The move toward self-rule for Singapore was fueled by a combination of local political pressures and changes in international attitudes towards colonialism after World War II. The United Kingdom, facing the realities of a post-war world, began to realize that maintaining control over colonies like Singapore was increasingly untenable. As a response, the British government agreed to grant Singapore self-governing status within the British Empire in a formal agreement that outlined political autonomy while retaining certain powers, such as defense and foreign affairs, for the British administration. This agreement set the stage for a major transformation of Singapore's political landscape.

Key political figures, including Lim Yew Hock, the then Chief Minister of Singapore, played an instrumental role in negotiations with the British. Lim Yew Hock represented the interests of the local political parties, striving for greater autonomy and the end of colonial rule. The agreement was celebrated by a broad coalition of political groups in Singapore, and it marked a key moment in Singapore's quest for independence that would eventually lead to full sovereignty in 1965. With self-governance, the people of Singapore could now influence policies and governance structures more directly, paving the way for a national identity and a more participatory political environment.

The arrangement also had implications for the broader region, reflecting a shift in colonial attitudes and setting a precedent for other territories in Asia seeking self-determination. Singapore's new political status served as an example for neighboring regions grappling with colonial powers and ignited aspirations for independence in other British colonies. Additionally, this self-governance would soon lead to Singapore developing its political and social systems, further enhancing its relevance in Southeast Asia and shaping its future after full independence from British rule.