Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Chapter 8 - Singapore becoming an Independent Nation - Coggle Diagram
Chapter 8 - Singapore becoming an Independent Nation
Why did they (GOVT and PAP) pursue a merger with Malaya
For Political Independence
The British feared that Southeast Asia would fall under communism control during cold war
To prevent this, the British sought to provide greater political stability through the formation of federation/ merger with Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak and Brunei
The British would only grant Singapore independence if it merged with Malaya - the merger deemed necessary for SG to achieve political independence
For Economic Survival
SG suffered economically as we lacked natural resources an had a growing population i need of jobs
We were facing decline of entrepot trade.
Neighbors wanted to be independent and wanted to direct their exports through their own ports, making SG less important
Malayan wanted to introduce tariffs on goods traded with SG - which made the goods to Malaya from SG more expensive and less desirable to customers in Malaya
Common market could be established through merger
If it happens, the Malayan would demand for more manufactured goods from SG - giving people the job opportunities.
Malaya is the hinterland which produces the rubber and tin (which keeps our shop-window economy going)
We knew that without a reunification/ merger, an integration of our two economies, our economic position will slowly and steadily get worse
Malaya's response to a possible merger?
Initially hesitated about this merger
The prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman thought that it spelt trouble
He was concerned that the Chinese would be reluctant to accept a Malay Sultan as their Head of State, speak Malay as the national language or accept Islam as the state religion
He was concerned about changes to the racial makeup in a new federation - with SG, the combined Chinese population would outnumber the Malays
He was worried that such attitude - sympathies for the communists - would spread to the rest of federation
Fear of an Independent, Communist - Influenced SG
The Tunku was concerned that after the separation, they would no longer have a representative on the Internal Security Council, losing influence over security matters in SG
That combined with the absence of a colonial government could make the treat of communism in SG harder to contain
The Tunku was further concerned that the PAP would be taken over by those who were sympathetic towards communism - which would lead to SG government less willing to consider a merger with Malaya
He realised that the merger will help ensure SG is less dangerous as the communist element of SG will be controlled by the government of Malaya
He feared that if SG became an independent country, they will influence other countries to have communist government as an alternative
Concern of Hong Lim By-Election
The Hong Lim area was represented by the PAP's Ong Eng Guan who served as MAyor of SG's City Council, who became Minister for National Development
He fell out of favour since his actions as a Minister were not in line with the party's directions
He challenged the PAP leadership - got suspended as Minister, then expelled from the party ad made to resign his seat in the Legislative Assembly.
He defeated the PAP's candidates when contesting as an independent candidate
The by-election made the Tengku more worried as the PAP showed an increase in division
one group had moderate views and wanted to bring about political change gradually through elections
the other, including Ong, had radical views and pushed for drastic changes, and wanted more forceful measures
With Ong's win, the moderate group was losing influence in the PAP
-This created fear for Tunku that the radical group would gain control of the party
More radical party would want to establish communist government to free SG from British colonial rule
Tunku was scared that SG would be use as a base to spread communist ideas in Malaya
The agreement on Proposed Merger
Tunku decided to create a federation with other countries to help offset Singapore's Chinese majority
The radical group within the PAP objected as they felt that once Singapore become independent through merger, they(radical of PAP) would be put down by the federal government in Malaya - who controlled internal security
Tunku and Prime Minister Lee won and hence, the merger happened
Result of the "Battle for Merger"
Opposition from Barisan Sosialis
Some people felt that the terms were unfavourable to SG
They tried to get support from other people of PAP but failed and instead got expelled from PAP
The expelled members then establish a new party: the Barisan Sosialis Singapura
One issues was the status of SG population with new federation
Citizenship would not be automatically granted for SG citizens - they would only be known as "federal nations" and could only vote in SG elections
They felt that the under - representation of SG in the Malaysian Parliament was a sign of its second-class status
The PAP's Campaign
Prime Minister Lee made speeches in 3 main languages which were also translated to other languages to be able to reach out to everyone - a way to win others' hearts and minds
Exhibitions were being held to highlight the benefits of a merger
To showcase the close cultural and social ties among the territories
To expose visitors to lives and cultures of the people, as well as the trade and commerce of the territories
Referendum
Referendum was held to find out what type of merger the people of SG wanted
The majority of PAP picked option A while the Barisan Sosialis opposed all three options and urged the people to cast blank votes
There was a clear indication of the people's support for the government's position and most voters rejected the 4th option
Weakening of the Barisan Sosialis
The Internal Security Council detained more than 100 people and 23 other members
They were accused of attempting to sabotage the formation of Malaysia, and planning to launch an uprising in SG
The formation of Malaysia
On 9 July 1963, the Malaysia Agreement was signed in London by Britain, Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak and Sabah
Control of its foreign affairs and defence would be transferred to Malaysia
Some merger stayed the same as other were modified
Singapore was still not entitled to all the same rights as other Malaysian citizens such as the right to vote in Malaysian elections outside of SG
However, now, SG citizens would automatically become citizens of the Federation of Malaysia
The Malaysian common markets would be established in stages
Why did SG separate from Malaysia?
There were disagreements and political differences which strained relations between the federal governments in Malaysia and the state of government of SG, resulting in separation of SG and Malaysia on 9 August 1965
The call for separation
Racial clashes were a sign of the disorder that would spread throughout the Federation
Secret negotiations on Singapore's exit from the Federation had begun
The Independence of SG Agreement was signed on 9 August 1965, and SG was officially not part of alaysia anymore
Singapore became e republic with Yusof Bin Ishak as its first President