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♥ Saturday, September 22, 2007

How far do you agree that the need to set up a Common Market was the most important reason for merger between Singapore and Malaya?

I agree to a large extent. Firstly, the PAP government felt that Singapore's survival as an independent state would be difficult due to the fact that Singapore lacked of natural resources snd s declining entrepot trade was affecting her economic growth. These were some of the any reasons why Singapore wanted a merger with Malaya.

The PAP government hoped that by merging with Malaya, a Common Market would be set up to support Singapore's new industries. If this Common Market is set up, goods could be bought and sold freely within the 2 countries without having to pay taxes and tariffs.

With this Common Market, the trade of Singapore would increase, industries would also be expanded and new jobs can also be created too. The Common Market would be able to help Singapore overcome her economical problems.

Similarly, with the Common Market, Malaya can also reap it's benefits. Malaya also do not have to pay taxes to Singapore when goods from Singapore enter Malaysia.

However, other factors like full independence from the British and the rapid economic growth here in Singapore also resulted in the decision to merge with Malaya. If these 2 states merged together, then the British would have no reasons not to grant Singapore full independence. Also, by merging with Malaya, it would also bring about a rapid economic growth to both of the countries.

To conclude, I therefore agree that the need to set up a Common Market was one of the most important reasons for the merger.

; 10:33 PM
3 Comments

♥ Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Singapore's struggle to achieve internal self-government in the period 1945-1959 had its costs. Was it worth it? Give at least 2 reasons to support your stand.

Yes, it was worth it. Singapore has freed herself of a foreigner's control and gained independence as a result.

Although the price to gain internal self-government was high, but the pains taken were still worthwhile. Singapore has developed from a Third World country to a First World country, a place where it's doing well in various areas. If the leaders at that time had not fought for our self-government, perhaps Singapore would still be a poor country filled with diseases and pests.

In conclusion, the costs to achieve self-government in the period 1945-1959 was worthwhile.

; 3:35 PM
2 Comments

♥ Saturday, July 14, 2007

In your opinion, what could have prevented the Maria Hertogh riots in 1950? Give at least 2 suggestions.

In my opinion, I think if the government at that time had spared a deeper thought for the Muslims' feelings before they announced the final verdict, perhaps the riots would not have occured. The riot happened because the Muslims felt that the British government had not respected them and their customs. The court actually put Maria in a Catholic Convent while the trial was going on. This totally upsets the Islamic law as Maria was brought up as a Muslim afterall.

The second suggestion is if the police force had prevented the crowds from gathering outside the court after the verdict was announced, the riot would not have happened. It was because of the crowd, which made up of mainly Malays, who were so agitated that the riot started. If they had been forbidden to gather outside the court then maybe they would not get so worked up to start a riot.

The government should also dis-allow reporters to take pictures and photos of Maria Hertogh while she was in the Convent school and allow them to publish it on the newspapers. These will stir up even angrier feelings among the Muslims and cause greater emotional damage to them.

In conclusion, the government at that time can actually play a vital role in preventing the Maria Hertogh riot from occuring but they had not done a good job of it.

; 9:46 PM
4 Comments