8 sg reasons merger

Question 1

Attain Independence for Singapore &
Contain the Communist Threat

Answer 1

Independence could only be attained when Singapore proved to the British that it could overcome the Communist threat.
Merger would provide Singapore with the support to deal with communist threats.

Question 2

Economic survival

Answer 2

Economic Growth via Common Market

Access to Resources

Create Jobs

As Singapore lacked natural resources, Malaya was viewed as her economic hinterland.

As Singapore was experiencing rapid population growth but had a small market size, merger could increase available jobs and industries for her people.

Establishing a common market would mean that goods produced in one country could enter another without taxes imposed, boosting trade and economic growth.

Question 3

Shared History and Culture

Answer 3

Lee Kuan Yew:
No man can keep up the artificial barrier at the Causeway for too long.

Singapore and Malaya had a common history as British colonies.
Many cultural connections between Singapore and Malaya.
Both had Malay as a common language