blog no.6

I strongly agree that setting up common market was the most important reason for merger between singapore and malaya.
The Singapore government felt that the best way to solve the country's unemployment problem would be to join or merge with Malaya. In the 19th century, Singapore depended on entrepot trade for growth and posperity. But by the 1950s, entrepot trade was no longer enough to provide jobs for the growing population. Singapore did not have any raw materials, so it had to depend on industries to help the country grow and prosper. However, not all goods produced by the industries could be sold in a small market like Singapore. A bigger market was needed for these goods. Malaya could be that big market. But since Malaya had become independent from the British, the Malayan government had introduced certain import and export duties on goods traded between Singapore and Malaya. As a result, there was limited free trade for Singapore.
It was hoped that if Singapore joined Malaya, a Common Market could be set up. In this Common Market, which would comprise Singapore and Malaya, goods could be bought and sold freely. Goods traded within this Common Market would not need to be taxed. As a result, there would be an increase of free trade between Singapore and Malaya. With increased trade, the industries would be able to grow and more jobs would be created for the people. And this Common Market, which would comprise Singapore and Malaya, goods could be bought and sold freely. Goods traded within this Common Market would not need to be taxed. As a result, there would be an increase of free trade between Singapore and Malaya. With increased trade, the industries would be able to grow and more jobs would be created for the people.
Although the main reason for seeking a merger with Malaya was that Singapore could break completely free from British control, but i think that it was like "one stone kills two birds", Singapore gets it completely free from british and after joining malaya, singapore people gets more jobs and get limited free trades.