It was half a century ago that Singapore, after 140 years of British rule, got the first elected, all-local Cabinet, with Mr Lee Kuan Yew as Prime Minister.

And to mark this historic occasion, various National Day celebrations will highlight it.

These include the National Day Parade on Aug 9 and the National Day Rally when Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong sets the direction for the country for the year.

The activities are set to be part of an array of events being considered by a new top-level committee of officials from across government agencies.

It will be a collective effort using national activities and key milestones of ongoing projects, such as the opening of the integrated resorts and the School of the Arts in Dhoby Ghaut, he said.

Rear-Adm (NS) Lui hopes these will lead Singaporeans to dwell on the country's transformation, the reasons for its success and the lessons that will show 'how we can best position ourselves as one united people for the future'.

His announcement was made yesterday and the momentous date was not lost on him as it was on June 5, 1959 that Singapore had its first local Government.

Only foreign affairs and defence matters were left in the hands of the British.

The importance of celebrating the 50th anniversary of self-government was underlined by PM Lee at this year's May Day Rally, when he said the event should be celebrated through 'a renewed dedication to build for the next 50, and beyond'.

Read the full story in The Straits Times on Saturday.

chinlian@sph.com.sg