BARISAN SOSIALIS: YEARS AT THE FRONT LINE 1961-1966

Abstract

The Barisan Sosialis was formed in July 1961 by the communists and the dissident noncommunists in the PAP after the communists' failure to control the party in order to prevent the impending formation of Malaysia. The BS emerged as a communist-controlled legal political party, supported by left-wing unions and grassroots organisations, and dedicated to prevent merger through constitutional means. The struggle thus inaugurated between the PAP and the BS for Singapore's future The BS was however, defeated in its battles against the PAP during the merger debate and referendum campaign as it was outclassed and outmanoeuvred It also failed to win over the Singapore electorate to its side. The BS was later linked by the ISC to the Brunei Revolt and many communists in the party were detained The weakened BS was subsequently defeated in the hard-fought general election of September 1963 and suffered more police action under the Malaysian government. In this election, however, BS, identified since its formation as communists-run, was endorsed by the electorate Even though it was never banned, the BS saw its grassroots support slowly being eroded by government efforts. The party also suffered internal contradictions and splits, which sapped its strength and spirit By October 1966, BS had lost confidence in its constitutional struggle and had walked out of Parliament, ending its days in the front line of Singapore politics. BS's appearance as a constitutional political party during this crucial period affected the course of events and shaped Singapore's political culture in stressing the importance of the parliamentary political arena As the PAP ultimately emerged victorious due to its single-mindedness, its ability and its willingness to match the BS in every arena, especially in grassroots organisations, this would eventually shape the making of PAP's Singapore