The Battle for Merger

What was one of the pressing economic problems faced by Singapore in 1959?

• A. Lack of political security

• B. Declining population growth

• D. Abundance of natural resources

• C. Dependence on international entrepot commerce

Which was not a reason why the PAP government desired a merger with Malaya?

• A. To allow Singapore to gain full independence early

• B. To increase Chinese political power

• C. To prevent a Communist takeover of Singapore

• D. To ensure Singapore's economic survival

Which of the following was a reason why the Barisan Socialis opposed the proposed merger?

• A. Barisan Socialis will not be able to gain complete control over Singapore's internal security

• B. Concern about discrimination against Singapore citizens

• C. Fear of losing British bases

How might Singapore and its people be potentially disadvantaged under the proposed merger terms with the Federation of Malaya?

• Singapore citizens might not be granted automatic Malaysian citizenship.

• Singapore will not have complete control over internal security.

• Singapore and its people will not be able to enjoy any economic gains.

• Singapore would have only 15 seats in the federal parliament, which was less than that given to Sabah and Sarawak.

What event triggered fears of extreme left-wing leaders toppling the Singapore government?

• A. The formation of Barisan Socialis

• B. The Hong Lim by-election

• C. The Tunku's proposal for merger

Who was first expelled from the PAP, then later defeated the PAP's candidate with 73.3% of the vote at the 1961 Hong-Lim by-election?

What was the primary concern of the Malayan government regarding Communist activities?

• D. Increase in Chinese political power

• A. Spread of Communist activities from Singapore

• B. Lack of Communist sympathisers in Singapore

• C. Fear of British intervention

Which of the following are correct reasons why Tunku Abdul Rahman eventually changed his mind regarding the merger with Singapore?

• A. Hoped the Federation of Malaya could stand to gain economically

• B. Feared the Federation of Malaya would lose influence over security matters in Singapore

• C. Concerned that the PAP might be taken over by members who were sympathetic towards communism

• D. Desired a communist leadership

What did the Tunku Abdul Rahman propose on 27 May 1961?

• A. Independence for Singapore

• B. Merger of the Federation of Malaya, Singapore and Indonesia

• D. Merger of the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak

• A. Merger of the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei

When did the merger between Singapore, the Federation of Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak take place?