Lee Kuan Yew became Prime Minister in 1959 . He presided over Malaysia 's bitter split from Singapore in 1965 . Lee faced criticism for stifling media freedom and the harsh treatment of political opponents .
Lee Kuan Yew became Prime Minister in 1959 . He presided over Singapore 's bitter split from Malaysia in 1965 . Lee faced criticism for stifling media freedom and the harsh treatment of political opponents .