The main objectives of the Barisan Sosialis included eradicating colonialism, establishing a united independent and democratic Malayan nation comprising the Federation of Malaya and Singapore and introducing an economic system to promote prosperity and stability in society. ~ Wikipedia
“Chin Siong and his group could not have existed in the party except under the complete hegemony of Harry and Keng Swee. I don’t think Toh Chin Chye had great power in the party. I mean the real power rests with Harry and Keng Swee.”
After expulsion from the party after abstaining from the Vote of Confidence, the PAP dissenters looked to form a new party with the goal of winning the next election against the PAP and Lee Kuan Yew.
“I was involved in the formation of the Barisan Sosialis. Not very actively it was being discussed in the house very near Dunearn Road. I went there from my office. There were a lot of Chinese and Indians and all talking over what the party should be. I disagreed with them about having a star but they wanted a start to identify themselves with the left movement.”
“I began to get a little disenchanted with all this. Lee and his right-wing PAP had the charm of being English educated with more English Anglo-Saxon values. And however much I deny this, the Anglo-Saxon values were much more (unconsciously) attractive to me.”
“Initially I played an active role but as time went on, it taken over by Siew Choh. Siew Choh was the front man for Chin Siong. Siew Choh announced at a mass meeting that I was the adviser to the party without consulting me.”