Merger
what were 2 broad reasons why merger was important for singapore's future?
political security/independence + economic survival
When was Singapore formally separated from Malaysia
9 August 1965
What were the main internal challenges faced by Singapore from 1965-1975 after independence?
British withdrawal caused security threat - Singapore left defenseless, did not have the means to fill the security vacuum - more vulnerable to external attacks.
what methods did the PAP use to win support for the merger from SG citizens?
radio talks + the Referendum
What was the main difference in political views between UMNO and the PAP?
Hint: Treatment of various ethnic groups
Communalism VS Multiracialism/Malay VS Malaysian Malaysia/Special treatment of Malays, the indigenous people
How did Singapore overcome the security challenge of the British withdrawal?
Introduction of National Service/Provided Singapore Armed Forces with locally made supplies + equipment
who were the Barisan Sosialis/on what grounds did they oppose merger?
pro-communists expelled from PAP/they believed merger was on unequal terms
What was the Malaysian Solidarity Convention (MSC)?
A political alliance formed by PAP and other Malaysian political parties who opposed the UMNO-MCA-MIC Alliance. They campaigned for a “Malaysian Malaysia” where all would be treated equally, regardless of their race or religion.
What were the constraints faced by Singapore right after its independence?
Physically small country, loss of economic hinterland, vulnerable to security threats + growing population with uneven levels of education
explain why malaya was initially reluctant to merge with singapore.
feared loss of political power - racial imbalance OR feared being subjected to Communist threat
What were the 2 economic reasons for separation?
Disagreement over formation of the common market
Disagreement over Singapore's contribution to the federal government
State one external challenge faced by SG after independence.
Konfrontasi (1963-1966), Communist terrorism, International terrorism, the Vietnam War
what was the significance of the hong lim by-election/how did it affect Tunku's choice to merge?
radical former PAP member won by a large margin - Tunku worried other radicals/pro-Communists would also be successful, merge to avoid risk of Communist threat in SG affecting Malaya
Explain the details of the 1964 Race Riots (who, when, what, why)
UMNO, PAP, Singapore’s Chinese and Malays.July and Sept 1964. Celebration of Prophet Muhammad's birthday - clash between Chinese policemen/Malay participants —> race riots.
How did the security challenges shape the government's approach to national security?
Developed SG's self-reliant defense/formed alliances, engaged in proactive diplomacy