ABSTRACT
Singapore’s political independence in 1965, its subsequent survival within a difficult regional environment in the immediate post-independence period and ensuing prosperity is both unique and informative. It is unique to the extent that internal self-government was carefully negotiated by the PAP government with the United Kingdom prior to merger with Malaysia in 1963. Its subsequent fissure from the Malaysian federation in 1965 also stands out as a rare example in international relations, where such fissures are typically accompanied by conflict. Hence it is arguable that notwithstanding some domestic political challenges, the transition to independence was reasonably smooth, compared to many other Third World countries in Asia and Africa.
