Before the war, Singaporeans viewed the British as excellent rulers.The book “Force 136” by Tan Chong Tee states “In those days, people led a relaxed way of life. White-collar office workers took to sports in their leisure hours and badminton soon became a popular game.” From the source, I can see that Singaporeans were satisfied with the luxuries they had and did not question the British as their rulers. Thus, Singaporean locals felt that the British were excellent rulers because of the peace and luxury they provided.
During the war, Singaporeans were disappointed in the British ruling Singapore.The book “A Young Girl’s Wartime Diary” by Si Hoe Sing Leng states “Who would have guessed that a superpower like England…would crumble and lose everything in just the space of two short months to the Japanese?” From the source, I can see that Singaporeans were shocked that the British had failed to protect them.Thus, Singaporeans felt disappointed in the British as they fell so quickly to the Japanese attacking Singapore.
After the war, people living in Singapore were discontented with the British’s rule.In an interview¹ with Mr Thong Kum Wah, a 76-year old Chinese language teacher says “With the circumstances we had as students back then, we were looking to gain autonomy”. From the source, I can see that Singaporeans didn’t agree with the British government as they wanted independence.Thus, Singaporeans were discontented with the British rule because of their desire for independence.
¹ – https://youtu.be/XH6GOf63xU0?t=1m14s “Students from the Chinese middle schools around Singapore gathered here…They gathered to protest the British colonial government”
Group 6 – Vasuda (13), Wen Xuan (15), Summer (21), Clement (36), Vageesan (39)
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