Mohd Ariff Ahmad, 73, poet and writer
I believe that I must be a Singaporean.
I don’t have anyone in Malaysia other than my cousins. My brothers and sisters, father are all in Singapore. I was born in Singapore, so where would I go? Only my mother came from Batu Pahat, Johor.
At the time, 1965, my friends in Malaysia called me to move there because they said I can get a better life.
I had just bought this house (interview done in his home near Pierce Reservoir) in 1955. I had obligations to my wife's family so I was determined to build my life in Singapore. Several times, friends tried to persuade but I refused to move. Also, as a teacher, I was committed to my work here.
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