SINGAPORE STORY:
Is the
truth
out there?Author Gopal Baratham questions the objectivity of historical accounts of Singapore’s past (The Straits Times, Forum page, May 22, 1997). He suggests that students be given information from as many sources as possible so they can make up their own minds. One example: the Merger referendum of 1962. Mr Baratham’s view spawns a series of exchanges about what actually happened when the Merger referendum was held.
HISTORY is written by the victors and I, like others of my generation, was taught the British Imperial story, which emphasised the heroism of brigands like Drake, Clive and Warren Hastings.
The problem with national education is who is to recount the objective truth. Do the defeated have a voice so that the young can make up their own minds, or do we have to leave it all in the hands of the powers that remain?
Few remember that the referendum to become part of Malaysia was not a simple yes/no alternative but one of three.
Alternative A was the most favourable to Singapore citizens and the one the PAP espoused. When opposers of the merger advocated that people spoil their votes, it was declared that all spoilt votes would be counted as votes for A. Singaporeans voted overwhelmingly in favour of it. The spoilt vote option was not used.
Rather than view Singapore as a special case, I would rather our youth find out the facts from as many sources as are available and be given the option of making up their own minds. This ability will, over the long haul, serve them better than any process of indoctrination.
First published in The Straits Times, May 22, 1997
THE 1962 REFERENDUM
MOHAMAD MAIDIN B.P.M.
Parliamentary Secretary for Education:Singapore story based on facts Lee Siew Choh trying to rewrite record, reverse history DR LEE SIEW CHOH:
That’s the PAP’s version of history I beg to differ, Mr Maidin
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