Letters | Singapore, enough with the statues of colonial leaders

Readers discuss the installation of a statue of Stamford Raffles at a park in Singapore, and a controversial decision by the speaker of Malaysia’s parliament

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A statue of Stamford Raffles at Empress Place in Singapore on May 24, 2016. Photo: Reuters

Published: 11:30am, 21 Jul 2024

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Singapore should not overvalue the history of British colonialism by installing more statues of colonial leaders.

For example, when the Japanese invaded Singapore, the 85,000-strong British military presence crumbled and surrendered to 35,000 Japanese soldiers on February 15, 1942. Only weeks after the Japanese surrendered, the British returned to Singapore on September 12, 1945. During the Japanese occupation of Singapore, an estimated 50,000 to 100,000 Singaporeans were killed.

During the British colonisation of Singapore, the Cocos Islands were attached to Singapore, from 1903 onwards, but given to Australia in 1955. Britain granted Singapore partial internal self-governance that year. One should note that Australia gained its self-governance from the British in 1901, and officially became autonomous in both internal and external affairs in 1942. By transferring the Cocos Islands to Australia, the British colonisers discriminated against Singaporeans. Christmas Island was administered as a part of Singapore when the British returned after World War II. However, it was similarly transferred to Australia in 1958.

Back then, in the mind of the British, Singapore (part of Malaya at the time) was nothing more than just one of their colonies to be used for profiteering, resource extraction and selfish geopolitical interests.

Instead of a third statue of Stamford Raffles, it would have been better to feature people who represent the generations of hard-working Singaporeans which contributed to the country’s prosperity, education and social harmony.