 The failure of Britain to defend Singapore had destroyed its credibility as infallible ruler in the eyes of Singaporeans . The decades after the war saw a political awakening amongst the local populace and the rise of anti @-@ colonial and nationalist sentiments , epitomized by the slogan Merdeka , or " independence " in the Malay language . The British , on their part , were prepared to gradually increase self @-@ governance for Singapore and Malaya . On 1 April 1946 , the Straits Settlements was dissolved and Singapore became a separate Crown Colony with a civil administration headed by a Governor . In July 1947 , separate Executive and Legislative Councils were established and the election of six members of the Legislative Council was scheduled in the following year . 
