7 sg full internal self gov Flashcards
First Merdeka Talks 1956
Elaboration: After the 1955 election, the Labour Front (LF) formed a coalition government with David Marshall as Singapore’s first Chief Minister. The LF government aimed to end British colonial rule, which led to the First Merdeka Talks in April 1956. Marshall negotiated in London seeking full self-government for Singapore, including greater local control over defence and external affairs, and demanded full internal self-government by 1957. He pledged to resign if the negotiations failed. Explanation: The talks ended in failure because the British were skeptical of the LF government’s ability to manage the communist threat and ensure security. They needed a stable government to prevent a communist takeover and safeguard their interests. Marshall’s resignation followed the failure of the talks, leading to Lim Yew Hock replacing him.Goals
Marshall led a mission to London to press for full internal self-government for Singapore by 1957
He vowed to resign as Chief Minister if the negotiations fell through
Outcome of the talks: FAILURE
The British had perceived Marshall’s handling of the Hock Lee Bus Riots to be ineffective in maintaining peace in Singapore and countering the communist threat
Thus, the British did not grant David Marshall’s request for self-government
As he had promised, Marshall stepped down as Chief Minister and was replaced by another member of the Labour Front, Lim Yew Hock
Lim was determined to show the British that unlike Marshall, his government could control the communists, which would signal to them that Singapore was ready to be given more political power.
Acted swiftly to ban and deregister the Singapore Chinese Middle Schools Students’ Union (SCMSSU).
Second Merdeka Talks 1957
Elaboration: In 1957, Lim Yew Hock led a delegation to London for the Second Merdeka Talks, aiming for full internal self-government. Lim sought control over all internal matters, including internal security, but was willing to compromise on external affairs and external defence. The talks resulted in the State of Singapore Act, which transformed Singapore from a colony to a state with control over domestic matters while leaving internal security under British control. The Head of State or Yang di-Pertuan Negara replaced the British Governor. Explanation: Lim Yew Hock’s effective management of riots and willingness to cooperate reassured the British of Singapore’s commitment to anti-communism. This agreement marked a transition to local leadership, with Singapore becoming the State of Singapore and adopting a new local Head of State, replacing British governance.Goals
Lim led another delegation to London to negotiate for full internal self-government for Singapore
He was also willing to compromise: Agreed to leave external affairs and external defence under the control of the British
Outcome of talks: Success
Because of Lim’s handling of the Chinese Middle School Riots, which was seen as decisive and able to curb the communist threat, the British were pleased with Lim’s government and agreed to grant Singapore full internal self-government
1959 Election
Elaboration: In the 1959 election, voters elected representatives to all 51 seats in the Legislative Assembly. The Citizenship Ordinance of 1957 allowed 320,000 residents to gain citizenship and vote, alongside compulsory voting. About 500,000 voters participated with 13 political parties contesting 194 candidates. The Singapore People’s Alliance (SPA), formerly the Labour Front (LF), won only 4 out of 39 seats, attributed to Lim Yew Hock’s unpopular handling of the Chinese Middle School Student Riots. Explanation: The 1959 election was a pivotal moment, with the People’s Action Party (PAP) securing a landslide victory with 43 out of 51 seats. Lee Kuan Yew became Singapore’s first Prime Minister, and Yusof bin Ishak was sworn in as the new Head of State. This led to replacing the British Union Jack with the State Flag and the new State National Anthem, Majulah Singapura.For the first time, the people of Singapore could elect representatives to all seats in the Legislative Assembly
Much higher voter turnout!
1957 Citizenship Ordinance: 320,000 more residents became Singapore citizens and gained the right to vote
Voting made compulsory
PAP won a landslide victory, winning 43 out of 51 seats, to form the new government
1956 Chinese Middle School Student Riots
Elaboration: In September 1956, the government banned the Singapore Chinese Middle School Students’ Union (SCMSSU) due to its communist ties. Protests by 5,000 students led to school takeovers demanding SCMSSU re-registration. Expulsions of 142 students sparked further protests. On 24 October, Lim Yew Hock’s radio broadcast urging students to vacate schools led to violent clashes with police, lasting three days. Troops from Malaya were called in, resulting in 13 deaths and over 120 injuries, and key union leaders were arrested. Explanation: The riots were a reaction to perceived government repression and student expulsions. Lim Yew Hock’s firm stance, although controversial, was approved by the British and seen as decisive in the unrest, affecting self-government negotiations.5000 Chinese middle school students responded immediately to the ban by staging sit-in demonstrations in their schools all around Singapore
The government responded by ordering the expulsion of 142 students from several schools, on suspicion of anti-government activities
During this time, the students received resources and support from other Chinese students from Nanyang University
Also supported by members of trade unions and their leaders, including influential members of the PAP, Lim Chin Siong and Fong Swee Suan
Their demonstrations eventually sparked island-wide riots with an English school and a police station burned down.
Resulted in 13 deaths and more than 120 injured.
Lim: Took tough action against students
Expelled 142 students from several Chinese schools for engaging in anti-British activities
Called in troops from Malaya to restore order
Detained union leaders
