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Appeal for calm

July 22, 1964

The Acting Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak, made an appeal for calm in a broadcast tonight on the clashes which occurred in Singapore today in which four people were killed and about 178 injured, leading to the imposition of a curfew from 9.30pm to 6am.

In his broadcast, Tun Razak reminded Malaysians that they had lived together in peace for hundreds of years.

Armoured car patrolling the streets
On the lookout for trouble -- an armoured car patrolling the Geyland Serai area
"We have never broken the peace of our beloved country. Only those who have been misled by foreign elements and have no love for this country have offended us.

"We now face a very critical situation. It is very dangerous for all of us, whether we are Chinese, Malays, Indians or of other races.

"You must not forget that we are facing a common enemy. This is an enemy dangerous to us all. If we are divided, we shall all be destroyed. We must not be at odds with one another nor must we fight each other.

"If we fight one another, Malaysia will be destroyed, and so will all of us."


The riotsThe disturbances occurred during a mammoth procession which started from the Padang, where earlier in the afternoon about 25,000 Muslims had gathered to commemorate the birthday of the Prophet.

A series of incidents occurred near Lorong 3, Geylang, just opposite the Gay World -- fights broke out, and cars were overturned. There were also reports of arson.

By 8.30pm, there were 50 injured people in the General Hospital, mostly with head injuries received during the disturbances.

Overturned car
An overturned vehicle near the Geylang fire station
The curfew

Deserted road
A deserted stretch at Geylang Rd, soon after the curfew was imposed

At 9pm, an official announcement was made.

Organised groups of youths went around in the areas between Kallang and Geylang Serai, creating disturbances. The public was advised to remain indoors and a curfew was imposed from 9.30pm to 6am.

Public transport was withdrawn as dusk approached.

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