Chapter 8

Question 1

Why did the PAP government pursue a merger with Malaya?

Answer 1

1. Political independence
2. Economic survival

Question 2

1. Political independence

Answer 2

A merger was deemed as the only way for Singapore to gain independence from the British. Britain feared that Singapore would fall under communist control and thus decided to safeguard Singapore by providing greater political stability through merger.

Question 3

2. Economic survival

Answer 3

It was believed that Singapore would not be able to survive economically in the long term by itself. It lacked natural resources and had a rising population with a need of employment. It was also facing a declining entrepot trade. The Malayan government had also imposed tariffs on goods traded with Singapore. If a common market was established, it would create a greater demand for Singaporean goods and this increase trade, job opportunities and income.

Question 4

What was Malaya’s response to a possible merger?

Answer 4

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Question 5

Malaya’s initial response

Answer 5

The tunku saw stark differences in the outlook between the Malays and the Singaporeans. He was concerned that the predominantly Chinese population in Singapore would not be able to accept a Malay Sultan as the head of state, use Malay as the national language or accept Islam as the state religion. He was also concerned about the Chinese population outnumbering the Malay population if the merger went through. The Tunku suspected that many Chinese in Singapore were sympathetic to the communists, as they had supported strikes in the 1950s. He was worried that these attitudes would affect the rest of the federation. The Tunku began to support the idea of merger in 1961.

Question 6

Fear of communism

Answer 6

The Tunku was afraid that if Singapore were to become independent, Malaya would no longer have a representative on the Internal Security Council and lose influence over security matters. The absence of a colonial government could also make the threat of communism in Singapore a greater issue. He was concerned that the PAP might be taken over by communist sympathisers. the Tunku also came to realise that if Singapore were to join Malaysia, it would be easier to control communist elements.

Question 7

Hong-Lim by-election

Answer 7

The April 1961 by-elections fuelled the Tunku’s concern that there was increasing divide in the PAP. The Tunku felt that the moderate group in the PAP was losing control and that the radical group would gain control and attempt to establish a communist government to gain independence and as a result spread these ideals to Malaya and other countries.

Question 8

Agreement on Proposed Merger

Answer 8

On 24 August 1961, Prime minister Lee and the Tunku came to an agreement on the broad terms of merger

Question 9

Terms of merger

Answer 9

1. Singapore would have its own head of state
2. Singapore would collect 40% of its revenue and pay Kuala Lumpur
3. Singapore citizens would become “federal nationals”
4. Singapore could hold its own elections to choose its own state government but would not be able to participate in Malaysian elections
5. Singapore would have control over education, labour and civil service
6. The federal government in KL would oversee Singapore’s defence, internal security and dealings with foreign governments.

Question 10

What was the result of the “Battle for Merger”?

Answer 10

1. Opposition from Barisan Sosialis
2. The PAP’s campaign
3. Referendum
4. Weakening of the Barisan Sosialis