RI Post-War Singapore Rise of Local Activism Slides

Rise of Local Activism (T3W4 Lesson 1) You have just taken the first step in your political awakening

What is activism? – It refers to vigorous efforts to bring about reforms and make changes to society – Usually a response to certain perceived injustice or social issue – Involves the use of protests, campaigns, criticisms, strikes, or even violence – Different groups will focus on different priorities and issues

The Situation in Singapore – The post-war period marked a drastic shift in the mindset of the locals – Life had not gone back to normal and many groups still found themselves discontented – With the loss of prestige suffered by the British, locals had found their voice and were more willing to question the colonial masters

Task: Worksheet Section D As we learn about each group, do consider the following questions and fill in the respective sections in the worksheet 1. Current Situation/Problems: What specific issues were each distinct group facing during the post-war years? 2. Their Responses: How did each group try to address their situation and make an impact? Supplementary articles for these communities have also been put up in IVY

Group #1: The Chinese Community – Chinese schools continued to be neglected, overcrowded and understaffed – After the Communist victory in China, colonial government banned visitors to China from returning back to Singapore – Chinese-educated students had limited opportunities for employment and universities

Group #1: The Chinese Community – Fought unsuccessfully to have China-born residents to be given voting rights – Eventually took things in their own hands and raised funds for a Chinese-language university, Nanyang University – Chinese businessmen also formed their own political party to protect Chinese rights

Group #2: The Indian Community – Being a minority, Indians were especially anxious about their future in Singapore – Many of them were also inspired by political developments happening back in India – Many English-educated Indian intellectuals formed the foundations of both the left-wing radical movement and the conservative movement – 8 out of 15 candidates in the 1948 election were Indian

Sinnathamby Rajaratnam – The pen that wrote Singapore’s future – After his studies in RI, S. Rajaratnam studied law in King’s College London in 1935 – Joined the Left Book Club, a group that discussed left-wing ideas through meetings, rallies and book readings – Returned to work as a journalist in Singapore and wrote many anti-British editorials in his weekly column “I Write as I Please” – Attracted the attention of Lee Kuan Yew and other pioneers who then founded the PAP together

Group #3: Women – During that time, women faced numerous challenges in society and even at home – Constance Goh: Set up the first family planning clinic in Singapore, educated other women on contraceptives – Mrs Mohamed Siraj: Fought on the behalf of Muslim wives; husban