Sunday, December 27, 2009 16:00
The Fajar Generation
In Uncategorized • 2,762 views • 33 Comments
“The decades in which the club existed were tumultuous times in the history of Singapore as they coincided with the genesis of the quest for nationhood and ended tragically with the unprecedented suppression of those who argued for an alternative path. In a sense, the club was founded at a time of much promise for an opening in public discourse but ended when the basis of such public discourse was denied. It marked a closing of the mind from which a new opening must surely come at some future time.” - The Fajar Generation.
The Online Citizen is happy to have permission to make this remarkable book, The Fajar Generation, available to you, our readers. (Please see below for details.) The book tells the story of a group of men and women and their struggle during Singapore’s more tumultuous times, a story few have had the chance to hear – until now.
The 361-page book consists of contributions from former members of the University Socialist Club, most of whom were on the editorial board of the club’s organ, Fajar (Arabic for dawn). Apart from the editors who have chapters, the rest of the contributors are: Jeyaraj C. Rajarao, Edwin Thumboo, Agoes Salim, Ahmad Mustapha, Syed Husin Ali, and Dr Lim Hock Siew.
Read the introductory chapter here. (By Isrizal.)
Blurb from The Fajar Generation:
The two decades from 1945 to 1965 was an extraordinary era of political turmoil in the modern histories of Malaya/Malaysia and Singapore. The end of the war unleashed concerted demands for greater political representation, self-rule and eventual independence in the face of British attempts to manage the decolonisation process. The character and direction of this struggle were deeply contested. Different strands of nationalist thinking and competing political formations battled to define and shape the character of the future nation states.
The Fajar Generation tells the hitherto neglected story of a remarkable group of men and women who advanced a radical agenda of anti-colonialism, democracy, multiculturalism and social justice through the agency of the University of Malaya Socialist Club. Through personal memoirs and analytical essays the contributors to this collection illuminate their own roles in that struggle – the hopes and despairs, the triumphs and defeats. At the same time they remind us of just how much of that progressive political agenda is still to be won in contemporary Malaysia and Singapore.
‘The University Socialist Club (USC) was formed in February 1953. In the 1950s and 1960s the USC and its organ Fajar were a leading voice advocating the cause of the constitutional struggle for freedom and independence in peninsular Malaya and Singapore. In May 1954, the British colonial government arrested the entire editorial board of Fajar and charged them with sedition. In the subsequent high profile trial the Fajar Eight, as the members of the board had become popularly known, were acquitted. The monthly periodical continued to be published until it was banned in February 1963, following the massive wave of political arrests codenamed Operation Cold Store. This collection of essays by leading members of the USC provides a timely documentation and narrative of the personalities who contributed to the struggle for freedom and independence in both countries. The foreword by the doyen of the Malayan Democratic Union, Lim Kean Chye, pays tribute to this group of English-educated intellectuals who participated in and sacrificed for the cause of national independence and a continuing vision of a more equitable social order’ .
- Dr Lim Hock Siew
The two decades from 1945 to 1965 was an extraordinary era of political turmoil in the modern histories of Malaya/Malaysia and Singapore. The end of the war unleashed concerted demands for greater political representation, self-rule and eventual independence in the face of British attempts to manage the decolonisation process. The character and direction of this struggle were deeply contested. Different strands of nationalist thinking and competing political formations battled to define and shape the character of the future nation states. The Fajar Generation tells the hitherto neglected story of a remarkable group of men and women who advanced a radical agenda of anti-colonialism, democracy, multiculturalism and social justice through the agency of the University of Malaya Socialist Club. Through personal memoirs and analytical essays the contributors to this collection illuminate their own roles in that struggle – the hopes and despairs, the triumphs and defeats. At the same time they remind us of just how much of that progressive political agenda is still to be won in contemporary Malaysia and Singapore.
- Poh Soo Kai, Tan Jing Quee and Koh Kay Yew each served in leading positions in the University Socialist Club at the University of Malaya, Singapore.
The Fajar Generation is published by Strategic Information and Research Development Centre or SIRD. It is edited by Poh Soo Kai, Tan Jing Quee and Koh Kay Yew. Foreword by Lim Kean Chye, founder member of Malayan Democratic Union (MDU).
To purchase this book, please send us an email at: sales@theonlinecitizen.com .
The price of the book is S$34.24 (GST included).
Read about the book launch here.
Also: A personal journey in search of Fajar by Lim Cheng Tju.
——
Dr Lim Hock Siew is Singapore’s second longest-held political prisoner. He was accused of being a communist and was arrested without trial in 1963 in Operation Coldstore.
After 9 years in detention, he was asked to issue a statement of “repentence and contrition”, which he refused. His sentence was then extended by another 10 years which, Dr Lim says, made the total period he spent behind bars “longer than a life sentence.”
He was released in 1982.
Dr Lim made his first post-detention speech on 14 November 2009, to coincide with the arrival of US President, Barack Obama, in Singapore for the Apec Summit.
Watch the video, shot & edited by Martyn See, of Dr Lim’s speech below.
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33 Comments
chester
DSFSFD
I will buy.
but if it can be slightly cheaper then it will be even better for everyone.
doctorwho
is it available in bookstores?
The cost $34.24 is inclusive of postage for orders received from Singapore. The Online Citizen is not marking up the price, but is offering it at the same price as the authorised distributors of this book in Singapore – Mary Martin Booksellers Pte Ltd.
The book is also available in select books: http://www.selectbooks.com.sg/getTitle.aspx?SBNum=048185 but postage is not inclusive.
Support TOC – buy the book from TOC.
IC
I wonder what other worms are going to crawl out of the Singapore woodwork in due time….Seems that putting skeletons in closets isn’t particularly the best way to get rid of them after all.
walau
support!
Non Mediocre Hum
I hope to buy at least 1 copy of this book as a token of my appreciation for their Sacrifice for the People who share their ideals or thinking.
Can this book be bought over ebay? open to self-collect also.
Unfortunately, singaporeans are still very much Apathetic for change.
This author also shares the sentiment about singaporeans:
“One of the things I have learned in my 40 years of reporting is not to discuss current affairs with Singaporeans I don’t know. It is often futile.”
here’s the link:
http://www.littlespeck.com/content/politics/CTrendsPolitics-091212.htm
Morpheus de Halo
while these unsung heroes sacrificed and paid a heavy price for their ideals,
i wonder what would singapore be without them?
Not long ago, we lost JBJ and Chiam is getting old.
I am really concerned about singapore’s future in terms of what Alternatives it can offer. Its heartwarming to know that talents like Sylvia, KJ, Tan Kin Lian, LTK, Siew Kum Hong, LSH , people from TOC, TR are keeping the flames alive providing Alternative Views, Commentaries, Perspectives to the people who crave for more voice to speak up for them. Please keep up the good work and continue to educate the people from an Alternative angle.
seebeng
((Dr Lim made his first post-detention speech on 14 November 2009, to coincide with the arrival of US President, Barack Obama, in Singapore for the Apec Summit.))
That is rather incorrect. Dr Lim, a founder member of the PAP have been making speeches both in Malaysia and Singapore after his release from illegal detention by Lee Kuan Yew for nearly 20 years.
He spoke eloquently and moved the mourners at the funeral of Lim Chin Siong who died on 5 Feb 1996. Chin Siong was the leading figure and founder of the PAP, without whom Lee Kuan Yew would not have become prime minister of the then British Crown Colony Singapore in 1959.
Just because the castrated Lee Kuan Yew poodles don’t report on these true heroes in their propaganda rag doesn’t mean they are inactive.
andrew leung
The Future as History by Poh Soo Kai
Dr. Poh Soo Kai is a co-editor of The Fajar Generation. This article is based on the speech he delivered at the Congress of the Parti Sosialis Malaysia in May 2009.
seebeng
# 11 ((Just look at our reserves; even Malaysia can’t match! What a joke.))
Look where? Please, enlighten.
张三丰
TOC,
Got Chinese version or not? me cinaman lah!
Andrew Chen
I’ve read the book, fascinating narratives from the pre-PAP days. Reveals how much Men in White left out. Well worth its price.
wakeupearly
Ah, so this is where LKY is seen as telling white lies and more white lies. Shows how powerful our SPH & Mediacorpse is when it comes to PAP propaganda.
Price is reasonable given that its an academic work and a very specialized topic.
A&E
Andrew Leung #10
Thank you for the link.
Speeches, articles and books like this offer some glimpse into the minds of these so called dissidents in our history. I don’t always agree with the ideas these men held dear, but I always go away with the feeling that these were extremely talented, qualified and intelligent men, no less capable than the singing and dancing ministers we have today.
We are often told that Singapore could not have become what it is today but for LKY. I often wonder if Singapore could not have become even better had these individuals not been deprived of their freedoms, and had served or led in their individual capacities.
andrew leung
16) A&E on December 27th, 2009 10.10 am
Hello,
I have not read the book, but Dr Lim Hock Siew and Dr. Poh Soo Kai seem to be very intelligent and inspiring. Their strong belief in socialism did not waver even till today.
If they had succeeded I’m sure that Singapore will be a much better place to live in.
SPP/WP/NSP also believe in socialism and democracy. I hope in future their noble ambitions can be achieved.
ikanrajah
To those who found the book too pricey, the NLB has copies. I was rather surprised but I read from the NLB’s copy.
Singapore has come that far. The Fajar Generation failed in their quest due the upperhand of LKY’s instant action. He was ruthless and still is.
Gradually, one by one fell into his net. Operation Cold Store nailed the coffin tight and ISA did the rest. Hence, when Barisan Sosialis disintegrated, PAP’s hegemony survived till this day with all the dirtiest of dirty tricks.
Dr Poh Soo Kai gave a poignant inteview in today’s (27.12.09) Sunday Times. I admire his courage to ignore LKY and would not shake his hand. Who would under such circumstances? Many of us can forgive, but we can never forget the injustice done. A deep scar can never be smoothened. We are only human.
As History unfolded one after the other on LKY and his years of ‘glory’. The ugly side of midnight is illuminated by the amber of the flame, gradually burning into full revelation of the true facts of political dominance of the one and only PAP for 50 years
and how low they can scoop to strike at everyone obstructing their (PAP’s) way.
‘The true light is showing at the end of the tunnel’.
Human Being
A sample of LKY’s betrayal against his former friends and colleagues. Lord Selkrik was then the head of the British Colonial government in charge of Malaya and Singapore.
Lord Selkrik wrote to his superiors in London imploring them not to listen to Lee:
“Lee is probably very much attracted to the idea of destroying his political opponents. It should be remembered that there is behind all this a very personal aspect…he claims he wishes to put back in detention the very people who were released at his insistence – people who are intimate acquaintances, who have served in his government, and with whom there is a strong sense of political rivalry which transcends ideological differences.”
[Source: British National Archives]
If only everyone knew who he really is.
Play Safe Condom
Why is it that opposition parties do not talk about books like this and instead its bloggers who are doing this?
nice things
If you really want this book to fly. I mean really take off some 3 or 4 times more than the men in black. You would need to work with the brotherhood. They have a love story division, it is run by Darkness and this really nice girl Missy Dotty. Then it will really fly.
Lee Kuan Yew had suggested “instigating riots and disorder” to crush opposition | The Online Citizen
[...] Below is an excerpt from the newly-published The Fajar Generation. [...]
seebeng
#20 ((Why is it that opposition parties do not talk about books like this and instead its bloggers who are doing this?))
Maybe you are not aware of the following:
http://www.yoursdp.org/index.php/news/singapore/3081-they-stand-tall-among-us
http://www.yoursdp.org/index.php/news/singapore/3083-dr-lim-hock-siew-speaks-a-must-watch-video
soulfly
my taiwanese friend sent me this link, containing six parts commeting my city state early politic, economic etcs.
interestingly part 4-6 mentioning that our economics model coping from taiwan and FT ideas.
what interest me from my taiwan friend that our singapore FT policy different from them – that is taiwan foreign talent policy is to invite their own talented peoples from different parts of the world to return to their proud country to contribute to its present economics relevancy and politic vibrancy ie. economics drive politic not politic drives economics.
really kudos to my taiwanese friend knowing their personal democratic rights.
Su Kum Vong
The longer the election is delayed or rather set a later date, the more chance youngsters may find out about this book and the contents among other things like the more those who feel disenfranchised may be drawn to the other side.
The later it comes, the more may become members of opposition, the more may see the Insead-LSS video on foreign talent policy. The more may realise what kind of future awaits them. How much more hardworking they are asked to be.
I remember that it was long known that singaporeans workers were very hardworking and working long hours is what was commonly used to describe them. Also, they were used to be characterised as highly skilled, highly productive and competent and well trained and high quality.
Now, they have become not hardworking?
thats it man.
Mar Brokie
“#1 chester on December 26th, 2009 5.05 pm the price is a little too expensive right, compared to other online stores.”
They lost their liberty and spent years and decade in a dark place and you say this is too expensive to pay?
Shawn Teo
No big deal just winners and losers.
Politics is about doing battle.
I’m glad the PAP won.
45 good years.
(1) Developed city state.
(2) 7th highest per capita income in WORLD
(3) Largest foreign reserves in ASEAN
(4) Airport amongst world’s top
(5) Seaport amongst world’s top
(6) Transport infrastructure amongst world’s top
(7) Communication amongst world’s top
(8) Education system amongst world’s top
(9) One of the few safest cities in the world
(10) Healthcare amongst world’s top
(11) Public housing amongst world’s top
Fren, all the others are fake speaking as an earthling.
Upturner
Saw the book being sold @ Kinokuniya…same shelf as “Men in White’…what a irony….
too bad the 20% storewide is only for today (27/12)
bookworm
Sorry to be the bringer of bad news. But to sell a book these days is at best a dicey enterprise both for writers and even publishers. If one really desires this great book that documents much of our diminishing history, then the best thing to do is leave it to professionals.
Post 21 is right. They have a distribution network that is proven. It is insulated like a swedish tank as it can be retrieve in any part of the world, thus circumventing censorship laws. And most importantly many people have already got used to reading from either their iphones or on the move.
The day of a physical book with printed words on a page is dead and gone. I dont really see the point of publishing something if it doesnt even have the penetrating reach to enable readers to sit down and give it a good brush with the brain.
prettyplace
A & E…agree with you…
It is sad the way lky consolidated power….he must be wondering now…after marcos, suharto…and the likes of dictators….what happens to them towards the end.
I wonder what else, he did, but I hope he too repents and we Singaporeans accept and reimburse the people done wrong.
The PAP party must be maturing at a very fast pace or will certainly be left behind.
Thanks for putting this touching video of a man still full of knowledge and strenght. I hope to get his book with his signature on it.
For those complaining and comparing the price of the book….19years and 8 months should be able to make you the money times over.
Dumb and dumber
To 29) bookworm on December 28th, 2009 2.48 pm
>> I belongs to the old guard. In my opinion, nothing beats the smell of paper and the sensation of holding a book.
To 30) prettyplace on December 28th, 2009 2.49 pm
>> I believe the intention of the author(s) is to let as many people understand their perspectives of what actually happened in Singapore during that era. I hope everyone buys a copy, irregardless whether if you get it through TOC or Kinokunia or some other online portals or bookstore.
PS: It’s so embarrassing when foreigners ask you about your country’s history and most Singaporeans don’t even have a clue of what has actually happened in the 50s-70s.
Lawrence
I find post #27 lacking in many ways. It’s what I used to believe in unquestioningly until I leant about the value of questioning, about being genuinely curious because I see people suffering as a social service professional.
We don’t live in a two dimensional world. Have we forgotten how to look at things in multiple perspectives? Here’s some of mine, hope it helps.
(1) Developed city state.
How do we claim to be developed when low income families feel humiliated when they seek financial and other help such as housing. What happened to dignity and compassion?
(2) 7th highest per capita income in WORLD
What can high income bring to you and me? So we can all spend it in the many big malls, splurge on food, over-run our credit cards. End of the day, many Singaporeans work their butts off so they can have more. Question is, more of what?
They have less quality time with family, don’t want children, don’t want to become MPs, don’t want trouble, don’t talk to neighbours. In gaining income, what also have we lost?
(3) Largest foreign reserves in ASEAN
And the favourite question is, how much is our reserves? Followed by the next popular question, who’s accountable for the investment losses made by Singapore, Inc.? What are the repercussions of such losses?
(4) Airport amongst world’s top
The best countries to live in don’t need a top airport. All the “top”s following this are for financial gain. I don’t think humans find meaning in life just through financial gains. Whatever happened to culture, tradition, community, history and the arts? Where do we rank (though I hate to use the word “rank”, it’s become so much our lingo in Singapore)?
(5) Seaport amongst world’s top
(6) Transport infrastructure amongst world’s top
(7) Communication amongst world’s top
(8) Education system amongst world’s top
And what comes out of the education system? More people to feed into the economic machinery. Those who don’t fit, where do they end up?
(9) One of the few safest cities in the world
It is so safe that few dare to voice divergent opinions. Social work students from HK on exchange in Singapore had wanted to share on how to plan peaceful demonstrations. They were perplexed when told it’s not allowed.
It’s so safe, you can’t even take your own inflatable boat for kayaking because some folks think it’s too dangerous for you.
Be a good boy/girl, stay home play the Wii or go to the big malls to spend more money.
(10) Healthcare amongst world’s top
I have come across poor people who avoid seeking medical help because they cannot afford it. They’d rather work till they drop than confront an illness.
KS culture to the extreme? Or are they just wise in knowing that there will be little help given to them. This is a country where disadvantaged citizens need to fend for themselves.
(11) Public housing amongst world’s top
What does “top” public housing mean?
Flats getting smaller? Growing taller? Better market price?
Why should there be a queue for rental flats?
Why are there feedback that it is becoming less than affordable?
>Fren, all the others are fake speaking as an earthling.
Everything is real if you observe carefully your own surroundings, what’s “fake” or rather exaggerated is the good news and statistics that are spoon-fed to the public.
Men in White silent on key historical issues, say scholars | The Online Citizen
[...] contrast, the SPH coverage of the publication of The Fajar Generation, a collection of essays by former members of the University of Malaya Socialist Club, “never [...]
the price is a little too expensive right, compared to other online stores.