HISTORY

Post-war Period

On 15 August 1945, Japan surrendered to the Allies and British Forces returned to the island on 5 September 1945.

The British Military Administration was formed to govern Singapore until the dissolution of the Straits Settlements in March 1946. Singapore became a Crown Colony on 1 April 1946 with an advisory council headed by the Governor.

Britain's failure to defend Singapore had undermined its credibility as governor of the island.

This climate of poverty, unemployment and economical uncertainty saw a political awakening amongst the people. Rising anti-colonial and nationalist sentiments led to the desire for self-governance. Separate Executive and Legislative councils were established in July 1947 and Singapore held its first election in March 1948.

A state of emergency lasting 12 years was declared three months later when communists groups in Malaya led a campaign of armed struggle.

The second Legislative council election held in 1951 saw the number of elected seats increased from six to nine. In 1953, a British commission led by Sir George Rendel proposed to provide Singapore with greater self-government. The lively 1955 election saw Singapore achieve partial internal self-government. By 1959, Singapore had attained full internal self-government with the People's Action Party (PAP) winning majority of the seats during the election.

PAP leader Lee Kuan Yew became Singapore's first Prime Minister.

In 1963, the Malaysian Agreement was signed which saw the joining of Singapore, Sarawak, Sabah and Malaya to form the Federation of Malaysia. On 16 September 1963, the Malaysian Proclamation announced the merger of Singapore and Malaysia.

The merger did not last long. On 9 August 1965, Singapore was separated from Malaysia and declared a sovereign and independent nation.

The nation became the Republic of Singapore on 22 December 1965.

Yusof bin Ishak was appointed as the first President and Lee Kuan Yew remained as Prime Minister.

For further indepth reading, please visit our book store.