 As Singapore continued to grow , the deficiencies in the Straits Settlements administration became serious and Singapore 's merchant community began agitating against British Indian rule . The British government agreed to establish the Straits Settlements as a separate Crown Colony on 1 April 1867 . This new colony was ruled by a governor under the supervision of the Colonial Office in London . An executive council and a legislative council assisted the governor . Although members of the councils were not elected , more representatives for the local population were gradually included over the years . 
