How far do you agree that the need to set up the Common Market was the most important reason for merger between Singapore and Malaya?
♥ Friday, September 28, 2007 // 4:04:00 PM
I agree to a certain extent that the need to set up the Common Market was the most important reason for merger between Singapore and Malaya. Singapore needed to set up a common market due to declining entrepot trade and a lack of resources. As there are tarrifs set when trading between Malaya, Singapore thought that it would be a better idea to set up a Common Market where there's no need for tax paying. Thus, making trade easier. Singapore also had a growing population which needs more job vacancies for the people living in Singapore to have jobs. Thus, creating a Common Market is important for Singapore. However, there are other reasons linking to the reason for merger. Singapore also wanted to break free from British Control and gain independence. The only way to do so is to merge with Malaya. This way, the British would be convinced enough to left Singapore gain full-independence. Malaya also had its reason for merger. Tunku was afraid that the radicals in the PAP would out-number the moderates in the PAP after Ong Eng Guan defeated the PAP in the Hong-Lim by-election. If this were to happen, the radicals would spread communism through Singapore to Malaya. Hence, Tunku considered to merge and support the PAP. In conclusion, I felt that setting up a Common Market is an important reason for merger. But, there are also other important reasons for merger.
