Lee Kuan Yew was an extremely savvy statesman. He likely knew that if he accepted the bribe, he will be forever beholden to the whims of the CIA. Based off his

Lee Kuan Yew was an extremely savvy statesman. He likely knew that if he accepted the bribe, he will be forever beholden to the whims of the CIA. Based off his background (old moneyed, Cambridge educated) and how he governed Singapore (with an iron fist), obtaining more wealth was probably low on his list of priorities, what he wants is power.