ABDULLAH Tarmugi
Political History of Singapore 1985–2005,
Accession Number 003179
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 6
Total Reels
- Mohd Yussoff Ahmad
Interviewer
- 05:25:04
Total Running Time
- Malay
Language
Copyright Notice
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Reel/Disc 1 of 6
Metadata
- 5 Jul 2007
Recording Date
- 00:53:52
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Interviewee was born in 1944. His father who is a Javanese came to Singapore after the war. Interviewee’s father had to juggle between two jobs that were as a labourer and selling ‘gado-gado’ in order to survive his family. Interviewee’s mother is a housewife and his grandparents lived with the family in Kampong Palembang. Interviewee has an elder sister who is working as a teacher, a younger sister who is a housewife and younger brother who is a clerk.
Raised in a Javanese environment and he could understand the language. Raised in a discipline and somewhat protected environment where he had to focus on his studies. The two places he would commute were only the house and school. His relationship with the parents was quite close but the time spent for him was limited as both parents selling ‘gado-gado’ and had to make preparations for the selling. His grandparents however were strict disciplinarian especially the grandmother who was very firm. They cared about his studies a lot and would track his performance in school. He was sent to a Malay school but was transferred to Monks Hill primary school. Although was raised in a Javanese environment, he was given the freedom to mix with children of all races. Did not feel any awkwardness in mingling with other races. Never see someone’s race when mixing around and he’ll feel uneasy when the issue of race cropped up. With interviewee married to a Chinese, it stressed even more towards his interaction with all races and that had given advantage in politics.
Started his career as an urban sociologist in Ministry of National Development (MND). Worked for 10 years in the ministry before leaving for Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) to work as a journalist. Reason he went over to SPH so that he could deal with language as he dealt with numbers in MND. It had been an eye opener for him as it was different working for the government and private sector. For one, there is a certainty working with the government. It’s more flexible in private sector where it’s an opportunity for one to open up his mind. Although interviewee had more Non-Malays acquaintance, it does not mean that he did not interact with the Malays at all. During his secondary school life his exposure towards politics was more to Malay politics. Pressing issues were the Malays were so poor and at that time occupation as a teacher is regarded as the highest working position in the community.
His experiences during the Singapore Malaysia merger. Hopes that the merger will be one the solution for the Malay Muslims to be more successful and fight for Malay rights. He was in fact supported of the merger. During the merger, the issue raised by Lee Kuan Yew was different with the one with Malaysia. When the announcement of separation was made, there was a sad feeling. Some regarded it as a failed experiment. He was more concern of what would happen to the Malay community. Reactions were generally mixed. Some thought it was a tragedy and some thought it was something that could not be avoided. Mr. Lee Kuan Yew said that he would see that the Malays would be look after. Reactions from National University Students (NUS) were also mixed. Some even took the decisions to be cross over to Malaysia. He, however, had decided that he would remain in Singapore and see no reasons to cross the bridge.
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Reel/Disc 2 of 6
Metadata
- 5 Jul 2007
Recording Date
- 00:54:59
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*The separation had not made any difference as the merger was a short one. He cited the government had been pro active in ensuring that there was no difference in the handling the people. Assurance was given to the Malay community that they would be taken care of. Lessons learnt from the merger and separation was that it’s up to us to determine our direction and we should work hard to progress. Issue on the position of the Malays in Singapore Armed Forces. He cited that there was a need to form one military power that can defend the country. When employers only took in those who had served National Service (NS), some felt unease and from economy point of view, the Malays had been left behind.
His experience serving the NS. He was the best recruit yet he was not called up to OCS. There was dissatisfied feeling and felt that there was no trust in him. Interviewee said that this policy had been an ongoing issue he even asked Lee Kuan Yew once during an interview, why was he not taken in for OCS when he was the best recruit at that time. There are a lot of speculations regarding the policy and it had not been explained concretely. He cited that one of the reasons for the policy is that, not wanting to put the Malays in difficult situation in having to choose between religion, race and loyalty towards the country. But generally he believed that the Singapore Malays will defend the country as this is the land we belong to. No comments on the Socialist Front’s strike as he had no connection and identification with them. Moreover their ideology was more to the left.
Start of his involvement in politics. Did not see himself as political animal. He regarded it as a trust on him and he would do his best to carry out his duty. He was invited by PAP for tea session in 1980 while he was still in Ministry of National Development (MND). In the first few tea sessions, he was asked about his views on a certain issue. The intention of asking whether he would be interested in joining PAP was only voiced out during the last sessions He cited that was at least 10 sessions he had to go through.
He was asked by Lee Kuan Yew, would he think that he’ll be accepted by the community as Malay candidate. He answered that as Malay, he understand the Malay culture and it’s up to the committee to decide whether he is suitable to be a candidate. His stand was that if the Party wants him, he’ll accept and he did not really expect the position. He was told of the results that he was accepted about two to three days after the last meeting. The family was delighted with the news and for him, he would have to prepare himself for the job. Interviewee was put under Mansor Sukaimi for the orientation. To him, it was an eye opener for him and he regarded that it’s a big responsibility for him and his duty to help out the Malays. When asked about his views on Mr. Goh Chok Tong, he mentioned that Mr. Goh is a capable person who is friendly and easy to interact with.
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Reel/Disc 3 of 6
Metadata
- 11 Jul 2007
Recording Date
- 00:54:46
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Interviewee's involvement in Majlis Pusat had given him the chance to work hand in hand with Malay personalities such as Cikgu Suratman Markasan and Mr. Yusof Ahmad. He was also able to recognize and identify the Malay issues in an organization. Interviewee’s aim when chosen to be a candidate was to serve the constituency as best as he can, get to know the residents and see what can be done to improve the standard of living. And as a Malay MP, he has to pay attention and find out what he can do to help the Malay Muslim Community. Relating about his experience on his first election in 1984, he did not know as to why he was positioned at Siglap where there were not many Malay voters. He cited maybe his background played a part and the party recognized his ability to interact with other races. It showed that a Malay MP can lead a multi racial constituency.
Interviewee cited that he had a feeling that the election would be a walkover as Siglap is PAP’s strong hold as most of the residents are from middle and upper class that generally are inclined to PAP. He cited that Mr. Rahim Ishak was also given strong support when he was the MP for Siglap. He was happy it was a walkover as it meant that he’s accepted and difficult to be opposed. He mentioned that if he had to contest in the election, most likely the issues that would be brought up would be unlike the ones at HDB estate where the issue of resettlement arise at that time. Reason the swing vote that was against PAP was because in every election, new faces are introduced which some is unknown to the voters and that caused the votes to take a dip.
Related his 1988 General Election where he was opposed by Mr. Chong Tung Shang of Workers Party (WP). He regarded his opposition as an unknown and the intention was just to upset the votes for PAP. In the 1991 election, he was in Bedok GRC and was opposed by WP. He cited the difference was he had to work as a team and a lot of coordination to be done. He also had to know of the issues at the other constituencies. He cited that Prof Jayakumar was the key figure for Bedok GRC. Although they were a team, their main focus will be still in their own constituency. If given the choice, he prefer to contest in a single member constituency as the advantage he would know the issues of the area better and it’s easier to unite manpower without worrying about other constituency. However, he cited that the advantage of a GRC is that he could get assistance from other GRC if there’s a lacking in his own. He mentioned that the opposition did not give a strong test for them as the opposition was generally an unknown as they were not first ranking from their party. The team was elated with the victory with the big margin.
Reason the team’s walkover in 1997’s election was that there were six members contesting in the GRC and the team was regarded very strong. He and other members were happy with the results. He and team also a similar walkover in the 2001 election. However in the election 2006, East Coast GRC was opposed by the Workers’ Party (WP). He cited about the percentage drop because of the opposition fielded stronger candidates. He mentioned also the voters are more educated and demanding and some felt that it’s time for more opposition to be in Parliament. He mentioned that the opposition had other channel in internet to disseminate their issues. PAP’s strategy was to convince the people that they can be relied upon to bring Singapore to be more successful, prosperous and lively.
He cited about the Gomez issue, saying that maybe PAP would have better win if the issues of Gomez was not raised. He also mentioned about the national issue and Malay issues that were raised in the 2006 election. One of the purposes of the formation for GRC is to ensure the presence of a Malay Member of Parliament and there were worries if there’s time come where people have to choose by race, the Malays were not represented in Parliament.
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Reel/Disc 4 of 6
Metadata
- 11 Jul 2007
Recording Date
- 00:54:14
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
* interviewee mentioned that his score sheet had no difference with the other Members of Parliament. He’s satisfied with the results but if possible, he would like to garner more votes but at the same time, he accepted that that were the support that he received. Related on the hotly contested constituencies such as Aljunied and Hougang. He was confident that they could win at Aljunied as they have a strong personality such as Brigadier General George Yeo although the percentage votes took a little dip. He mentioned that Malay voters played an important role as they could tip the balance. He felt that the Malays’ support towards the PAP was very strong.
Related his experience in grassroots work. He cited that in different constituency the grassroots work is different. At Siglap for instance, 80% of the residents lived in private houses and less than 10% are Malays. So the MP has to adapt with the constituency he is in. He cited also that the constituency also changed according to the residents’ education background. The activities organized by the grassroots leaders have to suit with the resident citing an example on how the residents of Siglap who mostly are from middle and upper middle class have their own social circle and clubs that suited their lifestyle. Related his Meet the People Session. He cited that the lowest that attended the session was from none to highest 32. The issues brought up were normally different from the heartlanders. He cited that in every 10 cases, normally 4 or 5 could be resolved.
Being an MP does not mean they can change the rule, what they can do is to ask the officers involved to show some flexibility. When he was the Minister In Charge of Muslims Affairs, he also received cases from different constituencies hoping that he would be able to resolve their matters but he said that every MP has to look after their own constituency and even as a Minister he had to follow procedure of writing letter of appeal and such. Considered himself lucky as not many MPs went through the experience in politics he had gone through. It gave him a more rounded perspective and understood the path of a MP and backbenches. He cited that all the political positions left impression in his career but the most of it would be when he was the Minister in charge of Muslim Affairs.
To him, it was the most challenging position and had to give more attention to the issues and the experience he went through was very valuable. It’s a question mark as to why he was chosen to be the Minister in Charge of Muslim Affairs. He cited other candidates such as Sidek Sanif who’s well versed in the Malay culture and religion and Yatiman Yusof or Maidin Packer who were more suitable. He cited also that maybe the Party needed someone who has a different perception on the Malay issues which led to his appointment.
Shared on his family’s and other Malay MP’s reactions which was generally positive. Heavy responsibilities he had to take care of the Muslim community with the ongoing issues and when especially there’s no ministry and he had to rely on MUIS. He cited that he could give instructions if there is a ministry but when faced with the likes of Jamiyah and Pergas, what he could do was only to persuade and convinced them of his purpose. The lacking of resources was very heavy not only to him but to the other past minister in charge also. Shared about Malay issues that he handled during his tenure, among which, HOTA and increasing divorce rates.
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Reel/Disc 5 of 6
Metadata
- 20 Jul 2007
Recording Date
- 00:54:50
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
* Malay issues that he had to handle during his tenure as a Minister-in-charge of Muslim affairs. Related issues of tudung, madrasah, Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA) and syariah and civil court and what had been done to tackle the issues with dialogue sessions and the likes of it. Some national issues could not be changed as long as it did not obstruct the Muslims’ way of life. Issue of Association of Muslims Professionals (AMP) that wanted an alternative leadership. Regarded it as a challenge for politics and the Muslim community. His stand towards the AMP was he tried to be cooperative with them. The other Malay MPs admitted that the AMP issue was a challenge for them as they were seen trying to undermine the Malay MPs. Felt the AMP leaders thought that just because that they were able to interact with Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong at that time, they regarded themselves as the same status as of Malay MPs.
Issues faced by the Malays are considered unique if we are to compare with other races mentioning about minority syndrome complex. He cited that Singaporean Malays should be proud of what we had achieved though the Malays are the minority. Maybe the Malays are not seen aggressive but if there’s one to one comparison between the Malays in Singapore and Malaysia, interviewee thought the Singapore Malays could take on anytime. He mentioned also that for the Malays to make better progress are for them to be better than other races. When asked about his opinion about the Malays who prefer to mix with Non-Malays, he mentioned that maybe they want to get away from the envy and the uneasiness feeling that sometimes apparent in the Malay community. It never crossed his mind to measure how successful he was being a Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs. He said he’s satisfied that he could contribute to the society and he related about other matters concern regarding the other ongoing issues such as AMLA and the position of Malays in the armed forces.
In his career in politics, he hopes to make contribution not only to the Malay community but also to the whole Singapore community. Considered himself lucky to be able to contribute at this level though it’s not the career that he wanted initially. Never set a target when he is in politics. To him, a career in politics is like 4 to 5 years block and it had never occur to him to set an aim. Did not see the necessity for him to be the Minister-in-charge of the Muslim affairs anymore after 9 years of leadership. He accepted that a change is needed and as what he told the Prime Minister, it’s better for him to be replaced if there’s anyone who is more dynamic and he feels Dr Yaacob Ibrahim can continue the work. He went on relating on how he was told of the replacement by the Prime Minister over lunch and his feelings and reaction on the change.
He is not too sure as to why most of the Malay minister are assigned under the Ministry of Environment or MCDS. He cited there’s logic if it’s MCDS as the ministry manage the work of MUIS and Syariah court as for environment, it could be just according to history and maybe there’ll be a change in the future. He related about Malay Affairs Bureau, the function and the effectiveness of the Bureau. He shared about his routine as a Speaker of Parliament. Other than chairing the Parliament, Abdullah has other administrative work to be done. His interaction of work is mainly the parliament, President’s office, High Court, Cabinet and Members of Parliament.
He gave his views on the debate in the Parliament. He observes that the debate in Parliament now if compared to 3 to 4 years ago is more aggressive and the MPs are more upfront in presenting their debate. He cited that if compared to the British’s Parliament which is more sophisticated, the local debate can be considered boring. When asked his view on the Malay MPs’debate, he hopes that that they will participate actively and be of the same standard as other MPs. He also shared his views as what are the possible obstruction for the Malay MPs to voice out their views. He also related about the incident of a Nominated MP that used words that should not be used in Parliament and was asked to apologize.
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Reel/Disc 6 of 6
Metadata
- 20 Jul 2007
Recording Date
- 00:52:23
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Interviewee cited that there were not many funny incidents that happened during the Parliament. Shared those challenging times to chair in the Parliament. Hopes for the Malay MPs. Hope that the Malay MPs to be able to more flexible, aggressive and to ask more questions. New MPs that are more willing to give out their views. Shared the advantages of being a speaker, one of which, he is able to get a more broaden perspective and better understanding. He also has to look at an issue neutrally. The irony of this job however, the speaker never speaks. He won’t be able to participate in the debate. He shared on how juggle his work and time spent with family. Cited that it’s important for the family of a MP to understand the kind of job he has to do. Has a more control of time management as he has less interaction with the public now.
Shared his good and down moments throughout his career so far. He is happy to be able to help a family towards the nation building. The not so good moment however when his and family’s privacy is affected. If given another chance to be Minister-in-charge of Muslim affairs, he will like to encourage the participation of asatizah (religious teachers) and Muslim scholars in applying religion for the development of the Muslim community. He observed that asatizah are more proactive towards racial harmony now. He shared his view on the Islamic militants which he regards it as a tragedy. See a positive reaction after the September 11 incident where more non-Muslims want to know more about Islam and there is more interaction in understanding each other’s religion. Cited that it is a good development.
Shared what a kind of a Muslim model is suitable for the Singapore Muslim community. Cited that the Muslims in Singapore are able to lead life as a Muslim and at the same time adapt to the secular system of the country. Shared his views on the Jemaah Islamiah dan Al-Qaeda and the role of mass media especially the papers towards the development of Singapore. He shared his hopes for the Muslim community. As a Muslim, he wants to see the community to progress further economically and socially. He will like to see the social problems that have been around for so long to lessen. Shared his views in the quality of Malay leaders and organization. Cited that the challenges have differed from the past. Malay MPs are more professional and it’s fitting with the community now. Although the Malays are still behind compared to other races, the rate of progress have increased than 2 to 3 decades ago. Cited the Malays have to make better progress and more successful in order to compete in the near future where the competition will be more aggressive.
Shared his views on the strength of the Malay community. Amongst which he cited that the spirit of togetherness is more apparent compared to other races. Related his worry whether if the Malay can catch up as changes are happening more rapidly. Cited the changes are a test for the community and it’s important to adapt and move forward. Mentioned that we have to heighten our knowledge and more willing to change and adapt at the same time not forgetting our Malay characteristics which make us unique. His advice for those who want to be a politician. Cited that one has to be sincere, able to accept challenges and criticism, be open minded and accept that your own privacy will be affected. For Malay MP, he hopes that they won’t be so slanted to their own race and will be able to bring the Malay Muslim community to main stream without affecting Malay characteristics.
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