The first Legislative
Assembly election under the new Rendel Constitution is held. The Labour
Front wins 10 out of 25 seats with 26.74 percent of valid votes. Labour
Front leader David Marshall becomes Singapore’s first Chief Minister.
The PAP picks up three seats.
30 May
1959
Legislative Assembly
General Election. The PAP is swept to power on a platform of independence
for Singapore through merger with Malaysia, winning 43 out of 51 seats
with 53.46 percent of valid votes. Four seats go to the Singapore
People’s Alliance, three to UMNO and one to an Independent.
5 Jun
1959
The PAP forms the first government of the self-governing State
of Singapore. Lee Kuan Yew, at age 35, becomes its first Prime Minister.
