Singapore: Independence and Nation-Building

Study Notes

Established in 1819 through a treaty between the British East India Company and the Sultan of Johor, Singapore served as a strategic trading post.
In 1824, the British purchased the entirety of Singapore, making it a part of the Straits Settlements.
The 1824 Dutch-Anglo Treaty formalized spheres of influence, transferring Melaka to the British and allowing the establishment of a harbor in Singapore.

1963 marked Singapore's entry into Malaysia following the independence of Malaya from British rule in 1957.
Lee Kuan Yew's agreement for merger faced protests from Indonesia's Sukarno.
Tensions grew due to distrust between Singapore and the federal Malaysian government, primarily over finance, politics, and ethnic policies.

Clashes in governance led to Singapore being underrepresented in the Malaysian parliament compared to its population size.
Economic grievances included Singapore contributing approximately 40% of Malaysia's budget amidst trade restrictions.
Ethnic riots fueled by competing political parties (UMNO vs. PAP) and demands for affirmative action culminated in Singapore's expulsion from Malaysia on 9 August 1965, marking its independence.

Born on 16 September 1923, Lee Kuan Yew was educated in Law at Cambridge and became a founding member of the People’s Action Party (PAP) in 1954.
His experiences during the Japanese Occupation shaped his resolve for self-governance and national pride.

Focused on long-term planning over populist policies and aimed to define Singapore's national identity despite its diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Education emphasized equality among ethnic groups, with a public school system teaching English and mother tongues.
National service enforced conscription, promoting solidarity and national identity among citizens.

Transitioned from Import Substitution Industrialization (ISI) to Export Oriented Industrialization (EOI) post-independence to address limited domestic market size.
Established Singapore as Southeast Asia's financial hub by creating a 24-hour banking environment, cultivating foreign investments, and attracting multinational corporations (MNCs).
Government-linked companies played a pivotal role, controlling 60-70% of the economy, while local SMEs faced marginalization.

A dominant party system under the PAP characterized Singapore's political landscape, with restricted dissent and limited media freedom.
Strict legal enforcement and penalties maintained public order, alongside harsh policies such as mandatory death sentences for severe offenses.

Public campaigns promoted behaviors such as cleanliness with significant fines for littering and bans on chewing gum.
Emphasized public transport usage through high taxes on car ownership, contributing to efficient urban management.

Education was prioritized to foster a skilled workforce, with a focus on strict law enforcement and social compliance.
Public campaigns aimed to shape citizen behavior and promote a cohesive national identity.

Singapore’s independence in 1965 precipitated an economic miracle marked by high GDP, education standards, and low corruption.
Its success lay in authoritarian developmental strategies, effective nation-building in a diverse society, and a strong international orientation toward investment and collaboration.