The "Big Singapore" Concept
Understanding why Lee Kuan Yew believed Singapore could not survive as an independent city-state.
Key Questions
- 1What were the economic arguments for a merger with Malaya?
- 2Why did the PAP see merger as a solution to the "communist threat"?
- 3How did the British view the prospect of a United Malaysia?
MOE Syllabus Outcomes
Suggested Methodologies
Ready to teach this topic?
Generate a complete, classroom-ready active learning mission in seconds.
More in The Quest for Merger (1961–1963)
Tunku Abdul Rahman's Change of Heart
Analysing why the Malayan Prime Minister initially resisted but later proposed the Malaysia plan in 1961.
3 methodologies
The PAP-Barisan Sosialis Split
The ideological fracture within the PAP over the terms of the merger.
3 methodologies
The Battle for Merger: Radio Talks
Examining Lee Kuan Yew's 12 radio broadcasts to convince the public of the benefits of merger.
2 methodologies
The 1962 National Referendum
Analysing the controversial referendum where voters chose the terms of the merger.
3 methodologies
Operation Coldstore
The 1963 security operation that led to the mass arrest of left-wing politicians and unionists.
3 methodologies