[National Day] Happy 50th Birthday, Singapore

Declaration by the then Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tengku Abdul Rahman

With a stroke of a pen, Singapore was cut free of from the reigns of Malaysia. It was not with immense joy that Singapore categorically departed from our hinterland, but one with trepidation as one can remember the tears of the Prime Minister at that time, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, that was beamed to all who had television sets that time. it was a sad day.

From Malaysia's point of view, Singapore was a spoilt child, craving for its toys and was one that made it difficult for the parents. We were asking all the difficult questions. Asking for equal rights amongst all races. Sabah and Sarawak were the more obedient ones. So in the end, Tengku Abdul Rahman had to 'disown' us. It was a "Surely you will regret it" and a "I told you it was difficult to run a government" mentality that the new Singapore government was treated to.

"...Singapore leaders have done nothing but talk politics, dream politics, and eat politics. Now that Singapore leaders have got to look after themselves they have got to be responsible for the lives of the people of Singapore. They will perhaps realise that they will have to go a little bit slower and appreciate that all these talks will only bring trouble." - Tengku Abdul Rahman (1)

Singapore became a street urchin all of a sudden and we were suddenly forced to grow up.

Grew up as giants these men did. Led by Lee Kuan Yew, a group of brave men, many of whom where thrust to the fore - took to the stage - Dr Goh Keng Swee, Mr Rajaratnam, Mr Lim Kim San, Mr E. W. Barker and Dr Toh Chin Chye wasted no time in putting together a workable plan for the country.

There were others such as Mr Ong Pang Boon and Inche Othman Wok who worked tirelessly in laying the bedrock to Singapore's success.

50 years on, we are now a modern metropolis. We have made progress beyond what the leaders could have imagined. (2)

"This was a mudflat. Swamp. Today it is a modern city. 10 years from now, this will be a metropolis." (2)

So with Singapore celebrating its 50th anniversary of independence today, I would like to wish our country a happy birthday. May we continue to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for this nation called Singapore.


References

1. The Straits Times. August 10, 1965. A dream shattered. Now a parting of the ways. P10.
2. Never Fear. March 24, 2015. Youtube. Accessed on August 9, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzYz7MWIX1s