SEA; SG Flashcards
Circumstances of independence
Acccidental nation, unexpected independence- narrative of vulnerability and the necessity of survival
Why adopt a democratic system?
1) Singapore was given adequate political tutelage: elections in 1948, self government in 1959 led by the People’s Action Party)
2) Lee Kuan Yew was a British-educated lawyer
Why did Singapore adopt features of a maximum government?
Barisan Socialis (left wing) split from PAP in 1961
Significant left-wing activism in the chinese schools e.g.(Chinese high)
How did PAP get rid of the Barisan Socialis?
PAP, under Lee launched operation cold store in 1963 to wipe out the Barisan Socialis under the Internal Security act
What led to the seperation of Singapore from Malaysia?
the 1964 racial riots between the chinese and malays
How was political power consolidated?
constitutional processes
Elections were held, but they were heavily regulated and space for dissent limited
1968: Industrial relations act and employment act- limited rights of trade unions
1974: Newspaper and printing presses act- permitted govt to shut newspapers and arrest journalists
1975: University of singapore act- stripped away student union’s right to participate in politics
How was political power consolidated
effective governance
Open economic policies which resulted in the increase of standards of living
How was political power consolidated in singapore?
Role of luck
Barisan Socialis won 13 seats in 1963 elections but refused to take their seats
Barisan Socialis boycotted the 1968 elections completely
How was political power consolidated in Singapore?
Internal security act
1976-1977: suspected communists arrested
1987: Operation spectrum- arrests of activists who worked with the catholic church- Marxists Conspiracy
Role of military
No political role
It played no role in the decolonisation process and hence was not a political force at all
SAF was formed after independence.
Govt had firm control over the military- role strictly limited to defense of nation
