1961 Legislative Assembly By-election

The April 1961 Legislative Assembly by-election was a politically significant event in Singapore, triggered by the resignation of National Development Minister Ong Eng Guan following a series of public disputes with the People’s Action Party (PAP). This by-election marked a turning point in Singapore’s political dynamics, as Ong’s re-election reduced the PAP’s legislative majority.

Background

Ong Eng Guan, National Development Minister and former Mayor of the City Council, was expelled from the PAP on 27 August 1960 after his dismissal from the Cabinet a week earlier. The dismissal stemmed from several public disagreements with his legislative colleagues, including opposition to the abolition of the City Council, where Ong had served as the last Mayor. Ong filed the “16 resolutions” criticizing the PAP government before resigning his assembly seat on 29 December 1960. He issued a public challenge to the PAP, daring the party to defeat him in the ensuing by-election.

Two PAP Assembly Members aligned with Ong’s faction also resigned from the party but retained their seats. Ong’s victory in the by-election reduced the PAP government’s majority in the Legislative Assembly from 17 to 14 seats.

Political Context

The by-election took place against a backdrop of shifting political allegiances:

Previous Defections: In 1959, Farrer Park Assembly Member A. P. Rajah joined the Singapore People’s Alliance (SPA), while Joo Chiat Assembly Member Koh Choon Hong left the SPA to become independent.
Ong’s Faction: Ong’s growing dissent and subsequent faction posed a challenge to the PAP’s dominance and unity.

Election Outcome

Ong Eng Guan contested as an independent candidate and successfully regained his seat, dealing a significant blow to the PAP’s majority in the legislature.
This victory underscored the public’s dissatisfaction with some of the PAP’s policies and demonstrated Ong’s enduring political appeal.

Election Details

Writ of Election Issued: 2 March 1961 (Thursday)
Nomination Day: 11 March 1961 (Saturday)
Polling Day: 29 April 1961 (Saturday)
Swearing-In Ceremony: 24 May 1961 (Wednesday)
Eligible Voters: 11,892
Voter Turnout: 10,818 (91.0%)
Election Deposit: $500

Significance

The April 1961 by-election was pivotal in highlighting cracks within the PAP and the increasing political fragmentation in Singapore. Ong Eng Guan’s victory demonstrated the ability of independent candidates to challenge the dominance of established parties. It also underscored public dissatisfaction with certain PAP policies and the strength of individual personalities in shaping Singapore’s early political landscape.

The reduction in the PAP’s legislative majority signaled the need for the party to address internal dissent and reinforce its governance strategy during a crucial period of Singapore’s journey toward full independence.