Fong Swee Suan

Secondary 2 history assignment

Topic: Fong Swee Suan


Fong Swee Suan was born in 1931, in Singapore. In his tender years as Singapore was still under British rule after World War 2. He supported anti-colonial movements and joined Singapore’s currently running party, PAP (People’s Action Party). He also played a major role in Singapore’s independence and in trade union movement.

However, he also objected to Singapore’s decision to merge with Malaysia and broke off from PAP, to join Lim Chin Siong’s Barisan Socialis, which was pro-communist.

He was working in SWBU (Singapore’s Bus Worker’s Union) and together with Lim Chin Siong, led the Hock Lee bus riots. This particular day was called Black Thursday and is still remembered by many people nowadays.

Fong Swee Suan was arrested in an operation called Operation Coldstore that arrested 111 pro-communist members in political parties.


Troubles faced by Fong Swee Suan

Despite his efforts in the PAP trying to vie for anti-colonialism, the PAP and Labour Front (led by David Marshall) efforts were denied as the governor refused to give them control.

He was against merger with Malaysia, which at that time was considered the best plan since Singapore was believed to be unable to survive as such a small country. However, this was proved wrong on 9 August 1965 when Singapore became independent.

During his days in Barisan Socialis, Fong Swee Suan faced much objections and resistance from both PAP and Labour Front founders, mostly, Lim Yew Hock and David Marshall.

In Lim Yew Hock’s attempt to stop pro-communism, Fong Swee Suan was arrested in operation Coldstore, but was released much later.