History of Singapore 5275459 225047735 2008-07-11T17:10:38Z Rjwilmsi 203434 gen fixes + link/fix date fields in cite templates (explanation [[User:Rjwilmsi#My_correction_of_dates_in_templates|here]]) using [[Project:AutoWikiBrowser|AWB]] {{History of Singapore}} Singapore rose in importance during the [[14th century]] under the rule of Srivijayan prince [[Parameswara (sultan)|Parameswara]] and became an important port until it was destroyed by Portuguese raiders in 1613. The modern history of Singapore began in 1819 when [[England|Englishman]] [[Thomas Stamford Raffles|Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles]] established a [[United Kingdom|British]] [[port]] on the island. Under British [[colonialism|colonial]] rule, it grew in importance as a centre for both the [[India]]-[[China]] [[trade]] and the [[entrepôt]] trade in Southeast Asia, rapidly becoming a major port city. During [[World War II]], Singapore was conquered and occupied by the [[Empire of Japan|Japanese Empire]] from 1942 to 1945. When the war ended, Singapore reverted to British control, with increasing levels of [[self-governance|self-government]] being granted, culminating in [[Singapore in Malaysia|Singapore's merger]] with the [[Federation of Malaya]] to form [[Malaysia]] in 1963. However, social unrest and disputes between Singapore's ruling [[People's Action Party]] and Malaysia's [[Barisan Nasional|Alliance Party]] resulted in Singapore's expulsion from Malaysia. Singapore became an [[independence|independent]] [[republic]] on [[9 August]] [[1965]]. Facing severe unemployment and a housing crisis, Singapore embarked on a modernisation programme that focused on establishing a manufacturing industry, developing large public housing estates and investing heavily on public education. Since independence, Singapore's economy has grown by an average of nine percent each year. By the 1990s, the country has become one of the world's most prosperous nations, with a highly-[[economic development|developed]] [[free market economy]], strong [[international trade|international trading]] links, and the highest [[per capita]] [[gross domestic product]] in Asia outside of [[Japan]].<ref>{{cite web| publisher = [[International Monetary Fund]] | title = World Economic Outlook Database, September 2006 | url = http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2006/02/data/index.aspx }} </ref> ==Ancient times== {{main|Early history of Singapore}} [[Image:ParameswaraPortrait.jpg|thumb|right|upright|An artist's impression of [[Parameswara]], who ruled Singapore in the 1390s.]] The earliest written record of Singapore was a [[China|Chinese]] account from the third century, describing the island of ''Pu Luo Chung'' ([[wikt:蒲|蒲]][[wikt:罗|罗]][[wikt:中|中]]). This itself is transliterated from the [[Malay language|Malay]] name ''"[[wikt:Pulau|Pulau]] [[wikt:Ujong|Ujong]]"'', or "island at the end" (of the [[Malay peninsula]]).<ref name="utexas"> {{cite web| title = Singapore: History, Singapore 1994 | url = http://inic.utexas.edu/asnic/countries/singapore/Singapore-History.html | publisher = Asian Studies @ University of Texas at Austin | accessdate = 2006-07-07 }} </ref> The quasi-mythological [[Sejarah Melayu]] (''Malay Annals'') contains a tale of a prince of [[Srivijaya]], Sri Tri Buana (also known as [[Sang Nila Utama]]), who landed on the island during the 13th century. When he saw a lion, the prince took this as an auspicious sign and founded a settlement called Singapura, which means "Lion City" in [[Sanskrit]].<ref name="uslcPrecolonial"> {{cite web | title = Singapore - Precolonial Era | url = http://countrystudies.us/singapore/3.htm | publisher = U.S. Library of Congress | accessdate = 2006-06-18 }} </ref> In 1320, the [[Mongol Empire]] sent a trade mission to a place called ''[[Long Ya Men]]'' (or ''Dragon's Tooth Strait''), which is believed to be [[Keppel Harbour]], at the southern part of the island.<ref> {{cite web | title = Singapore: Relations with Malaysia | url = http://www.pbs.org/nbr/site/research/educators/060106_15a/ | author = Community Television Foundation of South Florida | publisher = [[Public Broadcasting Service]] | date = 2006-01-10 }} </ref> The Chinese traveler [[Wang Dayuan]], visiting the island around 1330, described a small settlement called Dan Ma Xi (淡马锡, from Malay ''Tamasik'') with [[Malay people|Malay]] and Chinese residents. The [[Nagarakretagama]], a [[Java (island)|Javanese]] epic poem written in 1365, also referred to a settlement on the island called [[Temasek]] (''Sea Town''). [[Archaeology in Singapore|Recent excavations]] in [[Fort Canning]] found evidences indicating that Singapore was an important port in the 14th century.<ref> {{cite web | title = Archaeology in Singapore - Fort Canning Site | url = http://www.seaarchaeology.com/v1/html/sg/fort_canning.html | publisher = Southeast-Asian Archaeology | accessdate = 2006-07-09}} </ref> In the 1390s, Srivijayan prince [[Parameswara (sultan)|Parameswara]] fled to Temasek after being deposed by the [[Majapahit Empire]]. He ruled the island for several years, before being forced to [[Melaka]] where he founded the [[Sultanate of Malacca]].<ref name="uslcPrecolonial"/> Singapore became an important trading port of the Malacca Sultanate<ref name="utexas"/> and later the [[Sultanate of Johor]]. In 1613, Portuguese raiders burnt down the settlement at the mouth of [[Singapore River]] and the island sank into obscurity.<ref name="uslcPrecolonial"/> ==Founding of modern Singapore (1819)== {{main|Founding of modern Singapore}} [[Image:StamfordRaffles.jpeg|thumb|upright|Thomas Stamford Raffles.]] Between the 16th and 19th centuries, the [[Malay archipelago]] was gradually taken over by the [[Europe]]an [[colonialism|colonial]] powers, beginning with the arrival of the [[Portuguese Empire|Portuguese]] at [[Malacca]] in 1509. The early dominance of the Portuguese was challenged during the 17th century by the [[Dutch colonial empire|Dutch]], who came to control most of the ports in the region. The Dutch established a [[monopoly]] over trade within the archipelago, particularly in [[spice]]s, then the region's most important product. Other colonial powers, including the [[British Empire|British]], were limited to a relatively minor presence.<ref name="uslcFounding"> {{cite web | title = Singapore - Founding and Early Years | url = http://countrystudies.us/singapore/4.htm | publisher = U.S. Library of Congress | accessdate = 2006-07-18 }} </ref> In 1818, [[Thomas Stamford Raffles|Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles]] was appointed as the Lieutenant Governor of the British colony at [[Bencoolen]]. He was determined that British should replace the Dutch as the dominant power in the archipelago, since the trade route between [[China]] and [[British Raj|British India]], which had become vitally important with the institution of the [[opium]] trade with China, passed through the archipelago. The Dutch had been stifling British trade in the region by prohibiting the British from operating in Dutch-controlled ports or by subjecting them with high tariff. Raffles hoped to challenge the Dutch by establishing a new port along the [[Straits of Malacca]], the main ship passageway for the India-China trade. He convinced [[Francis Rawdon-Hastings, 1st Marquess of Hastings|Lord Hastings]], the [[Governor-General of India]] and his superior at the [[British East India Company]], to fund an expedition to seek a new British base in the region.<ref name="uslcFounding"/> [[Image:Stamford Raffles statue.jpg|thumb|left|upright|A statue of Raffles by [[Thomas Woolner]] now stands in Singapore, near Raffles's landing site in 1819.]] Raffles arrived in Singapore on [[29 January]] [[1819]] and soon recognised the island as a natural choice for the new port. It lay at the southern tip of the Malay peninsula, near the Straits of Malacca, and possessed a natural deep harbour, fresh water supplies, and timber for repairing ships. Raffles found a small Malay settlement, with a population of a few hundreds, at the mouth of the [[Singapore River]], headed by [[Temenggong]] [[Abdu'r Rahman]]. The island was nominally ruled by the [[Sultan of Johor]], [[Tengku Rahman]], who was controlled by the Dutch and the [[Bugis]]. However, the Sultanate was weakened by factional division and Temenggong Abdu'r Rahman and his officials were loyal to Tengku Rahman's elder brother [[Hussein Shah of Johor|Tengku Hussein]] (or Tengku Long) who was living in exile in [[Riau Islands|Riau]]. With the Temenggong's help, Raffles managed to smuggle Hussein back into Singapore. He offered to recognise Hussein as the rightful Sultan of Johor and provide him with a yearly payment; in return, Hussein would grant the British the right to establish a trading post on Singapore.<ref name="uslcFounding"/> A formal treaty was signed on [[6 February]] [[1819]] and modern Singapore was born.<ref>{{cite web| title = 1819 - The February Documents | publisher = [[Ministry of Defence (Singapore)]] | date = 1997-02-07 | accessdate = 2006-07-18 | author = Jenny Ng | url = http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/about_us/history/the_early_years/v01n02b_history.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title = Milestones in Singapore's Legal History | publisher = [[Supreme Court, Singapore]] | accessdate = 2006-07-18 | url = http://app.supremecourt.gov.sg/default.aspx?pgID=39l}}</ref> ==Early growth (1819–1826)== {{main|Founding of modern Singapore#Early growth (1819–1826)|l1=Early growth in colonial Singapore (1819-1826)}} [[Image:Plansingapour.jpg|thumb|right|The ''Plan of the Town of Singapore'', or more commonly known as the ''Jackson Plan'' or ''Raffles Plan''.]] Raffles returned to Bencoolen soon after the signing of the treaty and left [[William Farquhar|Major William Farquhar]] in charge of the new settlement, with some artillery and a small regiment of Indian soldiers. Establishing a trading port from scratch was a daunting endeavour. Farquhar's administration was fairly funded and was prohibited from collecting port duties to raise revenue as Raffles had decided that Singapore would be a [[free port]]. Despite these difficulties, the new colony grew rapidly. As news of the free port spread across the archipelago, [[Bugis]], [[Peranakan|Peranakan Chinese]], and [[Arab]] traders flocked to the island, seeking to circumvent the Dutch trade restrictions. During the starting year of operation, $400,000 ([[Spanish dollar]]s) worth of trade passed through Singapore. By 1821, the island's population had gone up to around 5,000, and the trade volume was $8 million. The population reached the 10,000 mark in 1825, and with a trade volume of $22 million, Singapore surpassed the long-established port of [[Penang]].<ref name="uslcFounding"/> Raffles returned to Singapore in 1822 and became critical of many of Farquhar's decisions, despite Farquhar's success in leading the settlement through its difficult early years. In order to generate much-needed revenue, Farquhar had resorted to selling licenses for [[gambling]] and the sale of opium, which Raffles saw as social evils. Shocked at the disarray of the colony, Raffles set about drafting a set of new policies for the settlement. He also organised Singapore into functional and ethnic subdivisions under the ''[[Raffles Plan of Singapore]]''.<ref name="uslcFounding"/> Today, remnants of this organisation can still be found in the [[Culture of Singapore|ethnic neighbourhoods]]. On [[7 June]] [[1823]], Raffles signed a second treaty with the Sultan and Temenggong, which extended British possession to most of the island. The Sultan and Temenggong traded most of their administrative rights of the island, including the collection of port taxes for lifelong monthly payments of $1500 and $800 respectively. This agreement brought the island under the British law, with the provision that it would take into account Malay customs, traditions and religion.<ref name="uslcFounding"/> Raffles replaced Farquhar with [[John Crawfurd]], an efficient and frugal administrator, as the new governor.<ref>Bastin, John. "Malayan Portraits: John Crawfurd", in Malaya, vol.3 (December 1954), pp.697-698.</ref> In October 1823, Raffles departed for Britain and would never return to Singapore as he died in 1826, at the age of 44.<ref>{{cite web| title = The Death of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles (1781 – 1826) | publisher = Singapore Medical Journal | date = 1998 | accessdate = 2006-07-18 | author = J C M Khoo, C G Kwa, L Y Khoo | url = http://www.knowledgenet.com.sg/singapore/shf/e_journal/articles/EJV1ART002.htm}}</ref> ==The Straits Settlements (1826–1867)== {{main|Singapore in the Straits Settlements}} [[Image:Thian Hock Keng Temple 3, Dec 05.JPG|thumb|right|The [[Thian Hock Keng]], completed in [[1842]], served as a place of worship for early immigrants.]] [[Image:Pagoda Street, Dec 05.JPG|thumb|right|Restored [[shophouse]]s running along a street in Chinatown, which reflects the [[Victorian architecture]] of buildings built in Singapore during the earlier colonial period, with styles such as the [[painted ladies]].]] The establishment of a British outpost in Singapore was initially in doubt as the Dutch government soon protested to Britain for violating their sphere of influence. But as Singapore rapidly emerged as an important trading post, Britain consolidated its claim on the island. The status of Singapore as a British possession was cemented by the [[Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824]], which carved up the Malay archipelago between the two colonial powers with the area north of the Straits of Malacca, including Singapore, falling under Britain's sphere of influence. In 1826, Singapore was grouped together with Penang and Malacca to form the [[Straits Settlements]], administrated by the [[British East India Company]]. In 1830, the Straits Settlements became a ''residency'', or subdivision, of the [[Bengal Presidency|Presidency of Bengal]] in [[British India]].<ref name="uslcFlourishing"> {{cite web | title = Singapore - A Flourishing Free Ports | url = http://countrystudies.us/singapore/5.htm | publisher = U.S. Library of Congress | accessdate = 2006-07-18 }} </ref> During the subsequent decades, Singapore grew to become an important port in the region. Its success was due to several reasons including the opening of market in China, the advent of ocean-going [[Steamboat|steamships]], and the production of [[rubber]] and [[tin]] in Malaya.<ref> {{cite web | title = The Straits Settlements | url = http://www.sg/explore/history_straits.htm | publisher = Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts | accessdate = 2006-07-18 }} </ref> Its status as a free port provided crucial advantage over other colonial port cities in Batavia ([[Jakarta]]) and [[Manila]] where tariffs were levied, and it drew many Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Arab traders operating in South-East Asia to Singapore. The later opening of the [[Suez Canal]] in 1869 would further boost trade in Singapore. By 1880, over 1.5 million tons of goods were passing through Singapore each year, with around 80% of the cargo transported by steamships.<ref> {{cite web | title =Singapore Harbor from Its Founding to the Present: A Brief Chronology | url = http://www.scholars.nus.edu.sg/post/singapore/economics/harborchron.html | author = George P. Landow | accessdate = 2006-07-18 }} </ref> The main commercial activity was [[entrepôt]] trade which flourished under no taxation and little restriction. Many merchant houses were set up in Singapore mainly by European trading firms, but also by Jewish, Chinese, Arab, Armenian, American and Indian merchants. There were also many Chinese middlemen who handled most of the trade between the European and Asian merchants.<ref name="uslcFlourishing"/> By 1827, the Chinese became the largest ethnic group in Singapore. They consisted of [[Peranakan]]s, who were descendants of early Chinese settlers, and Chinese [[coolie]]s who flocked to Singapore to escape the economic hardship in southern China due to the [[Opium Wars]]. Many arrived in Singapore as impoverished [[Indentured servant|indentured labourers]] and they were predominantly males. The Malays were the second largest ethnic group until the 1860s and they worked as fishermen, craftsmen, or as wage earners while continued to live mostly in [[kampung]]s. By 1860, the [[India]]ns became the second largest ethnic group. They consisted of unskilled labourers, traders, and convicts who were sent to carry out public works projects such as clearing jungles and laying out roads. There were also Indian [[Sepoy]] troops garrisoned at Singapore by the British.<ref name="uslcFlourishing"/> Despite Singapore's growing importance, the administration governing the island was understaffed, ineffectual and were unconcerned with the welfare of the populace. Administrators were usually posted from India and were unfamiliar with local culture and languages. While the population had quadrupled during 1830 to 1867, the size of the civil service in Singapore had remained unchanged. Most people had no access to public health services and diseases such as [[cholera]] and [[smallpox]] caused severe health problem, especially in overcrowded working-class areas.<ref name="uslcFlourishing"/> As a result of the administration's ineffectiveness and the predominantly male, transient, and uneducated nature of the population, the society was lawless and chaotic. In 1850 there were only twelve police officers in the city of nearly 60,000 people. [[Prostitution]], [[gambling]], and [[drug abuse]] (particularly of opium) were widespread. Chinese criminal [[Secret societies in Singapore|secret societies]] (analogous to modern-day [[Triad society|triads]]) were extremely powerful, and some had tens of thousands of members. Turf wars between rival societies occasionally led to hundreds of deaths and attempts to suppress them had limited success.<ref>Lim, Irene. ([[1999]]) ''Secret societies in Singapore'', National Heritage Board, Singapore History Museum, Singapore ISBN 981-3018-79-8</ref> ==Crown colony (1867–1942)== {{main|Singapore in the Straits Settlements#Crown colony (1867–1942)|l1=Crown colony (1867–1942)}} [[Image:Map of Singapore.jpg|thumb|1888 German map of Singapore]] As Singapore continued to grow, the deficiencies in the Straits Settlements administration became serious and Singapore's merchant community began agitating against British Indian rule. The British government agreed to establish the Straits Settlements as a separate [[Crown Colony]] on [[1 April]], [[1867]]. This new colony was ruled by a governor under the supervision of the [[Colonial Office]] in [[London]]. The governor was assisted by an [[Executive Council|executive council]] and a [[Legislative Council of the Straits Settlements|legislative council]].<ref name="uslcCrown"> {{cite web | title = Crown Colony | url = http://countrystudies.us/singapore/6.htm | publisher = U.S. Library of Congress | accessdate = 2006-07-18 }} </ref> Although members of the councils were not elected, more representatives for the local population were gradually included over the years. The colonial government embarked on several measures to address the serious social problems facing Singapore. A [[Chinese Protectorate]] under [[William Pickering (Singapore)|Pickering]] was established in 1877 to address the needs of the Chinese community, especially in controlling the worst abuses of the coolie trade and protecting Chinese women from forced prostitution.<ref name="uslcCrown"/> In [[1889]] Governor Sir [[Cecil Clementi Smith]] banned secret societies, driving them underground.<ref name="uslcCrown"/> Nevertheless, many social problems persisted up through the post-war era, including an acute housing shortage and poor health and living standards. In 1906, the [[Tongmenghui]], a [[revolutionary]] [[China|Chinese]] organisation dedicated to the overthrow of the [[Qing Dynasty]] and led by [[Sun Yat-Sen]], founded its [[Nanyang (geographical region)|Nanyang]] branch in Singapore, which served as the organisation's headquarters in [[Southeast Asia]].<ref name="uslcCrown"/> The immigrant Chinese population in Singapore donated generously to Tongmenghui, which organised the 1911 [[Xinhai Revolution]] that led to the establishment of the [[Republic of China]]. [[Image:Victoria Dock, Tanjong Pagar, in the 1890s.jpg|thumb|A busy Victoria Dock, Tanjong Pagar, in the 1890s.]] Singapore was not much affected by [[World War I]] (1914–18), as the conflict did not spread to Southeast Asia. The only significant event during the war was a 1915 [[mutiny]] by the British Muslim Indian [[sepoys]] garrisoned in Singapore.<ref>Harper, R. W. E. & Miller, Harry (1984) ''Singapore Mutiny''. Singapore: Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-582549-7</ref> After hearing rumours that they were to be sent off to fight the [[Ottoman Empire]], the soldiers revolted, killing their officers and several British civilians before being suppressed by troops arriving from Johor and Burma.<ref> {{cite web | title =Singapore Massacre (1915) | url = http://www.nesa.org.uk/html/singapore_massacre__1915_.htm | publisher = National Ex-Services Association | accessdate = 2006-07-18 }} </ref> After the war, the British government devoted significant resources into building a [[Singapore Naval Base|naval base]] in Singapore, as a deterrent to the increasingly ambitious [[Empire of Japan|Japanese Empire]]. Completed in 1939 at a staggering cost of $500 million, the naval base boasted what was then the largest [[dry dock]] in the world, the third-largest [[floating dock]], and having enough fuel tanks to support the entire British navy for six months. It was defended by heavy 15-inch naval guns and by [[Royal Air Force]] squadrons stationed at [[Tengah Air Base]]. [[Winston Churchill]] touted it as the "[[Gibraltar]] of the East." Unfortunately, it was a base without a fleet. The [[British Home Fleet]] was stationed in Europe and the plan was for it to sail quickly to Singapore when needed. However, after [[World War II]] broke out in 1939, the Fleet was fully occupied with [[Battle of Britain|defending Britain]].<ref>W. David McIntyre (1979) ''The Rise and Fall of the Singapore Naval Base, 1919-1942'' London: Macmillan, ISBN 0-333-24867-8</ref> ==The Battle of Singapore and the Japanese Occupation (1942–1945)== {{main|Battle of Singapore|Japanese Occupation of Singapore}} [[Image:Japanese air raid on singapore - February 8 1942.jpg|left|thumb|Damage caused by a Japanese air assault on [[8 February]] [[1942]]. Many civilians were killed in these air raids.]] On [[7 December]] [[1941]], Japan [[attack on Pearl Harbor|attacked Pearl Harbor]] and the [[Pacific War]] began in earnest. One of Japan's objectives was to capture [[Southeast Asia]] and secure the rich supply of [[natural resource]]s to feed its military and industry needs. Singapore, the main Allied base in the region, was an obvious military target. The British military commanders in Singapore had believed that the Japanese attack would come by sea from the south, since the dense Malayan jungle in the north would serve as a natural barrier against invasion. Although the British had drawn up a plan for dealing with an attack on northern Malaya, preparations were never completed. The military was confident that "Fortress Singapore" would withstand any Japanese attack and this confidence was further reinforced by the arrival of Force Z, a squadron of British warships dispatched to the defense of Singapore, including the [[battleship]] ''[[HMS Prince of Wales (1939)|HMS Prince of Wales]]'', and [[cruiser]] ''[[HMS Repulse (1916)|HMS Repulse]]''. The squadron was to have been accompanied by a third capital ship, the [[aircraft carrier]] ''[[HMS Indomitable (R92)|HMS Indomitable]]'', but it ran aground en route, leaving the squadron without air cover. On [[8 December]] [[1941]], Japanese forces landed at [[Kota Bahru]] in northern Malaya. Just two days after the start of [[Battle of Malaya|the invasion of Malaya]], [[Sinking of Prince of Wales and Repulse|''Prince of Wales'' and ''Repulse'' were sunk]] 50&nbsp;miles off the coast of [[Kuantan]] in [[Pahang]], by a force of Japanese [[bomber]]s and [[torpedo bomber]] aircraft, in the worst British naval defeat of World War II. Allied [[air support]] did not arrive in time to protect the two capital ships.<ref>Martin Middlebrook and Patrick Mahonehy Battleship: The Sinking of the Prince Of Wales and the Repulse (Charles Scribner's Sons, New York, 1979)</ref> After this incident, Singapore and Malaya suffered daily [[strategic bombing|air raids]], including those targeting civilian structures such as hospitals or shophouses with casualties ranging from the tens to the hundreds each time. The Japanese army advanced swiftly southward through the Malay Peninsula, crushing or bypassing Allied resistance.<ref>{{cite web | title=The Malayan Campaign 1941 | url=http://orbat.com/site/history/historical/malaysia/malayan1941.html | accessdate=December 7 | accessyear=2005}}</ref> The Allied forces did not have [[tank]]s, which they considered as unsuitable in the [[tropical rainforest]], and their [[infantry]] proved powerless against the Japanese [[List of Japanese tanks and armoured vehicles of the WWII period#light tanks|light tanks]]. As their resistance failed against the Japanese advance, the Allied forces were forced to retreat southwards towards Singapore. By [[31 January]] [[1942]], a mere 55 days after the start of the invasion, the Japanese had conquered the entire [[Malay peninsula]] and were poised to attack Singapore.<ref>Peter Thompson (2005) ''The Battle for Singapore'', London, ISBN 0-7499-5068-4</ref> [[Image:Singaporesurrender.jpg|right|thumb|Lieutenant-General [[Arthur Percival]], led by a Japanese officer, marches under a flag of [[truce]] to negotiate the capitulation of Allied forces in Singapore, on [[15 February]], [[1942]]. It was the largest surrender of British-led forces in history.]] The [[causeway]] linking Johar and Singapore was blown up by the Allied forces in an effort to stop the Japanese army. However, the Japanese managed to cross the [[Straits of Johor]] in inflatable boats days after. Several heroic fights by the Allied forces and volunteers of Singapore's population against the advancing Japanese, such as the [[Battle of Pasir Panjang]], took place during this period.<ref>Smith, Colin, ''Singapore Burning: Heroism and Surrender in World War II '' Penguin books 2005, ISBN 0-670-91341-3 </ref> However, with most of the defences shattered and supplies exhausted, Lieutenant-General [[Arthur Ernest Percival|Arthur Percival]] surrendered the Allied forces in Singapore to General [[Tomoyuki Yamashita]] of the [[Imperial Japanese Army]] on [[Chinese New Year]], [[15 February]] [[1942]]. About 130,000 Indian, Australian and British troops became prisoners of war, many of whom would later be transported to [[Death Railway|Burma]], Japan, Korea, or Manchuria for use as slave labour via prisoner transports known as "[[hell ship]]s." The fall of Singapore was the largest surrender of British-led forces in history.<ref>John George Smyth (1971) ''Percival and the Tragedy of Singapore'', MacDonald and Company, ASIN B0006CDC1Q </ref> Singapore, renamed '''Syonan-to''' (昭南島 ''Shōnan-tō'', "Light of the South Island" in [[Japanese language|Japanese]]), was occupied by the Japanese from 1942 to 1945. The Japanese Occupation is the darkest period of Singaporean history as the Japanese army imposed harsh measures against the local population. Numerous atrocities were committed by Japanese troops, particularly by the ''[[Kempeitai]]'', the Japanese [[military police]].<ref>Kang, Jew Koon. "Chinese in Singapore during the Japanese occupation, 1942-1945." Academic exercise - Dept. of History, National University of Singapore, 1981.</ref> They were the enforcers of the [[Sook Ching Massacre]] of [[Chinese in Singapore|Chinese]] civilians, to retaliate against them for their support of the [[Second Sino-Japanese War|war effort in China]]. The mass executions claimed between 25,000 and 50,000 lives in Malaya and Singapore. The rest of the population suffered severe hardship throughout the three and a half years of Japanese occupation.<ref>Blackburn, Kevin. "The Collective Memory of the Sook Ching Massacre and the Creation of the Civilian War Memorial of Singapore". ''Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society'' 73, 2 (December [[2000]]), 71-90.</ref> ==Post-war period (1945–1955)== {{main|Post-war Singapore}} <!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:British return to Singapore - fanfare.jpg|left|thumb|350px|There was much fanfare after the Japanese left Singapore in 1945.]] --> After the [[Japanese surrender]] to the Allies on [[15 August]] [[1945]], Singapore fell into a brief state of [[anomie]] and looting and revenge-killing were widespread. British troops led by [[Lord Louis Mountbatten]], [[Supreme Allied Commander]] for [[Southeast Asia Command]], returned to Singapore to receive formal surrender of the Japanese forces in the region from General [[Itagaki Seishiro]] on behalf of General [[Hisaichi Terauchi]] on September 12, 1945 and a British Military Administration was formed to govern the island until March 1946. Much of the [[infrastructure]] had been destroyed during the war, including [[electricity]] and [[water supply]] systems, telephone services, as well as the harbour facilities at the [[Port of Singapore]]. There was also a shortage of food leading to malnutrition, diseases and rampant crimes and violence. High food prices, unemployment, and workers' discontent culminated into a series of strikes in 1947 causing massive stoppages in public transport and other services. By late 1947, the economy began to recover, facilitated by a growing demand for tin and rubber around the world, but it would take several more years before the economy returned to pre-war levels.<ref name="uslcAftermathOfWar"> {{cite web | title = Singapore - Aftermath of War | url = http://countrystudies.us/singapore/9.htm | publisher = U.S. Library of Congress | accessdate = 2006-06-18 }} </ref> The failure of Britain to defend Singapore had destroyed its credibility as infallible ruler in the eyes of Singaporeans. The decades after the war saw a political awakening amongst the local populace and the rise of [[anti-colonialism|anti-colonial]] and [[nationalism|nationalist]] sentiments, epitomised by the slogan ''[[Merdeka]]'', or "independence" in the Malay language. The British, on their part, were prepared to gradually increase [[self-governance]] for Singapore and Malaya.<ref name="uslcAftermathOfWar"/> On [[1 April]] [[1946]], the [[Straits Settlements]] was dissolved and Singapore became a separate Crown Colony with a civil administration headed by a Governor. In July 1947, separate Executive and Legislative Councils were established and the election of six members of the Legislative Council was scheduled in the following year.<ref name="micaSelfGovernment"> {{cite web | title = Towards Self-government | url = http://www.sg/explore/history_towards.htm | publisher = Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts, Singapore | accessdate = 2006-06-18 }} </ref> ===First Legislative Council (1948-1951)=== The [[Singapore general election, 1948|first Singaporean elections]], held in March 1948, were limited as only six of the twenty-five seats on the [[Legislative Council of Singapore|Legislative Council]] were to be [[Election|elected]]. Only British subjects had the rights to vote, and only 23,000 or about 10% of those eligible [[Voter registration|registered to vote]]. Other members of the Council were chosen either by the Governor or by the chambers of commerce.<ref name="uslcAftermathOfWar"/> Three of the elected seats were won by a newly-formed [[Singapore Progressive Party]] (SPP), a conservative party whose leaders were businessmen and professionals and were disinclined to press for immediate self-rule. The other three seats were won by independents. Three months after the elections, an armed insurgency by [[communism|communist]] groups in Malaya — the [[Malayan Emergency]] — broke out. The British imposed tough measures to control [[Left-wing politics|left-wing]] groups in both Singapore and Malaya and introduced the controversial [[Internal Security Act (Singapore)|Internal Security Act]], which allowed indefinite detention without [[trial (law)|trial]] for persons suspected of being "threats to security". Since the left-wing groups were the strongest critics of the colonial system, progress on self-government was stalled for several years.<ref name="uslcAftermathOfWar"/> ===Second Legislative Council (1951-1955)=== A second Legislative Council election was held in 1951 with the number of elected seats increased to nine. This election was again dominated by the SPP which won six seats. While this contributed to the formation of a distinct local [[government of Singapore]], the colonial administration was still dominant. In 1953, with the communists in Malaya suppressed and the worst of the Emergency over, a British Commission, headed by [[George Rendel|Sir George Rendel]], proposed a limited form of self-government for Singapore. A new [[Legislative Assembly of Singapore|Legislative Assembly]] with twenty-five out of thirty-two seats chosen by popular election would replace the Legislative Council, from which a [[Chief Minister]] as [[head of government]] and Council of Ministers as a [[cabinet]] would be picked under a [[parliamentary system]]. The British would retain control over areas such as internal security and foreign affairs, as well as [[veto]] power over legislation. The election for the Legislative Assembly held on [[2 April]] [[1955]] was a lively and closely-fought affair, with several new political parties joining the fray. Unlike previous elections, voters were automatically registered, expanding the electorate to around 300,000. The SPP was soundly defeated in the election, winning only four seats. The newly-formed, left-leaning [[Labour Front]] was the biggest winner with ten seats and it formed a coalition government with the [[United Malays National Organisation|UMNO]]-[[Malaysian Chinese Association|MCA]] Alliance, which won three seats.<ref name="uslcAftermathOfWar"/> Another new party, the [[Left-wing politics|leftist]] [[People's Action Party]] (PAP), won three seats. ==Self-government (1955–1963)== {{main|Self-governance of Singapore}} ===Partial internal self-government (1955–1959)=== [[Image:DavidMarshall.jpg|thumb|left|upright|David Marshall is seen here wearing his political uniform of white bush-jacket, complete with a hammer.]] [[David Saul Marshall|David Marshall]], leader of the [[Labour Front]], became the first Chief Minister of Singapore. He presided over a shaky government, receiving little cooperation from either the colonial government or the other local parties. Social unrest was on the rise, and in May 1955, the [[Hock Lee Bus Riots]] broke out, killing four people and seriously discrediting Marshall's government.<ref> {{cite web | title = 1955- Hock Lee Bus Riots | publisher=Singapore Press Holdings | url = http://ourstory.asia1.com.sg/independence/ref/hocklee.html | accessdate= 2006-06-27 }} </ref> In 1956, the [[Chinese Middle School riots]] broke out among students in [[The Chinese High School]] and other schools, further increasing the tension between the local government and the Chinese students and unionists who were regarded of having communist sympathies. In April 1956, Marshall led a delegation to London to negotiate for complete self-rule in the [[Merdeka|Merdeka Talks]], but the talks failed when the British were reluctant to give up control over Singapore's internal security. The British were concerned about communist influence and [[strike action|labour strikes]] which were undermining Singapore's economic stability, and felt that the local government was ineffective in handling earlier riots. Marshall resigned following the failure of the talk. The new Chief Minister, [[Lim Yew Hock]], launched a crackdown on communist and leftist groups, imprisoning many trade union leaders and several pro-communist members of the PAP under the [[Internal Security Act (Singapore)|Internal Security Act]].<ref name="uslcRoadToIndependence"> {{cite web | title = Singapore - Road to Independence | url = http://countrystudies.us/singapore/10.htm | publisher = U.S. Library of Congress | accessdate = 2006-06-27 }} </ref> The British government approved of Lim's tough stance against communist agitators, and when a new round of talks was held beginning in March 1957, they agreed to grant complete internal self-government. A State of Singapore would be created, with its own citizenship. The Legislative Assembly would be expanded to fifty-one members, entirely chosen by popular election, and the [[Prime Minister]] and cabinet would control all aspects of government except defence and foreign affairs. The governorship was replaced by a ''[[Yang di-Pertuan Negara]]'' or [[head of state]].<ref name="uslcRoadToIndependence"/> ===Full internal self-government (1959-1963)=== [[Singapore general election, 1959|Elections for the new Legislative Assembly]] were held in May 1959. The [[People's Action Party]] (PAP) swept the election, winning forty-three of the fifty-one seats. They accomplished this by courting the Chinese-speaking majority, particularly those in the labour unions and radical student organisations. Its leader [[Lee Kuan Yew]], a young [[University of Cambridge|Cambridge]]-educated lawyer, became the first Prime Minister of Singapore. The PAP's victory was viewed with dismay by foreign and local business leaders because some party's members were pro-communists. Many businesses promptly shifted their headquarters from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur.<ref name="uslcRoadToIndependence"/> Despite these ill omens, the PAP government embarked on a vigorous program to address Singapore's various economic and social problems. Economic development was overseen by the new Minister of Finance [[Goh Keng Swee]], whose strategy was to encourage foreign and local [[investment]] with measures ranging from tax incentives to the establishment of a large [[industrial estate]] in [[Jurong]].<ref name="uslcRoadToIndependence"/> The education system was revamped to train a skilled workforce and the [[English language]] was promoted over the [[Chinese language]] as the language of instruction. To eliminate labour unrest, existing labour unions were consolidated, sometimes forcibly, into a single umbrella organisation, called the [[National Trades Union Congress]] (NTUC) with strong oversight from the government. On the social front, an aggressive and well-funded [[Housing and Development Board|public housing program]] was launched to solve the long-standing housing problem. More than 25,000 high-rise, low-cost [[apartment]]s were constructed during the first two years of the program.<ref name="uslcRoadToIndependence"/> ===Campaign for merger=== [[Image:Merdeka Singapore 1955.jpg|thumb|right|A [[People's Action Party]] [[Merdeka]] rally at Farrer Park on [[17 August]] [[1955]].]] Despite their successes in governing Singapore, the PAP leaders, including Lee and Goh, believed that Singapore's future lay with Malaya. They felt that the historical and economic ties between Singapore and Malaya were too strong for them to continue as separate nations, and they campaigned vigorously for a merger. On the other hand, the sizeable pro-communist wing of the PAP were strongly opposed to the merger, fearing a loss of influence as the ruling party of Malaya, [[United Malays National Organisation]], was staunchly anti-communist and would support the non-communist faction of PAP against them. The UMNO leaders were also skeptical of the merger idea due to their distrust of the PAP government and concerns that the large Chinese population in Singapore would alter the racial balance on which their political power base depended. The issue came to a head in 1961 when pro-communist PAP minister [[Ong Eng Guan]] defected from the party and beat a PAP candidate in a subsequent [[by-election]], a move that threatened to bring down Lee's government. Faced with the prospect of a takeover by the pro-communists, UMNO did an about-face on the merger. On [[27 May]], Malaya's Prime Minister, [[Tunku Abdul Rahman]], mooted the idea of a [[Federation of Malaysia]], comprised of the existing Federation of Malaya, Singapore, [[Brunei]] and the British Borneo territories of [[Sabah]] and [[Sarawak]]. The UMNO leaders believed that the additional Malay population in the Borneo territories would offset Singapore's Chinese population.<ref name="uslcRoadToIndependence"/> The Malaysia proposal ignited the long-brewing conflict between the moderates and pro-communists within the PAP. The pro-communists, led by [[Lim Chin Siong]], left the PAP to form a new opposition party, the [[Barisan Sosialis]] (Socialist Front), to campaign against entry into Malaysia under the PAP's plan. In response, Lee [[1962 Merger Referendum of Singapore|called for a referendum]] on the merger and campaigned vigorously for his proposal, aided by the government's strong influence over the media. In the referendum, held on [[1 September]] [[1962]], 70% of the votes supported the PAP's proposal for merger. On [[9 July]] [[1963]], the leaders of Singapore, Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak signed the [[Malaysia Agreement]] to establish the [[Federation of Malaysia]].<ref name="uslcRoadToIndependence"/> ==Singapore in Malaysia (1963–1965)== {{main|Singapore in Malaysia}} {{see also|PAP-UMNO relations|History of Malaysia}} [[Image:Mmsia1.jpg|A national ceremony celebrates the formation of the Federation of Malaysia in 1963.|right|thumb]] ===Merger=== On [[16 September]] [[1963]], Malaya, Singapore, [[Sabah]] and [[Sarawak]] were formally merged and Malaysia was formed. For Singapore, the merger was thought to benefit the economy by creating a common free market, eliminating trade tariffs, and solving unemployment woes. The British government approved the merger, convinced that Singapore's security would be safeguarded within the much larger Malaysia. The union was rocky from the start. During the [[Singapore general election, 1963|1963 Singapore state elections]], a local branch of [[United Malays National Organisation|UMNO]] took part in the election despite an earlier UMNO's agreement with the PAP not to participate in the state's politics during Malaysia's formative years. Although UMNO lost all its bids, relations between PAP and UMNO worsened as the PAP, in a tit-for-tat, challenged UMNO candidates in the 1964 federal election as part of the [[Malaysian Solidarity Convention]], winning one seat in Malaysian Parliament. ===Racial tension=== Racial tensions increased dramatically within a year and were fueled by [[Barisan Sosialis]]'s tactics of stirring up communal sentiment to discredit the government of Singapore and the federal government of Malaysia.{{Fact|date=July 2007}} In particular, the Chinese in Singapore disdained being discriminated against by the federal policies of [[affirmative action]], which granted special privileges to the Malays guaranteed under [[Article 153 of the Constitution of Malaysia]]. There were also other financial and economic benefits that were preferentially given to Malays. Lee Kuan Yew and other political leaders began advocating for the fair and equal treatment of all races in Malaysia, with a rallying cry of ''"[[Malaysian Malaysia]]!"''. [[Image:Kallangracialriot.gif|thumb|right|The start of the racial riot on [[Muhammad]]'s birthday, that would later injure hundreds and killed 23 people.]] Meanwhile, the Malays in Singapore were being increasingly incited by the federal government's accusations that the PAP was mistreating the Malays. The external political situation was also tense when [[Indonesia]]n President [[Sukarno]] declared a state of ''[[Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation|Konfrontasi]]'' (Confrontation) against Malaysia and initiated military and other actions against the new nation, including the [[MacDonald House bombing|bombing of MacDonald House]] in Singapore in March 1965 by Indonesian commandos, killing three people.<ref>{{cite news | title = Terror Bomb Kills 2 Girls at Bank | publisher= [[The Straits Times]] |date = 11 March 1965 | url = http://ourstory.asia1.com.sg/merger/headline/mterror1.html}} </ref> Indonesia also conducted sedition activities to provoke the Malays against the Chinese.<ref name="uslcRoadToIndependence"/> Numerous racial riots resulted and curfews were frequently imposed to restore order. The most notorious riots were the [[1964 Race Riots]] that first took place on Prophet [[Muhammad]]'s birthday on [[21 July]] with twenty three people killed and hundreds injured. During the unrest, the price of food skyrocketed when transport system was disrupted, causing further hardship for the people. The state and federal governments also had conflicts on the economic front. UMNO leaders feared that the economic dominance of Singapore would inevitably shift political power away from [[Kuala Lumpur]]. Despite earlier agreement to establish a common market, Singapore continued to face restrictions when trading with the rest of Malaysia. In retaliation, Singapore refused to provide Sabah and Sarawak the full extent of the loans previously agreed to for the economic development of the two eastern states. The situation escalated to such intensity that talks soon broke down and abusive speeches and writings became rife on both sides. UMNO extremists called for the [[arrest]] of [[Lee Kuan Yew]]. ===Separation=== [[Image:Lee Kuan Yew Press Conference, 9 August 1965.jpg|thumb|right|Prime Minister [[Lee Kuan Yew]] announces the separation to Singaporeans on [[9 August]] [[1965]].]] Seeing no other alternative to avoid further bloodshed, the Malaysian Prime Minister [[Tunku Abdul Rahman]] decided to expel Singapore from the federation. The Parliament of Malaysia voted 126-0 in favour of the expulsion on [[9 August]] [[1965]]. On that day, a tearful Lee Kuan Yew announced on a televised press conference that Singapore was a sovereign, independent nation. In a widely remembered quote, he uttered that: ''"For me, it is a moment of anguish. All my life, my whole adult life, I have believed in merger and unity of the two territories."''<ref> {{cite news| title = Road to Independence | publisher =AsiaOne |accessdate = 2006-06-28 | url = http://ourstory.asia1.com.sg/merger/merger.html}} </ref> The new state became the '''Republic of Singapore''' and [[Yusof bin Ishak]] was appointed the first [[President of Singapore|President]].<ref>{{cite web| title = Singapore Infomap - Independence | publisher = Ministry of Information,Communications and the Arts | accessdate = 2006-07-17 | url = http://www.sg/explore/history_independence.htm}}</ref> ==Republic of Singapore (1965–present)== {{main|History of the Republic of Singapore}} ===1965 to 1979=== [[Image:Jurong industrial estate ariel view.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The [[Jurong]] Industrial Estate was developed in the 1960s to industrialise the economy.]] After gaining independence abruptly, the future of Singapore was filled with uncertainties. The [[Konfrontasi]] was on-going and conservative UMNO faction strongly opposed the separation; Singapore faced the danger of being attacked by Indonesian military or forcibly re-absorbed into the Malaysia Federation in unfavourable terms. Singapore immediately sought international recognition of its sovereignty. Singapore joined the [[United Nations]] on [[21 September]] [[1965]] and the [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] in October that year. Foreign minister [[Sinnathamby Rajaratnam]] headed a new foreign service and helped asserting Singapore's independence and establishing diplomatic relations with other countries.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/194463/1/.html|title=Former DPM Rajaratnam dies at age 90|publisher=Channel NewsAsia|date=[[22 February]], [[2006]]}}</ref> Singapore later co-founded the [[Association of Southeast Asian Nations]] on [[8 August]] [[1967]] and was admitted into the [[Non-Aligned Movement]] in 1970.<ref>{{cite web| title = About MFA, 1970s | publisher = Ministry of Foreign Affairs | accessdate = 2006-07-17 | url = http://www.mfa.gov.sg/internet/abtmfa/aboutmfa_h2.htm}}</ref> As a small island nation, Singapore was seen as inadequate to be a viable country and much of the international [[mass media|media]] was skeptical of prospects for Singapore's survival. Besides the issue of sovereignty, the pressing problems were unemployment, housing, education, and the lack of [[natural resource]]s and [[landform|land]].<ref name="uslcTwoDecadesOfIndependence"> {{cite web | title = Singapore - Two Decades of Independence | url = http://countrystudies.us/singapore/11.htm | publisher = U.S. Library of Congress | accessdate = 2006-06-28 }} </ref> [[Unemployment rate]] was ranging between 10-12% threatening to trigger civil unrest. The [[Economic Development Board]] was set up in 1961 to formulate and implement national economic strategies, focusing on promoting Singapore's manufacturing sector.<ref>{{cite web| title = Singapore Infomap - Coming of Age | publisher = Ministry of Information,Communications and the Arts | accessdate = 2006-07-17 | url = http://www.sg/explore/history_coming.htm}}</ref> [[Industrial estate]]s were set up, especially in [[Jurong]], and foreign [[investment]] was attracted to the country with tax incentives. The [[industrialization|industrialisation]] transformed the manufacturing sector to one that produced higher value-added goods and achieved greater revenue. The [[service industry]] also grew at this time, driven by demand for services by ships calling at the port and increasing commerce. These progresses helped to alleviate the unemployment crisis. Singapore also attracted big oil companies like [[Royal Dutch Shell|Shell]] and [[Esso]] to establish [[oil refineries]] in Singapore which, by the mid 1970s, became the third largest oil-refining centre in the world.<ref name="uslcTwoDecadesOfIndependence"/> The government invested heavily in an education system that adopted English as the language of instruction and emphasised on practical training to develop a competent workforce well suited for the industry. The lack of good public housing, poor [[sanitation]], and high unemployment led to social problems from crime to health issues. The proliferation of [[squatter]] settlements resulted in safety hazards and caused the [[Bukit Ho Swee Fire|Bukit Ho Swee Squatter Fire]] in 1961 that killed four people and left 16,000 others homeless.<ref>{{cite web| title = Milestone - 1888-1990 | publisher = [[Singapore Civil Defence Force]] | accessdate = 2006-07-17 | url = http://www.scdf.gov.sg/General/About_Us/Milestones/1888_1990.html}}</ref> The [[Housing Development Board]] set up before independence continued to be largely successful and huge building projects sprung up to provide affordable public housing to resettle the squatters. Within a decade, the majority of the population had been housed in these apartments. The [[Central Provident Fund]] (CPF) Housing Scheme, introduced in 1968, allows residents to use their compulsory savings account to purchase HDB flats and gradually increases home ownership in Singapore.<ref>{{cite web| title = History of CPF | publisher = [[Central Provident Fund]] | accessdate = 2006-07-17 | url = http://mycpf.cpf.gov.sg/CPF/About-Us/HistoryofCPF.htm}}</ref> British troops had remained in Singapore following its independence, but in 1968, London announced its decision to withdraw the forces by 1971.<ref>{{cite web| title = 1968 - British Withdrawal | publisher = [[Ministry of Defence (Singapore)]] | date = 1997-01-07 | accessdate = 2006-07-18 | author = N. Vijayan | url = http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/about_us/history/birth_of_saf/v01n01a_history.html}}</ref> Singapore set out to build its military, called the [[Singapore Armed Forces]], and a [[National Service in Singapore|national service]] programme was introduced in 1967.<ref>{{cite web| title = 1967 - March 1967 National Service Begins | publisher = [[Ministry of Defence (Singapore)]] | date = 2002-03-07 | accessdate = 2006-07-17 | author = Lim Gek Hong | url = http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/about_us/history/birth_of_saf/v06n03_history.html}}</ref> ===The 1980s and 1990s=== [[Image:BukitBatok.JPG|thumb|right|Top view of Bukit Batok West. Large scale public housing development has created high housing ownership among the population.]] Further economic success continued through the 1980s onwards, with the unemployment rate falling to 3% and real GDP growth averaging at about 8% during this time until 1999. During the 1980s, Singapore began to upgrade its industries to higher-technology industries, such as the [[wafer fabrication]] sector, in order to compete with its neighbours which now have cheaper labour forces. [[Singapore Changi Airport]] was opened in 1981 and [[Singapore Airlines]] was developed to become a major airline in the world.<ref>{{cite web| title = History of Changi Airport | publisher = Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore | url = http://www.changiairport.com.sg/changi/en/about_us/history_changi.html}}</ref> The [[Port of Singapore]] became one of the world's busiest ports and the service and tourism industry also grew immensely during this period. Singapore emerged as an important transportation hub and a major tourist destination. The [[Housing Development Board]] continued to promote public housing with new towns, such as in [[Ang Mo Kio]], were designed and built. These new residential estates have larger and higher-standard apartments and are served with better amenities. Today, 80-90% of the population lives in HDB apartments. In 1987, the first [[Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)|Mass Rapid Transit]] (MRT) line began operation, connecting most of these housing estates and the city centre.<ref>[http://www.lta.gov.sg/public_transport/pt_rail_tracing.htm "1982 - The Year Work Began"], [[Land Transport Authority]], Retrieved [[7 December]] [[2005]]</ref> The political situation in Singapore was stable and dominated by the [[People's Action Party]] which had a 15-year monopoly in parliament during 1966 to 1981, winning all seats in elections during that period.<ref>{{cite web| title = Parliamentary By-Election 1981 | publisher = Singapore-elections.com | url = http://www.singapore-elections.com/be1981/}}</ref> The PAP rule is termed [[authoritarianism|authoritarian]] by some activists and opposition politicians who see the strict regulation of political and media activities by the government as an infringement on political rights.<ref>{{cite web| title = Singapore elections | publisher = BBC | date = 2006-05-05 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4976536.stm}}</ref> The conviction of opposition politician [[Chee Soon Juan]] for illegal protests and the defamation lawsuits against [[Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam|J. B. Jeyaretnam]] have been cited by the opposition parties as examples of such authoritarianism.<ref>{{cite web| title = Report 2005 - Singapore | publisher = Amnesty International | date = December 2004 | url = http://web.amnesty.org/report2005/sgp-summary-eng}}</ref> The lack of [[separation of powers]] between the court system and the government led to further accusations by the opposition parties of [[miscarriage of justice]]. [[Image:Gurkha IOC 1.jpg|thumb|upright|The threat of terrorism resulted in heightened security measures including the deployment of [[Gurkha Contingent]] troopers at special events.]] The [[government of Singapore]] underwent several significant changes. [[Non-Constituency Members of Parliament]] were introduced in 1984 to allow up to three losing opposition parties candidates be appointed as MPs. [[Group Representation Constituencies]] (GRCs) was introduced in 1988 to create multi-seat electoral divisions, intended to ensure minority representation in parliament.<ref> {{cite web|title=Parliamentary Elections Act|publisher=Singapore Statutes Online|url=http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/non_version/cgi-bin/cgi_getdata.pl?actno=2001-REVED-218&doctitle=PARLIAMENTARY%20ELECTIONS%20ACT%0A&segid=946439076-000003|accessdate=2006-05-08}}</ref> [[Nominated Members of Parliament]] was introduced in 1990 to allow non-elected non-partisan MPs.<ref name="HoKhaiLeong"> Ho Khai Leong (2003) ''Shared Responsibilities, Unshared Power: The Politics of Policy-Making in Singapore''. Eastern Univ Pr. ISBN 981-210-218-3</ref> The [[Constitution of Singapore|Constitution]] was amended in 1991 to provide for an [[President of Singapore|Elected President]] who has veto power in the use of national reserves and appointments to public office.<ref>{{cite web| title = Presidential Elections | publisher = Elections Department Singapore | date = 2006-04-18 | url = http://www.elections.gov.sg/presidential_elections.htm}}</ref> The opposition parties have complained that the GRC system has made it difficult for them to gain a foothold in [[parliamentary elections in Singapore]], and the [[plurality voting system]] tends to exclude minority parties.<ref> Chua Beng Huat (1995). ''Communitarian Ideology and Democracy in Singapore''. Taylor & Francis, ISBN 0-203-03372-8</ref> In 1990, [[Lee Kuan Yew]] passed the leadership rein to successor [[Goh Chok Tong]] who became the second prime minister of Singapore. Goh presented a more open and consultative style of leadership as the country continued to modernise. In 1997, Singapore experienced the effect of the [[Asian financial crisis]] and tough measures, such as cuts in the CPF contribution, were implemented. ===2000 - present=== In the early years of 2000s, Singapore went through some of its most serious post-independence crises, including the [[SARS]] outbreak in 2003 and the threat of [[terrorism]]. In December 2001, a [[Singapore embassies attack plot|plot to bomb embassies]] and other infrastructure in Singapore was uncovered<ref> {{cite web| url = http://www2.mha.gov.sg/mha/detailed.jsp?artid=667&type=4&root=0&parent=0&cat=0&mode=arc | title = white Paper - The Jemaah Islamiyah Arrests and The Threat of Terrorism, Singapore | publisher = Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore| date = 2003-01-09 }} </ref> and as many as 36 members of the [[militant Islam]]ic group [[Jemaah Islamiyah]] were arrested under the [[Internal Security Act (Singapore)|Internal Security Act]].<ref>{{ cite news | url = http://www.forbes.com/work/feeds/afx/2005/11/11/afx2331703.html | title=Islamic militant detained in Singapore under Internal Security Act - govt | publisher = AFX News Limited | date = [[11 November]] [[2005]] }}</ref> [[Counter-terrorism in Singapore|Major counter-terrorism measures]] were put in place to detect and prevent potential terrorism acts and to minimise damages should they occur.<ref> {{cite web| url = http://www.spf.gov.sg/cterror/swg_index.htm | title = Counter-Terrorism | publisher = Singapore Police Force}} </ref> In 2004, [[Lee Hsien Loong]], the eldest son of Lee Kuan Yew, became the third prime minister of Singapore. He introduced several policy changes, including the reduction of [[National Service in Singapore|national service]] duration from two and a half years to two years, and the [[Integrated Resort|legalisation of casino gambling]].<ref> {{cite news| url = http://www.channelnewsasia.com/casino/text_pmlee.htm | title = Ministerial Statement - Proposal to develop Integrated Resorts | author = [[Lee Hsien Loong]] | publisher = Channel NewsAsia | date = 2005-04-18 }} </ref> The [[Singapore general election, 2006|general election of 2006]] was a landmark election because of the prominent use of the [[internet]] and [[blog]]ging to cover and comment on the election, circumventing the official media.<ref> {{cite news | title = bloggers@elections.net | publisher = Today (Singapore newspaper) | date = [[18 March]] [[2006]] | url = http://www.todayonline.com/articles/107441.asp }} </ref> The PAP returned to power, winning 82 of the 84 parliamentary seats and 66% of the votes.<ref> {{cite news | title = Singapore's PAP returned to power | publisher = Channel NewsAsia | date = [[May 7]], [[2006]] | url = http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/206936/1/.html}} </ref> <br clear=all> [[Image:National Stadium Singapore.jpg|thumb|centre|550px|The country celebrates its [[National Day Parade|National Day]] on [[9 August]] each year.]] ==See also== {{wikiquote}} {{portal|Singapore|Singapore coa.svg}} *[[Timeline of Singaporean history]] *[[List of years in Singapore]] *[[Military history of Singapore]] ==References== * {{cite book | author = Kenneth Paul Tan | title = Renaissance Singapore? Economy, Culture, and Politics| publisher = NUS Press | year = 2007 | id = ISBN 978-9971-69-377-0}} {{reflist|2}} ==External links== * [http://www.sg/explore/history.htm Singapore History] A brief history, hosted by the Singapore Government. * [http://countrystudies.us/singapore/ Singapore] Entry for Singapore in the [[Library of Congress]]' Country Studies handbook, featuring a fairly detailed history. * [http://www.knowledgenet.com.sg/ Knowledgenet.com.sg] The biographical and geographical histories are of particular interest. * [http://www.nhb.gov.sg/NAS/nas.shtml National Archives of Singapore] Features a huge number of historical documents and photographs. * [http://www.britain-at-war.org.uk/Malaya_and_Singapore/body_index.htm Fall of Malaya and Singapore] A detailed history of the Battle of Singapore. * [http://ourstory.asia1.com.sg/merger/headline/mdream.html A dream shattered] Full text of Tunku Abdul Rahman's speech to the Parliament of Malaysia announcing separation * [http://yesterday.sg yesterday.sg]Interest-based blog for people to share stories, ideas, happenings and so on in the Singapore heritage and museum scene. {{Singapore topics}} {{History of Asia}} [[Category:History of Singapore| ]] [[Category:National histories|Singapore]] [[ar:تاريخ سنغافورة]] [[es:Historia de Singapur]] [[id:Sejarah Singapura]] [[he:היסטוריה של סינגפור]] [[ms:Sejarah Singapura]] [[pt:História de Singapura]] [[ru:История Сингапура]] [[zh:新加坡历史]]