y2 history chapter 8 Flashcards
chapter 8 - merger
political reasons for merger
- only with merger would the British grant Singapore
independence - merger with Malaysia would allow Singapore to have
Malaysia’s support in dealing with the growing
communist threat in singapore
chapter 8 - merger
economic reasons for merger
- more job opportunities, trade and economic growth for
Singapore - Singapore had a growing population and small market,
so merger with Malaysia would allows Sg’s market to
grow - common market allows goods from SG to enter
Malaya without taxes imposed, expanding SG’s market - Malaysia would be Singapore’s economic hinterland
chapter 8 - merger
social reasons for merger
both Malaya and Singapore had similar history as British colonies
chapter 8 - merger
Tunku’s initial response
he felt the merger would spell trouble
- was worried about the racial imbalance between the Chinese and Malay
- worried that the Chinese would not accept a Malay Sultan as the state head, Malay as their national language and Islam as their state religion
- worried that the Chinese would outnumber and overpower the Malays
- he felt that the Chinese sympathised with communists and would spread communisms beliefs in Malaysia
chapter 8 - merger
hong lim by-elections
in 1960, Ong Eng Guan began to fall out with the PAP as his actions as a Minister of National development was not in line with that of the PAP’s directions
in June 1960, he openly challenged LKY’s leadership in a press conference, causing him to be suspended. he was later expelled and forced to resign his position in the government, which led to the Hong Lim by-elections. however, Ong defeated the other candidate. this made tunku worried that the PAP was splitting, with the more radical group taking over. he was worried that the more radical group would take over and want to free Singapore from British rule, by forming a communist government. he was also worried that Singapore would be used as a base for the spread of communism. these worries fuelled his decision to agree to merger
chapter 8 - merger
agreeing on merger
Tunku signalled his change in heart on 27 May 1961 in a speech where he highlighted the prospect of a merger with Singapore and Malaya, in the formation of a new federation, which included brunei, north borneo and Sarawak. Bringing these territories in would help offset Singapore’s Chinese majority. PM Lee and Tunku started discussions for merger. On 24 August 1961, both of them came to an agreement on the broad terms of merger, which include: Singapore would have its own Head Of State. Singapore citizens would be given the title of “federal nationals”. Singapore could hold its own elections to choose its own state government. Singapore would collect its own revenue and pay Kuala Lumpur an agreed-upon sum (to cover the costs of federal services). Singapore would have control over its education and labour matters, and its own civil service
The federal government in Kuala Lumpur would oversee Singapore’s defence, internal security and dealings with foregin governments
However, radical group in PAP opposed merger, sabotaging the PAP by asking voters to support opposition candidates, resulting in the PAP candidate losing the Anson by-election
chapter 8 - merger
Opposition to the merger
the radical group in PAP which opposed Merger tried to get support from other PAP members to challenge Lee Kuan Yew’s leadership, but they failed and got expelled from the party. The expelled members then formed their own party, Barisan Sosialis Singapura, where Dr Lee Siew Choh was the chairman and Lim Chin Siong was the secretary-general, and Foong Swee Suan was in it too. Barisan Sosialis opposed to merger, being concerned over the status of Singaporean citizens upon Merger, also fearing that SIngapore would be under-represented in the Malaysian Parliament. in September 1961, the party organised student demonstrations and labour strikes to oppose the proposed merger
chapter 8 - merger
PAP’s Campaign
PAP embarked on a year-long campaign to convince the locals of the need to merge with Malaya. PM Lee gave a series of radio talks called the battle for merger, which were broadcasted in 3 main languages (english, chinese and malay) in the same evening, with other languages such as hokkien, cantonese, and tamil re-broadcasted. These broadcasts allowed PM Lee to reach out to those not only in Singapore, but also Brunei, Malaya, Sarawak, and North Borneo, being an important feature of a keenly contested battle for the hearts and minds of people. PAP also used exhibitions, for example the Malaysia Exhibition held at the Victoria Memorial Hall that was part of Malaysia Week in early 1962
chapter 8 - merger
Referendum
A referendum was held on 1 september 1962, with 3 options provided. Over 70% agreed with the option PAP recommended, and only a little over 25% of people voided their votes (cast a blank vote), which was what Barisan Sosialis recommended. As a result, merger took place in 1963. On 9 July 1963, the Malaysia Agreement was signed in London by Britain, Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak. Malaysia Day was declared on 16 September 1963
chapter 8 - merger
operation coldstore
The Internal Security Council detained more than 100 people, including Lim Chin Siong and 23 other Barisan Sosialis members, on 2 February 1963. They were accused of attempting to sabotage the formation of Malaysia, and planning an uprising in Singapore. this series of arrests were code-named Operation Coldstore. This caused the Barisan Sosialis to suffer a defeat in the 1963 elections, with them only winning 13 out of 51 seats, and the PAP winning 37
chapter 8 - reasons for separation (political)
alliance party and PAP
Formed the central government in Malaysia. Comprised of 3 race-based parties (UMNO, MCA, MIC). Each individual party represented the interests of their own race. Engaged in communal politics (divided for interest in their own race/communities). Special privileges in employment, business and education were given to the Malays with the aim of improving their economic and social position. For instance, a certain number of jobs in the government were reserved for Malays
PAP
Believed in representing the interests of all races
Advocated for multi-racialism
Singapore’s government felt that everyone, regardless of race, should be given an equal opportunity to succeed
It believed that the best way of enabling Malays to gain better employment opportunities was by providing free education
chapter 8 - reasons for separation (political)
tunku’s key conerns
The Malay-Chinese racial ‘balance’ after merger. The ‘inherent cultural inability of Malays to compete with the Chinese economically. Tunku said this as he wanted to emphasise the the differences between the Malays and Chinese were irreconcilable. He thinks that both communities would not be able to live together as different races have different priorities. He also thinks that Malays would suffer more, and chinese would overtake them economically. It would naturally stir up tensions during merger, hence a system which would be tailored to the natural inclinations of these irreconcilable differences was needed, and multi-racialism was not a system that could allow that
chapter 8 - reasons for separation (political)
Malaysian social contract [article 153]
Non-malays and non-indigenous people could be granted citizenship. But in return, they are to accept that Malays and the Bumiputera (sons of the soil) have a special position in Malaysia (as stated in the Constitution at independence)
Tunku felt that the best way to maintain social order was communal politics, which would preserve the social order by protecting positions of the malays and bumiputera from being overtaken by other races
However, tunku assumed that singapore had agreed after merger, but LKY wanted equality after merger
chapter 8 - reasons for separation (political)
Singapore elections (21 September 1963)
Alliance in Malaysia formed the SAP (Singapore Alliance Party), made up of the Singapore branches of UMNO, MIC, and MCA with the SPA (Singapore People’s Alliance). The SAP contested in the election and sought to win more seats in the Singapore Legislative Assembly. Tunku also personally went to make an appearance and spoke at the Alliance rallies
This made LKY think that this meant that UMNO did not intend to allow Singapore to run its own affairs as was agreed [pg 507 of The Singapore Story]. Shown as some sort of disrespect for one’s right to govern ones country. SAP failed miserably and did not win a single seat. It was extremely disappointing for the Alliance as they lost every one of the 7 seats previously held by the SPA and UMNO-Singapore, and Malay candidates from the SAP in 3 constituencies with Malay majorities had lost their seats to Malay PAP candidates. PAP won 37 seats
chapter 8 - reasons for separation (political)
Federal elections (April 1964)
Singapore participating in the elections further strained the relationship between PAP and Alliance Party
Lee Kuan Yew said that “since the Tunku had breached his verbal undertaking to me not to participate in Singapore’s elections, I felt no longer bound by my return undertaking.” [pg540 of The Singapore Story
UMNO
Felt that the PAP was trying to challenge the UMNO’s trusted Chinese partners and trying to undo the Alliance’s communal approach to politics
From their perspective, PAP’s multiracial approach may lead to a case where the PAP would not be content with limiting their appeal to the Chinese and will begin competing with UMNO for influence over the Malay electorate as well
MCA
Felt that the PAP wanted to challenge the MCA’s position as the representative of the Chinese in the Federation
Results
PAP got only one seat, and Alliance won the election
Tunku felt threatened by the support that LKY was getting one year after merger
