In May 1952, Govindaswamy was one of the organisers of a postal union strike, and engaged lawyer Lee Kuan Yew as their negotiator and legal advisor.

[3] Upon retirement from the postal service, Govindaswamy stood for the Legislative Assembly at the 1963 general elections in the constituency of Anson.

In 1971, rumours alleged that some applicants were able to receive their Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats earlier than others "if they are willing to pay".

MP for Moulmein Lawrence Sia disagreed with Govindaswamy, and felt that the MRT system should be introduced as soon as possible to cope with the increasing reliance on public transport.

[14][15] In 1978, Minister for Culture Ong Teng Cheong was addressing criticisms of Radio Television Singapore (RTS).

[18] On 12 March 1972, Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew was accompanied by Govindaswamy to officiate the opening of the estate's S$18,000 clubhouse located at 2 Jupiter Road.

[3][24] In a condolence message to the widow, Lee described Govindaswamy as "an old and treasured friend" that was a "responsible, firm and steady leader" who always spoke from his heart, representing the constituents of Anson with sincerity by looking after their interests.