KANAGASABAI s/o Narayasamy (N. K. Sabai)
The Public Service,
Accession Number 001496
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 3
Total Reels
- Daniel Chew (Dr)
Interviewer
- 01:24:14
Total Running Time
- English
Language
Copyright Notice
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Reel/Disc 1 of 3
Metadata
- 6 Jun 1994
Recording Date
- 00:30:53
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
(0:00:14) Personal background. Educational background. Joined the Meteorological Services Department in 1941.
(0:06:50) After the war, transferred to general clerical service in the Land Office.
(0:09:16) Sat for public exam. Appointed assistant collector of land revenue.
(0:13:13) Strict dress code in 1941 during colonial period. Clannishness of Asian civil servants.
(0:18:51) His studies at the Victoria School prepared him for his career. Impressions of classmates Devan Nair, Samad Ismail, P V Sarma.
(0:25:10) Followed the Prime Minister on constituency visits.
(0:30:04) Assigned to carry out eviction of illegal occupiers in Kensington Park, Serangoon Gardens.
Born in Muar but moved to Singapore. Completed Senior Cambridge in Victoria School. In 1941, joined Meteorological Services Department. After the war, transferred to General Clerical Service. Posted to Land Office. Type of work undertaken in land administration, acquisition and prosecution. Strict dress code in 1941. Clannishness of Asian civil servants. Impressions of classmates Devan Nair, Samad Ismail, P V Sarma. Followed Prime Minister on constituency visits. Eviction of illegal occupiers in Kensington Park, Serangoon Gardens.
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Reel/Disc 2 of 3
Metadata
- 6 Jun 1994
Recording Date
- 00:31:20
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
(0:00:14) Procedures for demolition.
(0:01:54) Civil servants apolitical. Under People’s Action Party (PAP), enforcement work for Land Office was easier.
(0:07:11) Preparations made by Land Office for constituency tours.
(0:12:16) His application for promotion unsuccessful. Keen to join other departments to learn new things.
(0:20:16) Reason he was unhappy to remain in Land Office.
(0:24:06) The stress of working in the Land Office. Questioned by Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) over the conduct of his officers.
(0:26:05) Difference in the Civil service in colonial days and now. Government jobs considered good then, but not necessary this case now.
Civil servants apolitical. Under People's Action Party (PAP) more law and order, and enforcement work for Land Office was easier. Preparations Land Office took for constituency tours. Unhappy to remain in Land Office. His section in charge of state land. Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) questioned him over conduct of his officers. Difference between civil service during colonial days and now. Government jobs considered good then and costs of living low; not the case now.
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Reel/Disc 3 of 3
Metadata
- 6 Jun 1994
Recording Date
- 00:22:01
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
(0:00:05) Life after retirement.
(0:01:00) Tough time raising his family during his career.
(0:06:22) What makes a good civil servant.
(0:11:06) His duties while at the Ministry of Education (MOE).
(0:14:00) Drawing up estimates and determining expenditures for schools.
(0:19:18) Drafted replies in Land Office for parliamentary queries and answered letters.
Tough time to raise his family. Priorities for his children. Post retirement charitable activities. In Ministry of Education (MOE), drew up financial estimates, inspected school furniture for condemnation and investigated theft cases. Guidelines for accepting quotes. Drafted replies in Land Office for parliamentary queries, and answered letters.
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