Task A:Communal riots of 1964

Singapore went through racial or communal riots between Malays and Chinese over two five-day periods beginning on 21 July and 2 September 1964 respectively.the worst and most prolonged in Singapore's post-war history, erupted after Singapore merged with the Federation of Malaysia.In 19 July 1964 more than 1,000 Malay non-political leaders from 101 organisations met Mr Lee Kuan Yew, the Prime Minister of Singapore and Encik Othman Wok, the Minister for Social Affairs to clarify the issue of the special rights for Malays.The Straits Times of 21 July 1964 reported that more than 25,000 Muslims in Singapore would participate in a giant rally at the Padang on the following day to celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. Celebrations would also be held in Kuala Lumpur and in towns throughout Malaysia.In 21 July 1964 rioting broke out on the eve of the planned massive celebrations for Prophet Muhammad's birthday when a protest demonstration by Malays escalated from a verbal war of taunts and insults with Chinese bystanders. The ensuing violence which continued for five days, left 22 people dead and 454 injured. Curfew hours were imposed to restore law and order. The curfew was gradually relaxed by 2 August 1964.In 2 September 1964 ,racial tensions exploded once again when a Malay trishaw rider was stabbed to death at night. Rioting erupted again and continued for another five days with 12 people killed, 109 injured and over 1,200 people arrested for rioting and curfew-breaking. The curfew was lifted on 11 September when the situation returned to normal.