The Change of Singapore

Many had already changed since I got out from the camp. There are centres where some people would give some information of anti-Japanese groups. They took suspects in front of the informer who is wearing either a hood or a mask and the informer will just point at a certain person. That person which the informer had pointed would be executed immediately.

(One of the centers where accusations happened.)

News that the Japanese gave the Chinese a punishment. They forced the Chinese to contribute money to Japan's war efforts. The Chinese community had no choice but to pay the Japanese $50 million.

(The cheque given to the Japanese from the Chinese community)

There is another new rule under the house; respecting the presence of the Japanese, of course. Every time that we pass by the Japanese men, soldiers or authorities, we need to bow at them. Ridiculous. But there are many places that the Japanese were having propaganda campaigns. It is like they are wiping their minds and control them by influence. There are many news that we are treated as sisters and brothers. How ironic. I saw a Japanese man kicking a beggar on the streets. Poor fella; he could have been spared.

At schools, the students and staffs were told to have morning assemblies to face where Japan is and sing their national anthem (Kimigayo). Mass drills were made compulsory for everyone. And all of them must learn how to speak Japanese. The teaching staff were taught several times a week while students receive their daily Japanese lessons on the school's broadcasting system.

(A student studying Japanese)

To influence more of the Singaporeans, they controlled the broadcasting and made a rule that they shall not hear other radio stations except the Japanese only. They say those who were caught listening non-Japanese broadcasts were punished or eventually killed. And also in cinemas there are only Japanese movies and propaganda films are shown. They are too much. However, some of them are already under their fullest control.




(A Japanese film during 1943)

References:

Curriculum Planning & Development Division   Ministry Of Education Singapore . SINGAPORE FROM SETTLEMENT TO NATION PRE 1819-1971. Singapore . Marshall Cavendish

Sources:

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Singapore: From Settlement to Nation by Marshall Cavendish Education (2007) pg 112

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