PERFORMING DECOLONISATION: AN ANALYSIS OF THE PAP’S MASS CULTURAL FESTIVALS FROM 1959-1963

Abstract

Various scholars have explored decolonisation and nation-building in Singapore from 1959-1963. Most have devoted their attention to examining political decolonisation in Singapore concerning the Malaysia Agreement or Operation Coldstore, with a lack of exploration of cultural decolonisation. The scholarship on nation-building in the same period has similarly been concerned with the PAP’s promotion of “multiculturalism” and a “Malayan consciousness” aimed at merger with the Federation of Malaya, though analysis of the PAP’s mass-cultural festivals during this period is scant. This thesis traces the changing significance of mass-cultural festivals in Singapore from 19591963 and in doing so, it attempts to show how the various parties in the decolonising process in Singapore fought for control over these mass cultural events to impose their own visions of decolonisation or post-colonial Singapore. It focuses on the discussions of culture embedded within these events, the politicisation of popular support and mass participation within these events, and the tradition of utilising spectacle and theatricality for political ends in Singapore. In 1959, when the PAP first rose to power, the party sought to articulate a version of cultural independence from colonial rule through these events. From 1960-1962, as the PAP faced increasing threats to its political rule, the party increasingly utilises these events as a means of demonstrating mass support and cultural production. Resistance towards these events also grew with various opposition parties contesting the PAP’s dictatorial management of these events. In 1963, as many of these events celebrated the end of colonial rule, British influence over the ceremonial features of these events suggest that they sought to impose their own idealised image of an orderly decolonisation process.