Singapore's Merger with Malaya 1959

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Questions and Answers

What year did Singapore attain full internal self-government?

1963

1955

1959 (correct)

1965

Which event directly preceded the formation of the Federation of Malaysia?

Formation of the Barisan Socialist

Independence of Malaya

PAP's 1963 election victory

Cobbold Commission findings (correct)

What was one major opposition group formed against the proposed merger in 1961?

PAP

Cobbold Commission

Barisan Socialist (correct)

Malaysian Solidarity Convention

What sparked riots across Singapore in 1964?

Clashes on Prophet Muhammad’s birthday Signup and view all the answers

What significant event happened in 1965 related to Singapore's status?

Singapore attains independence Signup and view all the answers

What led to Ong's suspension from the PAP in June 1960?

He challenged the PAP leadership at a conference. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the vote did Ong receive when he contested the Hong Lim by-election as an independent candidate?

73.3% Signup and view all the answers

Which group within the PAP supported gradual political change through elections?

The moderate group Signup and view all the answers

What was the Tunku's main concern regarding the radical group in the PAP?

They might establish a communist government. Signup and view all the answers

What prompted the Tunku to signal a change of heart regarding the merger with Singapore?

The outcome of the Hong Lim by-election. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the radical group within the PAP object to the proposed merger?

They feared oppression by the Malayan federal government. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Anson by-election on July 15, 1961?

The PAP candidate lost due to radical sabotage. Signup and view all the answers

What was settled on August 24, 1961, regarding the merger terms?

Singapore would have special status in Malaysia. Signup and view all the answers

What title would Singapore citizens hold instead of being called federal citizens?

Federal Nationals Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of governance would the federal government in Kuala Lumpur oversee?

Internal Security Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main criticisms by the Barisan Socialis regarding Singapore's representation?

Under-representation in the Malaysian parliament Signup and view all the answers

What type of campaign did the PAP conduct to promote the merger?

Year-long Radio Campaign Signup and view all the answers

What event was held on September 1, 1962, regarding the merger?

Referendum on merger Signup and view all the answers

What consequence arose from Singapore's limited seats in the federal parliament?

Increased opposition from political groups Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of LKY's radio talks during the campaign for merger?

To convince the public of the merger's necessity Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of governance did Singapore retain control over after the merger?

Education and Labour Matters Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant issue raised by opposition groups regarding citizenship in the merger?

Restriction to only federal nationals Signup and view all the answers

What form of direct action did the Barisan Socialis take in September 1961?

Student demonstrations and labour strikes Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant reason for Singapore's push for merger with Malaya in the 1959 elections?

To achieve political independence from British control Signup and view all the answers

What primary economic challenge did Singapore face prior to the merger?

A declining entrepôt trade Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic concern did Malaya have regarding the merger with Singapore?

The potential dominance of the Chinese population Signup and view all the answers

What concern did the Tunku have about Singapore potentially becoming independent?

Malaya would lose its representation in security matters Signup and view all the answers

What event in 1961 intensified Malaya's fears regarding a communist threat in Singapore?

The Hong Lim by-election Signup and view all the answers

During the Cold War, why was Britain concerned about Southeast Asia?

To prevent the region from falling under communist control Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the proposed benefits of a common market through the merger?

Increased job creation through expanded trade Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial reaction of Malaya towards the merger with Singapore?

Initial hesitation followed by acceptance Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Tunku play in the discussions about Singapore's merger with Malaya?

He expressed concern over potential communist influence. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the fear of communism have on the proposed merger between Singapore and Malaya?

It was a motivating factor for the merger support in Malaya. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Historical Background and Merger Proposal

Full internal self-government was achieved in Singapore in 1959, leading to the People's Action Party (PAP) government pursuing a merger with Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak.
Merger seen as a pathway to political independence for Singapore, necessary for British withdrawal.
Context of Cold War heightened fears of communism spreading in Southeast Asia, prompting British support for a new federation.

Timeline of Key Events

1957: Malaya gains independence from Britain.
1959: PAP wins elections, promising independence through merger.
1961: Tunku Abdul Rahman proposes merger; Barisan Socialist founded to oppose it; Hong Lim by-election occurs.
1962: Cobbold Commission finds strong support for merger; referendum held.
1963: Formation of Malaysia; Confrontation with Indonesia begins; PAP wins elections.
1964: PAP wins only one seat, leading to riots.
1965: Singapore gains independence; Malaysian Solidarity Convention formed.

Motivations for Merger

Economic Survival: Singapore was economically vulnerable, lacking resources and facing a job crisis; a common market could stimulate trade and create jobs.
Malaya's Concerns: Fear of Singapore's large Chinese population, potential communist sympathies, and instability if Singapore gained independence without control.

Hong Lim By-election

Conducted in April 1961 following Ong Eng Huan's political fallout; Ong ran as an independent and won with 73.3% of the vote, alarming Tunku.
The election highlighted divisions within PAP, causing Tunku to reconsider merger support due to fears of radicalization within PAP.

Agreement on Merger

Tunku's shift to support merger occurred in May 1961, leading to discussions with Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
The merger offered Singapore a special status in Malaysia; radical groups within PAP were against it, fearing suppression by the federal government.

Key Points of Merger Agreement

Singapore to have its own head of state and special voting rights as 'federal nationals'.
Control over local elections, revenue collection, and administration of education and labor.
Federal government to manage defense, internal security, and foreign relations.

Opposition to the Merger

Major objections from Barisan Socialist due to concerns of second-class citizenship and lack of representation in the Malaysian Parliament.
Organised protests and demonstrations to oppose merger plans, presenting their cases through public forums.

PAP's Campaign for Merger

PAP launched a comprehensive campaign, including radio talks by LKY promoting the merger benefits.
Exhibitions intended to strengthen cultural ties and promote the advantages of Federation across the territories.

Referendum on Merger

Held on September 1, 1962, to gauge public opinion on the merger concept, prompting discussions about the desired form of such a union.

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Description

Explore the significant events leading to Singapore's merger with Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak in 1963. This quiz covers key milestones from 1957 to 1961, focusing on the political landscape and impact of the People's Action Party (PAP) during this transformative period in Singapore's history.