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Singapore's political development - Coggle Diagram
Singapore's political development
Hock Lee Bus Riot
consequences
Loss of lives and chaos to public transport
Workers lost trust in British and the police
David Marshal 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 communist 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.
Background
Members continued with hunger strike outside bus depot
police responded with batons and resulted in injuries to members
Members of the Singapore Bus Worker's Union (SBWU) went on strike for unfair treatment which resulted in them being dismissed from work
Union members were supported by the Chinese medium schools. Other bus company members joined in the protest suspected to have communist links. Situation became worse
The second Merdeka talk
It was successful in getting the British to give Singapore more power to self-government
Lim Yew Hock's willingness to compromise on control of internal security. He was willing to surrender control of inter 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 evnt of a communist threat.
Lim Yew Hock's performance in crushing the Chinese Middle School riots. In the riot, Lim Yew Hock called in British troops (something that Marshalled was unwilling to do) and weull the communist inspired and riots effectively. As such, the British were convinced that Singapore would bein good hands and not fall into the hands of the communists.
The first Merdeka talks (1956) for more independence from the British- Happened after Hock Lee Bus Riots
Talks failed. Daivd Marshall was unable to convince the British he can make sure that SIngapore will be dree from communist attempts to seize power due to his handling of the Hock Lee Bus Riots.
Daivd Marshall resigned and Lim Yew Hock took over
Chinese middle school riots, 1956
Background
Protest by 5000 students but unsuccessful
Government expelled 142 students for suspicion of communist activities, Student protest
Labour Front Chief Minister, Lim Yew Hock banned the SCMS Student Union) in fear of Communism activities.
Consequences
Troops from Malaya were called to support
13 people died. 120 injured. Union leaders detained.
Demonstration became violent
Labour Front govt seemed affective in managing challenges and renewed hope for self-government , helped in making the 2nd Merdeka talk a success with the British granting self-government
Students became defiant and willing to fight
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
Students had support of unions.