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Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Who really 'founded' Singapore?

Who really founded Singapore?
Sir Stamford Raffles, William Faquhar or John Crawfurd?

In my opinion, Raffles was the one who founded Singapore. Many texts and biographies prove that Raffles was the one who founded Singapore. True, he might have only visited Singapore for three times, but that does not mean during these three times he did not accomplish anything. Even the textbook says that Raffles founded Singapore. When Raffles and Faquhar went to visit the Temenggong, Raffles was the one that decided to recognise Tengku Hussein as the rightful Sultan. Though William Farquhar did go along with Raffles to sign the treaty, it was Raffles who signed the treaty and he was the one in charge to solve the problems. Raffles knew that the Sultan was under the control of the Dutch who would not allow the British to occupy Singapore. As a result, Raffles decided to sign the treaty stating that British could build a settlement in Singapore. If he did not find Singapore, he would not be in the position to recognise Tengku Hussein as the Sultan. Farquhar did help alot in the building of Singapore, but Raffles was the one who settled the disputes. He was wise and knew how to take advantage of the situation to make it in his favour. Though Farquhar did take charge of Singapore when Raffles left for Bencoolen, it does not mean he founded Singapore. It was because Raffles founded Singapore that he could be one of the first Residents on Singapore.
If Raffles did not set foot on Singapore, would Singapore be what it is today? Would it be a thriving city like it is now? I do not know, but I think Sir Stamford Raffles is the one who founded Singapore.

4 comments:

MandyKee said...

hi mandy here
i agree with you that Raffles was the founder. But, do u totally disagree with the rest not being the founder? Can u explain it more to me?

heather ♥ said...

I do not totally disagree.. Farquhar did take charge of Singapore when Raffles was away, which makes him a responsible man also. (:
Crawfurd also played a part in the building of the Singapore settlement. In fact, he was the one who signed the treaty which stated that Singapore would be handed over to the British for a sum of money.

Thanks!
Heather

WoonLynn. said...

Well i think Raffles was the founder too. Crawfurd and Farquhar also played a part in making Singapore sucessful. I also agree that without Raffles, Singapore won't be a thriving city like now.

heather ♥ said...

Woon Lynn: Okay, thanks.