Why is merger and separation removed from the social studies syllabus, I wonder.
However, after reading a few books on the above, it becomes obvious that the above matter is simply too controversial. I am certain that even till today, academics still cannot reach a "net" agreement on why we left or even joined Malaysia.
SEPARATION
We are taught, or if not, have the impression that separation was due to difficult differences, mostly on domestic issues. For one, the promised common market never did happen.
However, this Malay book by Mustapa Mohamed, titled "Kemelut Politik Melayu" said that Tunku Abdul Rahman "sacked" Singapore out of Malaysia in order to protect Malaysia interest. Of course, we do know that Lee Kuan Yew did call for a "Malaysian Malaysia" rather than a "Malay Malaysia".
GOOD VS BAD
Another source of headache is the contention over who was the protagonist or antagonist in this matter. Either party seem to always be antagonising the other.
Lee Kuan Yew mentioned in his memoirs of the presence of "Malay Ultras" in UMNO and the central government. One of these ultras include former PM Dr Mahathir. Conversely, Malaysian minds tend to think of the PAP as exclusively Chinese and a group of extremists who threaten to make torn the socio-political fabric of Malaysia.
As a Singaporean, I am the worst person to soberly and objectively make sense of the situation then.
SS
These complications, on the other hand, can actually be made a reason for this topic to be reintroduced in the Social Studies syllabus. We need to let students appreciate these unique, interesting and abstract kinds of relations. Then, we get to groom young openminds to be critical yet objective. Coupled with sensitivity to the world around them, we get to build a generation of youth who are discerning and active in this country's workings.
These complications, on the other hand, can actually be made a reason for this topic to be reintroduced in the Social Studies syllabus. We need to let students appreciate these unique, interesting and abstract kinds of relations. Then, we get to groom young openminds to be critical yet objective. Coupled with sensitivity to the world around them, we get to build a generation of youth who are discerning and active in this country's workings.
