NEW STATE OF SINGAPORE
Governor Opens First Assembly
SINGAPORE, July 1
The Legislative Assembly of the new Commonwealth State of Singapore was opened today by Sir William Goode, the Head of State.
Supporters of the Left-wing People’s Action Party, which won the first elections on May 30, packed the Government benches. The Opposition, led by the former Chief Minister, Mr Lim Yew Hock, numbered only eight, compared with the Government’s 43. T Government members were all dressed in white open-necked shirts and trousers. Three women members wore white Chinesestyle pyjamas.
Sir William Goode read the Government’s policy speech from a chair carved with the Royal i» gnia after all members had taken the oath or affirmation of loyalty to Queen Elizabeth. The Mace, described earlier by P.A.P supporters as "a symbol of imperialism’” was left in place. The speeches were translated into four languages—English, Malay. Chinese, and Tamil. Although most members took the oath in English, Sir William Goode made his 15-page speech, with 59 policy points, in fluent Malay.
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28936, 2 July 1959, Page 11
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170NEW STATE OF SINGAPORE Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28936, 2 July 1959, Page 11
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