The news as it happened.
Singapore Stands Alone
Singapore’s separation from Malaysia, August 1965: the proclamation of independence, Lee Kuan Yew’s press conference, and the first days of the new nation
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One issue each morning, starting with Monday, August 9, 1965.
- Monday, August 9, 1965Singapore leaves Malaysia and becomes an independent nationSingapore became an independent nation at 10 a.m. on Monday under a secret agreement with Kuala Lumpur; the Dewan Ra’ayat voted it through 126 to nil, and Mr. Lee wept as he spoke of it.
- Tuesday, August 10, 1965Tunku’s letter: “If I were strong enough”The Tunku’s letter to Dr. Toh, published today, says he could not control the situation; India, Britain, Australia and New Zealand recognise Singapore, and shares boom.
- Wednesday, August 11, 1965Singapore should be a republic, says Mr. LeeMr. Lee says Singapore should be a republic, with Malay its national language; Umno’s Secretary-General quits over the split, the Tunku says he is “not weakening”, and America recognises Singapore.
- Thursday, August 12, 1965Safeguards for the minorities to be written into constitutionMr. Lee says safeguards for minorities will be written into Singapore’s constitution; the P.A.P. splits in two and Mr. Devan Nair comes home a foreigner; Singapore tells Djakarta to recognise it first.
- Friday, August 13, 1965Pact rules out Singapore trade with Djakarta, says TunkuThe Tunku rules out any trade or ties between Singapore and Djakarta; Malaysian goods are turned back at the Causeway; and Mr. Lee tells The Times of London that the Tunku warned him of the consequences.
- Saturday, August 14, 1965No economic war on Singapore, pledges Dr. LimKuala Lumpur pledges no economic war but warns Singapore of loss if she turns unfriendly; Singapore says its curbs only treat Malayan goods as foreign; Mr. Lee tells foreign correspondents he plans no Ambassador for Djakarta.
- Sunday, August 15, 1965Tan orders: buy made-in-Malaysia goodsMr. Tan orders departments to buy Malaysian and says the break was first weighed eight months ago; the Solidarity Convention speaks of a crisis of confidence; Britain pledges to go on helping both countries.
- Monday, August 16, 1965We will never help crush Malaysia, says Mr. RajaratnamMr. Rajaratnam says Singapore will never join in crushing its kith and kin in Malaysia; Kuala Lumpur business men ask for a common market, Sabah’s Upko wants Sabah’s terms in Malaysia re-examined, and Singapore’s Cabinet meets.