[EvertonDiehard]

While the separation from Malaysia was a tumultuous event, S'pore has achieved remarkable economic and social progress since becoming an independent nation. Key factors contributing to S'pore's success include efficient Governance, economic policies and a strategic location as a maritime hub making it a crucial gateway for trade in Southeast Asia. Was separation a blessing in disguise for S'pore?

[goodboy]

More importantly it was about race.

Today, we can pretend that it wasn't, because since Singapore is a multiracial and multicultural society, it's not politically correct to bring up such things.

But yes, it was 100% about race. The majority population of Singapore at that time was Chinese.

[EvertonDiehard]

More than 1.13 million Malaysians are living in S'pore. While not all of them are necessarily working, a significant portion of this population is employed in various sectors within the S'porean economy. Owing to racial discrimination in Malaysia, the great brain drain out of the country to S'pore and other developed nations ensures that the concept of Ketuanan Melayu (Malay Supremacy) has kept the country from growing economically.  

[EvertonDiehard]

More importantly it was about race. Today, we can pretend that it wasn't, because since Singapore is a multiracial and multicultural society, it's not politically correct to bring up such things. But yes, it was 100% about race. The majority population of Singapore at that time was Chinese.

S'pore seceded from Malaysia to escape the escalating racial tensions and political instability fostered by extremist elements within the Alliance Party. Tunku Abdul Rahman, the then PM of Malaysia, failed to curb the inflammatory rhetoric of these extremists, who were using the Malay-language newspaper Utusan Melayu to incite animosity against the PAP. The PAP, being a state govt, lacked the authority to directly address the extremist activities. In response, it strategically mobilised the Chinese community in Malaya to withdraw their support from the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), a partner in the Alliance govt. This move, however, intensified political tensions and increased the likelihood of a racial clash. Ultimately, LKY and the Tunku concluded that separation was the only viable solution to safeguard S'pore from the escalating communal tensions and potential violence within the Malaysian political landscape.

[EvertonDiehard]

Certain Malay leaders have advocated for the reduction or elimination of Affirmative Action. For instance, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in his inaugural speech as President of UMNO in 2004, emphasised the need to phase out the NEP, likening it to crutches that can weaken the knee if used indefinitely. He warned that continued reliance on the NEP could ultimately lead to a more severe state of dependence i.e. reliance on wheelchairs. However, Badawi did not dare follow-up on this since he knew full well that the Malays are not able to compete with the other races on a level-playing field.

[Migrant]

Indeed a blessing in disguise. 
Leaders make a difference to a country.
First generation leaders faced tough decisions. 
We had nothing. No army to protect the country. When one is down, you don't have many friends around. 
But isreal extended their help to train our soldiers. 
Many times, Dr. M threatened to cut off water supply to see us die. 
Then MSA was split into MAS and SIA. 
WITH LKY at the helm, SIA was like his baby. The rest is history. 
Flying high is Singapore Airlines. 
With a world class airport, we survive.