2. 1959: Singapore’s first fully-democratic election
> people voted as it was compulsory for all Singapore citizens
Citizenship Ordinance (1957)
Q: Where was the average voter from?

3. Average voter profile
From China
Spoke Chinese
Worked in blue collar jobs
In 1959, only 45% of the voters were born in Singapore

4. 1959: Singapore’s first fully-democratic election
> people voted as it was compulsory for all Singapore citizens
Citizenship Ordinance (1957)
13 parties took part but PAP emerged the winner
Q: Why did the PAP win?

5. Importance of 1959 elections
High voter turnout
Exciting time for the people as there were varied methods of campaigning by the parties – increased interest by the people on who should govern Singapore
Victory of PAP
Further on the road to Full Independence
Sources from p

6. Results of 1959 elections PAP – 43 out of 51 seats
Lim Yew Hock – 4 out of 51 seats
First Prime Minister : Lee Kuan Yew, leader of the PAP
First Head of State (Yang Di Pertuan): Yusof Bin Ishak.

7. 3rd June 1959 at City Hall
Q: Why was a new national flag, crest and anthem introduced?

8. Internal Self-Government in 1959
The first task of the new PAP government was to instill a sense of unity and loyalty in Singapore's diverse ethnic populace. A new national flag, crest, and anthem were introduced, and the new Ministry of Culture organized open-air cultural concerts and other events designed to bring the three main ethnic groups together. Malay, Chinese, Tamil, and English were all made official languages, but, with its eye on a future merger with Malaya, the government made Malay the national language. Considered the indigenous people and yet the most disadvantaged, Malays were provided with free primary and secondary education.