7 brit responses to riots Flashcards
Rendel Constitution 1955
Elaboration: The Rendel Constitution was introduced in 1955, recommending limited self-government for Singapore. It allowed locals to control areas like housing, with a Council of Ministers led by the Governor, including a Chief Minister and five local ministers. The Legislative Council was renamed the Legislative Assembly, and local ministers were given control over education, health, housing, and trade and industry. However, the British retained control over finance, internal security, and external defense. Explanation: The Rendel Constitution was a response to growing discontent and anti-British sentiments from early 1950s unrest. The British aimed to grant more local control while retaining strategic powers. Although changes were limited, this constitution marked a significant step towards full self-government and set the stage for the 1955 election, enhancing local political participation.
Recommendation: Limited self-government for Singapore
Branch of Government
1948 Elections
Rendel Constitution:
1955 Elections
Executive
British Governor had final say
Ruled with only nominated British Government officials
Council of Ministers
British Governor rules with:
3 British ministers, nominated by the governor
Elected Local Chief Minister
6 local elected ministers
Legislative
6 local representatives out of 9
25 local representatives
6 Ministers in charge of : Education. Health, Housing . Trade and Industry
1955 Election
Elaboration: The 1955 Election was notable due to the Rendel Constitution, which allowed greater local participation with six elected ministers. Automatic voter registration was introduced, leading to increased political activity and the formation of new parties like the Labour Front (LF) and the People’s Action Party (PAP). A total of 79 candidates contested 25 elected seats in the Legislative Assembly, a significant increase from 1948. Over half of the eligible voters participated, and the LF won 10 out of 25 seats. Explanation: The 1955 election was a landmark in Singapore’s journey towards self-government, allowing locals to serve as Chief Minister and oversee ministries. Increased public interest and political engagement demonstrated a strong desire for more local control. The defeat of the pro-British SPP highlighted the push for greater autonomy, pressuring the British towards full self-government.
Higher voter turnout!
The people saw the elections as a step closer to achieving self-government and eventually independence
Eligible voters were automatically registered 🡪 160,000 voted
More political parties joined, including the Labour Front and the People’s Action Party
Results
Labour Front won 10 out of the 25 seats
Together with the 3 seats of the Alliance Party, the Labour Front formed the first local government of Singapore
David Marshall, the leader of Labour Front, became the Chief Minister of Singapore
British responses
Although the British were able to crack down on the riots, it was not a sustainable option.
The people were still dissatisfied and this would sow the seeds for more conflicts in the days to come.
The riots served to convince the British that the old ways of government was no longer adequate and as such, they sought to release more political power to the people…
Labour Front
Multi-racial party comprising mostly low-income and English-educated members of trade unions
Supported immediate independence for Singapore and fought for the improvement of workers’ rights and working conditions
Also fought to extend Singapore citizenship to China-born immigrants
Garnered support from many Chinese-speaking people
1955 Hock Lee Bus Riots
Elaboration: Started in April 1955 when Hock Lee Amalgamated Bus Company workers, led by the Singapore Bus Workers’ Union (SBWU), struck due to grievances like unfair treatment. The dismissal of 229 workers led to hunger strikes and blockades. Over 10,000 students joined, leading to violent clashes with police, using batons and water hoses. The riots resulted in 4 deaths and 31 injuries and ended after an agreement to reinstate the dismissed workers. Explanation: The riots highlighted labor dissatisfaction and the government’s handling of worker grievances. The British perceived the new government’s management of unrest as ineffective, impacting self-government negotiations.Under the influence of the communist-controlled trade unions, workers from the Singapore Bus Workers’ Union (SBWU) went on strike for better pay and working conditions
The Hock Lee Amalgamated Bus Company responded by dismissing 229 workers
In response, the dismissed workers went on a hunger strike, sat in front of the bus depot gates to block buses from leaving, and hurled stones at the police
Chinese school students also joined in to support the strikers
Marshall favoured negotiation
Tried to settle the dispute between the Hock Lee Amalgamated Bus Company and the SBWU through negotiations but no resolution
Refused to call in British troops to contain the riots as he did not want to appear to be siding with the British
