It will be Lee's first visit to the Malaysian capital since he stepped down as prime minister in 1990. No agenda is on the table yet, but it seems certain Lee will meet with PM Mahathir Mohamad.

Lee will make the trip during a relative lull in the often testy relations between the two countries. One thing apparently on his mind: The growing Islamicization of politics in the countries surrounding his city-state, and particularly the threat of a radical turn of events.

His concern about the rise of Malaysia's opposition Parti Islam SeMalaysia and its competition with UMNO for Muslim voters is most likely a major motivation behind his journey.

During the latter years of his prime ministership, Lee once expressed his satisfaction in dealing with Mahathir-type pragmatism and uneasiness at any prospect of religious-based leadership in Malaysia.