PJThum's Nationalism &de-colonisation in Singapore.

 The name PJ Thum may not be strange to readers, maybe not the younger generation.

Following the liquidation of the Communist United Front after 1963 there followed a vacuum of nationalist manifestation.and out of this undercurrent patriotic rejuvenation emerged a  group of powerful crusaders headed by a dynamic commander PJ Thum to seek justice for the deprived and down-troddened in such an all embracing cataclysm that rattled the powers that be to the core.

I first knew PJ Thum as an Oxford undergraduate writing his thesis for a doctorate degree and gave him an interview to enable him to do it. After that I never heard from him until recently when he appeared to present me with his tome the Nationalism an decolonisation in Singapore.I think the book is a whit highbrow in view of the litany of academics who featured in the book but it nevertheless does not detract from the magnificient comprehensive narratve of Singapore's history and security even to the extent of some revolutionary incident quite remote to be remembered.

PJ showed exceptionally remarkable insight into Singapore history, especially on the Chinese students' resistance against national service and the colonial intrigues behind the foundation of Nanyang University which Special Branch had predicted would be a major security problem. As it turned out the Special Branch was spot on when it had to deal with NU students' agitation and rioting inspired by pro-communist elements. Nu had the full support of the Chinese community but lukewarm response from non-Chinese and English-educated Chinese.

I think PJ, like most Western historians, may nor be able to capture the pivotal role of Lim Chin Siong in the anti-colonial struggle efficiently to show His dynamic personality which could have changed the history of Singapore.  The MCP Central Committee issued an October Resolution in 1951 to form a second front to complement its armed struggle and Lim Chin Siong emerged out of the blue to become the undisputed commander of the Communist United Front. He would fit into the most outstanding freedom-fighter with a charisma that mesmerized the Chinese masses. Lee Kuan Yew was simply no match in any electorial contest with Lim Chin Siong. Lee even introduced Lim as the future prime minister of Singapore to his guests at a social gathering. This was where God intervened and it was Special Branch with the imprimatur of Chief Minister Lim Yew Hock who put paid to the political ambition of Lim Chin Siong and his communist allies and prevent Singapore from coming under communist rule.

This PJ narrative is worth the pleasure reading by Singaporeans to just think how near they were to come under a communist regime.