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.