Mr Chairman, the recent declassification of the Albatross File has transformed our understanding of Separation.
For decades, the official narrative surrounding Singapore’s independence was that we were abruptly and unilaterally expelled from Malaysia by the federal government. That story has shaped how generations of Singaporeans understand our nation’s founding.
Yet the Albatross File departs from that prevailing narrative. The documents reveal that after the racial riots in July 1964, confidential talks had already commenced between the People’s Action Party and Malaysia’s Alliance Party regarding possible constitutional rearrangements within Malaysia. These discussions eventually led to Separation.
This revelation does not diminish our history. It shows that history is often more complex than we think, and enriches our understanding of history. But why did these historically significant records take so long to come to light? And how many other important records remain inaccessible?
The recent declassification of the Albatross File illustrates why a Freedom of Information Act and automatic declassification is necessary.
The Workers’ Party has long called for a Freedom of Information Act, most recently in our GE2025 manifesto. This call is grounded in a simple principle: we trust Singaporeans with the information necessary to hold the Government accountable.
Citizens should be empowered under a Freedom of Information Act to make requests for, and given access to, information from public agencies, at the level of detail that is requested. Any data or records held by the Government that could inform public debate should also be automatically declassified and made available to the public after 25 years, subject of course to legitimate national security concerns.
Without a Freedom of Information Act and a framework for automatically declassifying records after 25 years, the Government would not be compelled to review and release information, and foundational truths risk remaining buried indefinitely. Facts and declassified documents can be cherry-picked to support a curated narrative. That is not what we want for Singapore.
A Freedom of Information Act and automatic declassification would shift the burden of proof from citizens to the Government. The Government must justify why secrecy is needed, instead of citizens justifying curiosity. This empowers historians, journalists, civil society, and ordinary Singaporeans to scrutinise decisions made in their name.
A mature nation does not fear its own archives. I believe that what the Workers’ Party has proposed would strengthen our national identity rather than weaken it. We build a genuine national identity when we are grounded in fact, even when those facts are complex or uncomfortable. If we truly believe in accountable governance and an informed citizenry, then it is time to enshrine the public’s right to know in law.
