resources on which to build its economy. What these Cassandras did not take into account was his ability to mobilise his people into a hard-working, single-minded community determined to develop the young nation into a base for commercial activity. Over the years the State implemented their plan to build up infrastructure and industrialise, to welcome expertise from all over and create  a wealth of cosmopolitan talent and cultures.Lee Kwan Yew  was an unyielding task-master who enforced discipline ruthlessly to the extent that Singaporeans have been considered humourless. However, Singapore with a population of under 5 million people has become the fifth wealthiest city in terms of per capita GDP and standard of living. Lee Kwan Yew still presides over the destiny of his nation through his unseen presence. He is till seen as the nation’s miracle-man.