ARMED REVOLUTION “WILL NOT SUCCEED” IN MALAYA

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28016, 10 July 1956, Page 11

ARMED REVOLUTION “WILL NOT SUCCEED” IN MALAYA

(N.Z. Press Association— Copyright)

SINGAPORE. July 8 Mr Lee Kuan Yew, leader of the Left-wing People’s Action Party, said today tnat armed revolution will not succeed in Malaya. The Oxford-educated barrister, who heads the Leftist Opposition in the Singapore Assembly, told the annual conference of the oarty todav that constitutional methods could succeed in winning independence. Mr Lee said that armed revolution would be dangerous and perhaps falal to the unity of the p-or»le. because of the different outlooks of the Malay. English, Indian and Chinese-educated citizens. Later the party’s conference passed resolutions calling cn the Singapore Govei nment to make another attempt to win independence for the Colony by next April It also called for a merger between Singapore and the Federation of Malaya. “Independent, non-Communist” The partv reaffirmed that its aim must be the achievement of “an independent. democratic and nonCommunist Malaya.” Mr Lee, in his declaration of the party s policy, said that the conditions which made armed revolution successful in Indonesia and Vietnam were not present in Malava. In both of those countries, he said, there was one mam race which guaranteed national unity. “We must create the national solidarity of the peoples of Malaya.” he said. “We cannot do this bv force.

onl 7 d° this by educating, perin§ and convincing the people that the happiness and welfare of Malava depend upon the co-operation of all its people. Mr Lee described the British as the most cunning colonists in Asia.” ne said that Singapore needed independence so the “British masters” would not take overseas the fruits of the people’s labours. He also criticised the party’s organisation, calling for a thorough reorganisation to instil discipline, unity and ‘co-ordination’’ among party members. More than 1500 delegates attended the meeting in the Singapore Badminton Hall As the delegates entered, they came under the scrutiny of Chinese school students, wearing red armbands, who carefully checked all identities. The party adopted a platform calling, in part, for: Security of employment and a living wage for all workers. The fostering of secondary industries and Government assistance for local manufacturers. National insurance and free education for all. A vote for officers resulted in a resounding victory for the young Leftwing trade union leader and Assemblyman. Mr Lim Chin Siong, who accompanied Mr Lee Kuan Yew to the London independence talks in April and May. Mr Lee was also re-elected as well as the former chairman. Dr. Toh Chin Chye.