Chapter 7 and 8 (Merger) Quiz

Which riot DID NOT occur in the 1950s?

• Hock Lee Bus Riot (1955)

• Maria Hertogh Riots (1950)

• Anti-British riots (1954)

• Chinese Middle School Student Riots (1956)

The 1955 election was a lively political contest, with a level of excitement not seen before. Which party won the election?

• Singapore Progressive Party (SPP)

• Labour Front (LF)

• People's Action Party (PAP)

• Alliance Party

What were the responses to the Hock Lee Bus Riots?

• British fired David Marshall after the riot.

• British perceived LF government as weak due to Marshall's reluctance to take stronger actions.

• Marshall refused to call in British troops as he did not want to appear siding with the British.

• Marshall's unwillingness to use force was perceived as being sympathetic to rioters.

Why did the first Merdeka talks (1956) fail in achieving internal self-government for Singapore?

• British doubted Labour Front ability to maintain law and order

• British feared that Singapore may fall to Communism without a strong and stable government

• British wanted a Chinese leader to lead Singapore

• British viewed David Marshall as a weak leader, unwilling to take tough actions against Hock Lee Bus rioters

How was the Chinese Middle School Student riots successfully handled?

• Troops from Malaya were called in to restore order.

• Union leaders like Lim Chin Siong and Fong Swee Suan detained by police.

• Lim Yew Hock took tough actions such as banning SCMSSU, expelling students who were suspected of being anti-government.

• Lim Yew Hock listened to the demands of rioters and made peace with them.

What was the impact of the successful handling of the Chinese Middle School Student Riots?

• British was pleased with Lim Yew Hock's decisive handling of the riots.

• Lim's tough actions were perceived by some locals as being overly eager to please the British.

• Strengthened Lim's position to discuss full internal self-government in 2nd Merdeka Talks.

Why was the 1959 elections important?

• A record 525,000 voters turned up, 3x more than 1955.

• Lim Yew Hock won the support of many voters because of how well he handled the Chinese Middle School Student Riots.

• The elected government would have almost full internal powers.

• The People's Action Party won 43 out of 51 seats contested.

Why was 1959 an important date in the history of Singapore?

• Singapore gained control over its own external security and external defence

• Singapore created a legislative assembly, comprised of locally elected members

• Singapore gained internal self-government

• Singapore became independent from British rule

How did Singapore benefit from merger with Malaya?

• British would grant Singapore political independence

• The communist threat would be reduced as Malaya was anti-communist

• An established common market would reduce tariffs on SG goods

• Trade will increase and more jobs will be created

Which country was not part of the Federation of Malaysia?

• Singapore

• Sarawak

• Brunei

• North Borneo