Merger and Separation

Chapter 8 Overview

This chapter delves into Singapore's historical journey towards merger with Malaysia in 1963 and the subsequent separation in 1965. We will explore the motivations behind Singapore's push for merger, the opposition faced, and the reasons for eventual separation. By the end of this chapter, readers will be able to distinguish reasons for and against the merger and explain the circumstances surrounding Singapore's separation from Malaysia.

Singapore's Challenges in the 1950s

In the 1950s, Singapore faced various internal issues that made merger appealing:

Internal Dissatisfaction:

Food shortages plagued the population.
Housing shortages added to the socio-economic discontent.
Economic difficulties hindered growth.

Communist Threat:

The Malayan Emergency (1948-1960) heightened fear of communist influence.
Trade and student unions saw increased strikes and riots, indicating a volatile political climate.

Riots:

The chapter references four significant riots, further illustrating the unrest during this period.

Achievement of Self-Government

By 1959, Singapore achieved full internal self-government following a significant electoral victory by the People's Action Party (PAP).

Motivations for Merger: Part One

1. Political Independence

One of the primary reasons the PAP sought merger was political independence. Britain stipulated that Singapore could only gain independence through merger with Malaya. There were fears of a rising communist threat, particularly from Communist China, leading to desires for increased regional stability.

2. Economic Survival

Economically, Singapore was at a disadvantage due to a lack of natural resources. Merger was seen as a necessity for economic survival:

Malaya could serve as a hinterland, providing essential resources.
Singapore relied heavily on trade, thus tariff restrictions on its goods by Malaya created economic strain.
Merger was expected to establish a common market that would eliminate tariffs, encouraging trade and job creation for Singapore citizens.

Economic Concepts

Essential economic terms introduced include:

Trade Tariffs: Taxes imposed on goods entering or leaving a country.
Common Market: An agreement allowing goods produced in one country to enter another without taxes or restrictions.

Opposition to Merger: Part Two

The Race Problem

Opposition to merger stemmed from significant concerns about race. A predominantly Chinese population in Singapore raised fears about their acceptance of a Malay Sultan and the official use of Islam and Malay as national identity elements.

Communist Fears

There were worries regarding the PAP's potential communist sympathies, especially in light of tensions within the PAP itself during the Hong Lim by-election of 1961, which underscored internal divides.

Tunku Abdul Rahman's Changing Stance

Initially wary, Malaya's Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, changed his mind and proposed a merger on 27 May 1961, indicating the inclusion of additional territories like Brunei and North Borneo. This proposal reflects the evolving political landscape and the complexities of regional dynamics.

Battle for Merger: Part Three

The issue of merger witnessed a significant political tug-of-war:

Anti-Merger: Barisan Socialis opposed the merger, highlighting concerns over citizenship and political representation.
Pro-Merger: The PAP utilized media effectively to promote the merger, emphasizing its benefits through public outreach, including exhibitions.

Referendum of 1962

A referendum held on 1 September 1962 sought the people's opinion on the merger, revealing stark divisions in public sentiment. Barisan Socialis encouraged blank votes as a protest, questioning the referendum's integrity.

Formation of Malaysia

On 16 September 1963, the formation of Malaysia saw Singapore incorporated as a state. However, the terms of this merger included challenges:

Singapore citizens were classified as federal nationals.
Internal governance remained under Singapore's control, while Singapore contributed 40% of its revenue to the federal government.

Reasons for Separation: Part Four

Economic Disagreements

Long-term economic disagreements became increasingly problematic. Expectations for a common market were unfulfilled, and federal government actions escalated Singapore's revenue contributions amidst rising defense expenditures.

Political Differences

Political ideologies differed sharply between the PAP and the Malaysian government. The PAP aimed for a multiracial approach, whereas Malaysia's major political parties were based around individual ethnic identities, favoring specific community interests over equitable representation.

Timeline to Separation

Key events unfolded leading up to separation, including:

Singapore elections in 1963 failed to establish a solid political footing.
Tensions erupted into the race riots of 1964, exacerbated by political incitement.

Conclusion of Separation

Eventually, both parties agreed to separate on 9 August 1965, marking a profound moment of anguish for leaders who had hoped for unity. The narrative closes on speculation about Singapore's capacity to thrive independently in its new state, paving the way for pondering its future.

Merger and Separation of Singapore

Merger and Separation of Singapore