CHAPTER 28: YUSOF BIN ISHAK
This article first appeared in Singapore Infopedia. Marsita Omar (2016). “Yusof bin Ishak”. Singapore Infopedia. National Library, Singapore. Reproduced with permission. Copyright © 2020 National Library Board Singapore.
Yusof bin Ishak (b. 12 August 1910, Padang Gajah, Trong, Perak–d. 23 November 1970, Singapore), commonly referred to as Yusof Ishak, became Singapore’s first president on 9 August 1965 when Singapore gained independence as a sovereign state. The presidency was a natural transition as Inche Yusof had been the Yang di-Pertuan Negara (head-of-state) of Singapore since 3 December 1959 after Singapore was granted self-rule that year. Yusof became Singapore’s head of state six months after the People’s Action Party (PAP) formed the government following its victory in the Legislative Assembly general election on 30 May 1959. He replaced the first Yang di-Pertuan Negara and last governor of Singapore, William Goode.
