When Singapore attained self-rule in 1959, Yusof Ishak was appointed the first local head of state, the Yang di-Pertuan Negara, and took up office at Government House, now renamed the Istana.
Yusof Ishak was appointed the first local head of state. Yusof Ishak took up office at Government House. Yusof Ishak renamed the Istana. Singapore attained self-rule in 1959. State was the Yang di-Pertuan Negara.