Marshall of Singapore: A Biography

· Institute of Southeast Asian Studies
Ebook
612
Pages

About this ebook

David Marshall (1908-1995) was one of Singapore's most remarkable sons. The eldest son of migrant Sephardic Jews, Marshall's brilliant academic career at Raffles Institution was brought to an abrupt end when he collapsed from tuberculosis. Sent away to recuperate in Switzerland, Marshall not only learnt the French language but also imbibed the French ideals of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity and returned a strong opponent of colonialism. Qualifying as a barrister in half the normal time, he rose to become Singapore's greatest criminal and constitutional lawyer. In 1955, he unexpectedly found himself the leader of the Labour Front and Singapore's first Chief Minister. His fourteen tumultuous months in office led to the eventual withdrawal of the British from Singapore but his emotional personality and impatience made him an unlikely politician. In the twilight of his career, Marshall was appointed Singapore's first ambassador to France. This is the story of this extraordinary man who was, for many, Singapore's "missionary of democracy." Using previously unavailable sources, author Kevin Tan chronicles the remarkable life, times and achievements of the man many regarded as "Singapore's Conscience."
David Marshall (1908-1995) was one of Singapore's most remarkable sons. The eldest son of migrant Sephardic Jews, Marshall's brilliant academic career at Raffles Institution was brought to an abrupt end when he collapsed from tuberculosis. Sent away to recuperate in Switzerland, Marshall not only...

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About the author

Kevin Y L Tan graduated with an LLB (Hons) from the National University of Singapore and an LLM (Master of Law) and JSD (Doctor of the Science of Law) from the Yale Law School. He currently divides his time between teaching law and consulting on history, heritage and publishing. 

Kevin Y L Tan graduated with an LLB (Hons) from the National University of Singapore and an LLM (Master of Law) and JSD (Doctor of the Science of Law) from the Yale Law School. He currently divides his time between teaching law and consulting on history, heritage and publishing.

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