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Chapter 9 : How did Singapore safeguard its independence after 1965 -…

- - - - External threat : Indonesia conducted a campaign of terrorism called Konfrontasi (1963-1966) -> Saboteurs set off bombs at public places to create panic and disrupt life.
      - In March 1965, the bombing of Macdonald House killed 3 and injured 33
    - - Recall the Malayan Emergency. Although the Malayan Emergency was declared over in 1960, threats still remained
        
        MCP had slipt into several smaller groups (possessed weapons like pistols and grenades) -> conducted acts of violence
      - e.g. 1970: killing of 7-year-old girl
        e.g. 1974: bomb explosion in Katong
    - - Laju Incident : hijacking of ferry & hostages
      - 31 Jan 1974 : 4 Men armed with SMGs and explosives attacked oil tanks in Pulau Bukom
        
        Tried to escape by hijacking the Laju ferry and taking the crew onboard hostage
        
        Had to negotiate a flight for them to Kuwait
    - - Recall the Cold War. For context, communist movement in Vietnam fought against the French for independence -> 1954 : country split into two (Communist North vs Non-Communist South)
        
        Fear of Domino effect
      - Communist elements still present in Singapore throughout this duration
    - - Context :
        
        Since 1819, Singapore had relied on the British for protection against threats
        
        WWII : ~ 90 000 British troops lost to the Japanese
        
        Konfrontasi : 50 000 British soldiers posted in the region of defence
        
        British prioritises shifted after WWII -> Had to rebuild the economy back home
      - Withdrawal :
        
        1967 : British announcement that they would withdraw troops
        
        1971 : Majority of British forces had left
        
        1976 : Complete withdrawal from Singapore
        
        Singapore was left virtually undefended **(2 battalions of 50 officers + 1000 men each)
- - - - Why this strategy was needed : Singapore had depended on the British for defence but they completely withdrew forces by 1976. With little manpower and resources (only 2000 men in its battalion), Singapore would be an easy target to attack. Thus, Singapore needed a strong defence force to ensure security and stability
      - What is this strategy about : Thousands of young men were conscripted for 2 years of full-time National Service, starting in 1967. This expanded our defence force known as the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). The recruits received military training and had to take up arms in times of emergency. Trained men would continue to be part of the reservist forces.
      - How the strategy solves the problem : Over the years, an army prepared to defend Singapore would be formed so Singapore would not have to rely on other countries for its defence. By the end of the 1970s, Singapore had a sizeable force with an army, an air force and a navy, that could be mobilised to defend the country against any external threats. With formidable military skills and resources, the SAF can deter/ defeat our enemies and protect our sovereignty.
    - - What is this strategy about : It involves having the capability to produce our own weapons. Defence Minister Dr Goh Keng Swee developed Singapore's own defence industry that provided locally made equipment. e.g. the Chartered Industries of Singapore (CIS) was set up in 1967 to produce ammunition and weapons for the SAF. Singapore also trained defence engineers and scientists to create technology for our defence
      - How the strategy solves the problem :