HI 101-106
HI 101: Was there a Singapore before 1819?
What is History & Why Study It?
Definition: History is the discovery and interpretation of the human past. It helps relate to the past, understand the present, and predict the future.
Critical Thinking: Studying history develops critical thinking by using evidence, making inferences, questioning reliability, comparing, and interpreting. It encourages questioning claims and seeking supporting evidence, enhancing judgment and decision-making.
Understanding Change: History helps understand how society evolved, like the formation of Singapore's multi-racial society through immigration. It explains current customs and practices.
National Identity: Studying national history fosters a sense of nationhood and belonging, important for unity, especially in young countries like Singapore. Shared histories and grievances contribute to nationalism.
Learning from Mistakes: History teaches about the consequences of past actions. Example: Learning self-reliance from the British surrender in WWII. It provides insights into past generations' problem-solving.
Roles of Historians & Archaeologists
Historians: Use written records, texts, media, interviews, and documents. Focus on written evidence, inscriptions, photos, interviews.
Archaeologists: Study material remains (artefacts). Use artefacts, geology, floral/faunal remains, sometimes aided by texts. Employ historical skills (maps, records) and may need knowledge of natural sciences.
History Skills
Time: Uses chronology and periodization. Measured by clock and calendar. Units: day, year, decade, century, millennium. Tools: Sundial, hourglass, clock, chronometer, GPS/NTP. Timelines show chronological development.
AD/BC: Anno Domini / Before Christ. No year zero.
Evidence: Types include Oral, Pictorial, Artefacts, Written.
Primary Sources: First-hand evidence (artefacts, diaries, photos).
Secondary Sources: Second-hand accounts (books, webpages).
Working with Sources: Primary sources are historical evidence. Challenges include bias, unreliability, multiple interpretations.
Evidence of Pre-1819 Singapore
Sources: Written (Sejarah Melayu, Chinese Records), Artefacts (Singapore Stone, coins, pottery), Visual (Old Maps, Photos).
Location: Southern Malay Peninsula, east of Sumatra, north of Java, west of Borneo, part of Malay Archipelago.
Artefacts:
Singapore Stone: Large rock with undecipherable 12th-13th C. writing, suggesting early literacy.
Jewellery/Pottery (Fort Canning): 14th C. items similar to Majapahit suggesting possible rule. 14th C. Chinese porcelain suggests trade.
Written Records:
Sejarah Melayu (13th-14th C.): Calls island Temasek ('Sea Town/Port'). Founded by Sang Nila Utama who named it Singapura ('Lion City'). Mentions fort at Fort Canning Hill built against Siam/Java attacks.
Wang Dayuan (1330s-1340s): Described Temasek as a famous trading place with Chinese residents.
Post-14th Century & European Arrival
Parameswara took over, then was driven out; Singapore declined.
Europeans arrived seeking spices and wealth.
Portuguese: Captured Melaka (1511). Burnt Singapore settlement (1613). Island forgotten, left to pirates/Orang Laut.
Dutch: Took Melaka (17th C.). Controlled regional spice trade, restricted others to Batavia, maintained monopoly.
HI 102: British Colonialism of Singapore
Reasons Britain Came to Southeast Asia (SEA)
Search for Markets (Industrialisation): Industrial Revolution created a need for markets for finished goods and raw materials. SEA populations were seen as promising markets. Provided economic strength for Britain. Britain became a superpower by the 19th C.
Search for Raw Materials (Economies of Scale): Needed raw materials to produce goods cheaply in large quantities, increasing demand.
Rivalry & Competition: Colonies were symbols of national prestige. Britain was anxious about rivals like France and Germany expanding their influence. Colonies seen as guaranteeing future power.
Humanitarian Causes ("White Man's Burden"): Belief in a moral responsibility to "civilise" other parts of the world, especially areas perceived as having domestic disorder. This is a controversial explanation, as the main motive was likely economic.
Reasons for British Search for a New Trading Settlement
Break Dutch Monopoly: Dutch controlled much of the Malay Archipelago, restricting British trade (e.g., to Batavia) and charging high fees/taxes. British needed a port to bypass Dutch control. The British East India Company (EIC), founded in 1600, was a powerful entity with rights to trade, acquire territory, mint money, command troops, and wage war.
Protect British Trade with China: Profitable trade (especially tea from China, opium to China) was threatened by Dutch control over key straits (Melaka and Sunda). British ships needed a stopover point for supplies.
Unsuitability of Penang & Bencoolen: Existing British ports were poorly located. Penang was too far north to control the Straits of Melaka effectively. Bencoolen faced the Indian Ocean, not the Straits. Neither could effectively challenge Dutch dominance or attract significant trade. An ideal settlement needed to be south of Melaka, near main trade routes, to protect shipping and attract traders.
Advantages of Singapore
Strategically located at the southern entrance of the Straits of Melaka.
Excellent natural harbour, deep enough for large ships, protected from storms.
Good supply of drinking water.
No Dutch presence on the island.
Establishing the British Settlement
Raffles and William Farquhar arrived on Jan 28, 1819.
Met Temenggong Abdul Rahman (Malay chief of Singapore) on Jan 29, 1819.
Political Problem: Singapore was part of the Johor-Riau Sultanate, ruled by Sultan Abdul Rahman, who was under Dutch influence. Only the Sultan could grant permission.
Raffles' Solution:
Identified Tengku Hussein, the elder brother, as the rightful heir who had been bypassed.
Secretly invited Tengku Hussein to Singapore and recognised him as Sultan in exchange for permission to establish a settlement.
Signed a treaty on Feb 6, 1819, with Sultan Hussein and the Temenggong, allowing the EIC to set up a post in southern Singapore in return for annual payments ($5000 to Sultan, $3000 to Temenggong).
Dispute with the Dutch & 1824 Treaty
The Dutch protested, arguing Singapore was under their sphere of influence via Sultan Abdul Rahman.
Britain and Holland avoided war and negotiated.
Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824:
Settled the dispute, allowing Britain to keep Singapore.
Demarcated spheres of influence: British (Malay Peninsula & Singapore), Dutch (Dutch East Indies/Indonesia).
Britain gained Melaka from the Dutch; Dutch gained Bencoolen from Britain.
Singapore officially became a British colony.
Who Founded Modern Singapore? (Alternative Views)
The dominant view credits Raffles, but contributions of others are noted.
William Farquhar (First Resident):
Managed the settlement's early development while Raffles was mostly absent (Governor-General in Bencoolen).
Cleared jungle, improved sanitation (rat/centipede control), built defences, set up a police force, invited settlers from Melaka, boosting trade and security. Played a pivotal role in transforming the village into a port.
Dr John Crawfurd (Second Resident):
The 1819 Treaty only granted rights to a settlement, not full control. Singapore was still Malay territory.
Crawfurd signed the treaty on Aug 2, 1824, with Sultan Hussein and the Temenggong, ceding the entire island to the EIC in exchange for larger payments. This treaty made Singapore fully a British possession.
HI 103: Evolution of Singapore’s Multi-racial society
Immigrants: Who & Where From?
China: Southern provinces (Fujian - Hokkiens; Guangdong - Cantonese, Teochews, Hakkas; Hainan - Hainanese).
Europe: Britain, France, Holland, Portugal.
Melaka & Penang: Straits-born Chinese (Peranakans).
Arabia: Yemen.
Malay Archipelago: Malays, Javanese, Boyanese (from Pulau Bawean), Bugis (from Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Riau-Lingga).
India & Ceylon (Sri Lanka): Tamils (Madras, Negapatam), North Indians (Punjabis, Bengalis, Gujeratis, Parsees), Ceylonese (Tamils, Sinhalese).
Reasons for Immigration (Push & Pull Factors)
Push Factors:
China: Overpopulation, land/job shortages, natural disasters (earthquakes, typhoons), political chaos under Qing Dynasty.
Malay Archipelago: Piracy, regional wars.
India: Overpopulation, food/job shortages, natural disasters (droughts, famine).
Pull Factors:
British Policies: No immigration restrictions. Free Port status attracted traders (no customs duties/taxes).
Opportunities: Better jobs, trade opportunities, potential wealth.
Location & Stability: Strategic location, convenient to travel to. Relative peace and stability compared to the region.
European Factors: British Industrial Revolution created need for markets; British companies set up branches, sending staff.
Settlement Patterns (Raffles' Town Plan)
Early immigrants settled haphazardly near the Singapore River mouth.
1822: Lt. Philip Jackson drew up a town plan under Raffles' instruction. Implemented under Dr John Crawfurd after 1823.
Plan demarcated commercial, government, and residential areas.
Segregated races ("divide and rule" policy):
Chinatown: For Chinese, subdivided by dialect group, each with a Kapitan.
European Town: For Europeans and wealthy Asians, with larger houses.
Kampong Glam: For Malays and other Muslims, including an area for the Sultan and followers.
Commercial Square (Raffles Place): Central trading area for European and Asian traders.
Outside town: Jungles cleared for plantations by the 1840s.
Contributions to Trade (Entrepot Centre)
Free port status attracted global traders.
Became an entrepot hub: Goods imported, stored in warehouses, repackaged, and re-exported (e.g., to Britain/Europe). Connected East and West trade.
European firms set up agency houses linking to Europe, exporting British goods.
Chinese: Worked as coolies (docks, construction), middlemen (using language skills), coolie agents, barbers, provision shop owners, rickshaw pullers, street hawkers.
Indians: Worked as labourers (cargo), moneylenders (Chettiars), dominated transport until the 1860s. Indian convicts provided labour for clearing land, building roads/buildings.
Malays: Provided basic necessities (firewood, food), worked as gardeners, huntsmen, skilled shipbuilders.
Europeans: Established large trading companies and agency houses.
Social Impact & Community Responses
Widespread Disease: Poor sanitation and hygiene led to diseases like malaria, typhoid, smallpox, tuberculosis among poor immigrants. Malnutrition and illness caused many deaths. Beggars were common.
Community Contributions (Philanthropy):
Tan Tock Seng: Established Pauper's Hospital (now Tan Tock Seng Hospital) in 1844.
Syed Mohamed bin Alsagoff: Funded medical services and amenities (e.g., water wells).
Funded proper burials for the poor.
Thong Chai Medical Institution: Established 1867 for the less fortunate.
Christian Missionaries: Set up schools. St Margaret's School started 1842 by Mrs Maria Dyer as a home for rescued girls.
Crime & Vice: Rampant in the 1850s. Secret societies flourished. Issues included coolie abuse, slave trade, prostitution, opium smoking, robberies, murders. Unsafe streets affected investor confidence. Opium use was significant.
HI 104: How did World War II affect Singapore?
Background: War in Europe & Asia
Europe: Post-WWI Treaty of Versailles humiliated Germany, fostering resentment.
Asia (Japan's Motives):
Expansionism: Ambition to conquer territories and become master of Asia/Pacific.
Resource Scarcity: Invaded Manchuria (1931) and China (1937) for resources like coal and iron needed for industries. Protracted war in China and US embargoes (airplanes, oil) cut off supplies.
Focus on SEA: Turned to resource-rich SEA (tin, oil, timber, rubber). Believed European powers were too preoccupied in Europe to defend colonies. Advanced into Indo-China (1940) as a base.
Conflict with US: US demanded withdrawal from China/Indo-China. Japan refused, leading to further embargoes (iron, ammunition, oil), strengthening resolve to invade SEA. Attacked Pearl Harbor to cripple US Pacific fleet and prevent interference in SEA expansion.
Pearl Harbor Impact: Brought the US into WWII on the Allied side, ultimately leading to Japan's defeat via atomic bombs.
Factors Enabling Easy Japanese Victory in SEA
Thailand's Cooperation: Allowed Japanese military bases, facilitating attacks on other SEA countries.
Colonial Powers Preoccupied: Britain, France, Dutch focused on war in Europe, neglecting SEA defence.
US Weakened: Pearl Harbor attack reduced US military capability in Asia.
Reasons for British Defeat in Malaya/Singapore
Differing Priorities: Britain prioritized Europe/North Africa over Asia. Japan prioritized securing SEA resources.
British Military Weaknesses vs. Japanese Strength:
British Unpreparedness: Overestimated own strength, underestimated Japanese capabilities. Naval base lacked sufficient warships; air bases lacked modern fighters.
Japanese Superiority: Modern air force ("Zero" fighters outperformed old British planes), effective use of tanks (British mistakenly thought tanks unsuitable for jungle). Easily sank British battleships Repulse and Prince of Wales (sent without air cover).
Troop Training & Commitment: British troops lacked jungle warfare training. Japanese troops were fewer but better trained, highly loyal, and fought fiercely.
Leadership: British General Percival seen as indecisive; Japanese General Yamashita seen as skillful and effective.
Surrender: British forces surrendered on Feb 15, 1942. Singapore renamed Syonan-to ("Light of the South"). It was the largest surrender of British-led forces in history.
Lessons from the Fall of Singapore
Loss of respect for the British as protectors.
Realisation that Asian powers could defeat Western ones.
Fueled post-war independence movements across Asia.
Emphasized the need for self-reliance in defence. Importance of civil defence recognised.
Life During Japanese Occupation (Syonan Years)
Treatment of People:
Allied POWs: British, Australians, Europeans imprisoned (Changi, Selarang Barracks). Indian soldiers pressured to join the Japanese-backed Indian National Army (INA); refusal led to torture/death. POWs forced into hard labour (cleaning city, building Death Railway) under harsh conditions with little food, leading to many deaths.
Local Civilians (General): Lived in constant fear due to harsh Japanese control methods. Public executions/displays of heads for looting. Forced bowing to guards, punishment for non-compliance. Close surveillance via registration, passes, surprise checks. Kempeitai (military police) used informers, rewards, brutal torture, leading to suspicion and fear. Many sent as forced labour for the Death Railway, suffering high mortality.
Chinese: Main target due to prior support for China against Japan and resistance during the Battle of Bukit Timah. Subjected to Sook Ching ("purge through cleansing") massacre. Men (and sometimes women/children) screened; suspects identified arbitrarily (often by hooded informers) and executed (e.g., at Changi Beach).
Eurasians: Suffered due to association with Europeans and participation in Volunteer Corps; many imprisoned or shot.
Malays & Indians: Generally treated less harshly as Japanese sought their support against the British. However, still punished for disobedience.
Hardship & Suffering:
Food Shortages: War disrupted supplies; Japanese prioritized resources for their army. Rationing implemented (rice, salt, sugar). People relied on substitutes (tapioca, sweet potatoes), grew own food, shared resources. Black market thrived with exorbitant prices.
Economic Hardship: Japanese issued "banana notes," printing excessive amounts, causing hyperinflation and making the currency virtually worthless.
Health Issues: Malnutrition and disease were common due to food and medicine shortages.
Propaganda: Aimed to remove Western influence, promote Japanese culture/values, and ensure loyalty.
Mandatory Japanese language learning (in schools, newspapers, radio), with privileges for learners.
School children forced to pledge loyalty to Emperor, sing Japanese songs.
Controlled media: radios sealed to local broadcasts only, Japanese films in cinemas, controlled newspapers promoting Japanese viewpoints.
Celebration of Japanese festivals and events.
Anti-Japanese Resistance:
Malayan People's Anti-Japanese Army (MPAJA): Carried out guerilla attacks from jungle bases. Faced hardship (lack of food/medicine) but continued activities, distributing newspapers and organising gatherings.
Force 136: British-backed secret organisation gathering intelligence and organising sabotage. Recruited locals (trained in India), worked with MPAJA. Leader Lim Bo Seng captured and died, remembered as a war hero.
End of Occupation
Japanese surrendered Aug 15, 1945, after US atomic bombings. Formal surrender in Singapore Sep 12, 1945.
Occupation left a lasting traumatic impact, changing perspectives.
HI 105: Response of Local People to British Rule After WWII
Introduction
Following the Japanese surrender in August 1945, British rule returned to Singapore on September 5, 1945.
Post-war Singapore faced severe socio-economic issues: shortages of food, water, electricity, and housing.
Poor living conditions, including overcrowded housing and inadequate sanitation, led to widespread diseases.
Despite British efforts, hardships persisted, creating an environment ripe for political exploitation and disruption.
Organised Strikes
Widespread discontent due to unemployment, food shortages, and poor living conditions fueled numerous strikes and work stoppages after 1945.
1947 was known as the 'Year of Strikes', with over 300 strikes involving nearly 70,000 workers.
Strikes were common sights, often featuring anti-colonial sentiments.
The Malayan Communist Party (MCP) influenced trade union leaders, encouraging strikes for better working conditions (shorter hours, higher pay) and demanding better rations.
Strikes disrupted socio-economic stability, causing public inconvenience and affecting businesses. The British government's response was perceived as slow.
Demand for Self-Government and Political Parties
The British defeat by the Japanese damaged their reputation and image of superiority.
Locals felt the British had failed to protect Singapore and should leave.
The post-war period saw a shift in local attitudes towards the British.
External events, like decolonisation movements in Vietnam, India, and Indonesia, fueled the desire for self-government. Locals believed they could govern themselves.
The first political party, the Singapore Progressive Party (SPP), was formed in 1947 and contested the 1948 elections.
More parties emerged, including the Labour Front (LF) in July 1954 and the People's Action Party (PAP) in November 1954.
Riots as Expression of Anti-British Feelings
The 1950s saw significant riots, interpreted partly as expressions of anti-British sentiment.
Maria Hertogh Riots (1950):
A religious and racial conflict over the custody of Maria Hertogh, a Dutch Catholic girl raised as a Muslim by her adoptive Malay mother, Aminah.
Legal battles ensued between Maria's biological parents and Aminah. Maria married a Muslim man in August 1950.
In December 1950, the court returned Maria to her biological parents and placed her in a Catholic convent, annulling her marriage.
This decision, perceived as biased and racist by Muslims, sparked outrage, fueled by media reports.
Three days of rioting resulted in deaths (18 according to one source, 9 according to another) and injuries. A curfew lasted two weeks.
Most casualties were Europeans or Eurasians. Members of the Nadra Action Committee, which supported Aminah, were arrested.
Causes analysed by the Riots Inquiry Commission (1951): Racial antagonism, bad policing, media exploitation, but no communist exploitation found.
Racial antagonism targeted Europeans and Eurasians. Figures like Dr. Burhanuddin were seen as fueling religious emotions. The case highlighted clashes between religions, cultures, races, and colonizers vs. colonized.
The Commission criticized the administration's insensitivity (placing Maria in a convent) and the police's failure to control demonstrations and alleged inaction by Malay police officers.
Anti-National Service Riots (1954):
Started by Chinese-educated students protesting the National Service Ordinance, which required males aged 18-20 to register.
Students felt the colonial government ignored their interests.
A peaceful demonstration turned violent when police intervened.
Over two dozen were injured, and 48 students were arrested.
Communists were believed to have instigated the riots, portraying NS as prolonging colonial rule.
Political Progress in Singapore 1948-1955: British Response
1948 Election
First election introduced, allowing locals into the Legislative Council (LC).
LC composition: 9 officials nominated by Governor + 13 non-officials (4 nominated, 3 selected by Chambers of Commerce, 6 elected).
Low voter turnout (13,800 out of 940,000) due to eligibility restrictions (only Singapore-born could vote) and non-compulsory voting.
Only the Singapore Progressive Party (SPP) contested.
Formed Aug 1947, led by English-speaking professionals like Tan Chye Cheng, John Laycock, N.A. Mallal.
Believed in gradual self-government.
Won 3 of 6 elected seats; independents won the other 3.
Emergence of More Political Parties
Prospects of elections under a new Constitution spurred political activity.
Labour Front (LF):
Formed July 1954, led by David Marshall, Lim Yew Hock, Francis Thomas.
Comprised low-income, English-educated trade union leaders.
Supported immediate independence, greater equality, extended citizenship for China-born, and multilingualism.
People's Action Party (PAP):
Established Nov 1954, led by Lee Kuan Yew, Goh Keng Swee, Toh Chin Chye, S Rajaratnam, K.M. Byrne.
Demanded immediate independence and cooperation among anti-colonial forces.
Aimed to win support from workers, trade unions, and Chinese school students.
1955 Election
Well-contested, with 79 candidates for 25 Legislative Assembly seats.
Parties campaigned vigorously through visits, rallies, and materials.
Higher voter turnout (160,000) due to increased interest, promise of greater self-government, more parties, and expanded voter eligibility.
Campaigns focused on anti-colonialism; LF and PAP gained support, especially from the Chinese-speaking majority, promising an end to British rule.
Outcome: LF won 10 seats, SPP 4, Alliance Party 3, PAP 3, Democrats 2, Independents 3.
LF became the largest party; David Marshall became Singapore's first Chief Minister due to LF's strong anti-colonial stance and his charisma.
PAP won 3 of 4 contested seats (Goh Chew Hua, Lim Chin Siong, Lee Kuan Yew). Ahmad Ibrahim (Independent) later joined PAP.
Results surprised the British, who expected SPP to win. Showed a shift in politics: voters favored anti-British parties and rejected pro-British, conservative ones, reflecting discontent among the working-class Chinese majority.
The first Council of Ministers was formed under the Rendel Constitution.
Was there a Singapore before 1819?
What is History?
The discovery and interpretation of the human past.
Helps relate to the past, understand the present, and predict the future.
Why Study History?
Develops Critical Thinking: Involves using evidence, making inferences, questioning reliability, comparing, and interpreting. Encourages questioning claims and seeking supporting evidence. Enhances judgment and informed decision-making skills, vital for a knowledge-based economy.
Understands Change & Society: Explains how the present society (e.g., multi-racial Singapore) came to be by studying past events like immigration. Helps understand current customs and practices.
Fosters National Identity: Develops a sense of nationhood and belonging, crucial for unity, especially during difficulties. Shared historical narratives, memories, and grievances contribute to nationalism.
Learn from Past Mistakes: Teaches that actions have consequences. Example: Learning self-reliance for defense from the British surrender in WWII. Understand past generations' thoughts, actions, and problem-solving.
Roles of Historians & Archaeologists
Historians: Study the past through written records, texts, media, interviews, and documents (diaries, newspapers, official records). Focus on written evidence, inscriptions, photos, and interviews.
Archaeologists: Study the past through material remains (artefacts). Piece together events using artefacts, sometimes aided by texts. Analyse sites using material data, employ historical skills (maps, records), and may need knowledge of geology, botany, zoology. Focus on artefacts (ceramics, glass, coins, etc.), geology, and floral/faunal remains.
History Skills
Measuring Time: Using chronology (sequencing events) and periodization (grouping events). Time measurement forms: clock and calendar. Units: day, year, decade, century, millennium. Methods: Sundial, hourglass, clock, chronometer, GPS/NTP.
Timeline: Shows chronological development, helps understand events/trends, conveys change over time.
AD/BC: Anno Domini (AD) and Before Christ (BC). No year zero in Gregorian calendar; 1 AD follows 1 BC.
Types of Evidence: Oral (accounts, testimonies), Pictorial (photos, cartoons, film), Artefacts, Written (reports, documents, newspapers).
Primary Sources: First-hand evidence (artefacts, diaries, photos, eyewitness accounts) used to build arguments.
Secondary Sources: Second-hand accounts (books, webpages, films) created after primary sources, often discussing them.
Working with Sources: Distinguish evidence (primary sources) from sources. Difficulties: Bias, reliability issues, multiple interpretations.
Evidence of Pre-1819 Singapore
Written Sources:
Sejarah Melayu (Malay Annals): Mentions Singapore as "Temasek" (Sea Town/Port) founded by Sang Nila Utama, who renamed it "Singapura" (Lion City). Describes attacks by Siam & Java, and a fort at Bukit Larangan (Fort Canning Hill), indicating its importance. Dates to 13th-14th centuries.
Chinese Records (Wang Dayuan): Visited in 1330s-1340s. Described Temasek as a famous place with ships, foreigners, and trade. Mentioned Chinese traders and residents.
Artefacts:
Singapore Stone: Large rock at river mouth with undecipherable writing, suggesting literacy in an old language. Dated 12th-13th centuries. Blown up by British in 1843. Shows Singapore's long history and literacy.
Jewellery, Porcelain, Stoneware: Found at Fort Canning, dated to 14th century, similar to Majapahit items, suggesting possible Majapahit rule. Blue-and-white porcelain found in 1984 suggests 14th-century Chinese trade.
Visual/Pictorial Evidence: Old maps, photographs.
Singapore's Location & Early History Summary
Located strategically at the southern end of the Malay Peninsula, part of the Malay Archipelago.
Post-14th Century: Parameswara from Palembang killed the local ruler and took over. Driven out by Siamese forces, he fled to Muar, leaving Singapore to the Orang Laut (sea people). The island declined as a trading port.
Coming of Europeans
Reasons: Increased interest in the world outside Europe, desire for Eastern spices, and wealth available in the East.
Portuguese: First Europeans to find a sea route to the East Indies. Captured Melaka in 1511, profited from spice trade. Burnt down Singapore settlement in 1613 to deter rivals. Singapore became forgotten, inhabited mainly by pirates and Orang Laut fishermen.
Dutch: Took Melaka from Portuguese in the 17th century. Controlled spice trade in Java for 200 years with a strong military presence. Restricted European trade mainly to Batavia (Java), enjoying a trade monopoly.
HI 106: How did Singapore achieve Independence?
Merger with Malaya (Formation of Malaysia)
Proposal: May 27, 1961, Malayan PM Tunku Abdul Rahman suggested a merger of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei.
Reasons for Singapore (PAP's Perspective):
Political (Independence): Britain was reluctant to grant Singapore full independence due to communist influence (strikes, riots). Merger was seen as a path to independence, as Britain favoured the stability of a larger federation. PAP believed merger offered political stability.
Economic (Common Market): Malaya had imposed tariffs post-independence. Merger promised a common market, allowing free trade, which would boost Singapore's industries and create jobs to solve unemployment.
Agreed Terms: Common Market in stages; Singapore provides $150m loan for Sabah/Sarawak development; Singapore collects own revenue, pays agreed taxes to Kuala Lumpur (KL).
Formation: Malaysia formed Sep 16, 1963 (initially planned for Aug 31). Comprised 14 states with state governments under a central government in KL. Brunei refused to join. Singapore pledged loyalty but sought a relationship of equals ("brothers").
Separation from Malaysia (Reasons)
Singapore remained part of Malaysia for less than 2 years.
Political Differences & Elections:
Singapore Alliance Party (SA): Formed 1961 (local UMNO, MCA, MIC branches).
Concept of Malaysia: Fundamental conflict between PAP's call for a multi-racial "Malaysian Malaysia" (equal treatment for all races) and the ruling Alliance Party's (especially UMNO's) insistence on special rights for Malays.
Malaysian Solidarity Convention (MSC): Formed by Lee Kuan Yew to unite non-communal opposition parties (from Singapore, Sabah, Sarawak) against the Alliance's communal approach. Aimed for equality for all races. UMNO saw MSC as an attack on Malay rights, demanding LKY's arrest.
Clash of Economic Interests:
Financial Contribution Dispute: KL proposed increasing Singapore's contribution to the federal budget from 40% to 60%, partly to fund costs related to Indonesian Confrontation. Singapore (led by Finance Minister Goh Keng Swee) rejected this, fearing economic damage and feeling treated as a rival, not a partner.
Bank of China Dispute: KL wanted to close the Bank of China in Singapore, alleging it funded communists. Singapore argued closure would cause economic hardship (loss of access to affordable Chinese goods) and harm trade with China. The bank wasn't closed as separation occurred first.
Separation Decision: Political and economic differences strained ties. Tunku Abdul Rahman saw separation as the solution.
Independence: Singapore officially separated from Malaysia on August 9, 1965.
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