How did Singapore become and independent nation? ( from reasons for merger to agreement on proposed merger) ( EOY) Flashcards
What were some problems faced by Singapore economically?
- Singapore lacked in natural resources, so with population growth, more people need jobs
- Declining entrepot trade and growing unemployment
- Malayan government imposed trade tariffs
What are tariffs?
Tariffs are taxes imposed by the government on imported and exported good in and out of a country.
What are trade tariffs?
Trade tariffs reduce the profits earned by companies as they had to pay taxes from their trade activities.
What are some political problems Singapore faced?
British were scared communists would take over Singapore, so it was not likely to grant Singapore independence to protect their interests.
What were some economic reasons for merging with Malaya?
- Malaya was rich in natural resources, so Singapore could benefit its economy if there was a merger.
- Singapore needed the Malayan hinterland to provide for a bigger common market.
- Goods can be sold without being taxed, which would help increase trade, expands the industries and create more job opportunities.
What were some political reason to merge with Malaya?
- The British would only let Singapore to gain political independence.
- British believed a new federation would allow greater political stability to prevent the spread of communism
What were some reasons Malaya refused to merge with Singapore?
- Not keen to accept the Malay Sultan as the Head of State
- Don’t want to use Malay as their national language
- Don’t accept Islam as the state religion
- Afraid of the spread of communism
What were some reasons Malaya wanted to merge after 1961?
- Malaya had a representative in Singapore’s Internal Security council and with the absence of both the colonial government and the Malayan representative, they would not be able to contain the communism threats in Singapore
- Tunku did not want the PAP to be controlled by the members influenced by communism
- It would be easy for the Malaysian government to control the influence of communism
Upon the agreement of the merger, how did they solve the racial imbalance?
They would include other british colonies like North Borneo, Sarawak and Brunei
What were some terms of the merger that was signed on 24 August 1961?
- Singapore would have its own head of state
- Singapore would be able to hold its own elections
- Singaporeans would be given the title of federal nationals instead of federal citizens
- Singapore would need to pay taxes to Kuala Lumpur
- Singapore could exercise control in specific areas like education and labor
- Kuala Lumpur would have the control over the defence, internal security and foreign affairs
What happened to the members that were expelled from the PAP after opposing them?
They created a new political party called the Barisan Sosialis, where they opposed the merger.
Why did the Barisan Sosialis oppose the merger?
- Due to the status of the Singapore population. They were afraid Singapore would not be granted citizenship automatically after the merger. Lastly Singapore would only be known as federal nationals and could only vote in Singapore Elections.
- Due to the allocation of seats as they were given lesser seats, as they were a smaller country to merge with and Singapore was second-class to them
What did the PAP do for their campaign?
They gave a series of radio talks called The Battle For Merger and was played in the three main languages, Mandarin, English and Malay.
2. They also organised exhibitions to highlight the benefits of the merger
What is a referendum?
It is a direct vote by the people b
How was the Barisan Sosialis weakened?
There was an Operation, Operation Coldstore, to arrest those under communist influence.
