Singapore marks 50 years since independence

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 […]

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 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.