8 reasons for separation Flashcards
Economic disagreements over the common market:
Singapore anticipated a common market where its goods would be free from taxes. However, the federal government feared that this would increase competition for Malaya, leading to a delay in establishing the common market and continued tariffs on Singapore goods. Explanation: The PAP government was dissatisfied with the delay, as Singapore missed out on expected economic benefits. This discord led to increased distrust and tension between Malaya and Singapore.
It’s been a while, why hasn’t the Common Market been set up?
You not only did not set up the Common Market, you still want to raise our tax contribution, at this rate, Singapore’s economy be crippled. If Singapore does not benefit economically from Malaysia, and if the common market is not set up, then the concept of Malaysia is meaningless!
Well… You refuse to loan the Borneo states the money, you think that you don’t have to contribute more to the country when we are in trouble, why should we help you? Selfish!
Also under the Malaysia Agreement, the common market would be set up over 12 years! We are only in our second year! Patience my dear Keng Swee.
The economic measures you are suggesting are not feasible.
It would increase the cost of labour in Singapore, which would discourage growth of industries.
You are deliberately making it hard for us to survive economically!
Why would I do that??
We are afterall, One Malaysia
Economic disagreements over the Borneo Loan:
Borneo Loan: Singapore would provide a $150 million development loan to North Borneo and Sarawak, of which $100 million would be interest-free for five years Singapore was also supposed to loan $150m to the Borneo states to help with their development. That was part of the agreement. Why haven’t you done that?!
The hold-up for the loan is because Sabah and Sarawak has not agreed to the basic condition of the loan – that 50% of the labour for their development projects should come from Singaporean workers.
Hello?
The loan was meant to help the 2 poorest states catch up with the rest of the federation. Not an outlet for Singaporean workforce. Why are there conditions attached to it? And why does everything have to do with Singapore?
Of course there are conditions. My money, my rules. And it would make sense for both of us, they win because they get the money and the infrastructure, Singapore wins because our workers have jobs!
You are being unfair to Singapore. Why are there still tariffs on products imported into Malaysia Mainland?
Speaking of the Agreement…
Economic disagreements over revenue collection:
The merger agreement stipulated that Singapore would contribute 40% of its revenue to the federal government. The federal government, however, increased this contribution to 60% to cover heightened defense expenses due to Konfrontasi. Explanation: Singapore viewed this increase as unfair and unjustified, especially since Konfrontasi had negatively impacted its economy. The heightened financial burden added to existing tensions.
We need to raise more money to fight against the Indonesian Konfrontasi. Also, we have a financial deficit of RM 543m
We have to raise Singapore’s tax contribution to the Federation from 40% to 60%.
Nope. Not happening. If we do that, we will cripple our economy.
We are already paying 40% tax, which in our opinion, is more than adequate to meet our obligations. Our own estimates are only 30%, we are already willing to give you more than that!
Also, Singapore’ population is only 17% of Malaysia, why are we taxed at so much higher than others? This is not proportionate!
Political differences over rivalry:
16 Sept 1963: Merger
21 Sept 1963: Singapore Elections
The Malaysian Alliance Party formed the SAP and contested in the elections in Singapore
April 1964: Malaysian Federal Elections
The PAP contested in the Malaysian Federal elections
21 July 1964: July Racial Riots
2 September 1964: September Racial Riots
Both parties agreed not to challenge each other politically in elections for 2 years
May 1965: PAP formed the Malaysian Solidarity Convention
Political differences over ideologies:
A political ideology is a set of ethical ideals and principles that aims to explain how society should work and offers some political and cultural outline to achieve a certain idea of social order.
The federal government in Malaysia was ruled by the Alliance Party
The Alliance Party was a COALITION
Coalition: 2 or more groups temporarily working together to achieve a common goal
Comprised of 3 race-based parties:
UMNO (United Malays National Organization)
MCA (Malaysian Chinese Association)
MIC (Malaysian Indian Congress)
Alliance Party
PAP
Engaged in communal politics: Each of its 3 race-based parties sought to represent the interests of their own race
Advocated for multi-racialism: Believed in representing the interests of all races equally
‘Malay Malaysia’ VS ‘Malaysian Malaysia’
Non-Malays and non-indigenous people could be granted citizenship
But in return, they are to accept that Malays and the Bumiputera (sons of the soil) have a special position in Malaysia (as stated in the Constitution of Malaya at independence)
Tunku was worried about the Malay-Chinese racial imbalance after merger
He also believed that the Malays would lose out to the Chinese economically due to what he perceived as their vastly differing beliefs
TUNKU’S BELIEF IN THE SOCIAL CONTRACT
“The existing ‘Social Contract’ was the most plausible and realistic in preserving peace and stability”
“Lee Kuan Yew agreed to accept the Constitution of Malaysia when Singapore joined Malaysia but he went back on his words and challenged the ‘Social Contract’ that was agreed upon by every state”
On the other hand, LKY and the PAP, believed that everyone, regardless of race, should be given an equal opportunity to succeed
WHAT KIND OF IMPACTS DO YOU THINK THIS DIFFERENCE IN POLITICAL IDEOLOGY WOULD HAVE ON MALAYSIA?
Short-term impact
Long-term impact
Disagreements, unhappiness, tensions between the leaders
Racial tensions and clashes, especially between the Malay and Chinese communities in both Singapore and Malaysia
Leadership
Feelings of resentment and growing distrust between the leadership 🡪 Unable to cooperate to work towards a shared vision
Population
Unrest among the citizens 🡪 Racial discrimination, riots
The federal government granted preferential treatment to Malays, including reserved positions and special privileges in various sectors. Singapore advocated for equal treatment for all races and aimed to uplift Malays through free education. Explanation: The divergence in racial policies and treatment led to significant disagreements and further strained relations, contributing to the eventual separation.Singapore’s ruling PAP was multi-racial, aiming to represent all communities equally. In contrast, the federal government was dominated by the Alliance Party, comprising race-based parties like UMNO, MCA, and MIC, each representing specific ethnic groups. Explanation: These political differences led to strained relations and difficulties in cooperation, exacerbating tensions between Singapore and Malaya.
Separation’s concept
In most situations, partnerships are usually win-win situations, with mutual benefits to be gained and/or mutual interests involved
However, partnerships may also result in new problems
When partners cannot compromise, separation becomes necessary to allow each to go back to their old lives without interference from each other
CONCLUSION:
THE TUNKU WANTS US OUT
The Tunku’s 2 choices
Arrest Lee using the Internal Security Act or be prepared to handle more riots and bloodshed
Separate Singapore from Malaysia
The Parliament on August 9, 1965 voted 126-0 in favour of the expulsion of Singapore, with members of Parliament from Singapore absent.
WHAT KIND OF IMPACTS DO YOU THINK THESE ECONOMIC DISAGREEMENTS WOULD HAVE ON MALAYSIA?
Short-term impact
Long-term impact
Leadership
Tension and growing distrust due to unfulfilled promises
Political conflict and instability – More infighting
Lack of Economic Competition
Continued competition between Singapore and the federal government
Leadership
Strained relations between Singapore and Federal Government
Economic Downturn
Intensified competition and unfulfilled promises 🡪 Slowdown of economic growth - Singapore is likely to be more adversely impacted as its economy is more reliant on the Malaysian hinterland
Lack of tangible economic benefits – Less reasons to stay in merger and eventual separation
WHAT WAS THE IMPACT OF THE ALLIANCE-PAP RIVALRY?
Short-term impact
Long-term impact
Disputes between the 2 parties
May lead to their supporters becoming more aggressive against one another and engaging in race-based violence
More violence, especially along the lines of race
Inability to work together towards a common vision for Malaysia 🡪 Separation
Summary
Reasons
Social Disputes
Political Disputes/ Disagreements
Economic disagreements
Racial riots
Differing political ideology
PAP- Alliance rivalry
Taxation issue
Borneo Loan
Common Market
Reasons
Social Disputes
Political Disputes/ Disagreements
Economic disagreements
LKY’s perspective
Albar fanned racial tensions by spreading false rumours
Tunku and Alliance broke political promises
Tunku wanted to protect Malay supremacy
Tan Siew Sin broke economic promises
Raise taxes
No Common Market
TAR’s perspective
LKY fanned racial tensions by raising Malaysian Malaysia
LKY too ambitious
Wanted a coalition govt
Kept pushing for Malaysian Malaysia through extreme means
LKY uncooperative, only considered SG’s economy
