Loy Chee Hiang and Mahtani Manisha Deepak
Loy Chee Hiang:
In the early years of Singapore's merger into Malaysia, Indonesia was against its formation. It then launched a campaign called *Konfrontasi* resorting to hostile military conflicts.
In Singapore, an attack by the Indonesian Marines on MacDonald's House took place in March 1965, resulting in the death of 3 Locals. The need for a strong local defence force suddenly is in everyone's mind.
While I was in my local Uni study in 1968, there was a call for volunteers to build up the People's Defence Force (PDF). I responded and went through training to become a Corporal in the Army. We had to attend part-time in-camp training and military exercises over many weekends. As students then, we were very proud to form contingents marching in the annual National Day Parades.
Upon graduation in 1971, I joined the MOD as a Defence Electronics Engineer. And continuing in my part-time National Service, I was then transferred to the Special Constabulary and went through a Police Inspector course. My part-time duties involved patrolling the neighbourhood, attending to household and family complaints. I also had the opportunities to ride in mobile patrols and check theft cases.
Following the 1991 general election, a new MP was elected in Tampines North. The newly appointed Chairman of CC invited me to serve in his new committee. There, I started to get involved in organising many grassroots activities and projects. Later, as Chairman of the CMC, we were tasked in the rebuilding of the Tampines North Multi-purpose Hall, which was completed beautifully in 2009 for all residents to enjoy.
Dec 2013 saw racial riot erupted in Little India involving Indian migrants gathering in Race Course Road area. It was caused by a fatal traffic accident where a migrant was knocked down and died. Angry mob was formed and at one stage, went out of control. The incident shows that racial harmony is so very fragile and easily misinterpreted. Hence, social cohesion and the role of the Police must always be upheld.
Mahtani Manisha Deepak:
During the Little India riots in 2013, I was still a teenager and having read and studied so much about the riots in Singapore during the earlier years. I was shocked that history was repeating itself. I remember watching the news and videos on social media and there was fear in everyone’s eyes.
The newspapers the next day were filled with news on the riots, and what led up to it. Speculations were everywhere and people were scared to step into Little india. Coming from a family who frequents Little India, I could not get the courage to step foot into Little India anytime soon.
The impact of the riot could have been even more damaging if not for the quick and prompt actions from the government. The pressing issue was what could be done to prevent this from happening again. The very next day, a committee of Inquiry was set up by PM Lee.
Singapore, being a multi-racial country soon found itself even more united than before. Lessons were learned, changes were made and people became more accepting than before. Some felt that the riot was actually a blessing in disguise, while others felt that it was a wake up call for the people.
8 years later, Singapore has grown into a beautiful and warm country all thanks to the guiding figures that have pointed us in the right direction. True enough, when the entire nation and world was hit by Covid, we were and are all proud to be living in Singapore, because we know that is home and this is where we belong.
