Erect plaque in memory of blast victims

Erect plaque in memory of blast victims

We should forgive, but never forget that our sovereignty is a most precious asset that took time to build ("We can forgive, but we should never forget"; Feb 8).

Many young people did not know about the bombing of MacDonald House in 1965. They learnt of it only after Indonesia decided to name a navy ship after the two bombers.

I met a group of young people recently. They were perplexed that their history books did not mention this incident. And they were surprised when they saw our ministers bristling and registering their displeasure at Indonesia's insensitivity.

I had to fill them in as they also wondered why the bombing was "hushed up" and whether this was due to economic reasons. If so, they felt that it was not right and something should be done to fill this "black hole" in Singapore's history.

Friends of mine who knew the children of the 36-year-old secretary killed in the blast also felt that something should be done, either by the Government or the citizens themselves, to ensure that this incident should never be forgotten with the passage of time.

I urge our leaders and fellow Singaporeans to erect a small monument or plaque, either outside MacDonald House or at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station, in memory of those slain in the bombing.

Such a monument will ensure that future generations of Singaporeans will never forget our history and the need to protect our fragile sovereignty.

Patrick Low


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