SG50
50 Years of Singapore Pride
EVENTS IN 1985-1994
1985
Wee Kim Wee becomes
President of Singapore
In 1985, the Parliament elected Wee Kim Wee, a former Straits Times clerk, as the President of Singapore. He was affectionately known as the "People's President" for his friendly and outgoing nature. During his second term in 1991, the Parliament allowed direct election of the President by the people. Wee retired from the Presidency in 1994. He passed away on 2 May 2005 at 89.
1986
Hotel New World
collapses
On 15 March 1986, the New World Hotel at the junction of Owen Road and Serangoon Road collapsed within 60 seconds. It was the worst civil disaster in Singapore since the Spyros exploded. 17 people were rescued from the rubble, whereas 33 people were killed. Two of the dead were Pakistanis on holiday.
1987
Operation Spectrum
arrests Marxists
In a pre-dawn raid on 21 May 1987, 16 people were arrested under the ISA for conspiring to create a Marxist state in Singapore. They included students and members of the Catholic Church in Singapore. Though the arrests drew violent protests from Western governments, Singapore continued to keep the conspirators in detention.
1988
More MRT stations open
Throughout the year, more MRT stations were opened throughout Singapore. More than 10 new MRT stations were opened on the East-West and North-South Lines a year after the inital opening of the MRT system a year before.
1989
Singapore Indoor Stadium opens
Construction on the S$90 million Stadium began in 1985. It was designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. It was completed in 1987 and opened to the public in 1988. On 31 December 1989, Singapore Indoor Stadium was officially opened Lee Kuan Yew.
1990
Goh Chok Tong becomes
Singapore's new PM
In 1990, long-serving PM Lee Kuan Yew handed over his role to Goh Chok Tong after 55 years in power. In 1991, he led the PAP to a 61% win in the General Elections. During his term he weathered the 2001 terror plots on Singapore and the 2003 SARS Outbreak.
1991
SQ 117 is hijacked
On 26 March 1991, Singapore Airlines flight SQ 117 was hijacked by Pakistani terrorists. They demanded the release of Asif Ali Zardari, husband of Benazir Bhutto. However, at 0648 the next day, Commandos stormed the plane, killing all hijackers.
1992
Chewing gum is banned
Lee Kuan Yew once recounted that in 1983, a suggestion to ban chewing gum was brought up due to the disruption caused by chewing gum stuck on MRT doors or lift buttons. In January 1992, Goh Chok Tong decided on a ban on chewing gum, punishable by a fine.
1993
Ong Teng Cheong is Singapore's
first elected President
On 28 August 1993, Singapore got her first popularly-elected President, in the form of former Deputy PM Ong Teng Cheong. Mr Ong garnered 58.69% of the votes, compared to to 41.31% attained by former accountant-general Chua Kim Yeow.
1994
Michael Fay is convicted and caned
for vandalism
