The Country That Didn't Want Independence

Yet again I must apologise for how long it's been since my last video. In this video I look at the story of how Singapore became an independent country, even though it didn't really want to be one! As I'm sure many of you will have noticed, this video is very different looking than previous videos. I had the help of professional editors and animators, and we're trying to build a new visual style for my videos. We still have some tweaks to make here and there, as we try to nail down the style we want, but it's definitely exciting to see. Please be sure to give me your feedback, and let me know what you like/dislike, or any suggestions you have going forward. Once again, this video is sponsored by the awesome CuriosityStream, which will also get you access to Nebula. It really is true what I said - this is the single best way to support this channel. And it's also a really great deal, so check it out: curiositystream.com/wonderwhy/ I can 100% promise it won't be as long until my next video. Hope to see you then!

The term "little red dot" is originally used by Indonesian president BJ Habibie in August 1998, as an insult to Singapore. Right when his own country of 211 million people was embroiled in financial crisis and race riots. Later, Singaporeans took this insult as a pride.

As a Malaysian, im quite happy Singapore managed to stay afloat (and pass us in almost every aspect of a nation) despite being expelled from the federation. I find it unfortunate that Malaysia is still suffering from insurmountable amounts of corruption that hinders our national development, so it's nice to know that Singapore doesnt have to go through the same thing

It never occurred to me that there's nothing stopping a country from expelling a region it doesn't like

When Malaysia Kicked Singapore out, a lot of those Malaysians who were here to work got stuck and not willing to go back as they already brought their families here. Few years down the road, they were given Singapore Citizenship and their families expanded... Technically that's the story of my Family on my dad's side. Like my grandparents came here, work, ended up Singapore gained independence. Decided to settle here and build their family here. THANK YOU MALAYSIA FOR KICKING US OUT!! Can't imagine if we are still part Malaysia...

Still Singaporean independence was pretty ironic, and I believe that every Singaporean at that time saw it as a death sentence.

Malaysia: “We don’t want you! You’ll have to go it alone!” kicks Singapore out Singapore: builds a massively successful economy Malaysia: “No! Not like THAT!”

A fun fact that I quite liked is that sometimes Singapore's GDP is equal too or greater than that of Malaysia

As someone who grew up in Johor Bahru (the city in Malaysia bordering Singapore), this is such an accurate video on Singapore’s history. Due to my living situation, I really experience first-hand the differences in governance, policies and social dynamics between Malaysia and Singapore. Sometimes I wonder what could have been had Malaysia been governed as well as Singapore…

As a Malaysian, on the particular subject, This is one of the best videos ever made. Absolute objective to the issues due time and current affairs. Truly impartial and less bias. P.S The PAP is now(as of 2021) one of the longest ruling political parties in the world since BN's(ie National Front) defeat in the 2018 election.

He doesn't say a lot, but what he says is very well worth hearing

When Singapore had ethnic tensions, the government simply went "I'm gonna make you stay close to each other, and you will learn to live with each other and like it". And we did. In fact now, even though small tensions do exist sometimes, it never ends up in riots. Nothing can't be solved by getting opposites to sit down and have a prolonged conversation.

I met my wife on the internet, whilst she was working as a maid in Singapore. I flew out from the UK to meet her, and go back to the Philippines to meet the family. Singapore is a fantastic place, clean, cheap to eat out- plent of choice, and Sentosa island is just breath taking. That was in 2005- it has gone from aa backwater then to the most amazing place on earth now. you must go visit!!#

Your editing has come along way man, it's amazing how far you've come as a channel. I've been here since Winners and Loosers Part 1!

As a Malaysian, I would like to apologize on behalf of my country for what happened in the past. It's heartbreaking to see a part of Malaysia being forcefully kicked out. At least Singapore is doing better than Malaysia now after that tragic event

What's happened, happened but my 87yo dad always say that it was a huge mistake that Tunku kicked out Singapore. My family is in Johore, i live in Malacca and i have relatives in Singapore. Would love to visit again once the border is open!

Oh cool I just learnt my entire History class in just 19 minutes.

Next Request: Malaysia having nine monarchs.

Malaysia: "Congratulations, you are becoming independent." Singapore: ... Malaysia: "Please do not resist."

Yes, Singapore is not perfect (socially, politically, etc.) and we, as Singaporeans, will be the first to admit it. But damn glad that we are independent indeed and taking course of our own future.