The Chinese suffered the most under the Japanese.The Japanese saw them as a threat as there was great resistance when they invaded China in 1937.I was very lucky that the Malays and the Indians were not regarded as a threat to their rule.The Japanese tried to win our support and convince us that Japan would free them from the British.

They also persuaded the Indians that Japan would help free India from the British.However,these 2 races were not entirely spared because anyone who disobeyed or displeased the Japanese would still be punished .Some Malays including me were also drafted for forced labour at the 'Death Railways ' Camps at present-day Kanchanaburi ,Thailand.

Soon after taking control of Singapore,the Kempeitai carried out Operation Sook Ching which aimed to identify and eliminate suspected anti-Japanese elements among the Chinese Community.


All chinese men between 18 and 50 years of age were told to report at certain centres such as the YMCA Building at Stamford Road and the Central Police Station at South Bridge Road.They were 'examined' by the Japanese .At some centres,informers weaving hoods or masks would simply point out certain people as anti-Japanese elements.The lucky ones who were not identified were given a small piece of paper, with the chinese word 'Examined' rubber-stamped on them. They were then allowed to go home.