To Singapore, with Love (星国恋）full movie - banned in Singapore

"To Singapore, with Love (星国恋）was banned in Singapore for "undermining national security" in 2014.
From the film's website www.tosingaporewithlove.com:
Singapore political exiles, some of whom have not been home for 50 years, talk about the City of their dreams.
Director Tan Pin Pin 陈彬彬 attends a funeral in the hills of southern Thailand, a family reunion in Malaysia and goes for a drive through the English countryside, searching the world for the displaced souls of Singapore: different generations of Singaporean political exiles who have not been able to come home. Some have not returned for 50 years. They are now in their 60′s to 80′s. Some were activists, student leaders, others were card carrying communists. Though they are from different political persuasions, they all fled Singapore in the 1960’s, 1970s and 1980′s to escape the prospect of detention without trial carried out by the British Colonial Government and later, by the Singapore Government.
It is clear that while up to 50 years may have passed, the idea of Singapore is still very much on their minds. “Singapore oh Singapore, you are still on my mind, today and everyday” intones a poem written by one of them. As they recount their lives, we see a City that could have been. A love letter to Singapore, from the outside.
Interviewees
Ho Juan Thai 何元泰
Ang Swee Chai & the late Francis Khoo 洪瑞釵与邱甲祥
Wong Soon Fong 黄信芳
The late Liu Bo 刘波
Tan Wah Piow 陈华彪
Mr & Mrs Tan Hee Kim 陈喜金与 叶婉珍
Chan Sun Wing 陈新嵘
Mr & Mrs He Jin 贺巾与 苏世华
Dr Poh Soo Kai 傅树介"

[@Xilathia]

They should be brought home. They fought during a different time, a very different world from the present.. for what they believed was best for Singapore. These people are powerhouses.. intelligent and passionate. A rare breed of Singaporeans in the present day.

[@peteryang6461]

Yes, they should be brought home. They are from a different era and today's Singapore is different.

[@chrischong4692]

Despite being born in 1982, would like to express my respect and gratitude toward these pioneers. Had revisited this document for the past decade. Their passion and dignity as singaporean was undisputed and found in their every breath.

[@GeeWhizzzz]

In 1987 you would have watched the televised false and forced confession

[@user-uw1br3cr8d]

They are the real heroes who made a stand for sake of democracy. Always remembered and never forgotten until this day.

[@gavintan5678]

This documentary is a gem hidden from Singaporeans. A true gold class insight into the ongoings and accounts of these people's lives. MDA may have seen this as a one-sided account, but shouldnt we be allowed to judge for ourselves the degree of authenticity? Or is this a case of classic fear of exposure? It has been 50 years, its time to let go of the past and reintegrate them back into our society. Capability to forgive is a show of strength, not weakness.

[@user-vw9mm7xt4h]

There should be no Chinese. Singapore is composed of Fujianese, Cantonese, Teochew, Hainanese, and Hakka. Chinese is destroying the cultures of Fujianese, Cantonese, Teochews, Hainanese, and Hakkas.

[@nnaaeee]

You can argue that viewers may not think critically enough to see the full picture. As such, a film like this may cause significant upheaval in a society and economy built on foundations of stability. For me, this movie is hugely important in showcasing the struggles of the freedom fighters, but what is not shown is that Singapore do not need freedom in its founding years. It needs stability and economic growth. Yet, the goals of these freedom fighters is relevant throughout history - the ones in power cannot have too much power. It is just unfortunate that they exist in a time and space where the one in power, is hugely capable and an utilitarian.

[@diasnuno923]

The Singapore PAPs may sought to differ .. a ruling party that had no conscience plus moral compass..totally deviantly legally corrupt .. period 🤡💩

[@juanjuan5698]

@@nnaaeee Very good comment. I agree. Lee Kuan Yew was an exception and in any other situation, they would have been praised.

[@SSxxx18]

Forgive who?

[@ivan-1876]

This documentary is actually quite touching, the way the scenes were shot and of the story it portrayed of these political refugees who had to flee Singapore. In the textbooks, although there is often mention of this, nowadays, it feels as if it's still very disconnected and it's not until we really delve deep into the issue that you realise that hey, they don't really hate Singapore, and that they were doing it because they thought it was the best thing to do. For all the successes that would not have been without LKY, the other side of the story is always going to be about the authoritarian state and we are brought up to believe that what Singapore was right, mostly by other international countries observing but we never hear what was wrong. The sacrifices that are made which is the freedom of Singaporeans is exchanged for the stable and rapid growth and development of Singapore and we've never really questioned whether it was worth it, or to even remember those who were sacrificed for this growth. If things were bad enough that people had to flee Singapore, I could not have imagined living in Singapore at that particular time period, through the chaos not only incited by the racial tensions, but also under the thumb of a ruthless authoritarian state.

[@diasnuno923]

Singapore was actually eugenicistic substation cum Marxist/Zionist state totally devoid of democracy nor critical thinking societal structure .. it's political ideologies imposition resembles the same atrocities committed by Israel against Palestinians ..LKY was the real modern day dictator , a living nightmare of that day .. period . World was taken into a false narrative about it ..such deception

[@ErenYega747]

Yes, I think the general consensus here is that the sacrifices were worth it since by comparative analysis being free to walk at night due to harsh laws against crime is a greater freedom that no other country seems to have except for their more privileged communities. Many elder and current day Singapore citizens make the conscious choice about this every day, and to mind read that everyone is either scared or totally supportive is hazardous and risks being fallacious. The undercurrent is whatever the wrongs of the past that existed, there is optimism that they can be remedied better by the current government than let's say another form of government of which Singaporeans have access to visiting and observing closely. The general sentiment regarding the values Singaporeans or at least the political understanding of governance holds to goes along with ruthless virtue, and that an outcome such as low crime rape or fraud is not achieved then it behooves the elected government of the day to ensure that safety is achieved. There may also be an understanding that one's notion of how free they feel is reflective and dependent on their internal emotional state or worldview and not only on the lived realities they hear from others and perceive in real life. There is a litigious mindset that I think has a place to exist whereby people would be skeptical of any claim even by the government before making a decision, a reflection of heavy investment in education. And before making a decision, it is better to ask or verify the view of the countering side to compare the veracity of both. Hearing from one source and point of view and sticking to it isn't a strong habit to possess and evidently it isn't one that can be possessed in a country that has more and more of its population taking managerial roles rather than repetitive rote action jobs. It is clearly unsustainable for a government to have a first world economy and education but use oppressive means to maintain power of one party as any legitimate problem becomes swept under the rug. However, the case can also exist whereby a government can be reliably attentive to these problems and demonstrate a clear culture of solving them effectively for a long period of time, and this produces the legitimate faith in the populace to vote them in power, especially in free election that is monitored and assessed by international bodies as free of malpractice. If the case is that Singaporeans are dumbed down to keep choosing the wrong government due to the education system, then it doesn't make sense that: 1. Foreign businesses and individuals still trust Singaporeans to run their businesses in the country, 2. They trust Singaporeans to do jobs that require a non-dumb worker, or 3. Singaporeans to can go to other countries and do well intellectually to live in any society and come back to Singapore. As it stands, all three points exist and happen undeniably as accessible facts one can check from time to time. I think the deepest concern is the emotional and mental health management or culture in the country rather than issues of authoritarianism or lack of freedom. And to truly deal with these concerns would be to address the core issues of this culture and the common situations that are legitimate to acknowledge exist and warrant real attention to reduce and fix, rather than follow the understanding that an amorphous concern is the culprit which can be twisted by its in-specificity to target and punish any aspect of society as part of authoritarianism, communism or any other -ism by mere association. Part of the desire for fairness requires understanding every facet of a situation not only the big picture but also every detail connected to what causes unfairness, the lack of diligence in doing this is what I believe is commonly in the service of those: 1. Who wish to perpetuate unfairness by avoiding facts 2. Who aren't totally committed to fairness at all if it goes against their own conclusions 3. Who are passive about talking and considering these topics and treat them like party questions to answer and ask for clout 4. Who are still in the process of finding out for themselves and have reached a conclusion based on what evidence they gathered instead of what all the evidence is out there that exists

[@samuraiboi2735]

I do have other views for this like one how australia for example doesn't commemorate the aboringinals who fought during wars especially during japanese invasions or when australia sends immigrants back to their home country when they just arrive or fought with the australians during wars yet other countries think australia is the best place to be which is not the case and singapore isn't an exception to this but its 10x more harder if you try to dig in especially since the country is everything you needed no problems barely injustice alot of freedom but once you feel something thats off then you want to investigate and futher exploration leads to quite dusturbing things.

[@ruthlee3585]

"Making a stand is very expensive, supporting those who make a stand is as expensive", "Doing the same to the younger generation is a crime", Dr. Swee Chai Ang has spoken with so much authority on the sufferings of brave people whose only "crime" was to question the people who hold state power. Hong Kong since 2014 has been going through a similarly painful process. It is still in present continuous tense. Power tends to corrupt, it makes no difference with time. Thanks to the director who generously shared this on KZbin.

[@sharonkhoo2423]

Thank you for this wonderful documentary. I have met Dr. Ang Swee Chai and I love her experiences. She is an admirable person, it is sad that she and her husband were exiled from Singapore. But she is always welcomed in Malaysia where she is respected by both Tun M and her many followers here.

[@dahjuihoon]

Tan Pin Pin, thank you for producing such a wonderful piece of documentary film and absolute respect for these refugee fighters of democracy who are true blue sons and daughters of Singapore!

[@kaiyun7127]

+1

[@ezek7]

I do not remember a documentary stirring me like this one for quite a while. Thank you Tan Pin Pin, and every single person who laboured diligently to make this available to us. My heart goes out to all the sons and daughters of Singapore whose only ‘crime’ was their zeal to redress wrongs. I understand that there are diverse perspectives or analyses of what happened in Singapore’s past, and why some people chose to leave or were forced to leave. I respect the right of others to disagree or question their claims, but I also hope that they can respect mine to commiserate and identify with them. For those, like Francis, (I cried so much thinking of him and his beloved wife, and their loved ones) who are with God now, history may not acknowledge you, but you are etched in the heart of God forever, and nothing is more precious than that. To all who are living and still in exile, all that the authorities did to you will not be forgotten by God either, we already see the consequences of actions and reactions in their lives. I do not wish to judge or condemn anyone, but I do hope that one day there will be harmony and restoration for all parties involved.

[@ginho3848]

I sobbed big tears for Ho who said he wanted his sons to serve the army. How can we even reject so much love? 😭😭

[@michaellee3314]

When I see this video, my heart felt heavy. These are Singaporeans. True blue and its sad they cannot come back home. In their own ways, they love Singapore.

[@phlim7139]

Yes .. FAR FAR FAR more true blue than the FTs the MIW bring in

[@yongj]

Young Singaporeans should watch this, it’s a humbling watch.

[@GeeWhizzzz]

they dont want you to thats this and that are banned except for their own news media and info they want to taint young minds with LKY koyok

[@user-uw1br3cr8d]

Much to learn from these heroes who made a stand.

[@taipangwong356]

Singaporeans must watch this and learn to live with the truth

[@gregv8300]

They Say History is told by the Victors. I'm glad we get to learn all our History. Thank you Tan Pin Pin.

[@rhatid]

I am not a Singaporean, and do not even know a Singaporean, nevertheless, I was utterly moved by this documentary and feel connected to the people and their struggles, especially at this time of genocide in Gaza. Dr. Swee Chai Ang and her compatriots are the kind of people I greatly admire. Wonderful documentary.

[@pervertt]

A very timely documentary. The people interviewed here may not have many years left. It is important that they tell their story, in their own words, so that they are not forgotten by future genrations of Singaporeans. I hope that one day this documentary finds its way into Singapore's official historical archieves. It is that important. Well done, Tan Pin Pin.

[@nicoleliang7700]

This made me see my Singaporean citizenship in a different way and also this video is so app for National day. We are all fellow Singaporeans. Let them come back before it’s too late. Their hearts never left their home.

[@exxxxcellent]

Apt*

[@timothykwoh6172]

Singapore is for loyal citizens and those who seek her interests. Disloyal elements should just shut up and leave and enjoy their life elsewhere.

[@GloriaWee]

@@timothykwoh6172 if you had watched the entire documentary and really read non-official accounts of Singapore history, you will know that these freedom fighters are the true founding fathers of Singapore.

[@timothykwoh6172]

@@GloriaWee I watched that shitty documentary. All it confirms that is that these guys are a bunch of leftist morons that should not be in Singapore. Lee Kuan Yew is the best the world has seen next to Augusto Pinochet and Vladimir Putin.

[@johannapfelburg6286]

@@timothykwoh6172 >pinochet Holy shit please shut the fuck up

[@MarissaJamie]

When Francis said "There are riches in this whole world. What profit a man if he acquires the whole world but lost his own soul? I've lost a lot, I've lost you, my brothers and sisters, my career, so on, here I am - a refugee. But mum, I've got my soul". That hit me so so so hard. Fight the good fight. Fight for what you believe in.

[@jennifer-oc6io]

Dear Marissa, you are still very immature and young, you can fight against a tolitarian and abusive goverment like the opposition in the Hungarian uprising in 1968, however, it takes a stupid person to wage war upon our own PAP goverment who has not abused us, but only to provide good standard of living, housing and education. They may not be perfect in your eyes as a governor, but on global standards, our singapore goverment has been praised quite a lot. As a singaporan who has lived in 5 different countries for the last 20 years, I am in a bettter position to tell you that it's very stupid to pull your own goverment down due to nitty nutties, becaue when we lose the stability of a long staying goverment, we lose our compeititve edge as Singapore. I have lived in democratic states like Europe, india and Brazi.. These countreis have far more iresponsible goverments, higher taxes at 50% and mafia controls the society easily because you don't have a goverment who stays.... so before you support someone who speak up in a multi racial society like Singapore, be careful what you wish for. Don't be stupid, I understand that you are young and you lack life experiences. Go, go overseas and try to be a foreign talent yourself, suffer out there and then you will appreciate Singapore a lot better. Idealistic youths like you have a long way to go in life, becaue you think you are entitled . You are spoilt. What good is your soul and ego, when you can't put food on the table and you are living as a refugee in a host country who thinks you are an asian trash? Grow up brat.

[@adamz.6812]

@@jennifer-oc6io Those people fought for workers' rights-- that's not against the government. They just wanted more to be done for the people in the lowest social class. However, maybe they were too idealistic

[@fenghualiu2653]

@@jennifer-oc6io Indeed time has changed. Yet for the older generations, the Singaporean government was to a large extent totalitarian due to the need to build up the foundation of the nation more effectively, which led to these socialists' protests. We need to understand this. Also, even though we might not identify with these socialist freedom fighters, what Francis said is still relatable to us in the sentiments of nostalgia and the notion of freedom.

[@mr.g702]

@@jennifer-oc6io This clearly highlights your lack of wisdom. Individuals with your mindset seldom have a meaningful impact. While PAP and LKY achieved global recognition, his family is tarnished by internal strife and hypocrisy, revealing the ill complexities of his legacy.

[@mr.g702]

@@adamz.6812 , thank you for sharing the truth.

[@JW2EN]

Seeing people who were genuinely concerned for Singapore's development being exiled leaves a bad taste in my mouth. It might have been the right thing to do, and the end might have justified the means. But that political war is long over. Let our fellow Singaporeans come home.

[@luvhonest463]

It is not over yet. Look at how ShengWu is being sued by his own uncle for a small issue till he cannot step into Singapore like these people. What a shame to LKY! Whatever injustice these people got in the past is now being passed down to LKY's grandson. Karma!! Am sure Ah Gong will be very furious if he is still around.

[@Melcor2304]

@@luvhonest463 I do think they should let those people come back, they’re from another era, not much of a threat like those in the present. Singapore government used to discourage dialects, but now channel 8 got local shows speaking Hokkien. Things can change.

[@GloriaWee]

Thank you Tan Pin Pin. We are so thankful for your courage and hard work to produce this story, a story that must be told. When I read about these 'alternative' books of Singapore's history for the first time when I was 17 (introduced in junior college), I was shocked to know about this concept of detention without trial. This documentary has allowed me to see history in a much more personal level. We have to bring these people back!!

[@henrychen8142]

Hello Gloria. You are beautiful, can we be friends... I really want friendship from you. [e-mail]

[@user-vw9mm7xt4h]

There should be no Chinese. Singapore is composed of Fujianese, Cantonese, Teochew, Hainanese, and Hakka. Chinese is destroying the cultures of Fujianese, Cantonese, Teochews, Hainanese, and Hakkas.

[@user-vw9mm7xt4h]

看看马共的情况就知道了，当年中共对整个东南亚输出革命。以民主来反民主，整个东盟国家都发生过排华，中共支持地下党搞颠覆，司马昭之心。 搜寻：史海回眸：邓小平谦虚认错感动李光耀(组图) 就能知道问题来龙去脉。

[@user-uw1br3cr8d]

Young Singaporeans should watch these episodes to know the the other side of the story.

[@diasnuno923]

Forget about the idea of bringing those people back .. Singapore PAPs demonic policies were totally inhumane for such purpose .. let those people live in peace outside the ruthless island state ..

[@chenlianghe]

Thanks for sharing this video... What touching songs from Mr Francis Khoo whom sadly never got to see our home again... What a strong lady Dr Ang... Wish everyone in the video all the best and hopefully one day can all come home...

[@tingtuanee]

Thank you for sharing how different people show their love for Singapore in different ways

[@Naomi-fb1ej]

When Zahari Said said that he didn't understand why he was detained ten to twelve years longer than his friend (1:00:46), and his friend has to take out his handkerchief to wipe his tears. Can't imagine the sadness and guilt you would feel when you are going on with your life knowing your friends are still behind bars.

[@user-uw1br3cr8d]

How can a man be detained without trial for 12 long years? Its gross injustice?

[@guardianoffame]

Thank you for sharing! Been looking for this video since it got banned and as a younger Singaporean I've been immensely proud and immensely touched by these stories of the true brave patriots :")

[@look4melah]

I can’t begin to express my appreciation for this film. Thank you

[@tonyeclau]

Hope the Singapore government would treat these people kindly. After all these years, it seems unnecessary to dictate stringent terms but rather have a gentleman agreement that their sole purpose to return is not a political one but rather to meet friends and relatives for social reasons in their homeland. Forgiveness and kindness should be the way forward. PS. I can feel the longing for home and sadness in Francis' singing.

[@xavierneo9260]

Yes!

[@donaldqingyuan6376]

Hello dear, Do accept my compliments, i hope all is well with you. I don't want you to think I'm stalking or weird or anything, but I think you have an animated look that changed my bad mood, I'd love to read from you ([e-mail] )

[@nelsonuy3885]

yes, let bygones be bygones, and if we have done wrong we should try to rectify it and give credit and reparations to the wronged.

[@tonyeclau]

@@donaldqingyuan6376 Are you referring to me?

[@sonnyskliew2536]

%%99999999.999

[@marktan8074]

As youths once, we all have had our ideals and differences in opinions. What is so wrong if one's ideals are different from another's? Do they have to be incarcerated for that? So many years have passed, a generation has grown up and our society has matured. Time to bury old wounds. Hope the government will allow these people to live the rest of their lives in Singapore. At their age, I doubt any are going to start a revolution here.. The country belongs to all who call themselves S'poreans, it does not belong to the govt of the day.

[@lestermo5757]

Government is elected by people. They don't have authority. The people give them authority

[@AbcdEfgh-sq2tf]

@@lestermo5757 yes but actually no

[@xxs0ulxx1]

Gecko Tan ur naive and foolish. If the government of then didn’t do what they did, we could easily have become a failed state.

[@AbcdEfgh-sq2tf]

@@xxs0ulxx1 hey at least we can point out the mistakes when things are done wrongly. Look at the COVID example, we opened the borders well into April even after WHO declared pandemic while other countries such as NZ and TW locked down their borders by then. Not to mention the foreign workers dormitories, saying all is well despite the concerns of many but only to lock down 1 month afterwards. The current situation would be much different if everyone is willing to at least listen to others and face their wrongdoings like grown ups

[@AbcdEfgh-sq2tf]

@Edward Tay why dont we ban parties all together?

[@iriskoh5661]

Thank you for making this very touching documentary. I finally know what it means to stand up for justice and to be treated like a criminal in my own country doing what is right.

[@garbafemonster97]

Back then the Student Union stood up for the rights and wrongs of the country and were vocal about their opinions. Now the SU can barely work out student welfare within the damn university....

[@tommychan1626]

Damn right.

[@Aetolus]

What? The Chinese Student Union was standing against the government for forcing Chinese schools into including English in their syllabus, all because they think learning English is the government being pro-colonialist.

[@TeenTitan131]

I Am yOuR GL we're GoiNG to HavE a GoOOoodD TiMe lanjiao

[@johannapfelburg6286]

@@Aetolus yes and?

[@Aetolus]

@@johannapfelburg6286 and your mother chee bye, you can't read is it? If you support their xenophobic hysteria stance against English then you better start replying in Chinese, or your sarcasm will be extremely ironic.

[@TeleeFONE]

Dr Ang Swee Chai is an activist and has done a lot for the Palestinians, only admiration and love for her. Very sad that she, her husband and these other people people are send into exile because they have a different opinions of Singapore 😢. If you guys notice, these people aren't communists, they are actually activists, that's why they end up helping other fellow humans wherever they are in right now, and that is why they speak for Singapore back then coz they saw something wrong. This desire to speak up for the weak, gets them into trouble with the government and exiled, it must have been very painful, emotionally, to be going through all these.

[@miakamei1751]

I'm sorry I was too dumb to understand. As activist, what had they stood up for???

[@timothykwoh6172]

She should just consider herself lucky she is not in gaol. Since she feels so strongly, she may as well go to Malaysia, where she can have all the convictions she wants, which is probably more akin to that of Malaysia. Better yet, go to Lebanon or even some Islamic hell-hole where she can work to the causes she feels so passionate about. But don't think about complaining about the bed she made because now she has to lie in it. Singapore doesn't need such people anyway and neither should they be in the West too. The West has caused their own demise by tolerating such disloyal leftist elements like this.

[@TeleeFONE]

@@timothykwoh6172 in what way is she disloyal, mind explaining?

[@timothykwoh6172]

@@TeleeFONE Simple. She supports all the various leftist causes that have at the core destruction of a nation and nationhood. No wonder she married a clear card-carrying Marxist, Francis Khoo. All this supporting of so called Palestinians is merely a symptom of the disease. Singapore does not need these leftist elements. Lucky for this person and others like them, she isn't being dealt with in the manner of Augusto Pinochet.

[@TeleeFONE]

@@timothykwoh6172 Helping Palestinians isn't a leftist thing, it is a human thing to help other humans that are being tortured inhumanely. Hope you stop talking about other humans like a political object and learn some respect and decency.

[@MarketStoic]

Hello from Singapore. This is awesome. The internet is the great equalizer.

[@annajames8122]

Thank you for this video. It has opened my eyes about what it feels like to be called criminals when all one is trying to do is fight for justice and truth.

[@agneslaura10]

Thank you for uploading this. If only there’s a way we can help these people who fought so hard to make our Singapore society a better one. #Bringthemhome 😔

[@ginho3848]

I cry so hard at their homesickness. These are passionate Singaporeans who fought for what they believe in.

[@yeow0008]

I cannot help but notice that they did not lose their Singaporean accent even though they been overseas so many years. Which leads me to my huge pet peeve when Singaporeans go overseas to study for just 2-3 years and come back with an Americanized/Western accent, totally turns me off

[@sofiahokmah9195]

Some Singaporeans didn't even work or study abroad (or an International School in Singapore) but put on a mixed up 'Western' accent, that is way worse.

[@sifu2u_now]

😂

[@williampuo]

Ya. Like the Wong minister !! Hahahahah

[@aga5979]

adding la and kind of up speaking are funny though. I do know a lot of people don't think it sounds great.

[@user-rh6jx6xj8e]

its up to someone to choose how they want to speak. why are you so averted to someone who wishes to speak more proper?

[@autism797]

Watch this on National Day. Singapore government should allow them to go back.

[@QuintessentialFlyer734]

Watching this on National Day. Please bring these folks home.

[@1-manmarioparty572]

i see another fellow brought here on national day by the algorithem

[@xxs0ulxx1]

i disagree. they should sleep on the bed they choose to make

[@certifiedbruh2180]

@@xxs0ulxx1 They had different ideals and different thinking. It's wrong to prosecute someone for their thoughts

[@xxs0ulxx1]

Certified Bruh Nigga naive thinking. They were troublemakers and instigators. If my ideal was to turn Singapore into a communist state and get rid of the government I should be left alone?

[@justcause9575]

@@xxs0ulxx1 Singapore is a democracy we are not communist China. People should be allowed different views even if they are crazy as long as they do not use violence to enact those views. If they are willing to engage only in the political process they are welcome to try and change Singapore. But as we know most Singaporeans will not vote for a communist state. Communist China and North Korea lock up those with different views because they have no faith in the will of the people. Do we want Singapore to go the same way?

[@kledn]

If one wants to find the real Singapore spirit epitomizing dedication, courage, self sacrifices and love for the country we can see it in their in their experiences and stories regardless of differences in views. their aged parents will or had carried the sadness at the enforced separations and sufferings of their children through their lives especially the mothers. Be comforted they have retained their souls❤❤❤

[@tsunshinegal9102]

💔… dear SG government: please let begones be begones… These are my fellow Singaporeans overseas whose hearts still love the Nation as evident in this interview… Why punish them in this manner ??! We are living in the 21st century … God bless my beloved Singapore & fellow Singaporeans overseas . ❤

[@cdd6811]

This should be part of Singapore history class for our schools.

[@henryloh7875]

Johnston Steiner the best way 🍚🍚🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@yeonhohproduction5457]

@@poppop8795 sorry.. but it wasn't in mine

[@cancanjaker1620]

Lessons in school should not have politics. If so, you will have real PAP propagation with LKY taking up an entire textbook. If Singaporeans are interested, they can read this themselves. There is life outside of school as well as learning out of school. Don't be lazy and expect the schools to teach everything you need to learn.

[@ethanngiam6998]

@Johnston Steiner lmao deleted liao on youtube

[@cdd6811]

I kind of understand why LKY did that at the time, and it seems to be overall right at the time. But, it is definitely time to review and change now.

[@forgetmepls]

This movie touch my heart in many ways. Please bring home the patriotic Singaporeans back home. They are old. We should not be scared of old people changing politics in Singapore. Peace

[@Mel-nr4jd]

These people are so proud of Singapore, hope they can come back one day...

[@joy1ess]

I have to be truthful, this documentary upsets me to no end. It makes me re-think so many things. Thank you for the upload -

[@donaldqingyuan6376]

Hello dear, Do accept my compliments, i hope all is well with you. I don't want you to think I'm stalking or weird or anything, but I think you have an animated look that changed my bad mood, I'd love to read from you ([e-mail] )

[@msZarajerusalem4166]

Donald Qing Yuan so you reply to all women you see here?i think you are scammer

[@shinhwaleo]

Thank you for sharing that our Singapore school never told us about.

[@sofiahokmah9195]

History is written by the victors, these political exiles are considered losers. Declassified papers from the UK government has shown that Operation Coldstore had little to do with the threat of communism. P J Thum's videos will give a fresh perspective on the history we didn't learn in school.

[@kageyamareijikun]

Athena Minerva I cannot take the PAP's account of the Communist threat seriously when they now, in 2020, harbor more than 1 million actual Mainland Chinese communists on our shores, who following the teachings of Mao Zedong and President Xi Jinping. Let's call a spade a spade and come clean (like what our Ministers love to preach)

[@esyphillis101]

kageyamareijikun Thats different though. You really think the SG Govt will dare do anything to piss off the CCP? Do you not remember what happened a few months ago when they hacked our healthcare databases? They can do that and worse. That’s the reason SG hasn’t done anything about the Chinese communists.

[@kageyamareijikun]

Marcus Chang ah so you have just confirmed that the Sg govt lacks moral courage, and also the necessary resources and IT expertise to safeguard our network infrastructure despite signing CECA agreement with India and flooding our labour market with so-called tech talent that easily command 10k sgd salaries. And yet they cannot defend our key national interests and assets against Communist China. I can see they are quite good at bullying this small handful of Singaporean and Malaysian Straits Chinese though who are aged and poor now, living as refugees in faraway lands.

[@esyphillis101]

kageyamareijikun International relations is like game of thrones. No matter how many deals you sign, if you’re a small country you will always be at the mercy of bigger countries that have annexed you, as China has already done for most of Southeast Asia in the event of war. _the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must_ - Thucydides

[@user-ls9oe5vo5l]

Inspiring video. These people truly love Singapore.

[@seowcherlak9217]

我是新加坡人，他们也是新加坡人，就因为他们的政治理念不同，这些国人就必须离开国家，过了这么久，对或错已经无所谓了，而且他们的年纪也大了，希望政府也不要太过在意这些不同政治理念的国人，放开心胸让他们回来吧，谢谢🙏。

[@JoelLowArtiste]

Thank you for uncovering and sharing these stories with us!

[@madrodeo425]

Thank you for this upload.. this is a gem..

[@zhangqingyuan5564]

I am in Singapore and I am watching this, please don't make Singapore government ban on this website, if this turn out to be banned, I hope you can send this movie again

[@aislt8786]

The fact that it is not banned on KZbin snce it was uploaded in May 2020, doesn't it say something ? Think about what would have already happen in more authoritarian countries.

[@sgpchai]

thanks to social media, this movie is cast in stone n for many generation to learn the truth....

[@gtyt101]

Is there a way for Singapore government to ban a video on KZbin? They aren't CCP, they can't ban outside network because we all need to earn a living with other countries.

[@danielradcliffeissopretty]

Im screen recording this in case it does get banned

[@lyhthegreat]

@@gtyt101 yeah, trust me, they would if they could

[@benny1094]

thank you so much for sharing this

[@sandygranger5675]

Wow what great report so sad to hear the song make me cry 😭 thank you for charing your videos 👏🏼👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@linyanqian]

Thank you for putting this film in KZbin!

[@msZarajerusalem4166]

I found about her journey and read a book about her.”From beirut to Jerusalem “,she witness how thousands innocent Palestinean who living in refugee camp was brutally killed by Israel soldiers.Its in Sabra and shatilla tragedy.God bless you Dr ang swee chai for stand with Palestine.

[@donaldqingyuan6376]

Hello dear, Do accept my compliments, i hope all is well with you. I don't want you to think I'm stalking or weird or anything, but I think you have an animated look that changed my bad mood, I'd love to read from you ([e-mail] )

[@rkninrknin4610]

This video made me 😪so much sadness so much injustice done that too without trial

[@margarettom2055]

Nicely made documentary. Going from one location to the next does provide anticipation, I wonder if it is better to complete one story then move on to the next. However, it is a well made documentary. Such history is so hush-hush that it is quite eye opening for me and I am very sad that this is happening to a democratic country. I am extremely sad that news in many countries could be biased. It is very good to know that these discarded “Singaporeans” are still patriotic to Singapore. How I wish all Singaporeans are aware of what’s happening.

[@donaldqingyuan6376]

Hello dear, Do accept my compliments, i hope all is well with you. I don't want you to think I'm stalking or weird or anything, but I think you have an animated look that changed my bad mood, I'd love to read from you ([e-mail] )

[@chimskookie_134]

The one who loved singapore so so much...and built the singapore we have today...are not the ones in singapore..its such a...heartwrenching truth

[@khchoy35]

Being working overseas for almost ten years, I can totally relate to how much we will miss our home.

[@aisinGioroPon]

They are in exile. you are not. Big difference

[@sparktae6595]

Idk how this ended up on my suggested but I'll watch it

[@nicholastky90]

Same

[@BoopBobBeep]

Same here glad it show up.

[@lynnsgp6770]

Thank you for the video. Government has started to accept different views. Please let them come back. They really miss their homeland. It really breaks my heart.

[@IamMalaysian]

Indeed this is very sad story. I hope one day all these ppl will be in Singapore History book. I am going to buy their book.

[@user-uw1br3cr8d]

Young Singaporeans should watch this touching movie and remember those who were freedom fighters and their sacrifices made for a better society.

[@dindinabu]

This brings tears to my eyes.this ppl will drop everything and come back home to defend this country.If anything will to happen to Singapore.

[@zdl1965]

Banned by the SG government, this is the movie they did not want you to see. The paranoia of LKY made all this possible.

[@sanmufa2004]

I came here because CNA, since a lot of people commenting "Singapore Exile." And it's very interesting.

[@soj0urn]

By banning the film, it is a missed opportunity for both sides (and citizens) to have an open conversation about the past (already happened more than 50 years ago!). History teachers tell us to learn history so it doesn't have to repeat itself.

[@xxs0ulxx1]

soj0urn that would apply if Singapore turned out to be a failed state. History shows the government was right to force them out.

[@justcause9575]

@@xxs0ulxx1 Singapore is a democracy we are not communist China. People should be allowed different views even if they are crazy as long as they do not use violence to enact those views. If they are willing to engage only in the political process they are welcome to try and change Singapore. But as we know most Singaporeans will not vote for a communist state. Communist China and North Korea lock up those with different views because they have no faith in the will of the people. Do we want Singapore to go the same way?

[@xxs0ulxx1]

Just Cause you should move to American then. They allow unfettered freedom of speech there.

[@nictheperson6709]

@@xxs0ulxx1 It's literally in our pledge that we aim to build a democratic society based on justice and equality. Is a fair democracy too much to ask for? EDIT: Also, America does not allow unfettered freedom of speech. That is a falsehood. You know what America is? The birthplace of McCarthyism, the practice of accusing other of subversion or treason (especially of Communist nature) with insufficient evidence. Sound familiar?

[@xuanyu7461]

@@xxs0ulxx1 "you should move to American" - Dumbass, 2020

[@xxiloveeuuxx]

Hard felt emotion flow through me, this is the part of sg that was not told/known to the younger generation. I truly hope that they are allowed to return sg before death. They should not forsake Singaporean. Sg is still a young nation. Value our people.

[@Schrottkralle]

Mr. Lee should show some compassion and let those old people return to their birthplace to peacefully let them live their last days on this planet.

[@mosesjh8272]

Great valuable video sharing thank you 🙏

[@sharonexc]

A heard about Tan Wah Piow when i was small but do not know how he looks like, now i know. Our Singapore government should let them come back home after all this is still their home.

[@donaldqingyuan6376]

Hello dear, Do accept my compliments, i hope all is well with you. I don't want you to think I'm stalking or weird or anything, but I think you have an animated look that changed my bad mood, I'd love to read from you ([e-mail] )

[@lindal5186]

I'm thankful for a chance to learn about these people so callously branded as criminals just because they hold a different political point of view. I never knew who they are and what their real experience was. Many years have since passed and Singapore has grown to accept more diverse voices. But these people are still paying the price of a petty past. It is my sincere wish that our Singapore government will exercise magnanimity of heart and allow these fellowmen (whose "fault" was perhaps their advocacy for a version of freedom and justice different from our government's) to return to Singapore and be reunited with their families and friends. A lifetime of penalty is far too long. Let's put the rights and wrongs behind us and exercise governance with a touch of humanity. "You'll find there's room for us all" - Mahatma Gandhi

[@chrislianto7654]

Edward Tay You sure know about Nazis’ Ideology

[@chrislianto7654]

@Edward Tay I don't see how that's relevant. If you're accusing the black of being weak, that their miseries and the injustice they received are justifiable because the white majority is "strong", please, I wish you a happy and privileged life. I wish nothing experienced by the weak in society ever happen to you.

[@chrislianto7654]

@Edward Tay And at least the people in the film fought. They failed but they still tried.

[@user-uw1br3cr8d]

Be magnanimous. They were not criminals.

[@lionofjudahpeace1442]

Singapore government should allow them to return. What the past old days is gone. They love Singapore. Let them come home and enjoy the remaining years.

[@aldacs0022]

they even dont deserve on youtube... see how great is singapore without this kind of people. .

[@ozchinoise]

What an amazing documentary! Such brave souls. And thank you Tan Pin Pin.

[@alfredkay]

Very touching story indeed! Wish everyone in this world will be more broad minded, forgive and tolerate each other. As Lao Tse said: behave like sea, stay low (humble) and embrace every streams and rivers.

[@alyssanugget]

Imprisoned or kicked out of their motherland for daring to have an opinion different from the powerful. Such a big price to pay. Much respect to them and thank you for inspiring future generations who will watch this.

[@ManjuTiger]

western media is a jorke, they keep nagging about China and 🇰🇵only but keep silent on issues in other countries just because those countries don'r go against them

[@ketupat20]

I’m guessing Francis wrote the songs he sang? I love it and would love to hear more. Hope you can make & release a compilation of it.

[@donaldqingyuan6376]

Hello dear, Do accept my compliments, i hope all is well with you. I don't want you to think I'm stalking or weird or anything, but I think you have an animated look that changed my bad mood, I'd love to read from you ([e-mail] )

[@junjun7425]

Yep, composed and performed by Francis, which is credited at the end of the video. Such a heart touching song.

[@hannahong1719]

Can our government please let them return? They are our fellow Singaporean!

[@kageyamareijikun]

PAP prefer to allow more CECA and PRCs. More EPs and PRs to churn more GDP for them. Why let in these people to vote for WP? Haha. Want to lose East and West coasts 5 years later?

[@sgpchai]

don't be naive, if using state organ against own kin n spending time fixing oppo, u think they can return??? wait long long......

[@SwordSaint83]

only when they are dead, they will return in coffin. Our government are not that gracious if you know them well enough.

[@dennislambert6912]

Hello how are you

[@ryanlimsunquan662]

I’m not a Singaporean, but I found this documentary an interesting one. One moment I found particularly heartwarming was 21:21 where the man speaks about children. The way his face lights up with his smile is just wonderful

[@sylowly5164]

To those who loved this land before us... thank you...

[@skepbeans]

Thank you recommendations for showing me this.

[@tliew5710]

Thank you for the truth documentary.

[@gentoffire]

Am not a Singaporean. But I ha ce respect to the ladies live her life with such strong believes. That’s a powerful person. Amazed, shocked and gutted.

[@weisbars5]

what is Singapore gov afraid of? If it is a strong country there's nothing to be scared of. Let them back for visits. They let Chinese (communist) visit and study in Sgp, why not these people?

[@WilsonWongWilzWorkz]

unfortunately...their legitimacy is based on shaky grounds that only they themselves know. Hence whatever you watch here is some of the shaky grounds that they feared hence they banned it. Even the PM's nephew is being charged for criticising the judiciary that was written as a private Facebook post. So based on what they do, you can judge for yourselves if they are scared, or not.

[@ivanteo1973]

all regimes are afraid of political challenges.

[@tinafisher7956]

weisbars5 Singapore should ban communists from entering/living in Singapore.

[@kageyamareijikun]

SG gov should call these ppl "PAP enemies" and not communists because that is such a poor flimsy excuse. Already there are 1mil+ PRC mainland Chinese real Mao Zedong communists in Singapore. I dont see sg gov deporting them?

[@xh3992]

lol, very good pt indeed

[@BlurDucky]

Beautiful song...... But this is the generation educated with good English and speaking with proper words and sentences, proudly with a Singaporean accent, .... no Singlish that time..... the lost generation..........

[@batlily]

Some of them of Peranakan accent

[@MarienneYangXY]

Thank you for this documentary on what has been erased in our history lessons.

[@combat_fighter1]

What past is already past, let them all come home to be re-united with their families, it’s the least we can do for all our fellow Singaporeans in exile 😢

[@yiwen2445]

Watching this makes me furious. These guys are persecuted only because they love their country in a different way.....

[@xxs0ulxx1]

Yiwen Hugo Chavez also loved his country. Look where they are now

[@yiwen2445]

xxs0ulxx1 well he’s dead now if thats what you mean

[@xxs0ulxx1]

Yiwen he’s dead and his country is crap. Loving a country doesn’t equal to helping it do well

[@yiwen2445]

@@xxs0ulxx1 I never equated loving ones country with helping it do well. Those are 2 separate constructs. I am not familiar with South American politics, but a quick scan suggests he was involved with high levels of corruption, that doesnt seem like someone who wants to help his country.

[@xxs0ulxx1]

Yiwen maybe you should learn more about world politics then. You think everyone who loves their country has good intentions for it? A communist can love Singapore and drag it down as well.

[@diana.b1059]

I think the fact that it’s still on KZbin, it shows something.

[@colinchan9133]

Sad and very touching. For the departed my they enjoy happiness with God almighty. Amen

[@zainolsunny232]

I love the song who Mr Francis sang its wonderful RIP. GOD. BLESS YOU

[@marktan9814]

god bless you too

[@Drebo1971]

Very educational. It is interesting to hear of this history.

[@ralphou]

tks for sharing!!!!!! i felt very emotional when the thai couple and the nurse couple (whose husbd, Francis has passed on) started sharing! from 25mins onwds - u wont feel anything if your heart is NOT with Sg! be it she has her flaws

[@shanke300]

It's heartbreaking to see their plight in overseas with sadness in their hearts. SG government says Singaporeans need to more compassionate and be gracious. So you preach and never follow through. All they did was question the authorities the way of handling certain issues and they are banished. Is that democracy?

[@maryannelim7719]

The government did it for the sake of the people and country. It was a very difficult time for Singapore. That the country was able to prosper and the law and order life Singaporeans enjoy it's all thanks to the government. I think Singaporeans need to be appreciative and grateful.

[@tanemily9604]

@Maryannelim, agree with you, at that time the govt had to take drastic action against the activists to stop the communist elements from ifiltrating Into the student union activities, If nothing was done then to stop this group ,Singapore could not have achieved the Success It has become today.

[@catherinehui795]

@maryannelim7719. ABSOLUTELY CORRECT!!! People not having experienced the hardships, etc, etc living in the west aren't able to realise how lucky to be living in crime free Singapore. Mr Lee Kuan Yew made Singapore the success it is today, people should see the live interview he gave on TV (shown in UK years ago), where he cried when Singapore left Malaysia cos, it was a situation of 'sink or swim' for whole people of Singapore!!! In UK/west, we have so called 'democracy' BUT a whole host of extremely negative situations eg crimes, kids running wild, gang crimes, murders, etc, etc. The TV screens, cinema screens show the beautiful cities but not the seedy side of it.

[@someoneunknown7878]

It's sad how they have so much love for Singapore and want the best for our country even when SG govt turned their backs on them. Even in exile, they still care about Singapore very much. There's so much to learn from them.

[@kimflores6359]

Thank you!

[@busybeetleasmr6754]

thks for uploading this

[@henrychen8142]

Hello beautiful, you look so beautiful.. are you Chinese.?

[@henrychen8142]

I really want us to be friends [e-mail]

[@davidnhc]

Hope that all these fellow Singaporean will return home someday or soon….

[@sebestiantan1]

Didn't know this was banned. Interesting video. There's always 2 side to a coin.

[@ThankyouIgotit]

After watching your KZbin I feel sad for you and families for not able to come back. Singapore as a Singaporean. In those days government are very dictator and very scare of penetration from external forces destroying the country. I hope the future leadership will be transformed to be Democratic party and country...let's pray your wish is granted GBU

[@elmansoboogiewoogie978]

the song Anak Pulau Singapura at the end of this documentary bring tears running down my cheek.. so sad

[@nelsonuy3885]

Life is always unfair, when you all work together for a cause and some did small and some did great part, and in the end the one who did small are the ones who hold the power and those who worked and fight hard are left to none. They are the unsung heroes forgotten and not honored because they remain silent and non assertive for recognition.

[@yeetatliew1069]

History is a mirror. If LKY fail. Tan pin pin may interviewed LKY and LHL. Power struggle is so real and😢. We all wish everyone put down and tolerance each other and understood each other's. In consequently, Singapore achievement may different.

[@kageyamareijikun]

The lady doctor seems to be of high pedigree and well-spoken. If this tragic fate had not befallen her, I could very well imagine her being a renowned surgeon at Mount Elizabeth and earning a lot of money.

[@rooowtwx]

But that is perhaps,, or most likely, against all of the things she believed in... things she probably hold dearly in her heart. As her husband, Francis, had said: what profit would make a man if he loses his soul? She might have struggled during her time in exile with her husband but she must have learned a lot as well after those years too... yet, if I must hazard a guess, I would dare say she never regretted marrying her husband, fleeing Singapore with him and then fighting all those battles where she could. She only laments the fact that there was a heavy price to pay, for those who fought for freedom and for those who support the freedom fighters in SG.

[@winstonz]

A very Singaporean statement

[@malaysiadentist4637]

It's not all about 💰

[@xxs0ulxx1]

Rtyx good. Let her bear the consequence of her decisions then

[@yumwo4413]

Respect her...

[@brianvittachi6869]

They fought for democracy and social justice. Nothing wrong with that. They don't have to be treated in this manner.

[@mewletter]

Unfortunately, the then British colonial government and the current government see them as threat to the island's political stability, even if their intentions are good

[@compounding999]

They are Singaporeans. Time to bring them home. Watching this 9Aug2020. SG 55. Bygones be bygones

[@LoongAqua]

Let bygones be bygones?! Tell that to your PM. His father LKY kept some political opponents locked up in prison without trial for 10 or 20 or more years. Those still alive and wanting to return after decades abroad are still threatened with arrest and arbitrary detention. Let bygones be bygones!!! You youngsters have no idea how the rascal LKY and his son treated their opponents. Pathetic!

[@burningxmage2820]

Don Quixote III ok boomer

[@xxs0ulxx1]

Don Quixote III the ends justify the means. They sleep on the bed they made. Keep these troublemakers out of sg

[@justcause9575]

@@xxs0ulxx1 Singapore is a democracy we are not communist China. People should be allowed different views even if they are crazy as long as they do not use violence to enact those views. If they are willing to engage only in the political process they are welcome to try and change Singapore. But as we know most Singaporeans will not vote for a communist state. Communist China and North Korea lock up those with different views because they have no faith in the will of the people. Do we want Singapore to go the same way?

[@marktan9814]

@@xxs0ulxx1 newnaratif.com/journalism/remembering-coldstore-singapores-former-detainees-speak/ Many arrested were totally innocent.