Operation Coldstore
From SgWiki
In February 1963, the government of Singapore conducted a security operation, named Operation Coldstore (sometimes spelled Operation Cold Store), and arrested at least 107 left-wing politicians and trade unionists.
- REDIRECT
At that time, Singapore was a self-governing state under British rule; but was preparing for a merger with the Federation of Malaya to form the Federation of Malaysia in September 1963. The pro-communists, led by Lim Chin Siong strongly opposed this merger and were challenging the government headed by Lee Kuan Yew of the People's Action Party (PAP) in their endeavor to establish a socialist regime.
Malaya had a strong anti-communist policy. During the Malayan Emergency, Malaya managed to contain communist influence. However, the communists had substantial influence in Singapore. Fearing a communist resurgency, the Malayan Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman insisted that Singapore round up all pro-communists before the merger occured. Lee Kuan Yew was reluctant at first but consequently, the British and the Malayans had the decisive casting ballots at the Internal Security Council.
Those arrested were detained under the PPSO (Prevention of Public Security Order). They were alleged to be involved in subversive activities aiming to establish a “Communist Cuba” in Singapore. The arrestees include
- Lim Chin Siong, secretary-general, Barisan Sosialis
- S Woodhull, vice-chairman, Barisan Sosialis
- Fong Swee Suan, secretary-general SATU and executive committee member, Barisan Sosialis
- Dominic Puthucheary, committee member SATU and Barisan Sosialis; vice-president Singapore General Employees' Union
- Tan Teck Wah, president Singapore General Employees' Union; vice-president, SATU and
- A Wahab Shah, chairman, Party Rakyat
- Leong Keng Seng, Assemblyman for Joo Chiat61-63? and Serangoon Gardens 1959-61
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Hussin Mutalib (2004). Parties and Politics. A Study of Opposition Parties and the PAP in Singapore. Marshall Cavendish Adademic. ISBN 981-210-408-9
- Lee Kuan Yew. (1998). The Singapore Story. Federal Publications. ISBN 0130208035
[edit] Link
In the year of 1988
