Beyond Bicentennial

The following sections are included:

• QUOTES (LEE HSIEN LOONG, HENG SWEE KEAT, MASAGOS ZULKIFLI, GOH CHOK TONG)
• FOREWORD
• EDITORS
• LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS
• GLOSSARY
• CONTENTS
• PROLOGUE

The following sections are included:

• Introduction
• Scholarship on the Malays: From Primordialism to Constructivist Theory
• The Problems Related to the Official History on Singapore Malays
• Bicentennial Year: Correcting Perspectives about the Malays
• Reinstating “Missing” Malays
• Conclusion

The following sections are included:

• Introduction
• How then Does One Write History with a Purpose — The Purpose of Nation-building?
• Pre-colonial Temasek-Singapura in the Insular Malay World: An Island Entrepôt
• Raffles’ Pre-1819 Singapore as the Navel of the Malay Countries
• Pre-colonial Cosmopolis and Hybridised Malays
• Colonial Period Malay Engagement with Globalisation and European Modernity
• Final Thoughts

The following sections are included:

• Introduction
• Origins
• History and Legend
• Trade
• Settlement
• Place Names
• Photographic Representations
• Between Art and Photography
• Minutiae
• A People’s History
• Conclusion
• References

The following sections are included:

• Introduction
• The Early Population of Singapore’s Environs
• The Rise of the Malay Kingdom of Temasek
• Archaeological Research on Precolonial Singapore
• After Temasek
• Bibliography

The following sections are included:

• Orang Laut — Encounters with Early Seafarers
• The Orang Laut of Singapore
• Sub-Ethnic Groups
• Munshi’s Misperception
• Today’s Orang Laut
• References

The following sections are included:

• Part 1: Before 1819
• Part 2: After 1819
• Bibliography

The following sections are included:

• Introduction
• Telok Blangah and Kallang
• Kampong Glam and Geylang Serai
• “Malay Places” Made/Unmade/Remade
• Concluding Remarks
• References

A number of factors came together for Singapore to develop as a centre for hajj shipping in Southeast Asia. There had to be business networks to provide the infrastructure for shipping but there also had to be a cultural, social and religious setting that could speak the language of the hajj and provide what was needed by the Muslim community from across the region…

The Member for Parliament for Choa Chu Kang, Mr Tang See Chim queried the Minister for Finance during the debate on the Estimates of Expenditure for 1968 in the Committee of Supply why an allowance amounting to $70,000 was being paid to the descendants of Sultan Hussein and “whether there is any way of reducing them or not paying them at all.” Then Finance Minister Dr Goh Keng Swee’s reply is worth quoting…

The following sections are included:

• Introduction
• Background to the Malay Language
• Johor-Riau Dialect as the Basis for Standard Written and Spoken Malay
• The Internal (Community) Level
• The National Level
• Final Remarks
• References

The following sections are included:

• Literature, Nature and Belief System
• Nature and the Author
• The Concept of Self
• Munshi Abdullah: Authoring Nature and the Self
• Nature as Metaphor
• Authoring the Self: Motive, the Individual and Self-representation
• Appendix
• References
• Bibliography

The following sections are included:

• Introduction
• Traditional Narrative History through Folktales
• Sang Nila Utama
• Badang
• The Nameless Boy in the Attack of the Swordfish
• Relevance and Importance of Traditional Narratives in Modern Context
• Bibliography

The following sections are included:

• The Keris at the Void Deck: Locating the Keris in Modern-day Multicultural Singapore
• Going Local: The Keris as a Distinctive and Singular Marker of Southeast Asian History and Identity
• Disarming the Native: The Demise of the Keris During the Colonial Era
• The Keris as Bridge and Time Machine: The Social Function of the Keris in Present-day Post-colonial Multicultural Singapore
• Bibliography
• KERIS SYMBOLISM

Jawi Peranakkan was the first Malay newspaper to be published in Singapore. In 1876, a group of prominent Jawi Peranakan (Straits-born Muslims of Malay-Indian parentage) led by Munshi Muhammad Said Dada Muhyiddin pooled together their capital to start a printing company, Matba’ al-Saidi located at number 431 Victoria Street. Munshi Muhammad Said was also its editor until his death on 21 June 1888…

The following sections are included:

• Introduction
• Bibliography

The following sections are included:

• Introduction
• Malay Food at the Crossroads
• Cosmopolitanism and Extending the Boundaries of “Malay Food”
• References

In July 2017, Mr. Farid Khan, the 62-year old chairman of Singapore-based marine service provider Bourbon Offshore Asia Pacific caused quite a stir within Singapore when he announced his intention to run in the country’s upcoming presidential election reserved for Malay candidates. If his features did not already give away any indication that he was not Malay in the truest sense, then his last name surely did…

The rise of Islamic political movements in the Muslim World has been a sign of worry for the international community. In discussing Islamism in Singapore, it is perhaps more appropriate to ask whether there is Islamism in the country to start with given that the Singaporean state does not allow for any employment of religion in politics. This chapter will examine the unique form of Islamism in Singapore. It argues that Islamism in Singapore exist only if the concept of Islamism itself is nuanced and exist in varied expression ranging from the more violent expression of Islamism as demonstrated by the terror group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) with the aim of establishing an Islamic Caliphate in Southeast Asia to issue-based mobilisation which aims to craft a larger religio-political space for Muslims in Singapore. It will begin by examining the concept of Islamism and its applicability in a minority Muslim context like Singapore. The paper will then examine the different expressions of Islamism in Singapore by taking the examples of the Jemaah Islamiyah terror group, the civil society group, Fateha.com (henceforth Fateha) and the issue-based Wear White movement. The paper will then conclude by highlighting the characterisation of Islamism in Singapore.

The following sections are included:

• Introduction
• Origins and the Challenges
• Persistent Issues Faced by the MMC
• Malay Youth as an Emerging Demographic Imperative
• The Research
• Identity and the Human Construct
• Themes Arising from the Discussions
• Findings
• Conclusion
• References

The following sections are included:

• Introduction
• Traditional Malay Medicine’s Approach to Illness
• Adaptation Strategies
• Concluding Remarks
• References

The following sections are included:

• Introduction
• The 19^th Century Colonial Port City Singapore
• Early Football in the Nineteenth Century
• Military Base of the Straits Settlement
• Founding of Early Sports and Recreation Clubs
• Football in Early English Schools
• Darul Adab Club
• Straits National Football Challenge Cup (SNFCC)
• Tramway Cup
• Malaya Football Association
• Colman Football Shield Competition
• Straits Chinese Football Association
• Singapore Football Association (SFA) Football Cup Competition, 1892–1919
• SFA League Competition, 1904–1917
• Revival of an Inclusive SFA Challenge Cup Competition, 1920–1941
• Introduction of Football in Malay Boys’ Schools
• The Outstanding MFA Teams and Players of the 1920s and 1930s
• The HMS Malaya Cup 1921–1941
• Conclusion
• Bibliography

The following sections are included:

• Introduction
• Legislation of Muslim Religious Affairs: Pre-Colonial to Independence
• The Idea of an Islamic Religious Council
• The Omnibus Legislation — The Administration of Muslim Law
• Conclusion
• Bibliography

The following sections are included:

• Introduction
• Social Service in the Religious Lives of Malays/Muslims
• Gotong-Royong Spirit in the Malay/Muslim Communities
• Resurgence of Community Groups After WW2
• Jamiyah Singapore
• Facing Hardships Together (1960’s–1970s)
• “Many Helping Hands” — Galvanising the Community to Face Emerging Economic and Social Realities (1980s-1990s)
• New Horizons and Emerging Challenges (2000 and Beyond)
• Conclusion
• References

This chapter attempts to discuss the development of education in the Malay community from the colonial days to the present era. It would indeed be voluminous to narrate this educational development spanning over nearly two centuries. I would just give snapshots of the main events occurring during the different stages of the educational development.

The following sections are included:

• Introduction
• MENDAKI — An Institution with the Community’s Commitment and Political Will
• Aligning with Community Needs and National Aspirations
• MENDAKI’s Reflection on the Development of Education amongst the Malays
• References

On 1 April 1823, Stamford Raffles laid down in a meeting his plans to establish a school for the people under British rule. First published in 1819, the 110-page document which had the title Minute by Sir T. S. Raffles on the Establishment of a Malay College at Singapore (Fig. 1) on the cover, revealed Raffles’ vision of Singapore as a centre not only in trade but also in learning. (It was initially titled On the Advantage of Affording the Means of Education to the Inhabitants of the Further East.) Raffles laid down his rationale for starting an institution of learning dedicated to the education of the Malay elites, Chinese entrepreneurs as well as employees of the British East India Company. The idea was visionary at a time when even basic education was still not formally implemented in England…

Mohamed Eunos bin Abdullah (b. 1876, Singapore–d. 12 December 1933, Singapore) was one of the most notable nationalist intellectuals in the 1920s. He has been touted as the “father” of modern Malay journalism and a leader for Malay nationalism. He also championed better educational facilities for the Malays of Malaya.

Yusof bin Ishak (b. 12 August 1910, Padang Gajah, Trong, Perak–d. 23 November 1970, Singapore), commonly referred to as Yusof Ishak, became Singapore’s first president on 9 August 1965 when Singapore gained independence as a sovereign state. The presidency was a natural transition as Inche Yusof had been the Yang di-Pertuan Negara (head-of-state) of Singapore since 3 December 1959 after Singapore was granted self-rule that year. Yusof became Singapore’s head of state six months after the People’s Action Party (PAP) formed the government following its victory in the Legislative Assembly general election on 30 May 1959. He replaced the first Yang di-Pertuan Negara and last governor of Singapore, William Goode.

The following sections are included:

• Introduction
• RI and ACS
• Mr Ismail bin Abdul Aziz
• Mr Abdul Karim bin Bagoo
• Mr Wan Hussin Zoohri
• Dr Ahmad Mattar
• Mr Abdullah Tarmugi
• Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed
• Conclusion

The mark of respect of a man is often measured by how he is regarded by his peers. In the case of Ahmad Ibrahim, the diversity and calibre of persons who have credited him in their body of work range from lawyers, judges, academics, social activists, religious organisations, women’s groups and even politicians. Perhaps the singular piece for which he will always be associated with is the Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA). Whenever a review of the AMLA takes place, his name is inevitably cited as its creator. Such was the impact this erudite gentleman had in shaping the laws which govern the lives of Muslims in Singapore, from the pre-Independence days when Singapore was part of Malaya, then Malaysia, to full Independence in August 1965…

To understand the motivations, achievements, and sense of civic duty in the life of Ahmad bin Mohamed Ibrahim, one should begin with his father, Dr Mohamed Ibrahim bin Shaik Ismail (9 September 1892–1962), and perhaps a glimpse of his milieu, made up of individuals who had, in one way or another, shaped him.

Adnan Saidi (b. 1915, Selangor, Malaysia–d. 1942, Singapore), a lieutenant of the Malay Regiment’s 1st Battalion, died fighting the Japanese in one of the fiercest battles in Singapore during World War II. Regarded a war hero, he led his men in the Battle of Opium Hill (Bukit Chandu), off Pasir Panjang, giving the Japanese a bitter taste of real combat so much so that when they captured him, they tortured him as revenge before killing him and burning his body. Adnan was posthumously awarded with medals for his courage while a memorial plaque was erected at Kent Ridge to commemorate his valour, and that of his comrades. The memory of this brave soldier also lives on at Kranji War Memorial where his name is etched on the main memorial column wall of the Kranji War Cemetery.

Zubir Said (b. 22 July 1907, Bukittinggi, Minangkabau, Sumatra, Indonesia–d. 16 November 1987, Singapore), also affectionately known as Pak Zubir (pak means “father” in Malay) or Mr Mari Kita (the first two words of the Singapore national anthem), was the composer of the Singapore national anthem, “Majulah Singapura”. Upon his arrival in Singapore in 1928, Zubir joined a bangsawan (traditional Malay opera) troupe as a violinist, and was subsequently recruited by a recording company as a recording supervisor in 1936. He became a music composer for film production company Shaw Brothers in 1949, and worked with Cathay Keris thereafter for 14 years until his retirement in 1964. Despite his lack of formal music education, the prolific songwriter wrote at least 1,500 songs comprising film songs, popular songs and national songs. He was conferred a series of awards during his lifetime and posthumously, in recognition of his work as the composer of the national anthem, as well as his contributions to the music scene and Malay culture in Singapore.

In the wee hours of 21 July 1961, a crucial vote was about to take place in the Legislative Assembly of Singapore. Lee Kuan Yew, Prime Minister of the self-governing city-state, had called for a motion of confidence in the People’s Action Party (PAP) government. For Lee and the party leadership, they were sailing close to the wind — perhaps a little too close. The party had recently lost two high-profile by-elections and the party leadership was increasingly challenged by a dissident faction that was believed to be “pro-communist”. Just a few days earlier, a number of high-profile party members, including Lim Chin Siong and Fong Swee Suan, surfaced the idea of forming an alternative government to the British High Commissioner, Lord Selkirk. Amid the intra-party tensions, Lee had offered his resignation to party chairman Toh Chin Chye to ensure the survival of the current government, but before this drastic action could be taken, it was agreed that a vote of confidence in the Assembly would be held instead. The Assembly session that morning was therefore seen as necessary to weed out the “pro-communists” from the party ranks in a clear test of allegiance. Going into the debates, Lee was only certain of getting 25 votes, which was still clearly a minority in the 51-seat Assembly. There were long speeches from the dissenting members in hopes of stalling the vote in order to buy time to sway their colleagues’ minds…

The Arabs, numbering about 10,000 here today, have contributed a great deal to Singapore’s progress. An exhibition, “Al Qisah”, literally translated into “The Story” from Arabic, took place from 27 October to 3 November 2019 to portray compelling stories that featured landmark contributions made by the Arab community, now woven into the Singapore fabric…

Singapore’s history will be incomplete without acknowledging the contributions of the Indian Muslims who have been living and trading in Singapore since the early 19^th century. While there is no absolute definition of the term Indian Muslim in the context of Singapore, the term broadly refers to Muslims who hail from the Indian sub-continent, as well as the descendants of the Middle Eastern traders who inter-married local women from the Indian subcontinent during their trade travels. Most of these traders hailed from the city of Hadhramaut, Yemen. Thus, individuals of mixed parentage where one parent is an Indian and follows the Islamic faith is regarded as an Indian Muslim…

“Peranakans demonstrate how intimately the destinies of people in the region have been linked historically. Many Singapore Peranakan families can trace their ancestry to Indonesia, Malaysia and elsewhere in the region…

The following sections are included:

• Time to Reflect, Honestly
• Orang Melayu
• Malay Indigeneity
• Reaction to Fast-Shifting Demographics
• Helplessly Marginalised?
• Coping with the New Normal
• Bicentennial — An Opportunity for Change

The following sections are included:

• The Myth of the Lazy Native
• The Malay Problem — Definition
• The Malay Problem — The Causes
• Singapore Malays from 1950s till 1990s
• The Novels
• Conclusion
• References

Coming to Singapore from India back in 1955, I could only speak Hindi. Most of the people communicated with each other in Malay. It was the link language. The Chinese Singapuri (Singaporean) spoke mainly in dialects. The Chinese would speak Malay with other races. Even the Indians would communicate with each other in Malay. It was not surprising for a Tamil to speak to a Bengali or Hindi in Malay. I had to learn Malay to communicate. It was the lingua franca…

Sultan Hussein and his descendants have not fared well in Singapore’s history. The archived records document a dysfunctional relationship between them and the Straits Settlement government. Historians reviewing this record have virtually written Sultan Hussein and his family out of Singapore’s history. C. M. Turnbull, who authored a benchmark textbook on Singapore’s modern history, dismissed Tengku Hussein as “an uninspiring claimant to the Srivijaya-Temasek-Melaka-Johor legacy, faltering as it was in 1819 towards an ignominious demise, with the throne in dispute and battered by the Bugis, Dutch and British manoeuvring”…

When I was a six-year-old child around the time of independence, so ubiquitous was Malay culture in Singapore that my mother, a Tamil woman born here, wore the sarong at home every day, the Eurasian neighbours downstairs cooked with belacan, and Bahasa competed with English as the language people used to communicate across cultures…

The bicentennial commemoration consists of a year-long series of events to mark the 200^th anniversary of the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles in Singapore on 29 January 1819. The arrival of the British resulted in the creation of Singapore as a free port and marked the economic, physical, and social transformation of the island, which continues today. Yet, the irony is that the bicentennial commemoration also deliberately seeks to shed light and focus on a more distant past: The half-millennia before Singapore was colonialised and when Singapore was known as Temasek and seen as part of the Nusantara…

The following sections are included:

• Introduction
• Data
• Multicultural Identity
• Markers of Malay Identity — Strengths in Some Aspects, and Dilution in Others
• Differences in Generational Perceptions of Malayness
• Strong Sense of Malayness but Evidence of Some Cosmopolitan/Globalized Identity
• Malay Identity in Relation to Multiculturalism and Other Ethnic Groups
• Interethnic Understanding of Malayness/Engagement with Malayness
• The Fluid and Dynamic Nature of Malay identity
• References

The following sections are included:

• EPILOGUE: BEYOND BICENTENNIAL — HARMONY IN DIVERSITY
• GALLERY
• BICENTENNIAL COLLECTION
• ACKNOWLEDGMENTS