Year 1965

Yusof bin Ishak is Mr. President

Wednesday, 22nd December 1965

Constitutional Amendment Act is passed and Yusof bin Ishak becomes the first President of Singapore.


Singapore Parliament Sitting

Wednesday, 8th December 1965

The first sitting of Parliament was held on 8 December 1965.


Police smash march on City Hall

Wednesday, 24th November 1965

Police today arrested 32 men in swift action, including the use of tear gas, to foil attempts by about 200 members and supporters of proscribed and other Chinese old boys’ associations to demonstrate outside City Hall. The associations had been accused by the Government of indulging in pro-communist activities. Eleven student bodies were dissolved.


PM opens Union House

Friday, 15th October 1965

The Trade Union House was opened this evening in Shenton Way. The location of the union house on such a prime piece of land was in recognition of the important role played by the trade unions in nation building. The opening ceremony was performed by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew – himself fulfilling an election pledge in 1959 – before his party swept to power with massive union support. Tributes were paid to the Secretary General of NTUC Devan Nair by unionists and Mr Lee.


Singapore in Commonwealth

Friday, 15th October 1965

Singapore becomes the 22nd member of the Commonwealth.


Singapore in UN

Tuesday, 21st September 1965

Singapore is admitted into the United Nations as the 117th member.


Singapore separates from Malaysia

Monday, 9th August 1965

For Singapore, 9 August 1965 was no ceremonial occasion. The Malaysian Parliament votes, 2 days ago on 7 August 1965, to expel Singapore from the Federation; Singapore becomes independent after separating from Malaysia. One of the more poignant moments which many Singaporeans, this is the time Mr Lee Kuan Yew cried on Television during a meet the press session on the separation of Singapore from Malaysia. His speech included this quote: "For me, it is a moment of anguish. All my life, my whole adult life, I have believed in merger and unity of the two territories."


Singapore and Malaysia Separation Agreement

Saturday, 7th August 1965

Singapore and Malaysia sign the separation agreement.


POSB Raised Saving Accounts Interest To 3%

Sunday, 1st August 1965

Singapore's Post Office Savings Bank raised the interest paid to depositor from 2.5% back to 3% a year.


Sunny Ang murdered Girl Friend

Tuesday, 18th May 1965

Singapore Grand Prix driver Sunny Ang was sentenced to death in the High Court for the murder at sea of bar girl Jenny Cheok Cheng Kid. The case was the first murder trial in local legal history in which a person was convicted solely on circumstantial evidence. Ang took Cheok scuba diving off Sisters Island. He told police Cheok's lifeline snapped; her body was never found. Ang had taken substantial insurance on Cheok three hours before the trip and he made his claims within 24 hours after her death.


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