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| This momentous event in Singapore's history took place on 9 August 1965. With this move, Singapore became a completely independent nation.
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| Following are some of the announcements made on that day.
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| ==The historical event==
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| Singapore today separated from Malaysia, following an amendment to the Constitution approved unanimously by both Houses of Parliament under a certificate of urgency.
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| Simultaneously with the passing of the amending Bill - to allow Singapore to leave Malaysia and become an independent and sovereign State - a proclamation to this effect was gazetted.
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| At a Press Conference this evening, Tengku Abdul Rahman annouced that Malaysia would sponsor Singapore's admission into the United Nations and as a member of the Commonwealth.
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| At his own press conference in Singapore, Mr Lee Kuan Yew called on his people to remain firm and calm. His eyes brimming with tears: "What has happened has happened. Everybody will have a place in Singapore and will continue helping the Malays in competition with UMNO."
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| ==Secret Signing==
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| Today's dramatic turn follows the secret signing of the Independence of Singapore Agreement last Saturday by leaders of the two Governments.
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| This document provides a treaty on external defence and mutual assistance between the two Governments and stipulates that:
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| BOTH GOVERNMENTS will establish a joint defence council for external defence and mutual assistance.
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| THE MALAYSIAN GOVERNMENT will give "reasonable and adequate" assistance for Singapore's external defence. In return, Singapore will contribute a "resaonable" number of units from its own armed forces.
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| THE MALAYSIAN GOVERNMENT will continue to maintain military bases within Singapore and will be permitted to use these bases for defence purposes.
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| NEITHER GOVERNMNTS will enter into any treaty or agreement with a foreign country which may be deterimental to the independence and defence of either.
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| Meanwhile, Singapore acted swiftly to establish itself as an independent State, completely unconnected with the mainland.
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| In the early hours of the morning, while Singapore slept, coded messages were being flashed to about 20 heads of Governments abroad - explaining the situation.
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| Mr [[Lee Kuan Yew]] stayed up all night to get these messages out. With him were most of his Cabinet colleagues who have had little sleep since the big break began on Saturday.
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| ==Early TV==
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| Sharp on the hour, Radio Singapore went on the air to announce the separation.
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| Television came on at 4.30 pm, two hours ahead of schedule, with a telecast of the Prime Minister's press conference.
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| The news spread swiftly through the city after the radio annoucement. In a number of places, it was greeted with a thunderous explosion of fire-crackers.
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| Police patrols throughout the island were intensified. The force had been alerted two days before.
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| In a letter to '''the Commissioner of Police, Mr John Le Cain''', Dated 7 Aug. Dato (Dr) Ismail bin Dato Haji Abdul Rahman, Malaysia's Minister of Home Affairs, had said :
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| "I herewith instruct you as from Aug. 9 1965 to take orders from Mr [[Lee Kuan Yew]], Prime MInister of Singapore, in order to enable him to discharge his responsibility for the internal security of Singapore."
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| The same day, the Tengku also instructed '''Brigadier S.M. Alsagoff, Commander of the Singapore-based 4th Federal Infantry Brigade''':
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| "In the absence of the Tun, I take full responsibility in giving you this instruction.
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| "As from Aug 9 1965, you are to take instructions from Mr [[Lee Kuan Yew]], Prime Minister of Singapore, as he is now onward in charge of the defence and security of Singapore. Other orders will be issued in due course."
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| Meanwhile, all Malaysian flags fluttered down and were replaced by Singapore flags by noon.
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| [[Category:History of Singapore]]
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