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SG's political development on the late 1950s - Coggle Diagram
SG's political development on the late 1950s
Rendal Constitution
Gave SG its first election which allowed for the election of 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.
The second Merdeka talk
It was successful in getting the British to give SG more power to self-government
Lim Yew Hock's willingness to compromised on control of internal security. He was willing to surrender control of internal security to the British. This quells the British concerns of them not being able to interfere in the event of s communist threat
British grant SG 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 schol riots to understand more.
Lim Yew Hock's performance in crushing the Chinese Middle schools riot. In the roit, Lim Yew Hock calle din British trrops and quell the communist inspired riots effectively. As such, the British were convinced that SG would be in good hands and not fall into the hands of the communists.
The 1959 election
The First Merdeka Talks for more independence from the British- Happened after Hock Lee Bus Riots
Talks failed. David Marshall was unable to convince the British he made sur that SG 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 Riot.
David Marshall resigned and Lim Yew Hock took over
2 Riots that affected the fate of politics and political parties in SG
Hock Lee Bus Riot 1955
Background
Members continued with hunger strike outside bus depot
Police responded with batons and resulted in injuries to members
Members of the SG Bus Workers' Union (SBWU) when on strike for unfair treatment which resulted in them getting dismissed from work
Union members were supported by the Chinese medium schools. Other bus companh members joined in the protest suspected to have communist link. Situation became worse.
Consequences
Lose of lifes and chaos to public transport
David Marshal was seen as weak in the eyes of the British. They felt that they would be able to handle the communist and SG might turn communist if left in his hands
Significance- They will deny granting SG more rights in the Merdeka talk as they that a government under Marshall will be weak against the communist. This is major reason why the first Merdeka talk failed. David Marshall resigned after the failed talk.
Workers lost trust in British and the police
Chinese middle school riot
Background
Protest by 5000 students but unsuccessful
Government expelled 142 students for suspicion of communist activities, Students protest
Labour Front Chief Minister, Lim Yew Hock banned the SCMS in fear of Communism activities
Consequence
Troops from Malaya were called to support
13 people died. 120 injured. Union leaders detained.
Demonstration became violent
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
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