Memorial commemorating Singapore’s fight against communism unveiled

A marker commemorating Singapore's struggle against the Communist Party of Malaya, or CPM, was unveiled on Monday (Dec 8) by former President S R Nathan.

The marker, located at Esplanade Park, honours Singaporeans who fought against, and braved the violence and intimidation by the CPM between 1948 and 1989. During that time, about 8,000 people were killed or wounded in Malaysia and Singapore.

The marker also recognises the dedication of the police offers who protected fellow Singaporeans during the communist threat.

Mr Nathan, who personally witnessed communist violence and helped to overcome the hold of pro-communists in the trade unions in the 1960s, said the marker is a "timely reminder of those who perished and suffered as a result of communist violence".

"Their fight against the communists was an indispensable part of our nation's road to independence," he added.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Haadyai Peace Agreements, which ended four decades of violence and subversion by the CPM in Singapore and Malaya.