RI Post-war Singapore Activism Riots Lesson Slides 2020

When Activism Turns to Violence

The Riots – Despite the increased restrictions, there were still moments when discontent in Singapore turned into violence – There were 4 notable riots that happened in post-war colonial Singapore – You can read about the Maria Hertogh riots (pp. 49-50); the National Service riots (pp. 78-81); the Hock Lee Bus riots (pp. 81-84); and the Chinese Middle School Students Union riots (p. 90) in the textbook

The Maria Hertogh Riots – 11-13 December 1950 – Involved the custody of Dutch girl who was raised by Malay family during the war – When the courts sided with the Dutch parents, the Malay community was outraged – Protests and riots broke out, leading to 9 dead and 127 injured – Infopedia: https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/a rticles/SIP_83_2005-02-02.html

The National Service Riots – 13 and 22 May 1954 – British passed National Service Bill for compulsory conscription of young, able- bodied males – Chinese students were unhappy and boycotted the NS registration – Thousands of students from Chinese middle schools took part in the protests, leading to 26 injured – Infopedia: https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/a rticles/SIP_1202_2006-07-28.html

The Hock Lee Bus Riots – 25 April – 12 May 1955 – Workers from Hock Lee Bus Company striked for better wages and working conditions – They tried to block the bus depot and interfered with bus services – When police were sent to disperse the workers, it escalated into a riot which led to 4 dead and 31 injured – Infopedia: https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/a rticles/SIP_4_2005-01-06.html

The Singapore Chinese Middle School Students’ Union Riots – Sep-Oct 1956 – Singapore Chinese Middle School Students’ Union (SCMSSU) formed after police crackdown on the National Service Riots in 1954 – Chief Minister Lim Yew Hock banned the SCMSSU as it was believed to be a communist organisation – Triggered series of protests and sit-ins involving thousands of students – HistorySG: https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/event s/376486b7-a68b-4a2b-acad- 97e0b678a8e7

Task: Committee of Inquiry (COI) – The British Governor has requested for a full report on the riots that have plagued Singapore in order to make sure it does not happen again – As a government official, pick one of the 4 riots we have just learnt about and submit your report and recommendations to the Governor

Modern day example: COI on Little India Riots Why is it important to conduct a full investigation into such events when they have already passed? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v =oI6StICCLiI

Task: Committee of Inquiry (COI) – Aside from the textbook, more information about the riots can be found on their respective Infopedia pages – Feel free to make use of any other relevant resources – Fill up Section F of your worksheet with your findings – Estimated duration: 20 minutes