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Year 1942

Singapore is part of Malaysia

Monday, 16th September 1963

Malaysia was formed and consisted of the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak and North Borneo (now Sabah). Relieving Singapore of colonial rule and becoming an autonomous state within the Malaysian Federation. Brunei opted out. Indonesia and the Philippines opposed the merger. President Sukarno of Indonesia worked actively against it during the three years of Indonesian confrontation.

Singapore declares independence

Saturday, 31st August 1963

Singapore declares independence from the British.

Potong Pasir Cleaned Up

Thursday, 23rd May 1963

Health Ministry officials launched a big sterilisation campaign in cholera infected Potong Pasir. Ministry workers pumped chlorine into ponds and sprayed Insecticide in the surrounding area. Singapore's first cholera victim came from the Potong Pasir kampong. The Health Ministry have since confirmed the presence of cholera germs in four of the kampong ponds.

113 Communist Detained

Saturday, 2nd February 1963

The Internal Security Council detained 113 Communist including M. Lim Chin Siong and Dr. Lim Hock Siew. They were detained under the Internal Security Act for their involvement in Communist United Front activites. The arrested came after a massive security exercise, code name Operation Cold Store. Dr. Lim was in the top hierarchy of the PAP before they quit to throw in their lot with the breakaway group which formed the Barisan Sosialis.

Merger Referendum Held in Singapore

Saturday, 1st September 1962

A referendum on the terms of the merger held in Singapore showed the people's overwhelming support for the PAP's plan to go ahead with the merger. 71% of the people of Singapore are for the Merger with Malaya.

Bukit Ho Swee Fire

Thursday, 25th May 1961

The Bukit Ho Swee Fire kills four people and destroys 2,200 attap houses. The fire made at least 16,000 homeless. Most of the attap houses in the squatter settlement were destroyed as the fire spread quickly by the strong winds. The root cause of this disaster remains unknown.

Ong Eng Guan won Hong Lim by-election

Saturday, 29th April 1961

Ong Eng Guan registered a new party, the United People's Party (UPP) , he won the Hong Lim by-election defeating PAP candidate Jek Yuan Thong, which proved a blow to the PAP for the leaders. Ong Eng Guan was expelled from the PAP less than a year earlier.

Lee Kuan Yew Singapore First Prime Minister

Friday, 5th June 1959

Lee Kuan Yew, leader of PAP political party, was sworn in as Prime Minister of Singapore at the age of 35.

State of Singapore Formed

Wednesday, 3rd June 1959

The State of Singapore formed with at the same day the Crown Colony's Office of the Governor was abolished. At one minute past midnight, the Governor proclaims Singapore a self-governing state. At 8.30am, he takes office as Yang di-Pertuan Negara, or Head of State. At 8.30am, Encik Yusof bin Ishak becomes Yang di-Pertuan Negara or the Head of State of Singapore. A celebration and mass rally by Peoples' Action Party (PAP) were held in the early evening at the Padang for Singapore gaining full self-government.

Chinese Middle Schools Riots

Wednesday, 24th October 1956

The students camped at Chung Cheng High School and Chinese High School. They organised meetings and held demonstrations. This went on for about two weeks. The government issued an ultimatum that the schools be vacated. As the deadline approached, rioting started at the Chinese High School. The riots spread to other parts of the island. They lasted five days. 13 people were killed and more than 100 were injured. Hundreds of people were arrested, including Lim Chin Siong.

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