Singapore has held nationwide events to mark 50 years since it became an independent state.
Tens
of thousands of people attended an outdoor parade, watching on as
fighter jets whizzed through the sky and a huge convoy rumbled past. The event culminated with spectators reciting the national pledge and singing the national anthem. Singapore became independent when it was ejected from the Federation of Malaysia amid social unrest. In 50 years, the former British colony has transformed itself into one of the world's wealthiest countries. But its critics say the rapid development has been accompanied by a strict control on free speech and politics
The Air Force formed the shape of a 50 to mark the event
The
city state celebrates its independence day in style every year, but
this year's SG50 events were billed as the country's biggest ever
celebration, with months of build-up in shops, schools, work places and
in the media. One student, Yang Jie Ling, told Reuters news
agency: "It's only 50 years for a small nation like us, so we have
achieved so much. It's a year that Singaporeans will want to remember
forever." Singapore declared a four-day weekend for the anniversary. There
were long queues at the crossing points into Malaysia on Thursday and
Friday evenings, as thousands of Singaporeans chose to go away for the
weekend.
But some 26,000 people packed the Padang in central
Singapore, which has been the main venue for independence day
celebrations since the first one back in 1966
The mobile column from the Singapore Armed Forces also featured
The parade this year included a special tribute to Lee Kuan Yew, who
led Singapore into independence and was its prime minister until 1990. The
much-respected leader died in March this year, prompting public
mourning. Some attendees were seen weeping during tributes to him at the
anniversary ceremony. A recording of him reading the Proclamation of Independence was played on radio and TV at 09:00 local time (01:00 GMT).
Speaking
on the eve of the celebrations, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Lee
Kuan Yew's son, said: "At 50 years, as we stand at a high base camp, we
look back and marvel how far we have come. We are grateful to those who
made it happen."
The streets were awash with red and white, Singapore's national colours
Singapore has seen rapid economic growth but accompanied by tight political controls
Despite achieving such goals as 90% home ownership and per capita GDP
above $56,000 (£36,000), critics continue to point to the strict
political controls.
The ruling People's Action Party (PAP) has
been in power for more than 50 years and the opposition hopes to make
more inroads in elections that could be called in September.
The last election saw the PAP suffer its worst performance, though it still kept 80 of the 87 seats.
It will hope the boost of the anniversary and recognition of the legacy of Lee Kuan Yew will help it at the next election.
Festivities include free outdoor games such as this circular ping-pong table
Singapore's city centre is a sea of red and white as hundreds of
thousands wearing the national colours converged to take part in
day-long festivities, from free concerts and military jet flypasts to a
huge parade.
"It hasn't been an easy journey. Given all that
we've achieved, it really calls for a celebration," said civil servant
Joan Yeap, who like many others is picnicking with her family by Marina
Bay to see a huge firework display. As far as origin stories go,
Singapore's independence is hardly a triumphant one - with an
unceremonious ejection from Malaysia - and Sunday's jubilee festivities
have all been about celebrating its improbable journey to success.
Upbeat
patriotic songs about Singapore's achievements played on national
television and radio. And in the evening the entire nation was invited
to sing the national anthem and recite the country's pledge.
In 1974 when Singapore experienced
high inflation, the ruling People's Action Party created a float
promoting efficiency and diligence
In its early years, organisers used it to push social messages such as courtesy and diligence.
These days it's a more sophisticated, glitzier affair, held by the shiny skyscrapers of Marina Bay.
Though
the propaganda still gets heavy, Singaporeans love it anyway for its
pomp and splendour. Tickets for the parade and its rehearsals run out
every year.
Post a Comment