Singapore listens to Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s reading of the Proclamation of Independence on National Day
The Proclamation of Singapore, courtesy of National Archives of Independence of Singapore, made available on the Singapore Parliament website.
SINGAPORE – For the first time, Singaporeans today (Aug 9) listened to the late founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew read the Proclamation of Independence.
At 9am, the recording, made in 2012, was played islandwide, across local TV and radio channels and at various National Day Observance Ceremonies. This was followed by the singing of the National Anthem and reciting of the pledge.
Video: TODAY
Video: Prime Minister's Office, Singapore/YouTube
It is the first time that people in Singapore heard the Proclamation in the late Mr Lee’s voice as Mr Lee did not himself read it 50 years ago.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong wrote on FacebooK: “Exactly 50 years ago, a radio announcer read the Proclamation that marked the birth of our nation. This morning, at National Day Observances, we remembered and celebrated that pivotal moment.”
The broadcast was preceded by the sounding of sirens across Singapore at 8.59am.
“We have come far in 50 years. While we enjoy today’s prosperity and progress, never forget how hard we worked to get here. What we have is special and precious, and must never be taken for granted,” said PM Lee.
“Today we sang Majulah Singapura proudly. To still do so in 50 years’ time, let us work together as one united people, regardless of race, language or religion, for the happiness, prosperity and progress of our nation.”
Video: TODAY
The Proclamation, which declared Singapore’s separation from Malaysia, was drafted by Mr E W Barker, then Minister for Law. Mr Barker was also responsible for drafting an Amendment relating to the separation of Singapore from Malaysia as an independent and sovereign state, and an Act to amend the Constitution of Malaysia and the Malaysia Act to give Singapore independence.
The documents were eventually finalised on Aug 7 after rounds of negotiation between Singapore and Malaysia.
