Causation for Separation (History Sec 2 syllabus)

Singapore's separation from Malaysia

1. Lesson on merger and separation from Malaysia 1963-1965 Identify the issues and historical events related to separation in 1965 “ Why was Malaysia formed in September, 1963?” “Why did Singapore separate from Malaysia on 9 August 1965”?

2. Lesson on merger 1963 Identify the issues and historical events related to separation in 1965 “ Why was Malaysia formed in September, 1963?”

3. Watch this video and keep in mind these questions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjkrBKuN6CY What are the different events people portrayed in the video about Singapore’s separation from Malaysia? Who are the main characters in this event? Your teacher will then give you a deeper account of the following: Their background to the formation of merger in 1963 The conditions that both countries and political leaders found themselves in Their possible thoughts/emotions/wishes and actions between 1963 to 1965 The consequences of their thoughts and actions

4. Singapore Name: Lee Kuan Yew DOB/ DOD: 1923 – 2015 Prime Minister of Singapore in 1959 Leader in the People’s Action Party (PAP) Formed PAP as a multi-racial party in 1954 Always felt that merger with Malaya made sense. Would also win for Singapore independence. Unfortunately, Tunku was not keen on merger. Lost Hong Lim and Anson Bi-elections. Growing popularity of Barisan Socialis, a political party set up by former left-wing members of the PAP who had been expelled.

5. Malaysia Name: Tunku Abdul Rahman DOB/ DOD: 1903-1990 7 th son of Sultan of Kedah Prime Minister of Malaysia in 1963. Helped Malaya achieve independence in 1957 Leader in UMNO (United Malay National Organisation) Formed Alliance Party with Malayan Chinese Association (MCA) and Malay Indian Congress (MIC) to participate in elections Concerned about growing strength of leftist political parties and communism in Singapore. Portrait of Tunku Abdul Rahman

6. 1955 Malayan General Election Posters

7. Britain https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw109124/Edwin-Duncan-Sandys-Baron-Duncan-Sandys Name: Duncan Sandys DOB/ DOD: 1908-1987 Former, son-In-Law of British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill Minster of Defence, 1957 to 1959 Secretary of State for the Colonies, 1962-1964 Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, 1960-1964 He was a Conservative and concerned about British decolonization and wanted to ensure that British interests were still maintained even after giving the colonies independence. He was a tough negotiator and his theory was: “if you can't convince them, batter at them until they agree out of sheer weariness”.

8. Source 1: Tungku Abdul Rahman’s speech after he returns from discussions with the British in London on the creation of Malaysia in August, 1962. The path to the formation of Malaysia has been clearly laid out. This is what is desired, an example, because these are times of strife, all because of class, race, language, and religion. But we can co-exist in harmony and with good sentiments towards each other no matter the race, religion, colour of skin. It doesn’t matter as long as we can live together as one. Hidup Malaysia (Long Live Malaysia!) Merdeka Malaysia! I’d like to invite my friend, Encik Lee Kuan Yew, to say a few words.”

9. Source 2：Source 2: Lee Kuan Yew’s speech after he returns from discussions with the British in London on the creation of Malaysia in August, 1962. Singapore has been the heart of commerce in Southeast Asia for more than a hundred years and the 1.6 million people of Singapore are industrious and capable of helping this nation to become even more prosperous. That’s what the Federation of Malaysia is about. Not as accused by the Moscow radio, a form of neo-colonialism. If a nation state does not fall under their administration, they call it colonization. If it does, they call it independence!

10. Historical context Tunku Abdul Rahman Lee Kuan Yew What was the relationship like between both political leaders in 1965? What did they stand to gain/benefit for Singapore/Malaya? What risks did they have to take in 1963? If you look at events in 1963, what did they fail to forsee? (i.e. unintended consequences)

11. 1961 1962 1964 1846 1857 1955 1900 1963 27 May, 1961: Tunku Abdul Rahman’s Malaysia Plan July, 1960: Emergency Ends Aug 1961 – Feb 1962 Malaysia Solidarity Consultative Committee set up 16 Jan, 1962: Cobbold Commission July-Aug 1962:Discussion of Malaysia Plan in London 1963 20 Jan,1963 – 1966: Indonesia’s declares Konfrontasi and opposes Malaysia 10 March, 1965: Mcdonald House bombing Feb, 1963: Operation Cold Store 10 July, 1963: Signing of the Malaysia Agreement in London Autonomy in labor and education in exchange for 15 seats in the Dewan Rakyat 31 Aug, 1963: Sg declares de-facto independence 30 July 1963: Tunku meets Sukarno and Macapagal in Manila Malaysia is postponed to 16 Sept 1963 Oct 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis 1959 – 1965: Growing US involvement in Vietnam 16 Sept 1963: Malaysia Day: 21Sept 1963: General Elections in Singapore 25 April 1964: Federal Elections in Malaysia Alliance Party (UMNO/ MCA /MIC) 89/104 25 May 1963: Showdown in Dewan Ra’ayat, Kuala Lumpur. 12 July, 1964 Televised rally of Syed Albar Jaafar at New Star Cinema in Pasir Panjang 21 July 1964: Race Riots 2 Sept, 1964: Race Riots 1965 May, 1965 Malaysian Solidarity Convention formed 29 June, 1965: Tunku decided on Separation while recovering from shingles in London PAP: 37/51 BS: 13 Sg Alliance: 0 Razak Hussein Goh Keng Swee & E.W. Barker

12. Lesson on separation 1965 Identify the issues and historical events related to separation in 1965 “Why did Singapore separate from Malaysia on 9 August 1965”?

13. Causation Conditions/Situations/Circumstances Often beyond your control Limits your choice of action/ decisions Like being in a box Person/ People/ Groups of People Historical agents Actions Consequences/ Results/ Impact Intended Unintended

14. Watch this video and keep in mind these questions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjkrBKuN6CY What are the different events people portrayed in the video about Singapore’s separation from Malaysia? Who are the main characters in this event? Your teacher will then give you a deeper account of the following: Their background to the formation of merger in 1963 The conditions that both countries and political leaders found themselves in Their possible thoughts/emotions/wishes and actions between 1963 to 1965 The consequences of their thoughts and actions

15. Causation Conditions/Situations/Circumstances Often beyond your control Limits your choices/ decisions Like being in a box Person/ People/ Groups of People Historical agents Actions Consequences/ Results/ Impact Intended Unintended What led to merger in 1963? Economic reasons/ trade Independence Lefist/Pro-communists

16. Causation Conditions/Situations/Circumstances Often beyond your control Limits your choices/ decisions Like being in a box Person/ People/ Groups of People Historical agents Actions Consequences/ Results/ Impact Intended Unintended What led to separation in 1965? Economic reasons/ trade Independence Lefist/Pro-communists