Year 1959
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.
Eight detainees to be released
Tuesday, 2nd June 1959
Governor Goode announces the eight detainees will be released two days later are freed from Changi prison, breaking the impasse and averting a constitutional crisis. Six of the released including hardliner Lim Chin Siong, signed a statement that they support the PAP leadership's non-communist road.
Lee Kuan Yew to form the Government
Monday, 1st June 1959
Singapore Governor Sir William Goode asks Mr Lee Kuan Yew to form the Government. Mr Lee repeats his party's condition: The British to release eight detained associates. They are: Lim Chin Siong, Fong Swee Suan, Devan Nair, S.Woodhull, J.Puthucheary, Chan Chiaw Thor, Chan Chong Kin and Chen Say Jame.
Singapore Legislative Assembly 3rd General Election
Saturday, 30th May 1959
The third general election for the Legislative Assembly was a lively and closely-fought affair, with several new political parties joining the fray. This was the first GE for a fully elected legislature after negotiations between the British and Singapore lawmakers to allow Singapore self-government concluded successfully.
Singapore Constitution Exposition 1959
Saturday, 31st January 1959
The Singapore Constitution Exposition (SCE) 1959 at Kallang Park (abandon runway of Old Kallang Airport) was organised by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the full internal self-government to Singapore. The SCE was described as a spectacular exhibition on an eighty hectare ground and the most outstanding celebration of its kind ever to be staged in this part of the world. The Exposition represents a cross-section of races, cultures, goods, goods, costumes and ways of living into view the daily life in Singapore of racial harmony and tolerance.
Major Events 2 Nation Building 1 People 5 Places 11 Politics 4
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