Sec 2 HY: Battle for Merger

When did Singapore obtain full internal Self-Government?

• 1955

• 1959

• 1963

• 1965

Answer explanation

Full internal self-government meant that Singapore was now one step closer towards independence. It had a Prime Minister of its own and its Cabinet was made up completely made up of local representatives. Moreover, Singapore now shared its internal security with Britain and Malaya. However, external security was under the purview of the British.

What were the two main reasons (put forward by the PAP) for Singapore needing to pursue Merger with Malaya?

• Political Independence & Economic Survival

• Political Independence & Racial Equality

• Economic Survival & Social Harmony

• None of the above

Answer explanation

1. Political Independence: Without merger, Britain would not grant Singapore independence on its own as she felt that the island was too vulnerable against the overwhelming forces of Communism.

2. Economic Survival: Singapore lacked its own economic base and as such needed Malaya to be its economic hinterland.

Why were the British reluctant to grant independence to Singapore without merger?

• Feared the spread of Communism throughout Southeast Asia

• Thought that Singapore lacked the natural resources / economic base to survival on its own

• Felt that Singapore was too weak to protect itself from various threats

• All of the above

What is a Tariff?

• The promotion of free trade between two countries

• A ban imposed by a government on people entering or leaving the country.

• A tax imposed by a government on goods entering or leaving the country.

• All of the above

What does having a Common Market between Singapore and Malaya imply?

• Higher tariffs imposed on goods passing between countries.

• No tax imposed on goods passing between countries.

• No restrictions imposed on goods passing between countries.

• Stricter limitations imposed on goods passing between countries.

Who is the leader of this party?

• Fong Swee Suan

• Lee Kuan Yew

• Lim Chin Siong

• Lim Yew Hock

Answer explanation

In 196, Lim Chin Siong was expelled from the PAP for opposing the proposed merger with Malaya. He and other expelled party members went on to form the Barisan Sosialis (Socialist Front) party.

When was the Barisan Sosialis formed?

• 1955

• 1959

• 1961

• 1963

Answer explanation

The Barisan Sosialis, a now defunct political party, was formed in 1961 by the PAP left-wing members who had been expelled from the party. Barisan Sosialis became the main opposition party in self-governing Singapore. Prominent members from the party included Dr. Lee Siew Choh, Lim Chin Siong and Chia Thye Poh.

Why did the Barisan Sosialis oppose merger?

• Feared that their activities would be suppressed by anti-Communist Malaya

• Concerned over unequal citizenship rights for the people of Singapore

• Unfair representation for Singapore in the Malaysian Parliament

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Malaya was mostly anti-Communist in nature given its large religious (Muslim) population.

When was the Referendum over merger held?

• 1961

• 1962

• 1963

• 1965

Answer explanation

70.8% voted for Option A (support Merger); 25.7% casted blank votes, which was the only way to oppose Merger.

What was the result of the Referendum?

• For Merger

• Against Merger

Answer explanation

70.8% voted for Option A (support Merger); 25.7% casted blank votes, which was the only way to oppose Merger.