Profirio on the Communist Issue

[scroobal]

Scroobal,

After recently doing some further reading on these issues, I am now more convinced on balance that Lim Chin Siong was indeed a communist or at least under communist influence. I think there is even some credence that Zaid Zahari fell into this same group in particular after looking at the Plen's comments to Zaid on Zaid's criticisms of the Plen's decisions with regards PRS in the early 60s. Oh and I also came across an indirect reference to Wee Mon Cheng

Btw Chin Peng seems to confirm that the Puthucheary brothers were not communists afterall and neither was Tan Wah Piow, but he did say that Juliet Chin was a communist. Rajaratnam himself told Mel Chew in an interview that he was drawn to communism (you were right before) on an intellectual level while in London like many young bright intellectuals of that time but probably followed the expression "if you are not a communist at 20, you do not have a heart, but if you are still a communist at 40 than you do not have a brain" similar to actually card carrying communist and later anti communist Gerald De Cruz(saw some sweet old photos of his young daughter long before she rose to the bench

Cheers

Knowing your rather good aptitiude towards objective assessment and my interest in the subject, I decided to dig deeper. Lo and behold you were right.

Apparently before the PAP came to power, the Special Branch under the British raided a pineapple plantation in Kranji looking for the young son of a pineapple towkay who was believed to be involved on the dark side. He was not there but they had come across literature on communism in his room.

One of the officers, a Chinese noticed that the house zinc was partitioned lower than the expected roofline and checked. The space yielded a small room and a bed. Underneath the carpet, below the bed, a space holding a biscuit tin. The tin cointained cigarette paper/rice paper and all of them carried tiny handwritings. This was the manner which the communist communicated where the paper would be rolled up and then folded until it was very small in the hand and easy to conceal by the courier.

On examination by handwriting experts, all the messages had the same writer and guess who it was - Lim Chin Siong.

That Chinese officer went on to become Perm Sec before retiring. Apparently, when the British decamped and handed over Singapore, they took the liberty of taking some files including one with the surname Lim and another with the surname Lee.

The young son of the pineapple towkay was subsequently picked up, his father got mad with him, son agreed to turn over a new leaf and Special Branch sent him to England to study for his cooperation.

 

[Porfirio Rubirosa]

Scroobal,

Appreciate the contribution Bro. This part of Singapore's history is of great interest to me even though it did not have a big impact on me or my family. Perhaps the spark first came from my conversations with 'actors' on the fringe who played some part over that era but I think the bigger attraction lies in the uncertainty, ambiguity and mystery that still clouds this era 50 years on. And like you said, it was a time that threw up men of substance, courage and gravitas and a battle of ideologies, something that is sadly lacking in depoliticised Singapore of today.

On a ligher note, what you have pasted may well burst a blood vessel in the likes of Tan Jing Quee and Zaid

Btw I just came across a written eulogy by the late Gopal Baratham to his father, Sreenivasan (eminent VC of University of Malaya and Singapore) where he stated that ST ran an article (a day after Sreenivasan resigned on principle as VC in the early 60s) giving an impression that Sreenivasan had a close communist influence which Baratham thought was meant to be him. I gather probably just like Edwin Thumboo, Baratham was an intellectual who was just flirting around and this was possibly a typical communist bogey of that era. Also gleaned from the eulogy that Sreenivasan's once close friend whom he fell out with over his resignation as VC (but made up just before his death), PAP old guard Yong Nyuk Lin is married to Kwa Geok Choo's sister. It certainly was a small world during those early years.

PS. The young son of the pineapple towkay has many an interesting tale to tell of his salad dark days, but I guess like many others shall carry the same to his grave to protect his brethern and their families.

Cheers

Knowing your rather good aptitiude towards objective assessment and my interest in the subject, I decided to dig deeper. Lo and behold you were right.

 

[scroobal]

Scroobal,

This part of Singapore's history is of great interest to me even though it did not have a big impact on me or my family. Perhaps the spark first came from my conversations with 'actors' on the fringe who played some part over that era but I think the bigger attraction lies in the uncertainty.....

On a ligher note, what you have pasted may well burst a blood vessel in the likes of Tan Jing Quee and Zaid

Btw I just came across a written eulogy by the late Gopal Baratham to his father, Sreenivasan (eminent VC of University of Malaya and Singapore) where he stated that ST ran an article (a day after Sreenivasan resigned on principle as VC in the early 60s) giving an impression that Sreenivasan had a close communist influence which Baratham thought was meant to be him. I gather probably just like Edwin Thumboo, Baratham was an intellectual who was just flirting around and this was possibly a typical communist bogey of that era. Also gleaned from the eulogy that Sreenivasan's once close friend whom he fell out with over his resignation as VC (but made up just before his death), PAP old guard Yong Nyuk Lin is married to Kwa Geok Choo's sister. It certainly was a small world during those early years.

Cheers

I always had an interest for this particular era as the events are and are still not clear.

As one dig deeper, familiar names and associates keep popping up. Tommy Koh was in the thick of things, having led the enright protest, the University Socialist club etc. Edwin Thumboo was all of 19 when he was busted for Fajar affair and it was old man that acted as the junior while silk from "motherland" took the lead.

Philip Haolim sr, who was not allowed in the "cellar" by kwa for being a communist turned out to be an anti-communist and the only one in the MDU CEC that voted not to boycott the elections while the remaining lot who were guided by Eu voted to boycott the very first elections for this colony in 1948. Looks like lessons from boycotting were never learned.

TT Rajah's betrayal by Devan Nair runs deep and I understand that he shot off a letter to the National Archives only some years back for posterity.

The likes of Tan Jing Quee and Zaid do a great disservice to their fellow countryman by avoiding the issues of importance, not revealing what is known, and exercising selective memories. In life we chose paths that may prove wrong but we share our experiences so that the wrong fork is never taken.

I only came to realise that not all were revealed, only recently. The factionalism between the maoist and the marxist, the deep divide, the issue of language, the source of leadership and failures both tactical and strategy wise were never acknowledged.

I guess time will tell and for one brave soul to step forward.

 

[Porfirio Rubirosa]

Yes. In fact that is how I first came to know of the word "Mendicant" after reading about the "Mendicant" Professor Enright. LKY has always been very particular regards his use of the english language. Even Arthur Lim pops up over his role in the Chee Swee Kee affair. Mind you Art appeared quite contrite years later in his interview with Mel Chew over that particular incident.

What also fascinates me is how some of the chaps on the apparent 'wrong side' were welcomed back to the fold by LKY, for eg. his PPS. James Fu and the children also being accepted like VK Rajah becoming an appellate court judge.

As for Jing Quee and Zaid doing a "great disservice", just reading the Plen's incomplete memoirs and Chin Peng's book I get the impression that it is very difficult for them to come to terms with how they all landed up on the apparent wrongside of history more so with the collapse of communism in 89/90', perhaps understandable from a human level pov.

But I must say that I was quite impressed by Lim Chin Siong's interview with Mel Chew, where he appeared quite candid about many things that happened including his suicide attempt while in detention and his respect for what LKY has achieved, although the issue of whether he was indeed a communist may not have been totally put to bed.

If you come across any new info during this era, would appreciate if you could share the same with us.

As one dig deeper, familiar names and associates keep popping up. Tommy Koh was in the thick of things, having led the enright protest, the University Socialist club etc. Edwin Thumboo was all of 19 when he was busted for Fajar affair and it was old man that acted as the junior while silk from "motherland" took the lead.

TT Rajah's betrayal by Devan Nair runs deep and I understand that he shot off a letter to the National Archives only some years back for posterity.

The likes of Tan Jing Quee and Zaid do a great disservice to their fellow countryman by avoiding the issues of importance, not revealing what is known, and exercising selective memories. In life we chose paths that may prove wrong but we share our experiences so that the wrong fork is never taken.

.

 

[scroobal]

What also fascinates me is how some of the chaps on the apparent 'wrong side' were welcomed back to the fold by LKY, for eg. his PPS. James Fu and the children also being accepted like VK Rajah becoming an appellate court judge.

It seems to be an ancient practice where the offsrings are brought up by the victors. It seems to be the standing operating of the PAP. Even though, Eu is a malaysian, his daughters were employed by SPH as PRs, and he came on a dependents pass. Looks odd that they did it for a Malaysian. Credit goes to VK who established a vibrant and successful practice and earned his keep. His position in the appellate court is certainly on merit and can be seen by his judgement. Even more so when compared to Yong.

As for Jing Quee and Zaid doing a "great disservice", just reading the Plen's incomplete memoirs and Chin Peng's book I get the impression that it is very difficult for them to come to terms with how they all landed up on the apparent wrongside of history more so with the collapse of communism in 89/90', perhaps understandable from a human level pov.

You are too kind. The Malaysian authorities should open an inquiry on the 2 purges in the jungles of malaysia and thailand where hundreds of mcp rebels were executed as a result of hysterical witchhunt by the leadership. Many of the parents are looking for answers while their gallant leader keeps trapezing from London to Canberra purporting that he had no control and that he cannot remember. This should be done while many of the witnesses are still alive.

If Jing Quee and Zaid, really want to help, it best that they first help their fallen comrades before whitewashing history.

But I must say that I was quite impressed by Lim Chin Siong's interview with Mel Chew, where he appeared quite candid about many things that happened including

I do agree that this was an exceptional chap and every man interviewed about him from the british to the locals had the same impression - Truly an exceptional character. Its interesting , of the lot, only he attempted suicide.

 

[scroobal]

Scroobal,

Btw I just came across a written eulogy by the late Gopal Baratham to his father, Sreenivasan (eminent VC of University of Malaya and Singapore) where he stated that ST ran an article (a day after Sreenivasan resigned on principle as VC in the early 60s) giving an impression that Sreenivasan had a close communist influence which Baratham thought was meant to be him.

Might want to re-check the source once again. My version on checking is the opposite and that it was Sreenivasan that had disallowed the supposed leftist from being admitted to medical school without authorisation. He probably wasn't aware that the fireside socialist like Goh, old man and the marxist/maoist were closer in the scheme of things.

I think you know that Gopal had personal family issues on 2 fronts before he became radical in his thoughts in later years and began blaming society for evrything that was going wrong.

 

[Porfirio Rubirosa]

Reminds me of the late Pol Pot's gang who are still alive trying to exculpate themselves of any blame with regards the genocide and other atrocities during Khemer Rouge rule of Cambodia.

You are too kind. The Malaysian authorities should open an inquiry on the 2 purges in the jungles of malaysia and thailand where hundreds of mcp rebels were executed as a result of hysterical witchhunt by the leadership. Many of the parents are looking for answers while their gallant leader keeps trapezing from London to Canberra purporting that he had no control and that he cannot remember. This should be done while many of the witnesses are still alive.

 

[Porfirio Rubirosa]

Need to check but I have the impression that Sreenivasan was 'forced' to resign on principle of his independence being compromised.

Might want to re-check the source once again. My version on checking is the opposite and that it was Sreenivasan that had disallowed the supposed leftist from being admitted to medical school without authorisation. He probably wasn't aware that the fireside socialist like Goh, old man and the marxist/maoist were closer in the scheme of things.

Yes aware of such issues. However Gopal actually made reference to an ST article to back up his claim.

I think you know that Gopal had personal family issues on 2 fronts before he became radical in his thoughts in later years and began blaming society for evrything that was going wrong.

 

[scroobal]

Reminds me of the late Pol Pot's gang who are still alive trying to exculpate themselves of any blame with regards the genocide and other atrocities during Khemer Rouge rule of Cambodia.

Truly a failure of mankind that PolPot and company did not face the music except for some recent cursory attempts.

In my eyes, Asean has been a monumental failure. Myanmar, the atrocities of the Indonesian forces in Timor and the race riots of 98, etc,

Sadly no academic, writer or men of standing prefer not to touch such subjects and treat them as taboo. They also seem to prefer the Robin Hood persona for banditry and its seems like a worldwide affliction. You see that in the west, India, China and even among the secret societies in the singapore until recently.

 

[Porfirio Rubirosa]

Scroobal,

Did you get your information from Dr Leon Comber's new book on the Malayan Special Branch published by ISEAS?

Looks like the public may never get to find out the entire objective history about the Malayan/Singaporean communists and socialists in the 50s/60s as Comber says some "sensitive" files were apparently destroyed and taken away by the British.

I decided to dig deeper. Lo and behold you were right.

One of the officers, a Chinese noticed that the house zinc was partitioned lower than the expected roofline and checked. The space yielded a small room and a bed. Underneath the carpet, below the bed, a space holding a biscuit tin. The tin cointained cigarette paper/rice paper and all of them carried tiny handwritings. This was the manner which the communist communicated where the paper would be rolled up and then folded until it was very small in the hand and easy to conceal by the courier.

On examination by handwriting experts, all the messages had the same writer and guess who it was - Lim Chin Siong.

.

 

[scroobal]

Scroobal,

Did you get your information from Dr Leon Comber's new book on the Malayan Special Branch published by ISEAS?

Looks like the public may never get to find out the entire objective history about the Malayan/Singaporean communists and socialists in the 50s/60s as Comber says some "sensitive" files were apparently destroyed and taken away by the British.

Nope , have not. Thanks for letting me know. will try and get it.

Leon unfortunately spent a short in in SB in KL and Johore but not in Singapore but nearly a life time on research. I mentioned this once, Both Lee and Lim's files are not there.

Anything on his wife?

 

[Porfirio Rubirosa]

Not sure Bro, as I too have yet to read the book:p

Only read the review of Leon's book in today's ST, which makes reference to Chin Peng, STC, Lai Teck, Lee Meng, Hor Lung and Tan Hong. Also the fact that CPM Singapore was regarded to be largely autonomous from CPM in Malaya.

Anything on his wife?

 

[scroobal]

Not sure Bro, as I too have yet to read the book:p

Only read the review of Leon's book in today's ST, which makes reference to Chin Peng, STC, Lai Teck, Lee Meng, Hor Lung and Tan Hong. Also the fact that CPM Singapore was regarded to be largely autonomous from CPM in Malaya.

Ok, thanks. If I am not wrong, it was Comber that "turned" Lee Meng with the help of his wife. Interesting times bro.

 

[lockeliberal]

Dear Porifirio

Thanks for reading all the book and summing it up in a digestible nutshell :_)). Some us just do not have the time, not enough energy way to many books




Locke

 

[scroobal]

Dear Porifirio

Thanks for reading all the book and summing it up in a digestible nutshell :_)). Some us just do not have the time, not enough energy way to many books
Locke

hear, hear


bro, any thought of authoring a book on this subject matter, seriously.

 

[Porfirio Rubirosa]

No worries Bro, but cannot take any credit because like I told Scroobal I too have yet to read Comber's latest book:o What I posted in here was gleaned from 4/11 ST's review of that book:p

What specifically caught my eye was the reviewer relating Comber's narrative on the way the CPM agents communicated via small rice paper slips, exactly how Srcoobal described it in an earlier post above. Oh and being fluent in Hokkien, Cantonese and Mandarin was vital for the Special Branch agents for obvious reasons. Comber himself spoke fluent Cantonese.

Another interesting bit was how the army supported the admin branch against the commie insurgency instead of the army playing a lead role to achieve success, a comparison to what is now being played out in Iraq where the US army appears to be taking the laed role.

Dear Porifirio

Thanks for reading all the book and summing it up in a digestible nutshell :_)). Some us just do not have the time, not enough energy way to many books




Locke

 

[Porfirio Rubirosa]

Too kind, Bro. Honestly I would have thought it should be the other way around with your superior knowledge on this fascinating topic.

hear, hear


bro, any thought of authoring a book on this subject matter, seriously.

 

[Harry Lee]

Please allow me to cloud the issue of Communism in Malaya and Singapore a little further.....

Other than the Singapore Town Committee and the CPM in Malaya, there was a Chinese communist group linked directly to the Communist Party in China. This group had no links whatsoever with local groups.....

I had a chance to speak to a Malayan commie who returned to China years ago to "build up the Motherland". Asked why he did not enter the jungles when Emergency was proclaimed, he shocked me by telling me that his communist cell was not answerable to the Malayan Communist Party, but to the CCP in China. There were in fact 2 parallel underground cells where he was stationed. The CPM cell actively assisted in MinYuen activities. The CCP cell did not show their hidden hand.

I wonder how many of these CCP types managed to mole themselves into positions of respect and authority over the years.

Allow me to suggest that any study of this subject must incorporate CCP sources on their penetration of Malaya/Singapore to give a clearer picture.

PS I find the exchange between Scrobal and Profiro most interesting.....

 

[scroobal]

Please allow me to cloud the issue of Communism in Malaya and Singapore a little further.....

Other than the Singapore Town Committee and the CPM in Malaya, there was a Chinese communist group linked directly to the Communist Party in China. This group had no links whatsoever with local groups.....

I had a chance to speak to a Malayan commie who returned to China years ago to "build up the Motherland". Asked why he did not enter the jungles when Emergency was proclaimed, he shocked me by telling me that his communist cell was not answerable to the Malayan Communist Party, but to the CCP in China. There were in fact 2 parallel underground cells where he was stationed. The CPM cell actively assisted in MinYuen activities. The CCP cell did not show their hidden hand.

I wonder how many of these CCP types managed to mole themselves into positions of respect and authority over the years.

Allow me to suggest that any study of this subject must incorporate CCP sources on their penetration of Malaya/Singapore to give a clearer picture.

PS I find the exchange between Scrobal and Profiro most interesting.....

Bro, thanks for the excellent gem of an information. It does lend credence to the fact on another piece of information that I had not mentioned before but I had come across but could not corroborate.

Dr Lee Siew Choh was known to be in communication with John Eber, self confessed communist who went to London to reside after his release from detention. What was interesting was that communication that went up and down indicated that John Eber was merely a conduit and the party at the other end was a member of the British Communist Party. Journalist of that era have indicated that Dr Lee spoke in passionate revolutionary terms but in accent different from the local chaps.

There is also the fact that those detained under Ops Coldstore were divided between the maoist and leninist camps resulting in deep divide, intense arguments and silent treatments. The same was reflected when the MNLA (CPM army wing) split into splinter groups in the jungles of malaya as the insurrection progressed. I am not referring to the fireside leftists that were also detained.

Yours indeed is the first that I have come across and appreciate the contribution.

 

[scroobal]

Too kind, Bro. Honestly I would have thought it should be the other way around with your superior knowledge on this fascinating topic.

I find both Lock and you to have the temperment and objectivity to get this done on an even keel.

Lock, what say you.?