 After gaining independence abruptly , Singapore faced a future filled with uncertainties . The Konfrontasi was on @-@ going and the conservative UMNO faction strongly opposed the separation ; Singapore faced the dangers of attack by the Indonesian military and forcible re @-@ integration into the Malaysia Federation on unfavorable terms . Much of the international media was skeptical of prospects for Singapore 's survival . Besides the issue of sovereignty , the pressing problems were unemployment , housing , education , and the lack of natural resources and land . Unemployment was ranging between 10 – 12 % , threatening to trigger civil unrest . 
