"Original Sin"? Revising the Revisionist Critique of the 1963 Operation Coldstore in Singapore
RM125.28
Publisher, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies
Publication Date,
Format, Paperback
Weight,
No. of Pages, 168
Professor Thomas J. Bellows, Political Science, University of Texas at Austin, USA.
"....book is relevant and an excellent piece of analysis."
"In crafting his narrative, Ramakrishna seeks to respond to recent works on the subject. Underpinned mainly by declassified British and Australian archival records, these studies challenge the scale of the communist threat to the city-state. They argue that the Lee government overstated the menace of communism.
Ramakrishna contests that narrative, and goes to significant lengths to acquit Lee and his allies of political skullduggery. He details the theory of communism, highlighting the ploys initiated by communists to assume power. He then narrates the history of the Malayan Communist Party and the seditious intent of the communist united front in Singapore.
This is an admirable study of Singapore's postwar history. Ramakrishna's book is significant because it brings into sharp focus the arrival of the history wars onto Singapore's shores. Detailed in the volume are the brickbats and heated arguments among scholars and historical figures over the interpretations of Singaporean history. Countering those who challenge the conventional narrative, Ramakrishna's book will undoubtedly enliven the debate."
- Dimensions : 6 x 0.38 x 9 inches
