Year 1963

Places

First Singapore Grand Prix

Monday, 11th April 1966

This is the second time the event was named “First Singapore Grand Prix”. The first time was in 1961. According to Singapore’s Minister for Social Affairs, Encik Othman Wok, "this is the first Grand Prix we are organising as an independent country." The Upper Thomson Road Street Circuit had been completely re-surfaced with a new layer of tarmac. Also the prize kitty was increased to $30,000. The race also attracted some high-profile racers from Australia and Hong Kong. The main event was won by Lee Han Seng in his Lotus 22 Ford.


Singapore ISD was established

Thursday, 17th February 1966

The ISD (Internal Security Department), a Singapore Government Department, was established to maintain security and stability within Singapore.


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 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."


Fourth Malaysia Grand Prix In Singapore

Monday, 12th April 1965

Only two overseas participant turned up for the race - Albert Poon and Steve Holland, both from Hong Kong. The race was won by Albert Poon in a Lotus 23 and Steve Holland came in second. Tony Goodwin took the third price in his Lola Formula Junior.


The Battle Of Kota Tinggi

Sunday, 4th April 1965

Men of the Singapore Infantry Regiment killed seven Indonesians and captured one in a 20-minute battle in Kota Tinggi. This is in retaliation to an ambush mounted by the Indonesians infiltrators.


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