News | 60th anniversary of self-government: Singapore’s pre-independence 'national day'
On 3 Jun 1959, Singapore was first proclaimed as an internally self-governing state under the British Crown. NTU Asst Prof Ngoei Wen-Qing told CNA this was the moment “mass politics” reached Singapore. Immediately after the electoral victory, Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and his colleagues focused on securing the release of eight men associated with the PAP who had been detained under the Preservation of Public Security Ordinance Act. This meant that Mr Lee and his cabinet would not be sworn in until June 5. Sir William Goode, the last governor of Singapore disagreed with the delay and brought into force the new constitution on June 3. RSIS senior fellow Kwa Chong Guan said that the day was one of those "turning points" that could have resulted in Singapore's political and historical development taking a "rather different turn" if Sir William did not accede to Mr Lee's request.
Media: Channel NewsAsia online