[chpt 9] how did singapore safeguard its independence after 1965? Flashcards
what was konfrontasi
it was a period of conflict between indonesia, malaysia and the commonwealth forces from 1963-1966
why did president sukarno oppose the merger between singapore and malaysia?
- he believed that it would give the british continued control
- he had ambitions to unite the malay archipelago under his leadership
where did most of the fighting during konfrontasi take place?
along the long border shared by malaysia and indonesia
how did indonesia disrupt life in singapore during konfrontasi?
indonesia carried out bombings and acts of sabotage > targeting military facilities and public places to terrorise the population
what was the mcdonald house bombing, and what were its consequences?
the macdonald house bombing on 10 march 1965 killed 10 people and injured 33 people.
it damaged buildings and cars, and led to two indonesian soldiers being found guilty, arrested and executed
in the 1970s, which communist group posed a threat to singapore’s security
the malaysian communist party (MCP) and its splinter groups continued to pose a danger to singapore’ internal security
what violent acts were carried out by communist groups in the 1970s?
- the killing of a seven year old at changi
- a bomb explosion in katong
- an attempted assassination of singapore’s police commissioner
when did singapore experience its first international terrorism incident, and what was it?
on january 31, 1974 > foreign terrorists attacked a shell oil refinery in pulau bukom
they later hijacked the ferry boat laju, holding crew members hostage
what were the key events of the vietnam war that concerned SEA countries?
the vietnam war threatened stability
- vietnam was divided into communist north and non communist south > and the fear of communism spread to neighbouring countries grew
when did the british announce their military withdrawal from singapore?
they announced their military withdrawal in 1967
how did the british military withdrawal impact singapore?
it left singapore practically undefended and led to unemployment as british bases provided jobs and services to locals
when the british left, how many soldiers did singapore have?
two battalions of regular infantry of 50 officers and 1000 men
when did singapore introduce national service?
singapore introduced national service in 1967
what was the purpose of NS in singapore?
NS was introduced to raise a credible and sizeable defence force quickly
how has NS contributed to singapore’s defence?
NS created a sizeable defence force, and national servicemen form the bulk of SAF’’s fighting force
why did singapore decide to establish a home-grown industry?
singapore wanted to be self-sufficient in producing military equipment and reduce dependence on foreign sources
what was the name of the organisation established to provide ammunition and weapons for SAF?
the chartered industries of singapore (CIS) was established for this purpose
what is the five power defence arrangements (FPDA), and when was it established?
FPDA was established in 1971 by singapore, malaysia, new zealand, britain and australia to consult and cooperate in the event of an armed attack, on singapore and malaysia
why did singapore prioritise establishing diplomatic relations with other countries?
it ensured international recognition of singapore’s independence and security > other countries would have interest in keeping singapore safe
how did diplomatic relations benefit singapore’s security?
diplomatic ties deterred hostile countries from threatening singapore
which influential country did singapore build relations with in the 1970s?
singapore built relations with the united states
when did PM lee make his first visit to china?
he made his first visit to china in 1976
when did singapore become a member of the united nation?
singapore became the 117th member of the UN on september 21,1965 (one month after independence)
what is ASEAN, and when did singapore become a founding member?
ASEAN is a regional organisation, and was a founding member in 1967
how did konfrontasi pose a security threat to singapore even before its separation from malaysia?
it pomaded a security threat by involving bombings in singapore, creating instability and fear among the population
what measures did the singapore government introduce in response to the bombings during konfrontasi?
the government introduced measures like advising citizens to stay on high alert, deploying volunteer forces for patrols, and conducting emergency drills in schools
what significant actions did the police take to combat the communist groups in singapore during the 1970s
the police conducted raids against communist groups, uncovering large quantities of weapons like pistols and grenades
what was the outcome of the negotiations between singapore and the foreign terrorists who attacked the shell oil refinery in pulau bukom?
after negotiations, the hijackers agreed to release the hostages in exchange for safe. passage from singapore to kuwait
why did the vietnam war cause concern among non-communist countries in southeast asia?
they feared that if north vietnam won, communism might spread to neighbouring countries and the entire region
how long were men conscripted for national service in singapore?
they were conscripted for at least two years of full time NS
what responsibilities did NS men after two years of conscription?
they were liable for reservist duties, including occasional military training and mobilisation during emergencies
what were the primary goals of building bilateral relationships with influential countries like the united states and china?
the goals included economic cooperation, security ties and improving international standing
