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

I agree to a moderate extent that the need to set up a Common Market was the most important reason to a merger between Singapore and Malaya. Singapore lacks natural resources and a growing population which requires more jobs. There was also a decline in entrepot. Malaya also introduced tariffs on good traded between Singapore and Malaya. The government felt that with a common market would improve Singapore's economy and create more jobs for the people at the same time.

Another important reason for a merger between Singapore and Malaya is that the government thought that the best way to have complete rule over Singapore and freedom from the British colony was to merge with Malaya who have already gained independence at that time.

I think that setting up a common market was an important reason but merging with Malaya to break free from British rule was an important reason as well.

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

I think that Singapore's struggle was worth it. When we achieved self- government, we were not under British rule anymore and we became an independent country. That was when we could change the country and to make it better our own way without the British approval. If we had waited, no one knows how long more we should wait, it could have been days, months, years, decades or even centuries. When Singapore achieved self- government, the country was a better place as there was more of fair treatment between the British and the Asians.

I think that Asians or Singaporeans understand what Singapore wanted better. The British did not really pay attention to Singapore's needs but they paid more attention to their own needs first. There were many riots due to the people's feeling of unfair treatment. In the end, the British had to give up Singapore after a few 'Mederka" talks were held.

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

I think that the laws should have been stricter and the people should respect the laws more. If the laws were stricter, maybe there would not have had so many riots and disorder in the country. The country became dangerous then and people couldn't go out because of the riot. To many people, it was a matter blown up just because of the custody of Maria Hertogh. To the Muslims and British, it involved many injuries and even some deaths.
I also think that people should have respected each other's race and religion then. The matter was blown up also because the Malays and Muslims felt slighted when the court did not accept their laws and that Maria Hertogh was married. They were against the British and Europeans and rioted against them. They overturned their cars and beat them up. They did not care if they were involved in the case. Soon, the country was in chaos.
So racial harmony is important especially living in a multi-racial country like Singapore.

Did the industrial revolution affect the way people lived and worked in the 19th century for the better or worse??
Explain your answer by providing examples.


The Industrial Revolution was a major shift of technological, socioeconomic, and cultural conditions in the late 18th century and early 19th century. It began in Britain and spread throughout the world.

I think the Industrial Revolution affected the way people live for the better. Due to mass-producing, the goods also dropped in price, which considerably benefited those who were financially struggling. Along with the mass-producing came more employment opportunities, which allowed some of the less fortunate people to have a chance of getting a job. The increase of new ideas and inventions led to an increase of the quality of life. Medicinal products became more plentiful, transportation improved, and free education was available. People began to find themselves with more leisure time. Wages were increased, health benefits became available, and eventually, pension became available to those who retired. These are just some of the many aspects of the revolution that benefited the people as a nation, which made them happier, and made the government safer from rebellion.

Without the inventions and changes that took place to form a more ideal society, we wouldn't be where we are today. Without labor laws and health benefits, the life expectancy of a human would drop at least 20 years. Our lives would not be integrated with the technology that helps us learn and grow such as computers, cars, and airplanes. Without the growth of industrialization, there would not be the need for any of these inventions, and we would all still be working on a farm.

Technology and industry has dominated our world, improving it to a point that would have been unimaginable one hundred years ago, and with the help of the people, the sacrificing and the hardships, progress continues.

The national museum has decided to erect a statue in front of its entrance. They have to choose between Stamford Raffles and Tan Tock Seng. If you were working for the museum, who would you choose and why??

I think the statue erected should be Tan Tock Seng instead of Stamford Raffles. One of the reasons is because Stamford Raffles already has a statue erected of himself outside the Victoria Concert Hall, yet no one has ever erected a statue of Tan Tock Seng and he was a resident of Singapore. Everyone thinks that Stamford Raffles founded Singapore and he is well- known for his contributions if not Singapore will not be what it is today. On the other hand, Tan Tock Seng also contributed a lot to Singapore in the past. He started as a vegetable and poultry seller when he first came but because he was a visionary and entrepreneur, through his industry and his thrift, he massed wealth but he did not ignore the suffering and plight of his unfortunate fellowmen. He founded a pauper hospital in Pearl's Hill where the immigrants can receive help at little or no cost at all. Even though Tan Tock Seng was one of the richest merchants in Singapore, he still gave generously to charity. He gave money to the sick and poor people and even paid for the funerals of the dead for the poor family and relatives who could not afford it. Tan Tock Seng buried all Chinese paupers who died in streets and verandahs. This charity still continues even now. He was also the leader of the Chinese community and the Kapitan of the Hokkien clan. He was the first Asian to be appointed Justice and Peace in the Chinese community. After he died of an serious illness, his descendants continued his legacy and became leaders of the Chinese community. Tan Tock Seng still had many contributions in Singapore like donating money to hospitals and many more. That is why I think Tan Tock Seng's statue should be erected in front of the national museum.

Who Really 'Found' Singapore??

A founder is a person who finds or establishes. A finding is to discover. I think Raffles could have been the one who founded Singapore because he was the one who discovered Singapore. He also did told the Temengong that he wanted to set up a British trading settlement there. He also did all the discussions on how to start the settlement by recognising Tengku Hussein as the rightful Sultan. On the other hand, Major William Farquhar was in charge of Singapore when Raffles had to leave for Bencoolen. He solved the many problems that Singapore had at first like, food needed, violence and disorder and the hygiene there. He invited many settlers and he managed to maintain law and order in Singapore. He had also transformed Singapore from a quiet fishing village by the Singapore River to a busy town full of new settlers. He also helped in the rise in Singapore's population. Some think that John Crawfurd is the real founder of Singapore because he signed the treaty which made Singapore into British possession. Under the treaty, Singapore was under British possession. After thinking about the possibilities, the question still remains unanswered. Each man had done a part in establishing Singapore to a busy port city then. So, who really founded Singapore??