Term 2 Week 3 Reasons for Separation

Formation of Malaysia Date of Malaya’s achievement of independence – 31 Aug 1957 Date of formation of Federation of Malaysia – 16 Sept 1963 Date of Separation – 9 Aug 1965 What do you think were the problems that led to Separation?

The new map of Malaysia

Singapore - a state in Malaysia What does this tell you about Singapore?

A promising beginning in 1963 Why do you think the billboard was put up?

Political conflict – Different approaches Both Singapore and KL governments had adopted different approaches to politics KL adopted a communal approach Singapore adopted a multi-racial approach

Political conflict – KL’s approach What do you think is communal politics? Why did Peninsular Malaysia take such an approach to politics? MCA (Malayan Chinese Association) UMNO (United Malays National Organisation) MIC (Malayan Indian Congress) THE ALLIANCE PARTY

Political conflict – Singapore’s approach What is meant by a multi-racial approach to politics? Why did the PAP favour such an approach? PAP government Indians Malays OthersChinese

Political conflict – Different approaches The PAP government called for a “Malaysian Malaysia” Everyone, regardless of race, language and religion, would be allowed to succeed The Malaysian Solidarity Convention (MSC) was held to provide a challenge against the communal politics of the Alliance Party. The MSC was made up of non-communal parties from Singapore, Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.

Political conflict – Elections In 1963, Singapore held its state election Alliance leaders in KL supported the Singapore Alliance Party against the PAP The Singapore Alliance Party failed to win any seats How did KL feel about the election results?

Political conflict – Elections In 1964, the Federal Election was held in Peninsular Malaysia The PAP contested 11 seats in the election 1 seat was won by the PAP Why did KL object to the PAP’s participation in the Federal election?

Economic conflict – The Common Market Can you remember why Singapore wanted to have the Common Market? The KL government placed tariffs on goods from Singapore Tariffs refer to taxes that a government collects on goods entering a country Why do you think the KL government imposed tariffs?

Economic conflict – Pioneer Certificates For new businesses to start and strengthen, pioneer status was given to new companies These companies were not required to pay taxes on profits for a certain number of years Alternatively, the government could provide subsidies to these companies Singapore wanted pioneer status for its new companies Only the KL government could issue this within the Federation “… Out of 69 applications, only 2 were approved, one of which had so many restrictions attached that it amounted to a refusal …” PM Lee Kuan Yew, 1960s

Economic conflict – Closure of Bank of China Why do you think the KL government wanted to close down the bank? How do you think Singapore felt?

Social conflict – Race riots Initial suspicion between races grew with communal politics Greater distrust exploded into full-scale racial riots 21 July 1964 was a dark day in Singapore history Fights broke out during procession on Prophet Muhammad’s birthday Another race riot broke out in Sept 1964, suggesting the situation was getting out of hand

Social conflict – Race riots What do you think would be the result of the clashes? How do you think the government responded to the clashes?

Social conflict – Race riots Why did the authorities impose a curfew during the race riots?

Decision on Separation Tunku Abdul Rahman was fearful that race riots would happen repeatedly Decided that Separation was unavoidable

Underlying reasons for Separation There were several reasons that led to Separation apart from race riots Political reasons (Elections and Political Styles) Social reasons (Race Riots) Economic reasons (Common Market, Pioneer Certificates and Bank of China)

Singapore as an independent state