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Quiz about History of Singapore and Malaysia18401970

History of Singapore and Malaysia,1840-1970 Quiz

This is a quiz about important events in the history of these two countries.

A multiple-choice quiz by GrimaH. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
GrimaH

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
212,222

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
757

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. What was the principal reason for the British intervention in Perak in 1841? Hint

Change of foreign policy in Britain

Anarchy in Perak

Huge resources of tin and rubber

Opening of the Suez Canal

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Question 2 of 10

2. Who was the first British resident of Perak? Hint

Hugh Low

Benjamin Disraeli

Andrew Clarke

James W W Birch

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Question 3 of 10

3. How long did it take for the Japanese to conquer Singapore? Hint

One week

One month

Ten days

A fortnight

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Question 4 of 10

4. Which Malaysian party, formed to oppose the Malayan Union in the 50's, eventually became Malaysia's biggest party for more than 50 years? Hint

PAP

None of these

MCP

UMNO

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Question 5 of 10

5. In which year did Singapore become a part of the Federation of Malaysia? Hint

1959

1963

1961

1955

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Question 6 of 10

6. Who was the first Prime Minister of Malaysia? Hint

Tunku Abdul Rahman

Mahathir Mohammad

Lee Kuan Yew

Lim Chin Peng

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Question 7 of 10

7. How long was the Japanese occupation of Singapore? Hint

44 months

46 months

40 months

42 months

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Question 8 of 10

8. Which government-supported housing organisation replaced the ineffective Singapore Improvement Trust in 1960? Hint

Housing Development Board

Ministry of Housing

Ministry of Manpower

Housing Improvement Board

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Question 9 of 10

9. Who succeeded Tunku Abdul Rahman as the Prime Minister of Malaysia? Hint

Tun Abdul Razak

Yusof Ishak

Abdullah Badawi

Lim Chin Peng

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Question 10 of 10

10. Who became the first Prime Minister of Singapore? Hint

Yusof Ishak

Lee Hsien Loong

Goh Chok Tong

Lee Kuan Yew

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. What was the principal reason for the British intervention in Perak in 1841?

Answer: Change of foreign policy in Britain

Prior to 1841, when the Whigs (Liberals) were in power, the Empire had a non-aggressive foreign policy towards South-East Asia. This policy was changed to a more expansionist approach when the Tories (Conservatives) won the 1841 general election. One outcome was intervention in Perak.

2. Who was the first British resident of Perak?

Answer: James W W Birch

This resident was murdered by the locals soon after his appointment because of his high-handedness and arrogance in handling the affairs of Perak. Legend has it that some Malays secretly snuck under the toilet while he was using it and speared him in the groin.

3. How long did it take for the Japanese to conquer Singapore?

Answer: One week

The British could easily have repelled the Japanese forces, but lack of co-ordination among the confused British troops and bad judgment by the commanders led to their defeat.

4. Which Malaysian party, formed to oppose the Malayan Union in the 50's, eventually became Malaysia's biggest party for more than 50 years?

Answer: UMNO

It has held the reins of Malaysia since independence, and was created with the aim of creating a "Malaysia for the Malays". Initially in the 60's its rather unequal stand on the standing of major races in the country (Malays enjoyed more privileges than the other races) resulted in racial unrest, but the party managed to overcome this hurdle and many others to win the elections and stay in control for over 50 years until now - a world record.

5. In which year did Singapore become a part of the Federation of Malaysia?

Answer: 1963

Singapore didn't remain a Malaysian state for long. Intense political rivalry between UMNO and Singapore's People's Action Party (PAP) and demands by Malaysia to receive 40% of Singapore's annual revenue (not to mention a $150million loan Singapore had to give to finance development in the other states, which never materialised) eventually became serious enough for the Tunku to propose Singapore's withdrawal from the Federation in 1965.

6. Who was the first Prime Minister of Malaysia?

Answer: Tunku Abdul Rahman

He was instrumental in driving out the last Malayan Communists out of Malaysia and Singapore.

7. How long was the Japanese occupation of Singapore?

Answer: 44 months

The Japanese committed many atrocities and and terrorised the local population. They also introduced the worthless "Banana" banknotes. Ironically, they are now very rare collectors' items!

8. Which government-supported housing organisation replaced the ineffective Singapore Improvement Trust in 1960?

Answer: Housing Development Board

The HDB was extremely successful, building over 50,000 units in less than 10 years to solve the problem of squatters. Now an estinated 85% of Singapore's population lives in HDB flats.

9. Who succeeded Tunku Abdul Rahman as the Prime Minister of Malaysia?

Answer: Tun Abdul Razak

His harsh comments on USA's controversial war against extremists in Afghanistan and Iraq earned him few fans in the West, but he was a national icon.

10. Who became the first Prime Minister of Singapore?

Answer: Lee Kuan Yew

He got the position upon Singapore's independence, while Yusof Ishak became the President. He was succeeded decades later by Goh Chok Tong, who in turn stepped down in 2004 in favour of Kuan Yew's son, Hsien Loong.

Source: Author GrimaH

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor bloomsby before going online.
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