IN CONFIDENCE
MR MCLAREN'S VISIT TO SINGAPORE 18-20 JUNE FOR
ASEAN POST-MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE/EC-ASEAN DIALOGUE MEETING;
BACKGROUND BRIEF ON SINGAPORE
1.
A fact sheet is attached.
2.
Singapore means "Lion City". When Sir Stamford Raffles first landed, in 1819, the island was virtually deserted; Singaporeans honour him still as founder of their country. Raffles' policy of free trade and unrestricted immigration quickly attracted settlers from all over the region; despite the preponderance of Chinese (76.5%), Singapore remains one of the most convincing multi-racial societies anywhere. It rapidly became the financial, commercial and entrepôt centre for the Malay peninsula and the major outlet for Malaya's rubber and tin; it is probably now the world's busiest
port. Singapore formed part of the straits settlements until World War II when it was occupied by the Japanese. In 1945 the island became a Crown colony. Singapore became self-governing in 1959 (with Mr Lee Kuan Yew as Singapore's first and only - Prime Minister), and independent in 1963, joining the Malaysian Federation. Political rivalries and resentment between the Malays of the peninsula and Singapore's Chinese led to Singapore's virtual expulsion from the Federation in 1965 when it became a separate state (republic).
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Internal Political
2.
Despite recent challenges, economic and political, Singapore remains stable, with a firm sense of national identity. Her 21st independence celebrations in August 1986, though highly organised, were marked by the enthusiasm of the 70,000 mostly young spectators. However, a 13% swing in the 1984 elections, returning two Opposition MPs to Parliament (out of 79), served notice of some frustration with Mr Lee Kuan Yew's authoritarian style of government. While formally committed to open government, the new administration has not been noticeably more tolerant of indiscipline or dissent.
MFSAFO
IN CONFIDENCE