Nationalism and Decolonisation in Singapore: The Malayan Generation, 1953–1963

Singapore’s decolonisation movement between 1953 and 1963 is analyzed, providing a framework to understand the unresolved conflicts in Singaporean society. These conflicts are rooted in four schisms from the decolonisation period: race, class, language, and the meaning of self-determination. The book discusses how these schisms influenced the events of decolonisation, the creation of Malaysia, and Singapore’s separation, and how they continue to shape Singapore today. It utilizes contemporary English- and Chinese-language sources, declassified official documents, and examines the ideologies, institutions, and conflicts that influenced Singaporean politics during decolonisation. Special focus is placed on leaders from the Chinese-speaking community, the working class, and left-wing intellectuals who influenced anti-colonial nationalism. The context of global movements of nationalism, socialism, and decolonisation is explored, offering insights into how postcolonial governments attempt to construct new nations from plural societies. The book presents a detailed analysis of Singapore’s independence struggle from multiple linguistic, socioeconomic, and political perspectives, making it relevant to researchers interested in Southeast Asian history, politics, decolonisation, nationalism, identity, and the politics of race, class, and language.