1959 Legislative Assembly Election

The 1959 Legislative Assembly General Election was a pivotal moment in Singapore’s history, marking the first general election for a fully elected legislature following the successful conclusion of self-governance negotiations between British and Singapore lawmakers. It set the stage for the People’s Action Party (PAP) to assume power and usher in a new era of governance.

Background

This election followed the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 31 March 1959, with Singapore divided into 51 constituencies. Constituencies such as Geylang, Katong, Punggol-Tampines, Seletar, Serangoon, and Ulu Bedok were removed from the electoral map. The election was held under the new framework of universal suffrage and compulsory voting, with polling day set for 30 May 1959.

Chief Minister Lim Yew Hock, who succeeded David Marshall in 1957, faced increasing public dissatisfaction due to his government’s inability to improve living conditions and its harsh measures against protesting unions. By the end of the Labour Front’s (LF) term, its credibility had eroded.

Political Realignments

Formation of SPA: Elected LF Assembly Members defected to form the Singapore People’s Alliance (SPA), leaving LF under the control of its two nominated legislators, Francis Thomas and Richard Lim. Thomas retired from politics, and Lim joined the Malayan Chinese Association (MCA).
Defections: Several notable figures switched party affiliations:
- Ahmad Ibrahim joined PAP.
- Seah Peng Chuan joined the Citizens’ Party (CP).
- Independent AM Lee Choon Eng left SPA to become independent again.
- William Tan (LSP) and Mak Pak Shee (SPA) resigned to sit as independents.
Corruption Scandal: SPA’s Education Minister, Chew Swee Kee, was implicated in a corruption scandal, leading to his resignation shortly before the polls.
UMNO-MCA Alliance: The alliance expelled Kesatuan Melayu (KM) following its violation of an agreement during the 1957 by-election. The Malayan Indian Congress (MIC) joined the alliance but retained its own symbol as the partnership was not fully formalized.

Election Campaign

For the first time, PAP fielded candidates in all constituencies, signaling its intent to dominate the election. The campaign saw a record of seven-cornered contests, reflecting the fractured political landscape. PAP campaigned on a platform of self-governance, social reform, and anti-corruption.

Results

PAP achieved a landslide victory, securing a majority and forming the government for the first time. However, the party refused to take office until six of its members detained by the Special Branch were released. These members—Lim Chin Siong, C. V. Devan Nair, Chan Chiaw Thor, Fong Swee Suan, James Puthucheary, and Sydney Woodhull—were union leaders and key figures in the party. The British eventually acceded to this demand.

Ong Chang Sam became one of the youngest lawmakers in Singapore’s history, joining Lim Chin Siong, who held the same distinction in the previous election.

Leadership Transition

Following PAP’s victory, the party’s central executive committee narrowly chose Lee Kuan Yew over Ong Eng Guan to serve as Singapore’s first Prime Minister. Outgoing Chief Minister Lim Yew Hock ran in his last election and transitioned to lead the opposition.

Election Details

Old Assembly Dissolved: 31 March 1959 (Tuesday)
Nomination Day: 25 April 1959 (Saturday)
Polling Day: 30 May 1959 (Saturday)
New Assembly Opening: 1 July 1959 (Wednesday)
Electorate: 586,098
Voter Turnout: 527,919 (92.9%)
Election Deposit: $500

Significance

The 1959 election was a watershed moment, marking the end of British-dominated governance and the beginning of Singapore’s journey toward full independence. It solidified PAP’s position as a dominant political force and set the foundation for the transformation of Singapore into a modern nation-state.