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Singapore political development in the late 1950s, Rendel, Link Title -…
Singapore political development in the late 1950s
The First Merdeka Talks(1956) for more independence from the British- Happened after Hock Lee Bus Riots.
Talks failed. David Marshall was unable to convinced the British he can make sure that Singapore will be free from communist influence and that he can fend off the communist attempts to seize power due to his handling of the Hock Lee Bus Riots.
David Marshall resigned and Lim Yew Hock took over.
The Second Merdeka Talk
It was successful in getting the British to give Singapore more power to self- government
Reasons for the British willingness to give Singapore more control
Lim Yew Hock's willingness to compromised on control of internal security. He was willing to surrender control of Internal security to The British (i.e. the British can send troops in to crush riots). This quells the British concerns of them not being able to interfere in the event of a communist threat.
British granted Singapore full control of its affairs such as education, finance, but retain control over its foreign affairs. Defence and Internal security, PAP won the election - see consequences of the Chinese middle school riots to understand more.
Lim Yew Hock's performance in crushing the Chinese Middle School riots. In the riot, Lim Yew Hock called in British troops (something that Marshall was unwilling to do) and quell the communist inspired riots effectively. As such, the British were convinced that Singapore would be in good hands and not fall into the hands of the communist.
Rendel Constitution
Gave Singapore its first election which allowed for the election representatives in the legislative assembly and also a few Ministers headed by the chief Minister. David Marshall's Labour Front was the winner and David Marshall became the first Chief Minister.
2 Riots that affected the fate of politics and political parties in Singapore
Hock Lee Bus Riots 1955
Background
Members continued with hunger strike outside bus depot
Police responded with batons and resulted in injuries to members.
Members of the Singapore Bus Workers' Union (SBWU) went on strike for unfair treatment which resulted in them being dismissed from work.
Union members were supported by the Chinese middle schools. Other bus company members joined in the protest suspected to have communist links. Situation became worse.
Consequences
Lost lives and chaos to public transport
Workers lost trust in British and the police
David Marshall was seen as weak in the eyes of the British. They felt that he would be unable to handle the communist and Singapore might turn communists if left in his hands
Significance - They will deny granting Singapore more rights in the Merdeka talk as they felt that a government under Marshall will be weak against the communists. This is major reason why the first Merdeka talk failed. David Marshall resigned after the failed talk.
Chinese middle school
Background
Protest by 5000 students but unsuccessful
Labour Front Chief Minister, Lim Yew Hock banned the SCMS Student Union , in fear of Communism activites.
Government expelled 142 students for suspicion of communist activities. Students protest.
Consequences
Demostration became violent
Students became defiant and willing to fight
Students had supported of Unions
Troops from Malaya were called to support
13 people died. 120 injured. Union leaders detained
Labour Front government seemed effective in managing challenges and renewed hope for self- government, helped in making the 2nd Merdeka talk a success with the British granting self- government.
But the event will cause Lim Yew Hock's government the support of the masses. In the end, the people voted for PAP instead in the election for self- government.
Rendel
Election
David Marshall ( Labour front)
Hock Lee Bus Riot
1st Merdeka talk( failed, seen as weak due to how he handled the Hock Lee Bus Riots)
Lim Yew Hock ( 2nd Chief Minister)
Crush Riots ( Chinese middle School Riot)
2nd Merdeka Talk ( let Singapore gained more power but while trying to get the trust of the British to get more power, lost trust in the people)
People voted for PAP
Link Title