Press Conference on Singapore's Separation from Malaysia
Delivered on August 9, 1965, during an emotional press conference announcing the eviction of Singapore from Malaysia and its unexpected birth as an independent sovereign republic.
Full Transcript
For me, it is a moment of anguish. All my life, my whole adult life, I have believed in merger and unity of the two territories.
You see, the news was broken to the people of Singapore at 10 o’clock this morning. But at 10 o’clock, the Malaysian Parliament was sitting in Kuala Lumpur, and the Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, was moving the bill to amend the constitution… to allow Singapore to leave Malaysia.
We are going to have a multiracial nation in Singapore. We will set the example. This is not a Malay nation; this is not a Chinese nation; this is not an Indian nation. Everybody will have his place: equal, language, culture, religion.
There is nothing to be worried about. Many things will go on as usual. But be firm, be calm. We are going to build a thriving, secure, sovereign country.
Defining Key Excerpts
"For me, it is a moment of anguish. All my life, my whole adult life, I have believed in merger and unity of the two territories."
"We are going to have a multiracial nation in Singapore. We will set the example."
Bring this Speech to your Wall
Get this historic speech professionally typeset, printed on structured canvas, and delivered in a solid wood frame.