Lim Nuen Thye and Jason Tang
Lim Nuen Thye:
I would like to recall 1964 Races Riot as my story.
In 1964, few weeks after the mid-year school holiday. I could not remember on which day, one of the evenings, saw a Police stand by a Landrover, broadcast via loudspeaker informing everyone to stay at home until the next morning. Rediffusion subsequently broadcast that due to riots at Geylang, the government had declared curfew starts from 9.30pm to the following morning 6.00am, during this period, everyone have to stay at home.
They were ‘Budok’ students like me, went to school after the curfew lifted. When reached the school, observed that the school was closed. The caretaker (stay in school) told us that there was no school from that day onwards and di not know when the school would open, advised us to read newspaper or listen to radio on when to return to school. On the way to back home, observed that roads were quiet and shops were closed.
While waiting for Cantonese storytelling, there was breaking news that this morning the Government had declared an islandwide curfew from 11.30am onwards.
I briefly describe 2 Blocks (Nos. 52 and 53) of my estate. I stayed in the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) flat in the Durham Estate. All flats are 3-storey buildings. My block is 53, total of 18 units (unit number from 140 to 150) and my opposite block is 52, total of 24 units (unit number from 124 to 138). My block only have 1 minority family, an Indian family stayed in unit 146 and there were 4 minority families at my opposite block, 3 Indian families (stayed in unit number 128B, 130 and 138) and 1 Malay family (stay in unit number 132).
During the curfew period, the only Malay family who stayed in unit 132, their doors and windows were closed all the time, scared to come out to buy food, etc. Her neighbour (Indian family staying in unit 130) bought some vegetables for them. The Hock Chew Chinese who operate a bread shop (staying in unit 128A) gave some bread to them. My mother bought some canned foods to them and few other Chinese families bought some other groceries for them too.
This Kampong Spirit should sustain.
Did not know after how many weeks, from newspaper, radio and Rediffusion, we knew that all the school would be opened on the following Monday. After that, everything is as normal.
From the story above, Racial Harmony is absolutely important to us, please do not take it for granted.
Jason Tang:
Growing up in the 90s and 2000s, I have seen tremendous evolvement in our living environment. From our public transport network to infrastructure and building enhancement. We will only reminisce the time where there is a need to rush to close the windows when in the sudden downpour hits in the middle of the bus ride; not forgetting how long you will have to wait for the bus to arrive. There was no bus arrival panel to refer to. We had the best time without gadgets.
We (I) was/were in a transitional generation of between going towards a digitalised world. Back and happy in those days, we enjoyed the engagement and interaction amongst friends and peers, where meetings would be so much awaited for moment. Mobile connectivity wasn’t that well established then. Then comes the internet era and everything became history. Social media became the norm and even the world became so much knitter. We forge the best reliant friendship ever!
I do enjoy going around places in Singapore during my free time to explore around. Every location has its own distinctive unique attributes. From nature to man-made skyscrapers. I often wondered to be so blessed to be born and grew up here. My parents have taught me the importance of savings and the need to save for rainy days and plan for the future. So much has changed from their days living in the ‘Kampung’ and having to go through so many hardships previously. Unlike now, not sure what else are we lacking of.
I still remember the first day enlisting into the Army at Pulau Tekong. I know nothing in the army, nor am I being informed of the know-how to survive NS. Being the only son and having to search for all resources myself, I always had a strong belief that army life is going to be mundane and boring. Although things were regimental, the curriculum were well structured and planned. This experience was so much different from what my dad previously had shared with me. I am so grateful that I have made the best friends ever. From buddy of the battlefield, friends for life.
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade! Remember things do not always be bad forever and the darkest day will come to an end! Nothing is stronger than one’s mind. Some day, some time, you will be enchanted with the many possibilities and opportunities ahead of you. Just remember to never give up. Taking baby steps and going slow is better than not even trying at all.
