The way in which historical and political developments unfolded after World War II was to have a profound and lasting impact on Singapore’s attempts to industrialise. The failure of bourgeois political forces to acknowledge and accommodate the depth of anti-colonial sentiment of the masses provided the opportunity for more radical elements to emerge triumphant during colonial disengagement. The People’s Action Party (PAP), a convenient marriage of the left-wing labour movement and, in British eyes, a more respectable group of middle class professionals, thus overwhelmed their opponents in the 1959 elections.

The PAP's victory in the 1959 elections was a result of the failure of bourgeois political forces to acknowledge and accommodate anti-colonial sentiment, leading to a radicalization of politics and a reversal of the previous bourgeoisie-dominated system.

The Political Pre-Conditions

Key Takeaway: The PAP's victory in the 1959 elections was a result of the failure of bourgeois political forces to acknowledge and accommodate anti-colonial sentiment, leading to a radicalization of politics and a reversal of the previous bourgeoisie-dominated system.