Year 1954
Tag: LKY
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.
Lee Kuan Yew Admitted To Federation Bar
Tuesday, 2nd February 1954
Lawyer Mr. Lee Kuan Yew was admitted to the Federation Bar in Johor, Malaysia.
End the Postal Strike
Tuesday, 10th June 1952
Lee Kuan Yew was one of the negotiating officer who was employee of Messrs Laycock and Ong that was engaged by the Singapore Post and Telegraphs Uniformed Staff Employees' Union. The 11 days strike concluded when the Union Chief, Yee Meng Seah, accepted the government offer. 1,000 clerks will receive about $500 (28 months') back pay.
Mr & Mrs Lee make legal history
Tuesday, 7th August 1951
The first time in the history of Singapore's Supreme Court that a husband and wife were together admitted to the Colony Bar. Former graduates of Raffles College, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Kuan Yew passed their professional Bar examinations at Cambridge (England) in May 1950. Mr. Lee, aka Harry Lee, was an outstanding student of Raffles Institution. He was first in Serior Cambridge Examination (A-Level) in 1939 and top of the class list of Law Trips, Part II. And his wife graduated from Raffles College in 1947 and was awarded the Queen's Scholarship.
Mr & Mrs LKY Wedding
Saturday, 30th September 1950
Mr and Mrs. Lee Kuan Yew held their wedding reception at Raffles Hotel. Both are barristers and members of old Straits Chinese families.
Lee Kuan Yew and Kwa Geok Choo Engagement
Friday, 11th August 1950
The engagement is announced between Lee Kuan Yew, eldest son of Mr & Mrs Lee Chin Koon of 38 Oxley Road and Kwa Geok Choo, third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kwa Siew Tee of 186 Pasir Panjang Road. Their engagement has long been expected by their friends in Singapore and in England. Former Raffles Collegians can still remember the rivalry between the two freshmen.
Japanese Operation Sook Ching
Wednesday, 18th February 1942
Many Chinese were ordered to assemble at various centres for screening by the occupying Japanese Imperial Army in Operation Sook Ching - A massacre that claimed about 50,000 lives. Operation Sook Ching was a systematic extermination of perceived hostile elements.
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