PM Lee reminds S'poreans of fight against communists on road to independence

SINGAPORE - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong urged people to visit a new marker at Esplanade Park, built "to honour and remember those who fought and sacrificed to keep Singapore a free nation, democratic and non-communist".

The marker was unveiled by former president SR Nathan on Monday.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Mr Lee reminded Singaporeans of its fight against Communism during its path to independence.

"One crucial fight Singapore went through on the road to nationhood was the fight against Communism, specifically the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM)," Mr Lee wrote.

"The CPM sought to oust the governments of Malaya and Singapore, and replace them with a communist regime. It launched a campaign of violence and intimidation which lasted four decades," he added.

"Fortunately the CPM failed, but 8,000 civilians and security officers lost their lives in the struggle."

He added that Mr Nathan had "personally witnessed Communist violence, and worked in the trade unions to overcome the influence of the pro-Communists in the unions."

Mr Lee concluded: "Today, the CPM is a distant memory. But we should never take our peace and harmony for granted. Do visit the marker if you can."

candicec@sph.com.sg