Yong Nyuk Lin
{{Short description|Singaporean politician}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2019}}
{{Family name hatnote|Yong|lang=Chinese}}
{{Infobox officeholder
|name = Yong Nyuk Lin
|native_name = {{nobold|杨玉麟}}
|native_name_lang = zh-sg
|image = Yong Nyuk Lin (1965).jpg
|caption = Yong in 1965
|office = Minister for Communications
|term_start = 16 April 1968
|term_end = 31 July 1975
|primeminister = Lee Kuan Yew
|predecessor = Office established
|successor = Lim Kim San
|office1 = Minister for Health
|term_start1 = 18 October 1963
|term_end1 = 15 April 1968
|primeminister1 = Lee Kuan Yew
|predecessor1 = K. M. Byrne
|successor1 = Chua Sian Chin
|office2 = Minister for Education
|term_start2 = 5 June 1959
|term_end2 = 18 October 1963
|primeminister2 = Lee Kuan Yew
|predecessor2 = Lim Yew Hock
|successor2 = Ong Pang Boon
| office3 = Member of the Malaysian Parliament
for Singapore
| term_start3 = 2 November 1963{{cite web |url=https://www.parlimen.gov.my/files/hindex/pdf/DR-02111963.pdf |title=PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES DEWAN RA'AYAT (HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES) OFFICIAL REPORT |work=Dewan Rakyat |access-date=19 August 2019}}
| term_end3 = 9 August 1965
| predecessor3 = Position established
| successor3 = Position abolished
| constituency_MP4 = Geylang West SMC
| parliament4 = Singapore
| term_start4 = 30 May 1959
| term_end4 = 22 January 1979
| predecessor4 = Constituency established
| successor4 = Teh Cheang Wan
|birth_date = {{birth date|1918|06|24|df=y}}
|birth_place = Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, British Malaya (now Malaysia)
|death_date = {{death date and age|2012|06|29|1918|06|24|df=y}}
|death_place = Singapore
| death_cause =
|party = People's Action Party (1959–1980)
|spouse = {{marriage|Kwa Geok Lan|1939}}
|children = 2
|relatives =
|alma_mater = Raffles College
|occupation = Politician
|module =
}}
Yong Nyuk Lin ({{lang-zh|s=杨玉麟|p=Yáng Yùlín}}; 24 June 1918 – 29 June 2012) was a Singaporean former politician who served as the Minister for Communications between 1968 and 1975, Minister for Health between 1963 and 1968, and Minister for Education between 1959 and 1963.{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/yong-nyuk-lin-member-of/269056.html|title=Yong Nyuk Lin, member of Singapore's first Cabinet, dies|work=Channel NewsAsia|date=29 June 2012|access-date=6 November 2012}}
A member of the governing People's Action Party (PAP), he was the Member of Parliament (MP) representing Geylang West SMC between 1959 and 1979. Yong also served as Singapore's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom between 1975 and 1977.{{cite web|url=http://www.nas.gov.sg/1stcab/7585/Panels/Sec1_2_opt.pdf|title=Cabinet Changes Over The Decade|work=National Archives of Singapore|access-date=9 July 2015}}
Early life and education
Yong was born on 24 June 1918 in Seremban, Negri Sembilan and studied in Singapore at Raffles College, graduating with a degree in Science.{{cite news|title=Two newcomers in straight fight in Geylang West|url=http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19590519-1.2.42|access-date=30 August 2017|work=The Straits Times|date=19 May 1959}}
He worked as a science teacher before switching to insurance, where he joined Overseas Assurance Company in 1941.{{Cite news |date=18 November 1984 |title=Our first Cabinet: Where are they now? |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19841118-1.2.39.1 |access-date=26 May 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=23 |via=NewspaperSG}} He served as the general manager of Overseas Assurance Company for 18 years before he resigned to stand for the 1959 general election in Singapore.{{cite news|title=Insurance firm manager quits to work for PAP|url=http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19590301-1.2.54|access-date=30 August 2017|work=The Straits Times|date=1 March 1959}}
Political career
= MP for Geylang West SMC (1959–1979) =
At the 1959 general election, he contested for Member of Parliament (MP) for Geylang West Single Member Constituency (SMC) against Kwek Sam Hock from Singapore People's Alliance. He was elected with 67.60% of the vote.{{Cite news |date=31 May 1959 |title=THE RESULTS: ALL YOU |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19590531-1.2.16? |access-date=28 May 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=4 |via=NewspaperSG}}
In the 1963 general election, Yong contested as MP for Geylang West SMC again, against Un Hon Kun from Barisan Sosialis, Kum Teng Hock from United People's Party, and Mohd. bin Haji Ya'acob from Singapore Alliance Party. He was elected with 43.635% of the vote.{{Cite news |date=22 September 1963 |title=THIS IS THE WAY THE VOTING WENT |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630922-1.2.10? |access-date=28 May 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=2 |via=NewspaperSG}}
In the 1968 general election, he contested for MP for Geylang West SMC again and was elected unopposed in a walkover. In the next election, he contested for Geylang West SMC again against Quek Doh Lam of Workers' Party, Yong was elected with 69.28% of the vote.{{Cite news |date=24 August 1972 |title=Nama penoh chalun2 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19720824-1.2.8? |access-date=28 May 2024 |work=Berita Harian |pages=2 |language=ms |via=NewspaperSG}}
In the 1976 general election, Yong contested for MP of Geylang West SMC again, against Lim Tiong Hock from United Front. He was elected with 71.18% of the vote.{{Cite news |date=23 December 1976 |title=ELECTION SCORECARD |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19761223-1.2.61? |access-date=28 May 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=12 |via=NewspaperSG}}
= Minister for Education (1959–1963) =
While he served as Minister for Education, he planned to overhaul Singapore's education system, introducing a unified education programme and making Malay the national language.{{Cite news |date=23 June 1959 |title=Yong completes his plans to overhaul schools system |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19590623-1.2.67? |access-date=26 May 2024 |work=The Singapore Free Press |pages=5 |via=NewspaperSG}}
In 1959, Yong proposed building larger indoor sports halls with higher ceilings, suitable for playing badminton, as current indoor sports halls were about 25 feet.{{Cite news |last=Gill |first=Verity |date=23 November 1959 |title=MINISTER HAS A PLAN TO WIN BACK THE THOMAS CUP |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19591123-1.2.62? |access-date=26 May 2024 |work=The Singapore Free Press |pages=8 |via=NewspaperSG}}
He was also an advocate for education, stating that, "The past is history and heritage of the world. Education is a key to that treasury. The drain-sweeper is entitled to hold that key, and I am to see that he gets it."{{Cite news |last=Mok |first=Ian |date=17 August 1959 |title=ALL MUST BE EDUCATED IT IS BUT THEIR RIGHT |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19590817-1.2.31? |access-date=26 May 2024 |work=The Singapore Free Press |pages=4 |via=NewspaperSG}}
In 1960, Yong proposed an idea of post-primary, where students who fail their Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) would take two more years of primary school before joining a normal secondary school.{{Cite news |date=25 November 1960 |title=Yong: Singapore's task to make Malay the national tongue will succeed |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19601125-1.2.60? |access-date=26 May 2024 |work=The Singapore Free Press |pages=6 |via=NewspaperSG}} He also had plans for schools in the future to be multi-leveled, wanting schools to have 4 levels as the standard.{{Cite news |date=12 October 1960 |title=Schools of the future may all be multi-storeyed |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19601012-1.2.23? |access-date=26 May 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=4 |via=NewspaperSG}}
= Minister for Health (1963–1968) =
In 1963, Yong became the Minister for Health following a cabinet reshuffle.{{Cite news |date=16 October 1963 |title=Lee decides on new Cabinet in |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19631016-1.2.11? |access-date=26 May 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1 |via=NewspaperSG}}{{Cite news |last=Sam |first=Jackie |date=23 October 1963 |title=S’PORE CABINET A new Speaker to be elected |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsbudget19631023-1.2.89? |access-date=28 May 2024 |work=The Straits Budget |pages=15 |via=NewspaperSG}} In 1964, he announced the {{SGD|1500000|link=on}} expansion of Thomson Road Hospital (now known as Toa Payoh Hospital).{{Cite news |date=11 March 1964 |title=A second general state hospital |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19640311-1.2.24? |access-date=26 May 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=4 |via=NewspaperSG}} Yong had also stated plans to employ more doctors to help ease congestion in hospitals.{{Cite news |date=26 June 1964 |title=S'pore to launch D (for doctors) Day after Aug. 1 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19640626-1.2.73? |access-date=27 May 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=8 |via=NewspaperSG}}
He opened the completed extension to Thomson Road Hospital in 1965.{{Cite news |date=18 February 1965 |title=New hospital block to be opened |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19650218-1.2.142 |access-date=27 May 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=18 |via=NewspaperSG}} In 1966, Yong introduced a scheme at hospitals for victims of factory or traffic accidents to help pay for most of their expenses.{{Cite news |date=9 August 1966 |title=Govt 'pay for accident treatment' plan |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19660809-1.2.52? |access-date=27 May 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=8 |via=NewspaperSG}}
In 1967, he stated plans to halve Singapore's birthrate from 30 per thousand to 15 per thousand by 1970, by the time the five-year family planning programme, launched last year, ends.{{Cite news |date=14 January 1967 |title=S'pore will halve birth-rate by 1970 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19670114-1.2.43? |access-date=27 May 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=8 |via=NewspaperSG}}
= Minister for Communications (1968–1975) =
In 1968, while he served as the Minister for Communications, he proposed the idea of converting military bases for commercial use.{{Cite news |date=18 June 1968 |title=RAF airfields may be put to civil use: Yong |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19680618-1.2.21? |access-date=27 May 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=4 |via=NewspaperSG}} In 1970, Yong announced the {{SGD|80000000}} expansion and development of Singapore Airport (now known as Changi Airport) over the next ten years.{{Cite news |date=2 September 1970 |title=$80 mil. approved for Singapore Airport expansion |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19700902-1.2.86.5? |access-date=28 May 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=13 |via=NewspaperSG}} He also introduced the Area Licensing Scheme, which imposed tolls on motorists. In 1975, Yong stepped down as Minister for Communications after a cabinet reshuffle.{{Cite news |last=Fong |first=Leslie |date=3 June 1975 |title=CABINET SURPRISE |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19750603-1.2.3? |access-date=28 May 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1 |via=NewspaperSG}}
He retired in 1979 and worked as a director at Singapore Land Ltd.{{Cite news |last=Hoe |first=Irene |date=18 January 1979 |title=I just want to fade out: Yong |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19790118-1.2.50.2? |access-date=28 May 2024 |work=New Nation |pages=10–11 |via=NewspaperSG}}
Personal life
In 1990, Yong received the Order of Nila Utama on National Day.{{Cite news |date=9 August 1990 |title=Old Guards in National Day honours list |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19900809-1.2.7? |access-date=28 May 2024 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1 |via=NewspaperSG}} His wife, Kwa Geok Lan,{{Cite news |last=Chong |first=Eva |date=18 April 1951 |title=SPARE-TIME HOBBY BECAME PROFESSION |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singstandard19510418-1.2.138? |access-date=28 May 2024 |work=Singapore Tiger Standard |pages=9 |via=NewspaperSG}} was the sister to lawyer Kwa Geok Choo making him the brother-in-law to the first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
= Death =
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20110611132305/http://stars.nhb.gov.sg/stars/public/search.jsp?speaker=Yong+Nyuk+Lin&pageNumber=0&total=276 Speeches by Yong Nyuk Lin]
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{{succession box|before=new post|title=Minister for Education|years=1959-1963|after=Ong Pang Boon}}
{{succession box|before=K. M. Byrne|title=Minister for Health|years=1963-1968|after=Chua Sian Chin}}
{{succession box|before=new post|title=Minister for Communications|years=1968-1975|after=Lim Kim San}}
{{succession box|before=?|title=High Commissioner to the United Kingdom|years=1975-1977|after=Jek Yeun Thong}}
{{s-par|sg}}
{{s-new|rows=2|constituency}}
{{s-ttl|title=Member of Parliament for Geylang West SMC|years=1959-1980}}
{{s-aft|after=Teh Cheang Wan}}
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{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Yong, Nyuk Lin}}
Category:People from Meixian District
Category:Singaporean people of Hakka descent
Category:Members of the Parliament of Singapore
Category:People's Action Party politicians
Category:Singaporean politicians of Chinese descent
Category:Members of the Dewan Rakyat
Category:Members of the Legislative Assembly of Singapore
Category:Ministers for health of Singapore