Fun Trivia : Malaysia

Structure Sub-topic of: Asian Quizzes Interesting Questions, Facts and Information There are a total of 10 general entries. Special Topics Malaysia and Singapore Malaysia: 2 Malaysia: 1

Interesting Questions, Facts, and Information

Malaysia

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

History of Singapore and Malaysia,1840-1970


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.



Who was the first British resident of Perak?

History of Singapore and Malaysia,1840-1970


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.



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

History of Singapore and Malaysia,1840-1970


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.



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

History of Singapore and Malaysia,1840-1970


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.



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

History of Singapore and Malaysia,1840-1970


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.



Who was the first Prime Minister of Malaysia?

History of Singapore and Malaysia,1840-1970


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



How long was the Japanese occupation of Singapore?

History of Singapore and Malaysia,1840-1970


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!



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

History of Singapore and Malaysia,1840-1970


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.



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

History of Singapore and Malaysia,1840-1970


Tunku Abdul Razak. You know this guy. His harsh comments on USA's controversial war against exremists in Afghanistan and Iraq earned him few fans in the West, but he was a national icon.



Who became the first Prime Minister of Singapore?

History of Singapore and Malaysia,1840-1970


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.