ARUMUGAM, Muttayah
The Public Service,
Accession Number 003177
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 4
Total Reels
- Santanu Gupta
Interviewer
- 03:41:49
Total Running Time
- English
Language
Copyright Notice
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Reel/Disc 1 of 4
Metadata
- 10 Jul 2007
Recording Date
- 00:58:13
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
(0:00:32) Personal and family background.
(0:02:26) Educational background until 1957.
(0:03:31) Joined the Police Force as a constable on 1 May 1958.
(0:04:33) Life in Singapore in the 1950s.
(0:05:59) Training in the Police Force. Posted to Tanjong Pagar Police Division and then Havelock Road Police Division.
(0:08:28) Recalled the fire at Kampong Tiong Bahru in 1959. Racial composition of Kampong Tiong Bahru.
(0:10:51) Patrol duty at Tanjong Pagar Police Division.
(0:12:02) Impressions of the Officers in Charge (OC) at Tanjong Pagar Police Division.
(0:14:34) Tipped off about a pending robbery in Robinson Road in February 1961.
(0:19:05) Interdicted in February 1961 and subsequent reinstatement.
(0:24:36) Posted to Beach Road Division. Gambling dens in Bugis Street.
(0:26:32) Attempts to leave the Police Force.
(0:28:18) Applied for the Police Reserve Unit (PRU or Riot Squad) after the merger with Malaysia in 1963. Dealt with anti-Malaysia demonstrations.
(0:30:52) McDonald House explosion and his duties on-site.
(0:32:09) Underwent jungle training with Malaysian counterparts. Patrol duties.
(0:36:13) Active involvement of PRU in the Geylang racial riots in 1964.
(0:38:00) Recalled his first time opening fire. Recollection of the City Hall riots.
(0:41:15) Moved to Kuala Lumpur with the Federal Reserves Unit (FRU) during the Malaysian elections in 1964.
(0:42:56) Resisted resigning in 1964 when he had two children. Enrolled in Stamford College.
(0:44:36) Dealt with student strikes at Nanyang University preparing for A-levels. Went to classes while working in FRU.
(0:46:04) Promotion to Cadet Inspector in 1968 and the interview. Posted to Orchard Road Police Station as a Routine Officer and later Investigating Officer.
(0:48:23) Sensitive nature of work in Orchard Road, as most Ministers lived there.
(0:50:24) Orchard Road had the most house-breaking cases in Singapore in the 1970s. Reason why he did not resign despite great pressure at work.
(0:53:13) Interesting anecdote of Dr Goh Keng Swee. Impressions of the Gurkha guards.
(0:55:50) Recalled the shooting incident at Green Bus Depot in 1971.
(0:56:54) Duties at the Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ Conference held in Singapore in 1971.
Born in 1940 in Singapore. Family of 10 children. Father passed away when he was 10. Hence family had tough life. First went to St.Andrews Primary. In 1954, admitted to Pasir Panjang Secondary School. Left school at Secondary 3 due to financial reasons. Joined the Police Force as a Police Constable on 1 May 1958, though he was not really interested in the police. After the initial training, he was posted to Tanjong Pagar Police Division (‘D’ Division). This division had five sub-divisions and he was sent to Havelock Road. For some unknown reason, majority of Sikh recruits were posted to Havelock Road as well. Gangsterism rife and could not patrol alone. Talked about the major Tiong Bahru fire in 1959.
Officer Commanding (OC) was Othman Omar, who later became Permanent Secretary. In February 1961 he was tipped off about a pending robbery in Robinson Rd; two arrests, one with a gun. Circumstances leading to interdiction of a number of officers, including himself, and their subsequent reinstatement. Posted to Beach Road Division (‘C’ Division) in 1961; beat duties. Married in 1962 and thought seriously of leaving the Police Force, but was not successful in his applications for other jobs. With merger with Malaysia in 1963, the Police Reserve Unit (PRU or Riot Squad) was formed. He applied and was selected. PRU stationed in Queenstown. Life was tough due to confrontation & left-wing agitation. The McDonald House explosion and his duties on-site.
Underwent jungle training with Malaysian counterparts, using carbines for the first time. Active involvement of PRU in the Geylang racial riots in 1964. Also, left-wing trouble at City Hall. Had to put in long hours of work. Had two children by 1964 and again had the urge to resign, but resisted. Decided to upgrade himself by enrolling for GCE ‘O’ at Stamford College. Got through and went on to GCE ‘A’, all the while still working. Got two promotions in the PRU. Sat for Higher Services Exam in 1968 and passed. Promoted to Cadet Inspector. Posted to Orchard Rd Police Division. Sensitive nature of work in Orchard Road, as most Ministers lived there. Interesting story about Dr.Goh Keng Swee. Duties at the Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ Conference held in Singapore in 1971.
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Reel/Disc 2 of 4
Metadata
- 10 Jul 2007
Recording Date
- 00:58:40
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
(0:00:55) Recollections of Dr Goh Keng Swee’s escort by a police patrol car.
(0:02:21) First experience with cyanide poisoning in Singapore in 1971.
(0:05:31) Source of the cyanide and the handling of the remaining cyanide. Motive behind the cyanide poisoning.
(0:07:29) Duties at Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ Conference in 1971. Tension and preparation of the conference.
(0:10:53) Garden party at the Istana hosted by Lee Kuan Yew.
(0:12:05) Confirmed as Inspector and was transferred to the Secret Societies (SS) branch at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in 1972.
(0:14:02) Infiltrated gangs through informers, which led to several arrests.
(0:16:30) Challenges with the Ministry of Home Affairs, especially regarding the handling of informants.
(0:19:53) Involvement of SS in a gang-related dispute at a coffee shop in 1961.
(0:21:24) Recalled several other incidents that happened during his stint at SS.
(0:25:07) Involvement in the Pulau Senang prison riots in 1963.
(0:28:10) Singapore Police Reserve Unit (PRU) was perceived as less intimidating compared to Malaysian Federal Reserve Unit (FRU).
(0:30:08) Command and troop vehicles used by the PRU.
(0:32:51) CID was considered a prestigious and key unit for promotion. Roles of the Special Investigation Section (SIS).
(0:36:45) Posted to Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB). Beginnings of the CNB in 1971.
(0:39:35) Initially refused to be posted to CNB.
(0:43:18) Narcotics scene in 1972. Opium was the major issue, with frequent raids in Chinatown and other areas.
(0:45:15) Philosophy behind the policy of not charging opium users over 55 years old.
(0:48:21) First Opium Treatment Centre (OTC) at St. John’s Island and its voluntary nature.
(0:51:31) Replacement of the OTC by a proper treatment camp at Telok Paku.
(0:53:58) Recalled the first case of heroin at Shangri-La Hotel in November 1972.
(0:57:15) Felt positive with the allowance and pay increase at CNB in 1972. Seizure of opium from a Volvo car in Penang.
Duties at Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ Conference. Expected trouble but everything went off smoothly, though it was hard work. PM Lee Kuan Yew held a “thank-you” reception at Istana for all those who were on duty. First experience with cyanide poisoning in Singapore. Spent three years at Orchard Road; confirmed as Inspector. Posted to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in 1972, into the Secret Societies (SS) branch. First exposure to the Criminal Law Temporary Provisions (CLTP) Act and how it was used to bust up Indian/Muslim gangs. Reliance on informers and how they were cultivated. Talked about the Pulau Senang riots in 1963.
In 1972, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) was formed as the drug situation was raising concern. Was selected to join the CNB, although reluctant to do so. But had no choice and was seconded to the CNB on 19 July 1972 as a Senior Narcotics Officer. Knew nothing about drugs then. Main problem then was opium with elderly the bulk of the addicts. Voluntary treatment at St.John’s Island. It soon became a “holiday camp”. PM Lee Kuan Yew's visit to the camp and decision to close it down. Advent of MX pills and cannabis in 1972. First heroin case was in late 1972 with arrest at Shangri-La Hotel. Man charged, but absconded. Seizure of 180 pounds of opium in a Volvo car.
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Reel/Disc 3 of 4
Metadata
- 17 Jul 2007
Recording Date
- 00:58:40
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
(0:00:24) Secondment to the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) as Senior Narcotics Officer in 1972.
(0:02:15) Impressions of the officers at CNB.
(0:04:20) Reluctance to stay at CNB due to corruption. Acted as Chief Narcotic Officer briefly and received an acting allowance.
(0:07:12) Sent to the United States (US) in April 1973 for a three-month course run by the Bureau of Narcotics & Dangerous Drugs (BNDD).
(0:09:52) Gained knowledge of narcotics through the BNDD course. Change of heart and decided to stay at CNB.
(0:12:01) Attended a 5-week international narcotics seminar in Japan in 1974. Amphetamine problem in Japan.
(0:15:02) Recalled his first biggest raw opium seizure at CNB.
(0:17:03) Overview of the drug situation in Singapore in the early 1970s, where cannabis later became the major problem.
(0:19:16) Increase in youth involvement in drug use. Challenges in law enforcement concerning younger addicts.
(0:21:33) First heroin seizure in Singapore at Shangri-La Hotel. Seized cars were repurposed for operations due to logistical issues at CNB.
(0:23:48) Enactment of the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) in 1973. Treatment centres for opium and heroin.
(0:27:10) Heroin spread quickly in 1974, disproving initial assumptions about its affordability.
(0:30:28) Amendment of MDA in 1975. Introduction of mandatory death penalties for heroin and opium possession.
(0:31:58) Beginnings of the Operation Ferret in April 1977. Increased the capacities of Drug Rehabilitation Centres (DRCs).
(0:34:30) Coordination with multiple agencies and ministries for Operation Ferret.
(0:36:24) Opening of additional DRCs due to overcrowding.
(0:37:18) Formation of Special Project Division in 1973. Extension of Criminal Law in 1973 to include detention without trial for drug traffickers.
(0:40:26) Effective use of Criminal Law.
(0:42:48) Recalled the first death penalty cases in Singapore for drug trafficking in 1975.
(0:47:24) Witnessed the process of passing death sentences and initially found it difficult.
(0:48:45) David Marshall’s appeal resulted in a reduced sentence for drug trafficking cases.
(0:52:45) Establishment of a Urine Bank system.
(0:54:51) Views on the Urine Bank system.
(0:56:47) Discharged addicts were placed on probation before creating the Supervision Division.
(0:57:49) Mandatory reporting and urine testing under new regulations of the Supervision Division.
Secondment to the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) in 1972. It was a small unit then. Sent to the United States in April 1973 for a three-month course run by the Bureau of Narcotics & Dangerous Drugs, USA. On return from course, quite happy to remain in CNB. Sent to Japan in 1974 for a five-week narcotics seminar. Referred to the 180 lb opium seizure & the light sentences contained in the then Dangerous Drugs Act (DDA). Maximum sentence five years jail, which was handed to the trafficker. DDA provided for punishments only for possession or consumption, not trafficking. Growing concern here with introduction of other drugs and spread to the young.
CNB hamstrung by lack of resources & legal clout. Enactment of the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) in 1973, which provided for compulsory treatment, which was not there in previous legislation. First ‘cold turkey’ treatment started in Telok Paku Camp for heroin, opium & morphine. Although CNB had more powers under MDA, it was still being impeded by bureaucratic procedures. In the meantime, the drug problem was escalating at a dangerous pace, with heroin being the main problem. It affected all races and ages, though proportionately, there were more Indians & Malays. Amendment to the MDA in 1975 to bring in mandatory death penalty for heroin & opium trafficking. Launch of ‘Operation Ferret’ in 1977 - a multi-pronged and multi-departmental crackdown on heroin addicts. Frantic speed with which Drug Rehabilitation Centres were built to house the addicts. Numbers rose to 20,000 during the crackdown. Excellent coordination by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
In 1973, the Criminal Law Temporary Provisions was extended to include detention without trial for drug traffickers. Proved effective. Talked about capital case trials and executions. Introduction of two urine samples per suspect & establishment of an Urine Bank to store the 2nd sample. This was a check to ensure addicts were fairly detained. One and only Urine Bank in the world. Another problem then was that discharged addicts had no proper supervision. Rather, they were placed on probation, which proved to be ineffective. So law had to be amended to provide for compulsory supervision.
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Reel/Disc 4 of 4
Metadata
- 17 Jul 2007
Recording Date
- 00:46:16
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
(0:00:31) Introduction of compulsory supervision for discharged addicts. Possible reasons for the high relapse rate.
(0:02:47) Beginnings of the Supervision Division in the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB). In charge of 3-month training programmes.
(0:05:23) Locations and officers of the Supervision Division.
(0:07:37) Introduction of the Day Release Scheme (DRS). Valued the chance for rehabilitation over the risk.
(0:10:03) Overview of his career at CNB, including promotion in 1979.
(0:11:30) Recounted two death penalty cases he did.
(0:13:09) Reasons why Singapore’s strict drug laws were necessary.
(0:15:41) International enforcement officers supported Singapore’s approach.
(0:17:11) Complex legal requirements and higher risks faced by law enforcement in other countries.
(0:19:02) Opined that Singapore was safer than other countries.
(0:20:37) Joint operations of CNB with Malaysia. Corruption in CNB was largely eradicated by 1973.
(0:22:54) Acted as Senior Narcotics Officer from 1972 to 1979 before promotion to Chief Narcotics Officer. Rotations within different divisions.
(0:24:27) Headed and revamped the Civilians Division. Transferred to Surveillance Division.
(0:27:19) Reason for retiring in 1995. Talked about his family, including his second marriage.
(0:30:36) Felt bored after retirement.
(0:32:04) Started a quest to realise God and became active in a Hindu temple in 1996.
(0:35:57) Computer learning after retirement. Attended a computer course at a senior volunteer club.
(0:38:13) Experienced major health issues. Controlled diet and practised light yoga.
(0:39:47) Compared the Police and CNB of today with the past.
(0:43:00) Had no regrets about his career and would still join the Police if given another life.
(0:45:54) Importance for law enforcement in Singapore to maintain strict practices.
Introduction of compulsory supervision for discharged addicts & establishment of Supervision Division in the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB). Then came the Day Release Scheme (DRS) under which trusted addicts were allowed to leave the camp during the day to work outside. It was a calculated risk, but necessary. Job Placement Unit (JPU) in the CNB and the success of the DRS. Fully supported the introduction of tough laws in Singapore. Felt any other alternative would have had unthinkable consequences. Was of the view that death penalty for traffickers was fully justified as they destroyed thousands of lives. In fact, there was admiration world-wide for Singapore’s tough laws. Never felt for his personal safety.
Saw service in all of CNB’s divisions and was in Surveillance Division when he retired at age 55 in 1995. Served 37 years & felt he needed to retire in 1995. Talked about his family - first wife passed away early after bearing three boys. Married a second time; no children. All three boys well settled, married and with children. Personally, he did not plan his retirement properly and was miserable at first. But in 1996, started quest to realize God and became very active in a Hindu temple, where he was still serving. Had some health problems, but was now alright. Compared the Police and CNB of today with the past. Had no regrets about his career and would still join the Police if given another life. Felt Singapore had done very well, but could not afford to go soft.
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