Defining Our Nation
In December 1959, six months after attaining self-government, Singapore introduced our National Symbols which represent our values and brought people together as one Singapore.
This marked the start of National Loyalty Week during which a series of multi-cultural concerts and prayers by different religious groups for the welfare and prosperity of Singapore were held.
State of Singapore National Loyalty Week Card
This was distributed to introduce Majulah Singapura as our National Anthem. During National Loyalty Week, people could also dial in to listen to the anthem over the telephone.
Gift of Ms Quek Yuen Yuan, Ana. Collection of the National Museum of Singapore, National Heritage Board.
Swearing-In Ceremony and Installation of Yang di-Pertuan Negara, Inche Yusof Ishak at the start of National Loyalty Week on 3 December 1959.
Yusof Ishak Collection. Courtesy of National Archives of Singapore.
A 1960s vinyl containing a recording of our National Anthem.
Collection of the National Museum of Singapore, National Heritage Board.
Lyrics of the 1958 version of Majulah Singapura
Mari kita ra'yat Singapura,
Bangun dengan bersatu sama sama.
Rukon damai dan bantu membantu,
Supaya kita sama-sama maju
Kita hidop aman dan sentosa,
Kerja sama menuju bahagia!
Chita-chita kita yang mulia:
Berjaya Singapura!
Chorus:
Marilah kita bersatu
Dengan semangat yang bahru
Samua kita berseru:
Majulah Singapura!
Majulah Singapura!
Repeat Chorus
Lyrics of Our National Anthem
Mari kita rakyat Singapura
Sama-sama menuju bahagia
Cita-cita kita yang mulia
Berjaya Singapura
Chorus:
Marilah kita bersatu
Dengan semangat yang baru
Semua kita berseru
Majulah Singapura
Majulah Singapura
Repeat Chorus
Did you know the National Pledge was first recited in 1966? This 18 February 1966 letter shows an early draft of the pledge written by Mr S Rajaratnam (then Minister for Culture) and addressed to Mr Ong Pang Boon (then Minister for Education).
What does this draft of the pledge and the version we recite today tell us about the values that are important to us as a young nation back then and now?
Ministry of Education Collection. Courtesy of National Archives of Singapore.
Draft of the National Pledge
We, as citizens of Singapore,
pledge ourselves to forget
differences of race, language and religion
and become one united people;
to build a democratic society
where justice and equality will prevail
and where we will seek happiness
and progress by helping one another.
Our National Pledge
We, the citizens of Singapore,
pledge ourselves as one united people,
regardless of race, language or religion,
to build a democratic society
based on justice and equality
so as to achieve happiness, prosperity
and progress for our nation.
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