Background
Yusof bin Ishak (b. 12 August 1910, Padang Gajah, Trong, Perak–d. 23 November 1970, Singapore) was sworn in as Singapore’s Yang di-Pertuan Negara (Malay for “Head of State”) on 3 December 1959, in the process becoming the first Malayan-born to hold the position.[1] Before taking over the reins of the office from Sir William Goode, who was the last British governor and the first Yang di-Pertuan Negara, Yusof Ishak was a distinguished journalist who had co-founded the Utusan Melayu newspaper in 1939. He was also the chairman of the Public Service Commission of Singapore.[2]
The Yang di-Pertuan Negara was a post created to replace the governor as Singapore's head of state in preparation for self-governance.[3] Under the 1958 Constitution, the Yang di-Pertuan Negara was appointed by the Queen after consultation with the Singapore government. As such, the office holder was to act as the Queen's representative and did not possess any personal discretion in carrying out the various responsibilities, which included granting pardons, appointing government officers, and submitting petitions to the Queen on behalf of the people of Singapore.[4]
As Yang di-Pertuan Negara and later the island’s first president, Yusof Ishak contributed significantly to Singapore, particularly in terms of promoting multi-culturalism. For instance, during the 1964 communal riots, he helped to restore trust and confidence among the different ethnic groups by visiting and interacting with people of all races.[5] After Singapore gained independence on 9 August 1965, the post of Yang di-Pertuan Negara was replaced by that of the President of the Republic of Singapore. Subsequently, Yusof Ishak became the first president of Singapore, a post he held until his death on 23 November 1970.[6]
References
1. Seet, K. K. (2000). The Istana (pp.88–89). Singapore: Times Editions. Call no.: RART 725.17095957 IST; Singapore rejoices. (1959, December 4). The Straits Times, p. 1. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
2. Yusof Head of State. (1959, December 2). The Straits Times, p. 1. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
3. Goode becomes Head of State. (1959, June 3). The Singapore Free Press, p. 1. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
4. Tan, K. Y. L. (2011). Constitutional law in Singapore (pp.88–95). New York: Wolters Kluwer Law & Business. Call no.: RSING 342.5957 TAN.
5. National Library Board. (2006). Inche Yusof bin Ishak written by Omar, Marsita. Retrieved August 27, 2013, from Singapore Infopedia.
6. Yusof to be the first president. (1965, December 15). The Straits Times, p. 13. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
Rights Statement
The information in this article is valid as at 2014 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.