The Straits Times, Sep 3, 1962SOON after the referendum results were announced, Dr. Lee Siew Choh told reporters that his party did not accept the results because the people had been "intimidated" into voting for alternative "A".
Dr. Lee called it a "sham referendum" and the results "do not reflect the will of the people".
Dr. Lee charged that many people who had intended to cast a blank vote had been intimidated into putting a cross against "A". Some of the crosses were "shaky", indicating that the voters were "shivering".
He accused the PAP of directing every operation of the ballot counting. Barisan Sosialis' agents could only observe the counting but not check the votes. All their questions to the counting officers were met with sealed lips.
In his letter to Mr. M. Ponuduray (the Superintendent of the referendum), Dr. Lee wrote, "Your first count was completely irregular."
"As the same old procedure is adopted (for the recount) it shows that the counting is as farcical as the referendum itself, and we will have none of it."
The Barisan Sosialis walked out from the hall after protesting against the counting procedure and calling for a recount.
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