Interview with Dr Lim Hock Siew and Dr Poh Soo Kai, contributors to the book “The Fajar Generation”
November 17, 2009 by Amanda Lian
Filed under Amanda Lian, Columnists, Opinion, Politics
By Amanda Lian
After the official book launch of “The Fajar Generation”, Temasek Review managed to snatch some personal time with Dr. Lim Hock Siew (LHS) and Dr. Poh Soo Kai (PSK). During this time, we managed to get some books autographed by them while at the same point, ask them a few questions.
TR: Thanks for taking time away from The Fajar Generation’s exciting book launch to correspond with Temasek Review. Can you briefly describe for our readers what you hope the book would relate to that is not yet done so by other authors in the same genre?
PSK: While others say that you cannot rewrite history, we are relating history in a way where others have not experienced before. Simply put, retelling the history of that period in our own words, experiences and recollections. This is what we call, “Victor’s history”.
TR: How do you feel about the current government policies in place, namely in Singapore?
LHS: For another Fajar Generation to emerge, the ISA of Singapore needs to be removed.
TR: Where did the Fajar Generation idea come from?
LHS: I was considered part of the Fajar Generation, and while I am honoured to be known as that, I am not a part of the original Fajar 8. We just want to relate what we have been through and also, let others in on the other side of Singapore.
TR: What do you feel about the book, and do you have any plans to launch other books on similar topics in the near future?
PSK: Very happy!
LHS: We are happy and we have other books in our plans which will be launched in the future.
TR: If all goes well with the Fajar Generation’s book launch which already was in my opinion as all the books are sold out, how would the younger generation benefit from this book?
PSK: They will learn about what the Fajar Generation has done, know the true history of Singapore and decide for themselves with an open mind.
That was all an enlightening experience of the whole event. While we sip our next cup of drink, why not, spend the time to think back about these interesting questions and answers for yourselves?
Watch a video recording of Dr Lim’s speech here
After the official book launch of “The Fajar Generation”, Temasek Review managed to snatch some personal time with Dr. Lim Hock Siew and Dr. Poh Soo Kai. During this time, we managed to get some books autographed by them while at the same point, ask them a few questions.
TR: Thanks for taking time away from The Fajar Generation’s exciting book launch to correspond with Temasek Review. Can you briefly describe for our readers what you hope the book would relate to that is not yet done so by other authors in the same genre?
PSK: While others say that you cannot rewrite history, we are relating history in a way where others have not experienced before. Simply put, retelling the history of that period in our own words, experiences and recollections. This is what we call, “Victor’s history”.
TR: How do you feel about the current government policies in place, namely in Singapore?
LHS: For another Fajar Generation to emerge, the ISA of Singapore needs to be removed.
TR: Where did the Fajar Generation idea come from?
LHS: I was considered part of the Fajar Generation, and while I am honoured to be known as that, I am not a part of the original Fajar 8. We just want to relate what we have been through and also, let others in on the other side of Singapore.
TR: What do you feel about the book, and do you have any plans to launch other books on similar topics in the near future?
PSK: Very happy!
LHS: We are happy and we have other books in our plans which will be launched in the future.
TR: If all goes well with the Fajar Generation’s book launch which already was in my opinion as all the books are sold out, how would the younger generation aid from this book?
PSK: They will learn about what the Fajar Generation has done, know the true history of Singapore and decide for themselves with an open mind.
That was all an enlightening experience of the whole event. While we sip our next cup of drink, why not, spend the time to think back about these interesting questions and answers for yourselves?
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benwani humania on Tue, 17th Nov 2009 8:02 pm
Thank you for letting the post-Fajar generations share the side of history which has been consciously withheld from us. Thank you very much.
anonymous on Wed, 18th Nov 2009 8:42 am
Where is the book available for sale?
Christoppher on Wed, 18th Nov 2009 4:23 pm
Please give us information about where we can buy the book. Thanks.
Amanda Lian on Wed, 18th Nov 2009 10:26 pm
You are able to purchase the book online at http://www.gerakbudaya.com/products-page/sird-titles/the-fajar-generation-the-university-socialist-club-and-the-politics-of-postwar-malaya-and-singapore1/
Trubola on Wed, 18th Nov 2009 11:26 pm
If there are 2 stories about history,
the people need to be told and decide which is more true.
Actually, for Everything in this universe, there are sides to it, AT LEAST. All perspectives, views and opinions from all angles showed be given to the people for them to decide.
Well done TR for making this effort for this interview.
Priceless article.
I have not seen MSM news reporting on this.
Trubola on Wed, 18th Nov 2009 11:26 pm
Correction, what I meant was :
Actually, for Everything in this universe, there are 2 sides to it, AT LEAST.
A Francis on Thu, 19th Nov 2009 5:21 pm
The Darker side of Singapore history. Well, we will certainly able to live and to see the flip side unfolding itself soon.