Year 1953
Hock Lee bus riots
Thursday, 12th May 1955
Four people are killed during the Hock Lee bus riots. The Hock Lee bus strike began peacefully but escalated into a violent riot in which four people were killed and 31 injured. During the strike, large numbers of dismissed bus workers locked themselves in the Hock Lee garages at Alexandra Road and picketed at the gates.
Singapore Legislative Assembly 2nd General Election
Sunday, 3rd April 1955
The second general election for the Legislative Assembly was a lively and closely-fought affair, with several new political parties joining the fray. Unlike previous elections, voters were automatically registered, expanding the electorate to around 300,000.The SPP was soundly defeated in the election, winning only four seats. The newly-formed, left-leaning Labour Front was the biggest winner with ten seats was led by David Marshall. Labour Front formed a coalition government with the UMNO-MCA Alliance, which won three seats. Another new party, the leftist People's Action Party (PAP) led by Lee Kuan Yew, won three seats.
Lim Chin Siong Elected Assemblyman
Saturday, 2nd April 1955
Mr. Lim Chin Siong was elected Assemblyman for Bukit Timah. Then 22 years old, he was and remained the youngest Assemblyman ever to be elected into office.
200 Postman Came To Support
Sunday, 27th March 1955
They came to support their friend and adviser, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. The Postman took off their uniforms and in their Sunday best, went down to do the beats in Tanjong Pagar, canvassing the voters. The men remembered Mr. Lee, as he had gave them his time and personal devotion for their cause.
PAP Inaugurated
Sunday, 21st November 1954
PAP or the People's Action Party was officially inaugurated at the Victoria Memorial Hall. Its objective is to fight colonialism in Singapore. Some of the PAP founder members included Dr Toh Chin Chye (protem Chairman), Mr Lee Kuan Yew (Secretary), Mr S. Rajaratnam, Mr C.V. Devan Nair, Mr Fong Swee Suan and Mr Abdul Samad. It was the largest political gathering Singaporeans had seen for many years. More than 1,500 people packed the Hall. Among the special guests were Dato Sri Tan Cheng Lock, president of the Malayan Chinese Association (MCA), and Tunku Abdul Rahman, president of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO).
Seven Chinese Students Appeal Hearings
Tuesday, 12th October 1954
Appeal hearings for seven Chinese-medium school students. They were convicted of "obstructing the police" during a May 13 demonstration in connection with National Service. They are represented by defence counsel Mr. D. N. Pritt, QC and assisted by junior counsel Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. Eventually the appeal dismissed. Conviction of the Chinese-medium school students upheld and they have to serve their three-month prison terms.
The Fajar Trial
Monday, 23rd August 1954
The three day trial saw Queen’s Counsel and leftwing champion, Denis Nowell Pritt (engaged by Lee Kuan Yew the senior defense counsel) for the Fajar 8. At the end of the third day, District Judge FA (Freddy) Chua threw the case out without the defense being called. Fajar 8 were acquitted of all charges.
The Fajar 8 Were Arrested
Friday, 28th May 1954
Attorney-General Davis gave written sanction to prosecute the Fajar 8 - Poh Soo Kai (president of club), MK Rajakumar, James Puthucheary, Kwa Boo Sun, Lam Khuan Kit, Thomas Varkey, P Arudsothy and Edwin Thumboo (oldest – James Puthcheary, 32; youngest P Arudsothy, 19) for publishing the "Aggression in Asia". The Fajar 8 were picked up by the police. 7 of them were arrested at the University Hostel in Dunearn Road. Poh Soo Kai was picked up from his Katong home. They were charged in court. Bail of $1000 each was provided by Vice-Chancellor Sir Sydney Caine, who felt it was his duty to bail out the students involved. Lee Kuan Yew (honourary advisor to the club) represented the students in court.
National Service Riots
Thursday, 13th May 1954
Students at a number of Chinese schools demonstrated against the British government's decision to make young men, age 18-20, do part-time military service. The students were unwilling to defend a foreign government which they wanted to drive out of Singapore. The demonstration led to rioting and the police had to put down on the riot.
Aggression in Asia Editorial Published
Monday, 10th May 1954
The "Aggression in Asia" editorial appeared on the front page of the No 7 issue of Fajar which was written by Poh Soo Kai and MK Rajakumar and published by University Socialist Club (USC) of the University of Malaya.
Nation Building 1 People 1 Places 3 Politics 1
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