8 other reactions

Question 1

1959 Opposition from Barisan Sosialis

Answer 1

Members such as Fong Swee Suan and Lim Chin Siong opposed the merger, believing it was unfavorable for Singapore. They felt Singapore citizens would be disadvantaged as they would only be ‘federal nationals,’ unable to vote outside Singapore. They were also unhappy with Singapore’s allocation of 15 seats in the federal parliament, viewing it as under-representation and a sign of second-class status. After being expelled from the PAP, they formed the Barisan Sosialis with Dr. Lee Siew Choh and Lim Chin Siong, and campaigned against the merger through strikes, demonstrations, and debates.
The Barisan Socialis feared that after merger, Singapore would be under-represented in the Malaysian parliament and hence become second-class citizens in Malaysia.
They organized student demonstrations and labour strikes opposing the proposed merger.

Question 2

1963 Indonesia’s Reaction

Answer 2

Indonesia strongly opposed the merger, claiming it was a British ploy to maintain control and that Sabah should belong to it. Indonesia refused to recognize Malaysia, citing claims over Sabah and Sarawak. It broke off diplomatic relations with Malaysia and launched Konfrontasi, involving military attacks and sabotage to destabilize the new Federation. Indonesia’s refusal to join Malaysia was a form of protest against the merger.

Question 3

1963 Philippines’ Reaction

Answer 3

The Philippines agreed to join Malaysia after the Cobbold Commission found that two-thirds of Sabah and Sarawak’s populations supported the merger. The Philippines’ decision was influenced by the positive outcome of the Cobbold Commission, which indicated local support for the merger despite earlier concerns.

Question 4

1963 Sabah and Sarawak’s Reaction

Answer 4

Both Sabah and Sarawak initially had concerns about joining Malaysia but ultimately agreed based on the Cobbold Commission’s findings. The Cobbold Commission was set up by the United Nations to gauge public opinion in Sabah and Sarawak regarding the merger. The commission found that two-thirds of the population in both territories supported joining Malaysia. This significant level of support led to their decision to join the Federation, despite initial reservations.Sabah (Former North Borneo) and Sarawak joined the Federation, helping to counter the racial imbalance
1962 January: Cobbold Commission indicated that two-thirds of the people in Sabah and Sarawak favoured merger.

Question 5

1984 Brunei’s Reaction

Answer 5

Brunei, after initially opposing, ultimately joined Malaysia after the Cobbold Commission indicated local support for the merger. Brunei’s final decision to join Malaysia was based on the findings of the Cobbold Commission, showing that the majority of the population was in favor of the merger.

Question 6

Locals’ Reaction

Answer 6

1962 Referendum in Singapore

Referendum conducted in Singapore on 1 September 1962 and over 70% agreed with the PAP’s option for merger (Option A).

Question 7

Key Points in Merger

Answer 7

Singapore would have its own Head of State.

Singapore would have control over its education, labour matters, and civil service.

Singapore could hold its own elections to choose its own government. Singapore citizens could only vote in elections held in Singapore.

Singapore would collect its own taxes and pay Kuala Lumpur an agreed-upon sum for federal services.

The federal government based in Kuala Lumpur would oversee Singapore’s defence, internal security, and foreign relations.