Recording of Lee Kuan Yew reading Independence Proclamation to broadcast in Singapore

A recording of Singapore's founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew reading the Proclamation of Independence will be played across the country on National Day to commemorate Singapore's Golden Jubilee, according to a media advisory of People's Association (PA) released on Friday.

The recording will be played at grassroots-led National Day Observance Ceremonies (NDOCs) and over all local TV and radio channels at 9:00 a.m. on August 9. The broadcast will be preceded by the sounding of sirens across Singapore.

Lee Kuan Yew didn't read the Proclamation himself in 1965, PA noted. The Proclamation was read by an announcer over Radio Singapore though it was issued in Lee Kuan Yew's name.

To make up for this lack, Lee Kuan Yew agreed three years ago to do a recording of himself reading the proclamation. As 50 years has passed since it was issued, Singaporeans will be able to hear the reading by Lee Kuan Yew for the first time.

Chief Executive Director of PA Ang Hak Seng said the Proclamation of Independence in 1965 marked the birth of the nation, the reading of Singapore's founding prime minister will remind Singaporeans of the core values which the pioneers embodied, such as community resilience, racial harmony and determination to overcome the odds.

After the reading of the proclamation, grassroots organizations (GROs) will lead residents at 82 NDOCs across the country in singing the National Anthem and reciting the Pledge, according to PA's press release.

More than 30 of PA's corporate and community partners have approached PA to organize their own NDOCs with the organization's support. It's estimated that 500,000 residents will participate in the NDOCs at over 200 locations in Singapore. Endi