Singapore's rapid growth highlighted the inefficiencies of the Straits Settlements' governance under British India, marked by bureaucracy and a lack of sensitivity to local issues. Consequently, Singapore's merchants advocated for the region to become a direct British colony. In response, the British government designated the Straits Settlements as a Crown colony on 1 April 1867, allowing it to receive directives straight from the Colonial Office. Under this new status, the Straits Settlements were overseen by a governor in Singapore, aided by executive and legislative councils. Over time, these councils began to include more local representatives, even though they weren't elected.