Governance

Reasons for PAP’s victory in 1959 elections

Incorruptible and honest image

Leaders had support from students and workers.

Incorruptible and honest image

One of the reasons for PAP’s victory was their incorruptible and honest image. PAP members were only allowed to wear white. This was because the colour white symbolised their cry for a corruption-free and democratic government. Furthermore, many parties at that time were very corrupt, so PAP’s incorruptible image attracted many people to vote for them. Hence, due to their image, they won the 1959 elections.

Leaders had support from students and workers.

Another reason for PAP’s victory was that their leaders had support from students and workers. Many members of the PAP were leaders of several trade unions. For example, there was Fong Swee Suan, who was the leader of the Singapore bus workers’ union. Furthermore, the trade unions had strong links with students’ unions, where Lee was their legal advisor; for example, the Singapore Chinese middle school students’ union. In total, there were more than 120,000 people in support of PAP due to these links with trade and student unions. Hence, the links helped PAP to win the 1959 elections.

Why was Singapore not allowed independence by the British?

The British thought that Singapore would not be able to handle the communist threat. (political)

The British thought that Singapore would not allow them to use their naval base.

The British thought that Singapore would not be able to survive economically.

The British doubted Singaporean’s loyalty

The British thought that Singapore would not be able to handle the communist threat. (political)

 

The British thought that Singapore would not be able to handle the communist threat. At that time, Singapore had many Chinese students and workers that organized strikes and riots. Many leaders had relations with these communists. The British were highly anti-communist and did not want any of their colonies to fall to the communists. Furthermore, the British thought that Singapore did not have the police force strength and the military defence to handle the communists. Hence, the British did not give independence to Singapore due to the communists.

The British thought that Singapore would not allow them to use their naval base. (political)

The British thought that Singapore would not allow them to use their naval base. The British naval base ensured British power in the region, and protected British trading interests. The British were concerned that if a local government that was anti-British gained power in Singapore, they would be denied access to their naval base. Hence, the British did not give independence to Singapore due to the risk of losing their vital naval base.

The British thought that Singapore would not be able to survive economically. (non-political)

The British thought that Singapore would not be able to survive economically. Singapore did not have any large-scale industries, nor had a strong agricultural industry. Furthermore, this was unlike Malaya, which had an abundance of natural resources to support its industries. So, the British doubted Singapore’s ability to survive economically, after independence, since Singapore had no economic support. Hence, the British did not grant independence to Singapore, as it had no economic support.

 

The British doubted Singaporean’s loyalty (non-political)

The British doubted Singaporean’s loyalty. Many immigrants came to Singapore for the purpose of finding jobs and eventually once they made enough money, went back to their home-country. The British had doubts over the loyalty of the Singaporean people whereby they regarded China, India and Malaya as their home-country rather than Singapore, and about whether Singapore was ready for full self-government. Hence, the British did not grant independence to Singapore as they doubted the loyalty of the immigrants.

Possible reasons for merger?

A merger would set up a common market between Singapore and Malaya. (Economic)

A merger would also allow Singapore to access Malaya’s raw materials. (economic)

A merger would allow Singapore to gain independence from the British (political)

Communist threat could be controlled (see why Tunku decided the merge)

A merger would set up a common market between Singapore and Malaya.

A merger would set up a common market between Singapore and Malaya. Both Singapore and Malaya wanted a common market as this would mean that goods could be sold without taxes. Singapore would benefit economically from this, as businesses would save on taxes, allowing them to channel these savings into expanding their operations in Singapore. Furthermore, Malaya could also offer a bigger market to Singaporean businessmen. Hence, a common market was one of the reasons for a merger.

A merger would also allow Singapore to access Malaya’s raw materials.

A merger would also allow Singapore to access Malaya’s raw materials. Singapore would be able to access Malaya’s rich natural resources; for example, Singapore could use Malaya’s tin and rubber, which were needed for the production of goods. Furthermore, most of the manufacturers in Singapore used raw materials from Malaya, so it would make sense if these materials were more easily available and at a lower price. Hence, Singapore would be able to use Malaya’s natural resources due to a merger.

A merger would allow Singapore to gain independence from the British (political)

A merger would allow Singapore to gain independence from the British. Singapore’s leaders always wanted independence from the British since WWII. The locals believed that it was time that they ran their own country, rather than remain a part of the British Empire. Singapore’s independence would never have been granted since the British and Singapore’s citizens believed that this island-nation could not stand on its own politically nor economically. By merging with Malaya, Singapore would become part of a larger and more stable political entity. Hence, merger was seen as a practical way for Singapore to achieve independence from British colonial rule.

Why did malaya decide to merge with Singapore?

Malaya decided to merge with Singapore after the Chinese problem was solved.

Malaya also decided to merge with Singapore to solve the communist problem. (also a benefit of the merger)

Malaya also decided to merge with Singapore to solve the communist problem. (also a benefit of the merger)

Malaya also decided to merge with Singapore to solve the communist problem. Malaya decided to merge with Singapore to keep Malaysian control rather than make it a communist state, as the PAP was very weak, faced much opposition, and could not handle communism. If Malaya had not merged with Singapore, then it would always have the threat of its communist neighbours overthrowing the Malayan government. Furthermore, by merging with Singapore, Malaya could have direct control over the internal affairs of Singapore, allowing Malaya to impose laws and its civil and military defences against communist activities. Hence, Malaya merged with Singapore to keep it safe from communists.

Malaya decided to merge with Singapore after the Chinese problem was solved.

Malaya decided to merge with Singapore after the Chinese problem was solved. Malaya agreed to merge after Sabah and Sarawak joined the merger. Previously, if Malaya had only merged with Singapore, the Chinese would have become the majority, and Malays would have become the minority. Furthermore, this would result in the loss of political power and the position of UMNO in Malaya. Hence, Malaya decided to merge after solving the Chinese problem.

What was the Malaysian Agreement that was negotiated during the merger agreement?

The Malaysian Agreement included a common market. (economic)

The Malaysia Agreement also included the Borneo Loan. (economic)

Malay rights were also included in the Malaysia Agreement. (social)

Seats in the parliament for Singapore were also included in the Malaysia Agreement. (political)

The Malaysia Agreement also dealt with citizenship and political participation (political)

The 5Cs

Common market

Cash

Constitution

Citizenship

The Malaysian Agreement included a common market. (economic)

The Malaysian Agreement included a common market. PAP wanted the common market before the merger as it would increase trade between Malaya and Singapore, helping industries to grow and increasing employment. However, Malaya wanted to set up a common market after the merger, as setting up a common market would increase competition from Singaporean companies, and Malaya wanted to protect her companies. Eventually, Malaya agreed to set up a common market gradually; however, Singapore would have to pay 40% of its revenue to K.L, and these funds would help increase the competitiveness of Malayan companies. Furthermore, the money saved from not paying taxes could also be used to expand Singapore’s companies. (economic)

The Malaysian Agreement also included the Borneo Loan. (economic)

The Malaysian Agreement also included the Borneo loan. Malaya wanted Singapore to gift $50million as a gift to develop Sabah and Sarawak; however, Singapore could not gift $50million as she needed that money for her own development. Singapore proposed to lend $150million instead. In the end, Singapore was to lend $150million to be repaid in 15 years, and $100million would have no interest, and Singapore also had to provide 50% of the labour required for the development of Sabah and Sarawak. Malaya could benefit from this as it would have $150million to develop Sabah and Sarawak. Furthermore, Singaporean firms could also benefit from the funds spent for the development of these 2 states. Hence, the Borneo loan was included in the Malaysian agreement to benefit the 2 countries. (economic)

Malay rights were also included in the Malaysian Agreement. (social)

Malay rights were also included in the Malaysian Agreement. Singapore wanted to allow all citizens to enjoy equal rights in Singapore; however, Malaya wanted Malays to receive special rights in Singapore. Eventually, it was agreed that Singapore would recognise Malays in Singapore as indigenous people of Singapore. Malays would receive free education up to university level. Furthermore, help would also be provided to the Malays to improve their economic and political position. (social)

Seats in the Parliament of Singapore were also included in the Malaysian Agreement. (political)

Seats in the parliament for Singapore were also included in the Malaysian Agreement. Singapore wanted 24 seats in the Malaysian Federal Parliament, while controlling education and labour policies, while Malaya wanted Singapore to adopt Malaya’s policies. In the end, it was decided that Singapore would receive 15 seats plus control over education and labour policies. If Singapore had to adopt Malaya’s policies, then many problems would have occurred due to the special rights Malays would have received. Furthermore, the Chinese would also become unhappy if Singapore had to make Bahasa Melayu the common language of Singapore. Hence, the seats in parliament were included in the Malaysian agreement to solve these problems. (political)

The Malaysia Agreement also dealt with citizenship and political participation (political)

The Malaysia Agreement also dealt with citizenship and political participation. Singapore wanted Singaporeans to retain Singaporean citizenship while becoming nationals of Malaya, and not be able to vote in Malaysian Federal elections, while Malaya wanted Malaysians to not be able to vote in Singapore General elections. In the end, it was decided that the political parties would be able to campaign in elections in both territories, provided that the candidates were citizens of the respective territories. Hence, the Malaysia Agreement settled important political issues concerning citizenship, voting rights and political participation. (political)

Reasons for separation

Malaysian Solidarity Convention (political)

Anti-PAP campaigns (political)

Racial Riots (social)

Taxes (economic)

Closure of Bank of China (economic)

Malaysian Solidarity Convention (political)

Separation occurred due to the Malaysian Solidarity Convention (MSC). The PAP formed the MSC in response to the Alliance Party’s reorganisation to challenge the PAP in the 1967 Singapore General Elections. The PAP invited non-communal parties from Sabah, Sarawak, and Malaysia, and pushed the convention of a “Malaysian Malaysia’ and equality of all races. However, the PAP’s non-communal approach opposed UMNO’s special rights for Malays. Furthermore, the Malaysian ministers feared that similar rallies would spread to the mainland. So, UNMO members demanded the arrest of Lee Kuan Yew. Hence, the MSC caused the separation.

Anti-PAP campaigns (political)

Separation occurred due to the Anti-PAP campaigns. UMNO criticised PAP for not treating the Malays well. They launched Anti-PAP campaigns through the Malay press, especially the Utusan Melayu. The Utusan Melayu claimed that PAP redeveloping Crawford, Kampong Glam, and Rochor areas badly affected the Malays due to the resettlement, even though only 200 out of the 2500 families were Malay. Furthermore, the Utusan Melayu and Syed Ja’afar Albar criticised the PAP for showing a lack of concern for the Malays. So, Lee met with Malay representatives on 19 July 1964 and promised Malays education, employment, and housing. However, after this, the Utusan Melayu continued to print misleading articles about how the PAP was ill-treating the Malays. This made many Malays in Singapore anti-PAP, and this was one of the leading causes of the racial riots. Hence, due to the Anti-PAP campaigns, separation occurred.

Racial Riots (social)

The racial riots also caused separation. On 21 July 1964, a Chinese policeman tried to stop the procession celebrating Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. Agitators used this procession to spout Anti-PAP sentiments. Furthermore, racial tensions were created earlier by the Anti-PAP speeches of UMNO Secretary-General Syed Ja’afar Albar. As a result of this, in the July riots, 23 people died, and 454 people were injured; and in the September riots, 13 people died, and 106 people were injured. Singapore did not have the means to crush the riots and instead waited for the Federal police to do so. Hence, separation was caused by the racial riots.

Taxes (economic)

Taxes imposed by the Federal government also caused separation. In 1964, the Federal government imposed several taxes on Singapore in the form of turnover tax, payroll tax, and taxes on diesel and sugar to boost its revenue, of which 40% would go to the Federal government. Furthermore, the excuse given was to pay for its increased defence expenditure. Singapore refused, as they said that they were not consulted on the new taxation system. As a result, relations between the 2 got worse. These tensions led to the separation.

Closure of the Bank of China (economic)

The reason for the separation was the order to close the Bank of China (BOC). K.L. (Kuala Lumpur) claimed that the BOC was sending funds to the communists who were still fighting in the jungles of Malaysia. However, Singapore said that closing the BOC would cause economic hardships to Singaporeans, as the BOC promoted trade between China and Singapore. As a result, relations between the two got worse. Furthermore, as Singapore separated from Malaysia, the bank remained open. Hence, the separation was caused by this order.