From a British colony to a thriving city-state, Singapore has come a long way in its journey toward independence. But did you know that Singapore is the only country in the modern world to have gained independence against its own wishes? In this article, we take a closer look at Singapore’s unique story of resilience, determination, and grit.
The Early Days of British Rule
Singapore became a British colony in the early 19th century, and for the next 150 years, it grew into a prosperous and cosmopolitan city. It was a hub for international trade, attracting immigrants from all over the world. However, after World War II, nationalist movements began to sweep across Southeast Asia, and Singapore, too, began to demand independence.
The Compromise and Merger
In 1959, the island held its first general election, and the People’s Action Party (PAP), led by a young lawyer named Lee Kuan Yew, won a majority of seats in the legislature. The British proposed a compromise: Singapore would become a self-governing state within the British Empire, with control over its internal affairs but still subject to British foreign policy. The PAP reluctantly accepted, hoping it would be a stepping stone to full independence. However, in 1963, Singapore was merged with Malaysia to form a new nation.
The Fall of the Merger
The merger was supposed to be a win-win situation for both countries, but it soon became clear that the two had very different visions for their future. The tension between the Chinese-dominated PAP and the Malay-dominated ruling party in Malaysia boiled over into riots and violence. Eventually, Singapore was expelled from Malaysia in 1965, which came as a shock to many Singaporeans.
The Turning Point
The expulsion threatened to plunge Singapore into chaos. Cut off from its main source of water and electricity, and heavily dependent on Malaysia, many feared that the island would become a failed state. However, Lee Kuan Yew saw it as an opportunity to turn things around. He vowed to turn Singapore into a prosperous and self-reliant nation and set about implementing a series of ambitious policies to achieve that goal.
The Road to Independence
The policies that Lee Kuan Yew implemented included attracting foreign investment, building a world-class education system, and promoting a culture of discipline and hard work. Over the years, these policies paid off, and Singapore became one of the wealthiest and most successful nations in the world.
Today, Singapore is a bustling city-state with a diverse cultural landscape, a thriving economy, and strict laws. While the circumstances of Singapore’s independence were unique, its story serves as an inspiration to people around the world who are struggling for self-determination and a better future. The people of Singapore have shown that with hard work, resilience, and determination, anything is possible.
Dive Deeper
Book Recommendation
One great book on Singapore’s independence story is “From Third World to First: The Singapore Story” by Lee Kuan Yew. Lee Kuan Yew was the first Prime Minister of Singapore and played a significant role in Singapore’s journey to independence and its subsequent success as a modern city-state.
In “From Third World to First”, Lee Kuan Yew provides a first-hand account of Singapore’s development from a third-world country to a modern economic powerhouse. The book covers topics such as the challenges faced during Singapore’s early years, the country’s political and economic strategies, and the values that underpin Singapore’s success.
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Singapore’s history, politics, and economic development.
Documentary/ Video
One highly recommended documentary on Singapore’s independence story is “Singapore: The Battle for Merger” by CNA Insider. It covers the history of Singapore from the early days of British colonization to the events leading up to the separation from Malaysia and the challenges faced by the young nation in its early years of independence.
You can watch the documentary on YouTube at the following link: https://youtu.be/bGMKiv8-bzM
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