A Retrospect on the Dust-Laden History

The following sections are included:

• Preface by Chen Poh Seng

• Preface by Lee Leong Sze

• Contents

As the largest outlying island of Singapore, Tekong Island (Pulau Tekong) is located in the northeastern waters of Singapore and functions as an important artery of the Johor River. Legend has it that the island had been inhabited by humans for more than four centuries. Since there is a dearth of historical data, this legend cannot be confirmed. According to the historical data and oral interviews available at present, Malays were dwelling on the island as early as the mid-19th century. Later, people from southern China also migrated to Tekong Island. This outlying island had a population of around 5,000. Along with Singapore, Tekong Island had experienced many significant events such as the migration of Malays, Chinese and Indians, the invasion of Japanese during World War II and regaining of self-governance from the British by the People's Action Party. It also witnessed Singapore's union with the Federation of Malaysia and the former's independence on 9 August 1965…

The following sections are included:

• Development of Villages
  • Migration of the Malays
  • Migration of Chinese

• Life in Villages
  • Structure of village
  • Life on Tekong Island
  • Religious places, clan associations, community centers, schools and medical institutes

• Conclusion

The following sections are included:

• Ethnic Structure on Tekong Island

• Relationship Between Chinese and Malays
  • Population distribution of Chinese and Malays
  • Interaction between Chinese and Malays

• Ethnic Relationship within Chinese

• Conclusion

The following sections are included:

• Influence of World War II on Tekong Island

• Tekong Island Under British Government and Self-Governance

• The 1960s: A Period of Change

• Conclusion

The following sections are included:

• Tekong Island Under Singapore's Development

• The Disappearance of Villages on Tekong Island

• The Achievements of Former Residents of Tekong Island

• Conclusion

The society on Tekong Island mainly comprised people of Chinese and Malay origin, with Indians numbering around ten. The combination of races on Tekong Island was similar to that in Singapore since both societies were composed of migrants. Human migration has occurred since ancient times and is a part of social progress. However, until recently, theory and relevant research on migration had not been developed. At present, there are abundant theories and research in this field, such as the push and pull theory. In this theory, it is maintained that human migration is influenced by the society of the original residency in the situation of free economy and migration. People opt to migrate to a new place, searching for a better living environment, because of the desire to improve their lives. That is, the social or economic factor that attracts people to migrate to another place is the pull force; on the contrary, the unfavorable condition of the original residency is the push force…

The following sections are included:

• Appendix

• References

• Index