The Country That Didn't Want Independence

The story of how Singapore suddenly and unexpectedly became independent in 1965, after a failed merger with its neighbor. Against all odds, Singapore has become one of the most prosperous nations on the planet today, despite not even wanting independence in the first place.

Footage/images courtesy of Getty Images

[WonderWhy]

Yet again I must apologise for how long it's been since my last video. In this video I look at the story of how Singapore became an independent country, even though it didn't really want to be one!

As I'm sure many of you will have noticed, this video is very different looking than previous videos. I had the help of professional editors and animators, and we're trying to build a new visual style for my videos. We still have some tweaks to make here and there, as we try to nail down the style we want, but it's definitely exciting to see. Please be sure to give me your feedback, and let me know what you like/dislike, or any suggestions you have going forward.


I can 100% promise it won't be as long until my next video. Hope to see you then!

[risannd]

The term "little red dot" is originally used by Indonesian president BJ Habibie in August 1998, as an insult to Singapore. Right when his own country of 211 million people was embroiled in financial crisis and race riots. Later, Singaporeans took this insult as a pride.

[mriz]

When Malaysia Kicked Singapore out, a lot of those Malaysians who were here to work got stuck and not willing to go back as they already brought their families here. Few years down the road, they were given Singapore Citizenship and their families expanded...

Technically that's the story of my Family on my dad's side. Like my grandparents came here, work, ended up Singapore gained independence. Decided to settle here and build their family here. THANK YOU MALAYSIA FOR KICKING US OUT!! Can't imagine if we are still part Malaysia...

[somerandompersonsaccount]

Still Singaporean independence was pretty ironic, and I believe that every Singaporean at that time saw it as a death sentence.

[johnchessant]

It never occurred to me that there's nothing stopping a country from expelling a region it doesn't like

[Nick-kzdg]

Malaysia: “We don’t want you! You’ll have to go it alone!” *kicks Singapore out*
Singapore: *builds a massively successful economy*
Malaysia: “No! Not like THAT!”

[skittleyrealm]

As someone who grew up in Johor Bahru (the city in Malaysia bordering Singapore), this is such an accurate video on Singapore’s history. Due to my living situation, I really experience first-hand the differences in governance, policies and social dynamics between Malaysia and Singapore. Sometimes I wonder what could have been had Malaysia been governed as well as Singapore…

[mickeyfilmer]

I met my wife on the internet, whilst she was working as a maid in Singapore. I flew out from the UK to meet her, and go back to the Philippines to meet the family. Singapore is a fantastic place, clean, cheap to eat out- plent of choice, and Sentosa island is just breath taking. That was in 2005- it has gone from aa backwater then to the most amazing place on earth now. you must go visit!!#

[technetium]

A fun fact that I quite liked is that sometimes Singapore's GDP is equal too or greater than that of Malaysia

[khairiisa]

As a Malaysian, on the particular subject, This is one of the best videos ever made. Absolute objective to the issues due time and current affairs. Truly impartial and less bias. P.S The PAP is now(as of 2021) one of the longest ruling political parties in the world since BN's(ie National Front) defeat in the 2018 election.

[azuchan]

When Singapore had ethnic tensions, the government simply went "I'm gonna make you stay close to each other, and you will learn to live with each other and like it".

And we did. In fact now, even though small tensions do exist sometimes, it never ends up in riots. Nothing can't be solved by getting opposites to sit down and have a prolonged conversation.

[lp-xlld]

He doesn't say a lot, but what he says is very well worth hearing

[taetaeya]

Yes, Singapore is not perfect (socially, politically, etc.) and we, as Singaporeans, will be the first to admit it. But damn glad that we are independent indeed and taking course of our own future.

[amonrei]

What's happened, happened but my 87yo dad always say that it was a huge mistake that Tunku kicked out Singapore. My family is in Johore, i live in Malacca and i have relatives in Singapore. Would love to visit again once the border is open!

[kaiwut]

Oh cool I just learnt my entire History class in just 19 minutes.

[TsukiCondor]

Your editing has come along way man, it's amazing how far you've come as a channel. I've been here since Winners and Loosers Part 1!

[learnenglishthroughshortst]

Its mostly correct. However, Singapore DID want to be independent from the British, it just wanted to be with Malaysia as they did not think they would survive alone

[saalok]

YOU ARE INDEPENDENT
Singapore: oh no : /
Singapore years later rich as hell: anyway!

[NewNicator]

Malaysia: "Congratulations, you are _becoming independent."_

Singapore: ...

Malaysia: "Please do not resist."

[Joey-xyqw]

despite Singapore having lots of strict laws, many good things have come out of it.

1) low crime rates. walk around alone freely at night without much fear, and can easily find help with any passerby you see if met with trouble. keeping wallets in backpacks without much fear of pickpockets, using your belongings to reserve a table in food courts without being worried of thief. even though crime still exists and its good to keep an eye out, we are more relaxed than other countries.


2) cleanliness. fined for littering, fined for spitting, fined for not disposing gum properly and so on. it is strict, but cleaning after ourselves in public became a habit for most citizens, except for some karens. we have clean streets, clean toilets, clean areas you can eat anywhere, sit down without having to wipe down the seats and so on. its comfortable living here

3) low racism. we refer to ourselves as singaporean Chinese, singaporean malay, singaporean indian and so on. its our nationality that comes first, not the race. unlike US where they say “I am a Chinese American", it is the race that is said first. we don't notice race differences. anyone can be successful, anyone can be a teacher, anyone can be your friend. we are free to share opinions, but racist remarks have zero tolerance here. if you are found being racist openly be it in public or online, sharing bad remarks of other races or stormed, you will be looked down upon. the govt can issue a fine and employers can fire you, putting this into your remarks making it harder to find another job due to bad reputation