How did the Local People Respond to British Rule after World War II?

Objectives: Response of the local people to British rule Steps taken by the British government to prepare Singapore for limited self- government

How did Post- War conditions affect the response of the local people to British rule? Difficult living conditions, people were jobless, poverty, food/ water shortages. Diseases were common due to the overcrowded living conditions. The difficult living conditions in the post-war period explained why there were waves of strikes and work stoppages There were waves of strikes and work stoppages. 1947 was remembered as ‘The Year of Strikes’. The people felt that the British government was not doing enough to help the locals in overcoming the postwar problems.

Strikes became worse with the involvement of the Malayan Communist Party (MCP). The Communists stirred up the people’s feelings against the British through the trade unions. In 1947, the British government passed a law requiring all unions to register with the government to control trade unions. The locals were angry that the British failed to protect Singapore after ruling Singapore for over 100 years. Though reluctant, the British realized that they have to introduce gradual change.

Overcrowded and unhygienic living conditions in the towns 40/50

Road to Self- Government Concept of Democracy and Self-Government Road to Self- Government The steps towards self-government : 1948 Elections The Rendel Commission & Constitution 1955 Elections 4. The Merdeka Talks (1956 & 1957) 5. 1959 Elections 2/33

Self-Government & Democracy Before WW2 and the Japanese Occupation, Singapore was ruled by the British: - local people in Singapore could not choose whom they wanted in the government. - local people in Singapore could not rule themselves : no self-government - The British made all the important decisions about how Singapore should be ruled - no democracy 3/33

Self-Government & Democracy - comes from a Greek word meaning ‘power of the people’. The people have the power to decide who should rule the country. In present-day Singapore: - Singapore is governed by its own people. - the government is formed as a result of the choice made by Singaporeans - through elections, Singaporeans vote for the people they want as their leaders. 4/33

The First Step towards Democracy Singapore’s First Election, 1948. Those born in S’pore & above 21 could vote Voting was not compulsory - only 13, 800 people turned up to vote Singapore Progressive Party (SPP) won 3/ 6 seats in the Legislative Council

Singapore Progressive Party (SPP) Worked closely with the British to make improvements Introduced the CPF Thought that S’pore was not ready to govern itself - believed in introducing gradual changes and was not in a hurry to press the British for more changes.

b. Anti- National Service riots Were the riots in the early 1950s an expression of anti-British feelings? The social and economic problems caused people to be discontented with British rule Two major riots: a. Maria Hertogh riots b. Anti- National Service riots

The Maria Hertogh Riots

MARIA HERTOGH RIOTS (1950) Riots broke out between 11 and 13 Dec 1950 over a 13-year old Eurasian girl named MARIA BERTHA HERTOGH Born in 1937 to Dutch parents in Java Parents captured by Japanese during WWII A Malay woman, CHE AMINAH, and her husband looked after Maria Brought her up as a Muslim and named her NADRA Moved from Java to Trengganu in Malaya

MARIA HERTOGH RIOTS (1950) With the defeat of Japan, Maria’s mother, ADELAINE HERTOGH, was released Finally found Maria in 1949 and wanted to claim her back Dutch Consul-General requested Maria to be put under the care of the Social Welfare Dept in Singapore Maria’s case was brought to the legal court in Singapore

MARIA HERTOGH RIOTS (1950) May 1950 : Court ruled that Maria be returned to her natural parents Che Aminah opposed and sent in an appeal 2 months later, the court returned Maria to Che Aminah

MARIA HERTOGH RIOTS (1950) When Maria was 13 years old and under Che Aminah’s care, she married a Malay teacher Nov 1950 : Judge did not recognise the marriage Returned Maria to her Dutch parents who put her in a RC convent Muslim community was upset; felt that Muslim law was not respected

MARIA HERTOGH RIOTS (1950) Next two months : many newspaper articles on Maria Stirred up feelings of anger among the Muslims Che Aminah appealed again in Dec 1950 but was turned down

Daughter of a Malay lady Daughter of a Dutch couple

Maria and her husband, a 22 year Malay school teacher taking a picture together with Che Aminah

MARIA HERTOGH RIOTS (1950) Many Singapore Muslims felt betrayed by what they saw as the British taking the side of the Dutch The court order was seen as a direct attack on Islam by a court under Christian control After the verdict was announced on 11 Dec 1950, a large crowd of mainly Malays outside the Padang starting rioting

MARIA HERTOGH RIOTS (1950) Many Europeans were attacked. Why? Many vehicles burned A sign of growing unhappiness with British rule in Singapore Also a sign of British failure of British to be sensitive to the feelings of Muslims 2nd day : Curfew imposed; military police called in 3rd day : Situation under control

LESSONS LEARNT Whole country can be affected by strikes, disorder and riots People’s lives are upset; business disrupted; economy suffers Serves as reminder of how easily a society can be torn apart by the unwise handling of sensitive issues Maria Hertogh Riots show us how important it is to know, learn and appreciate the culture and customs of other races

Anti-National Service Riots Caused by National Service Ordinance : - 18-20 yr old males had to register by May 1954 for National Service - those who failed to do so would be either jailed or fined.

Not popular Most of the secondary school students were 20 years old or above as their education had been disrupted by war Not willing to defend the colonial government which ignored the Chinese students’ interests.

Anti-National Service Riots 13 May 1954 More than 1000 students gathered to present their petition in front of the Government House Peaceful demonstrations turned into a riot when the police were called in Many injured and killed.

The Rendel Constitution Commission led by George Rendel was formed in 1953 to review the constitution It recommended limited self- government in 1954 An important step- local leaders were given certain powers of government - housing, education, trade Local chief minister, 6 local ministers & 3 British ministers in the government. Legislative Council was renamed Legislative Assembly.

The 1955 Election (PAP) were specially interested in contesting the The Labour Front (LF) and People’s Action Party (PAP) were specially interested in contesting the 1955 Elections. Election campaigns focused on anti- colonialism.

Labour Front Leader of LF, David Marshall was a great public speaker. Was anti-colonial Promised to fight for Singapore’s independence. Large majority of the Chinese-speaking people supported the LF.

People’s Action Party LKY, one of founding members Demanded immediate independence Called for all anti-colonial forces to cooperate in anti-colonial struggle

1955 Election Political parties visited houses, distributed pamphlets, newspapers, organized rallies & gave speeches to win the people’s support 160, 000 voted.

1955 Election Results Labour Front (LF) - 10 Singapore Progressive Party (SPP) - 4 People’s Action Party (PAP) - 3 UMNO-MCA Alliance - 3 Independents - 3 Democratic Party (DP) - 2 David Marshall as the leader of the winning party became Singapore’s First Chief Minister.