SPH commissioned and published the book, which seeks to fill a void in Singapore history and answer questions surrounding the PAP story.

A project team headed by former SPH editor-inchief Cheong Yip Seng and, after his retirement, The Straits Times editor Han Fook Kwang, took seven years to plan, research, conduct interviews and draft the book.

The Straits Times journalists Sonny Yap, Richard Lim and Leong Weng Kam wrote the book, with support from four researchers.

The writers conducted some 300 interviews in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and China, and referred to around 200 oral history interviews at the National Archives of Singapore.

"One of the attractions of the book is that it's done in a journalistic style. It's not a history book or an academic book," said Mr Han.

A key consideration was that the book should represent the writers' version of the PAP story - not the party's. Men in White will be launched on Sept 8 at The Arts House and MM Lee will be guest-of-honour.

The book - with 30,000 copies to be printed - will be available at leading book stores after the launch at $39.90 (before GST).

MM Lee will autograph 20 limited-edition copies of the book to be sold for charity at $10,000 each. Proceeds will go to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, which helps needy students.

Interested donors can email weenh@sph.com.sg