The Social Studies Corner

well, i'd say it ain't a disaster. we manage to survive still without malaysia. if separation was a disaster, how can we survive until today? by still merging, many people would be dead by now bcos of the race riots and other problems. i think we survived better than xpected. our developments are better than the merger,the economy strives well or in fact, better.in economy wise, if we r still merged,(our contribution would increase)we'll haf lots of losses! by continuing merger, our economy would b crippled BADLY! Furthermore the tensions btwn the different races will cause more con flicts, not only btwn countries, but also btwn races...
 

Oops! Thus, separation wasn't a disaster.
 

Separation was a disaster at that period of time. However, it was not a total disaster now. In fact it benefitted us as the time went by. There were 3 major reasons that we needed Malaya for at that point of time. They were the need for a hinterland where an undisrupted supply of raw materials could be attained from, need for a common market where goods could be traded without taxes and finally the desire for independence. With the merge of Singapore and Malaya, Singapore's economy would remain vibrant and communism would be checked and brought under control. These reasons were deleted when the 2 countries separated. Thus, it was clearly known that separation was a disaster. On the other hand, as the time went by, Singapore benefitted from the separation on a long term basis with lots of hard work by our forefathers. We gave ourselves an opportunity to build up our own country, facing the fears on our own. Therefore, I want to conclude that separartion was not a disaster on a long term basis.
 

Separation was a disaster at that period of time. However, it was not a total disaster now. In fact it benefitted us as the time went by. There were 3 major reasons that we needed Malaya for at that point of time. They were the need for a hinterland where an undisrupted supply of raw materials could be attained from, need for a common market where goods could be traded without taxes and finally the desire for independence. With the merge of Singapore and Malaya, Singapore's economy would remain vibrant and communism would be checked and brought under control. These reasons were deleted when the 2 countries separated. Thus, it was clearly known that separation was a disaster. On the other hand, as the time went by, Singapore benefitted from the separation on a long term basis with lots of hard work by our forefathers. We gave ourselves an opportunity to build up our own country, facing the fears on our own. Therefore, I want to conclude that separartion was not a disaster.
 

Separation was not a disaster for Singapore. Even though Singapore merged with Malaysia for three reasons, the need for a hinterland, the need for a common market and the desire for independence from Britain, separation proved to be more beneficial then the three wanted goals. The need for a hinterland however, still remains as Singapore is a country with no natural resources as compared to abundant Malaysia. This however has been overcomed by Singapore's strong affiliation with other countries, making trading of raw materials easier and cheaper. Some examples would be the Free Trade Agreements with the USA and China. Therefore the need for a hinterland was resolved, reducing the effect that separation was a disaster.
The need for a common market was much worse during merger as Malaysia was reluctant to set up a common market. The central government even imposed heavier taxes on Singapore made goods. Thus, with separation, Singapore herself would be able to adjust taxes accordingly. The reluctance of the central government to set up a common market made it clear to Singapore that even with merger, SIngapore was not going to benefit. Therefore, on this point that Singapore separated, it was not a disaster.
Lastly, the desire for independence from the british was attained only when Singapore merged with Malaysia. However, during this merger, Singapore was very much constricted in its doings. Having to pay taxes, give grants to other states, etc. etc. With separation, Singapore would be able to do what it wanted without the inteference of another government making the word independence a reality for Singapore. THerefore, it can be concluded that separation was not a disaster.
 

In my opinion, i think that separation was not a disaster because there was three main reasons why singapore wanted to merge with malaya.[there was a need for a common market, need for a hinterland and the desire for independence.]One of the reasons why singapore separated from malaya was because a common market was not being establish.Goods were thus taxed highly which discouraged investors to set up factories.This did not help to improve singapore's economy instead weakened it.There would not be job opportunities for the people and many would be unemployed.If singapore remain merged with malaya, singapore would have to continue paying the contribution they requested[increase from 40% to 60%],and no common market was set up.singapore will thus be on the losing end. Thus, separation was the best solution and not a disaster.It's a blessing instead, as it taught singapore how to stand firm and lead and grow on its own.With separation,there would not be further bloodshed, killings due to racism.thus, separation was seen as the best solution.It would help to prevent more killings to take place,thus it's not a disaster.Singapore would learn how to be independent.Well, now, singapore has proven that separation was not a disaster as singapore's economy is thriving and doing well and there isn't an race riots due to racism, thus separation was not a disaster.
 

In my opinion, i think separation is not a disaster for Singapore because Singapore was able to survive although it did not continue to merge with Malaysia. For an example, Singapore was able to thrive in its manufacturing industry during the 60s. Singapore was able to stand on its on two feet if there was separation. So it made Singapore not to depend on Malaysia all the time. Through separation, Singapore was able to find other alternatives instead of Malaysia. Also, Singapore had good and inspiring leaders to lead the people at that point of time when Singapore was all alone. Moreover Singapore made the right decision to separate so that was able to pursue its own needs for the people and also its own beliefs. Thus, separation was not a disaster.
 

I think that separation was not a disaster for Singapore. It will worst if it continue merging with Malaya as most of the agreement are not carried out although agreed to do so. eg: common market… Both of the country has different view, so this will strained the relationship between 2 countries and may has race riots. With separation Singapore would be able to learn how to be independent by itself and not depend on other country. Thus I think that is not a disaster for Singapore
 

Separation was not a disaster .if Singapore still continued to merge with Malaysia; this will further strained the relationship between 2 countries, as their views were different.
Eg Singapore believe all Malaysians , regardless of race, ……., to be given equal opportunities, but on the other hand , UMNO want the Malaysians to have rights and privileges.
By now if we still merging , thousands of people will be dead as race riots will occurred frequently. Our economic will slowdown bcos 1.only a few pioneer certificates were issued . 2. common Market did not set up, although agree so. 3. he contribution increased.
Separation make us more depend on our self. People will lived in a peaceful country instead of bloodsheds
 

The separation was not a disaster for Singapore. In fact, it was a good thing for Singapore. Malaysia was so reluctan to set up a common market when merger causing Singapore to be heavily tax. There was no difference when merger and separated. Malaysia on top of that still tap on Singapore revenue which made Singapore a Big lose to the merger. Pioneer Certs. were also given out by the KL. This cause Singapore to lose out as many investors could not invest in Singapore due to the lack of Pioneer Cert. Politically, both Singapore and Malaysia also couldnot get along. Both side though agreed not to join both side elections. However , that did not happen. At last both side join each other elections causing strain to the relationships almost even called for the arrest of PM LKY. In conclusion, Malaysia did not keep to their words. they did not set up a common market. And were also reluctant to give out pioneer cert. to Singapore. they even tap on Singapore Revenue, On top of that they even increase the revenue from 40% to 60%. Thus separation was not a disaster for Singapore it was a good way. But Singapore needed a Merger to get out of British Hands. Thus in my point of view separation was not a disaster.
 

In my opinion,i think that separation was not a disaster.Singapore will be worse off if continue merging with Malaysia and further strained the relationship between two countries.1)As common market was not set up although agreed to do so,it make no difference on whether Singapore was part of Malaysia or not.2)pioneer certificate were unwilling granted to new factories set up in singapore.3)Malaysian Financial Minister wanted Singapore's contribution to increase from 40% to 60%.These three factors will cause Singapore's economy to slowdown.It was thus seen more practical to separate.both countries have different way of ruling the country and having different political system.Moreover, If Sigapore continue merging,there will be more bloodshed as race riots will occurred frequently.Thus separation was not a disaster but a chance for Singapore to learn to be independent and a chance to prove herself and prosper.
 

no, seperation wasnt a disaster as it told us that we couldnt rely on others and had to be independent.The seperation also told us that we should treat each race equally so as not to cause another race riot.
one reason for the seperation was because malaysia didnt set up the common market and issue pioneer certificates that they agreed on.So seperation wasnt a disaster as it let Singapore move on economically plus we didnt need to pay the very hefty fee.
Singapore is now a peaceful and economically stable therefore seperation is NOT a disaster.
 

-aishini-

No,separation was not a disaster.After sepaprating from Malaya, I think Singapore has learnt to be independent and not to depend on other countries. As Singapore is now one of the advanced countries in the world,business is growing for us. if we were still merged with Malaya at this point of time, there would not be a chance for Singapore to achieve a democratic society, and there would be race riots, as Malaya was not a country in great favour of racial harmony. In times of merger, singapore was not able to make decisions on its own. But after separation, we are free to make our own decisions.
Thus, i conclude that separation was not a disaster.
 

i do not agree that the seperation is a disaster, but i felt that it is blessing.

if malaya did not ask for break up, our future may not be as peaceful as it is right now. it will be like the past, street full of race riots and bloodshed. there will not be any peaceful times. in the politics singapore would fight with malaya and thus causing more misunderstanding between the 2 countries. however, after the seperation, singapore has become peaceful. there is not a race riot in sight and singaporeans respect each other culture and race. therefore having a race riot is quite impossible. furthermore singaporeans live in HDB. therefore as neighbours, we are much closer and can learn more about each other culture.

before the seperation, singapore decisions were made by the british or by other countries. however after the break up, singapore has to rely on its own resources and make its own decisions. it was a great step to take. however thank to the great leaders of singapore, we have made it and even the economy has improve greatly.

therefore i do not think that it is a disaster but a blessing in disguise.
 

To only a certain extend that i think separation is a disaster.As sinapore was a country which is not well oragnized. there were no leader to lead and not much follower to do thing.everybody was lost as the the serpartion was too sudden and singapore had always depends on other,thus singapore face alot of problem at that time on not having any resources that time and dont know what singapore can live in their economic.
BUt,this is where singapore came about.during this time singapore suffer alot but they manage to work hard and work for indepentance which is what singpore always wanted. they had work hard to build singpore till today.if singapoe was not being serparted from malaysia,singapore wont have been malaysia and there will not have singapore as it may be part of malaysia .And we can conclude that for the serparation,we cant treat it as a challenge or a chance given to singapoe to be independance.
therefore i conclude that sepasation is not a disaster for singapore.