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Sir George Oehlers (1955 – 1963)
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George Edward Noel Oehlers, better known as Geno, started his career as a lawyer. He was a keen sportsman and was equally active in community work, for which he received the Order of the British Empire in 1953. He was appointed by Governor John Nicoll as the Speaker of Singapore's first Legislative Assembly starting in 1955 as part of constitutional reforms in the country. George Oehlers became the first Singapore Eurasian to be given a knighthood in 1958. |
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E.W. Barker (1963 – 1964)
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In his years of service, E.W. Barker not only served as Speaker but also as Cabinet Minister and Leader of the House. He was a practising lawyer after his studies at Cambridge, and entered politics after then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew persuaded him. Like Oehlers before him, Barker also had a reputation for being a skilled sportsman. E.W. Barker was known for his distinctly leisurely speaking style, which was perhaps uncharacteristic for other PAP politicians then. |
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A.P. Rajah (1964 – 1966)
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A.P. Rajah had a long and distinguished civil service career where he served as City Councillor; Legislative Assemblyman; Speaker of Parliament, ambassador and High Court judge. He began his career in private law practice and entered politics during the turbulent years of Singapore's merger and subsequent independence. He was first elected into the Legislative Assembly as an independent Member for Farrer Park and became Speaker full-time after the Separation in 1965. |
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Punch Coomaraswamy (1966 – 1970)
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P. Coomaraswamy once declared that law was his first love. He read law in England and practised in Singapore until 1966 when he was appointed Deputy Speaker and subsequently the Speaker. He was well known for his astuteness and sense of humour. P. Coomaraswamy also served as High Commissioner and ambassador to several countries during his career. He was made a High Court judge in 1984 after serving 14 years as a diplomat. |
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Yeoh Ghim Seng (1970 – 1989)
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Dr Yeoh Ghim Seng is said to be one of the longest serving Speakers of any parliament in the world. His appointment was a break from the past, as former Speakers before him came from a legal background. Dr Yeoh was an eminent surgeon when he was elected the Speaker in 1970. He embarked on his political career as a Member of Parliament for Joo Chiat and served the constituency for 22 years. Dr Yeoh served the Singapore Parliament as Speaker for 19 years. |
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Tan Soo Khoon (1989 – 2002)
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During his university days, Tan Soo Khoon was an active student leader and was the secretary-general of the students' union. Tan Soo Khoon started as a grassroots leader at Kuo Chuan constituency. At the young age of 27, he won a seat as the Member for Alexandra constituency. In 1985, Tan Soo Khoon became the Deputy Speaker and took over the chair after Dr Yeoh's retirement. He oversaw the project for the construction of the New Parliament House which was completed in 1999. |
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