RI Post-war Singapore 1945 - 1949 Road to Self-government Slides

Post-War Singapore: 1945-1959 The road to self-government

Japan’s Surrender – 17 Aug 1945: Japanese officials in Singapore announced emperor’s decision to end the war – 3 weeks of ‘Whispering Terror’ began where resistance groups held their own trials and executed collaborators – 5 Sep 1945: Commonwealth troops landed to a loud welcome – 12 Sep 1945: General Itagaki signs official surrender to Lord Mountbatten at City Hall

What would be on the people’s minds at this point? Place yourself into the shoes of someone who survived the Japanese Occupation – what emotions would you be feeling and why?

Inquiry Questions Key inquiry question from textbook: What aspirations did the people have for Singapore after 1945? • Supporting question 1: What was their lived experience immediately after 1945? • Supporting question 2: How did their experiences shape the people’s sentiments towards British rule? • Supporting question 3: Who were the key individuals or groups who led efforts to realise those aspirations?

Chapter Overview 1. British Military Administration 2. Problems of Post-war Singapore 3. Rise of Local Activism 4. Malayan Emergency 5. Birth of Political Parties 6. The 1955 Elections 7. Labour Front Government and Merdeka Talks 8. The 1959 Elections and PAP Government

The British Military Administration (BMA) Not to be confused with BMI

What is the BMA? – An interim government where the military assumed full judicial, legislative, executive and administrative powers – Lasted from 5 Sep 1945 to 31 March 1946 – Headed by Major General Hone What does it mean for the military to assume all these powers?

Military Administration vs Civilian Government Civilian Government – Mostly run by civil servants – Separation of executive, judicial, legislative powers – Civil rights and freedoms available for the population – Government response and policy involves an extended period for due process and parliamentary debate Military Administration – Mostly run by military staff officers – Military decides laws, executes laws, and prosecutes laws – Civil rights and freedoms curtailed for public order and security – Military’s power and authority enables swift action without the need for debate Any potential issues?

Singapore after the Occupation – The BMA did not inherit an easy task – Infrastructure of most utilities such as electricity, water, gas and telephone services were in disrepair – Food and medical supplies were dangerously low – Harbour facilities damaged and numerous shipwrecks blocked the harbour

The BMA’s Time in Singapore – Infamous and remembered for their failings – Colloquially known as the ‘Black Market Administration’ – British military behaved as if they were in conquered enemy territory – BMA officers granted favours to local businessmen or black-market dealers in exchange for kickbacks – An audit report revealed losses of over $15 million from corruption