Professor Gary Lit Shares Untold Stories of Japanese Occupation in Malaya - Testimonies Of War Survivors And Witnesses

Professor Gary Lit and the war survivors (l/r) Chong Su Ha, Tham Yoong Yam, Tan Aik Hong, Lin Yeow Chang

Professor Gary Lit who regularly give talks of the Japanese occupation years added another feature by asking War Survivors to come forward to relate their own war time experiences to an audience. 

Included in the audeience was Madam Ding Qiao, the Vice Consul-General of the Peoples Republic of China in Penang to officially open the Chinese section at the Peace Gallery.

Gary in his opening address said that 81years ago Emperor Hirohito announced the surrender of the Japanese army. In Malaya, after 3 years and 8 months the war came to an end. But for the war survivors the memory lingers. The survivors were Mdm Chong Su Ha, Mr Tham Yoong Yam,  Mr Tan Aik Hong and Mdm Lin Yeow Chang. We are proud and privileged to have them today and we need to honor them.We must share these survivors’ testimony because we are the last link to sharing some of the past. 

Professor Gary addressing his audience at  his Peace Gallery 

The survivors from Perak and one from Johore were young in their puberty years when the war broke out. All of them experienced fear and trauma when young. One of them although advanced in age and travelled extensively has refused to visit Japan.

Chong Su Har was 7 when she experienced the trauma of war. She lived in Papan. At the onset of the war her parents left Papan to hide in the hills at the Kledang range. During the escape she hurt her foot. Instead of seeking help from members of her family she persevered on although with great suffering until the family reached their destination. Although she never experienced the cruelty of the Japanese personally she felt the fear all those years. After the war she became a teacher and instilled courage in her students to rebel against the war of any form.

Tan Aik Hong comes from Johore. His father was captured by the Japanese to Ayer Hitam and used as a forced labourer. He was rescued but died due to his weakness. Later

the family moved closer to town. There three Japanese soldiers came but they were Taiwanese because they spoke Hokkien. One of the soldiers grabbed my 13 year old sister. She somehow broke free and said ‘seesua’ meaning ‘death so be it’ and ran off into the jungle. My Eurasian neighbour, mother, father and daughter. that lived in a bungalow near us. Their daughter was raped by the soldiers and died. Their bungalow became haunted. Each time I passed the police station I would hear screaming meaning prisoners were being tortured.

There is one instance the whole country is not aware of and hearing for the 1^st time. One night the whole population of Kluang was forced at gunpoint to gather at the towns football field. The field was surrounded by machine guns.  Towards morning the townspeople were allowed to go to the field. My mother, my young 10yo brother, 2yo sister, my married sister and husband were in the field and were massacred. I often think if the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki could have prevented the massacre from being carried out in Kluang. “I don’t feel sorry for the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki”.  Until today the Japanese have never admitted to their atrocities neither have they apologised for their actions.

Tham Yoong Yam was under 10 years of age when the war occurred. His family moved from Tanjong Malim to Malim Nawar living in a jungle area. 

One afternoon my sister returned crying bitterly. She related that Japanese soldiers went to the tin mine area where they were and cornered my sister and another woman. They were raped but luckily not killed. Thankfully my sister has passed on but that incident changed  her whole life. I too changed. My wife and I have travelled around the world these last few years but I can never visit Japan. I only have a Japanese SONY tv all others are China made. I personally saw Japanese cruelty. Villagers in my area were forced to dig their own grave and were immediately beheaded or shot. At  Kampar town at the field opposite the Anglo Chinese School  there were residents who found  life too hard that they would take their own lives by slitting their throats.  I don’t love Japan. Japan is nice but I cannot visit it. The memory is bitter and I cannot forget. I am 90years old. When I close my eyes I think of my sister and the atrocities they did. I am glad for this event so we don’t forget the past.

Professor Gary added that Japanese atrocities was not limited to China. In Malaya General Yamashita aka the Tiger of Malaya commited the terrible ‘Sook Ching which killed more than 350K Chinese. “ We should forgive BUT we should never forget”. He then asked for 1 minute silence for the war victims whether WWII or the recent  victims of the Iran/ US conflict.

..the audience observing one minute silence ....

The official opening of the Chinese Section in Peace Gallery 

Professor Gary (centre), on his left Madam Ding Qiao Vice-Consul General followed by former Ipoh Mayor Dato Roshidi Hashim 

Vice Consul-General, Ding Qiao said that she was honoured and privileged to be here today. Professor Gary is doing a good job of keeping the memory alive. I speak for the Chinese people all over Asia.  After so many years the Japanese government has not officially apologised for their actions. As such we must remind people that we should share the peace and remind those who died for our generation.

The audience as usual was elderly but very interested and could identify with the survivors. There was also the presence of the very lovely and colorful Nyonyas led by Dato' Lillian Tong who brightened up the hall with their Baju Kebaya. 

VIP's, guests, family and friends take a group photo before going up to the Peace Gallery

(l) Gary and Ding Qiao (r) Ding Qiao gives a souvenir to Tan Aik Hong

the audience present at the Peace Gallery.  .....

(l)YLCO team and the Nyonya's from Penang. Seated 4th from left Dato Lillian Tong (r) Gary Lit and relatives

Lady in the blue Baju Kebaya is Chung Lai Yin the grand daughter of Kapitan China  Chung Keng Quee

It was certainly a most interesting morning.

JAG

·       

J

"Kinta Valley" #2 The Book by Khoo Salma Nasution and Abdur-Razzaq Lubis

A village on the Kinta River .. could it be early Ipoh / Old Town?

This is a village on the Kinta River. Notice all the roofs are made of atap. Could it be that this was the part of Ipoh/ Old Town that was destroyed when it caught fire in the early 20^th century and was rebuilt again by the British Administration with brick shop houses.          

Could it be on Treacher Street now known as Jalan Bijeh Timah. The specific spot is probably the old wet market at Patrick Street in close proximity with Jalan Bijeh Timah, Kinta Heights, Paloh Ku Miu temple and dry/salted food shops.

Is the above photo authentic. Well i got it off the new 'KINTA VALLEY' book 2 when i met Abdur-Razzaq Lubis when i met him recently in July.

Abdur-Razzaq Lubis holding Kinta Valley #2 in July ....

I bought the 1^st Kinta Valley book close to 18 years ago written by Razak and Khoo Salma Nasution. I reach for it each time I need to know more of a village in the valley and is a treasure.

Abdur-Razzaq Lubis and Khoo Salma Nasution with their 1st Kinta Valley book 

It is timely that they’ve come out with the 2^nd book as the valley is now changed drastically with new developments evident in the Valley and the state. The book is scheduled in November. Christmas will be interesting this year.

JAG

 

Online Solidarity …. Mama Datin Janet Yeoh Watches Daughter Michelle’s Yeoh’s Chinese Movie ‘It’s My Time’

Datin Janet Yeoh with Ignatius Chew and the YLCO members (all family)  

...and friends .....

 Datin Janet Yeoh watched the movie ‘Its My Time’ starring daughter Michelle Yeoh with family and friends tonight. Ignatius Chew of the YLCO Museum sent these pics with Datin Janet and family and guests.

It’s great that Datin Janet got with the family and watched the movie together. This is Michelle’s first movie in Chinese after a long time and it’s in Mandarin. It’s about a senior citizen (Michelle) mastering the Rubik’s cube. Awesome!!

You can’t get more solidarity than that!!!!

KC

The 'Perak-China Connection 1891-1941' and Sun Yat Sen

Alexandra Sun presented Dr Leong a fan and coaster, Justin Sun presented Khoo Salma a bronze statue of Sun Yat Sen

The talk ‘The Perak China Connection 1891-1941’ which was held at 15 Clarke Street was an enlightening talk to welcome Alexandra Sun the great grandniece of Sun Yat Sen. Her entourage included her son Justin Sun, Khoo Salma and Abdur-Razzaq Lubis from the Sun Yat Sen Penang Museum and students from Wutong Youth Organisation of Nanjing Normal University (NNU). 

Justin Sun signing in, at back is Alexandra Sun 

Organised by Dr Leong Oon Keong the evening event was a low key event as Alexandra had attended similar events over 2 days. However in attendance were interested community groups such Perak Academy and YLCO Museum.

Dr Leong had encouraged everyone to partake of a light desert of Tau Fu Fah as his talk would be long. It was a gesture and almost everyone agreed with the idea. 

Khoo Salma and Alexandra pose for a photo while other guest have a light desert of Tau Fu Fah

..at the hall of Dr Leongs at 15 Clarke Street.... 

..the 'Perak Connection' talk 

The talk was on Perak’s Chinese community who was supportive of Dr Sun Yat Sen' revolution and they wholly contributed to his cause. I presumed the supporters were the migrants who made the perilous journey to Nanyang to support their families back home.

The slides, which Dr Leong prepared himself, gave a good idea who was involved and the local leaders (click on the slide to expand the photo)

the supporters, basically everyone 

They were from all backgrounds be it the lowest of the working chain, even the artistic dramatist group who reached the illiterate Chinese labourers to the elites they all contributed to the common cause. 

..what happened during the early years and the start of Perak Chamber of Commerce 

It wasn’t till February 1930 when Governor Sir Cecil Clementi enforced the KMT (Kuomintang) ban. In that same year the Perak Chinese Assembly Hall (PCAH) was established. PCAH would unite Chinese Associations across Perak, coordinate educational and cultural activities, provide a forum for different dialects could work together and represent the Chinese community to the Colonial government. KMT leaders took positions in the colonial administration and voiced Chinese interests.

the banning of the KMT, the start of the PCAH and the migration of KMT members to Colonial administration

..the Chinese community worked hard for a better future ...

The talk was quite long but was very interesting. Alexandra commented there was so much more involvement by the community.

Then came dinner and a presentation of gifts. Alexandra presented Dr Leong with Coaster of a Tamarind tree and a fan with Sun Yat Sen calligraphi. Justin Sun, Alexandra’s son, presented to Khoo Salma a bronze statue of Sun Yat Sen.

(l/p) Hansen Lau, Dr Leong, Alexandra Sun, Yang Arif Leong Wai Hong . (r/p) Chan Kok Keong, Datuk Hew Choy Kon, Abdur-Razzaq Lubis, Dr Leong 

(l/p) Michael Teh great grandson of Teh Lay Seng, Mrs Teh, Prof Tan Ai Boay. (r/p) Datuk Kwan Foh Kwai, William Leong Oon Soon.

(l/p) Ignatius Chew, Ansell Tan, Dr Leong (r/p) Jacky Chew, Lau Sook Mei, Law Siak Hong

(l/p) Catherine, Dr Beatrice Leong, Sabrina Leong, Dr Lim Hooi Hooi.(r/p) guitarist from China, KC Chan, Pauline Chew, Lau Sook Mei.

Dinner followed and photo posing time. It was an easy night until the students of Nanjing University serenaded us a goodnight with a melodious Auld Lang Syne sung in Chinese.

JAG / KC

"Friends of Marie" Group Visit YLCO Museum

The 'Friends of Marie' group at YLCO Museum, 1 Jalan Lasam, Greentown Ipoh

The group “Friends of Marie” paid a visit to YLCO Museum in June. Marie Lee is the organiser and the friends group are ‘active senior citizens who regularly organize social and recreational outings ie hiking, nature exploration, heritage visits and foodie adventures thus promoting friendship, healthy living and active ageing'. 

Marie's friends (l/r):  Bob, Mrs Bob, Leonie, Joanne, Chan Siew Fong, Teresa Ong, Thong Mee Kuan, Ricky Kong Khop Song, Steven Nyau, Valerie Black, Marie Lee, Michael Lee, Sundralingam, Joanna Woo,  Josephine Cheong, Monica Phong, Joseph Cheong and Dr. Tai Nyok Ling

Marie met Ignatius during a recent event of Professor Gary Lit' talk of Leong Boon Swee and enquired if the group could visit YLCO. She followed up with an official email describing the group and decided the date and time of the visit. She described Ignatius as gacious host who explained that YLCO was housed in a Green Building located at 1 Jalan Lasam and YLCO museum was situated on the 4^th floor.

Marie said that 50% of her senior group were professionals during their working lives. They enjoyed the tour of the museum and got to know some history of Ipoh through the lives of the few families who eventually became prominent members of Ipoh town. The highlight of the tour was taking photos with the displays of Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh which everyone thoroughly enjoyed .

Ignatius Chew introduces the group to 1 Lasam and Ipoh's contribution ...

..and the sights at 1 Lasam .....

outside YLCO museum 

Michael Lee (year of the Dragon holder) and the group in YLCO Museum 

Marie Lee with hubby and friend with Michelle Yeoh display ....

and the group ......

.which was the "highlight of the tour" ......

One in their group was Sundralingam who is a Heritage tour guide. He described Ignatius as very knowledgeable and through his YLCO museum was willing to impart family’s history in detail. “From that one visit I learnt that his grandfather was Chew Boon Juan who started Ban Hoe Seng a century ago and subsequently became the sole distributer of Honda vehicles for Perak

Sundralingam listens attentively to Igantius' explanation ....... 

....others are interested in the family tree ......

Marie presented a fruit basket to Ignatius Chew for a wonderful tour .......

The group presented to Ignatius a fruit basket for an informative and enjoyable tour.

KC

2026 OMPH Church Feast Day – Was A Beautiful Evening

OMPH Church' feast day was a beautiful evening gathering ...... 

The weather was great, the decorations was beautiful and the parishioners were seated well ahead of time for the mass. In short it was perfectly beautiful evening for the Annual Feast Day of Our Mother of Perpetual Church.

the church at 5.45pm ...mass starts at 7pm ......wonderful weather though hot ...

6 rows for the congregations fellowship after mass. annually we average a 2000 congregation..

the Flying Rosary .........

6.15pm, the congregation full house in church and enjoying the air-con listening to the chinese choir

 

This year Parish Priest Fr Joseph Stephens decided to hold the event in Church instead of outdoors. In the past few years the rain threatened and the congregation had to shift indoors halfway through the mass ensuing much confusion. 

Before 7pm all is ready for the entrance ..tents in the front of the church 

to cater for large congregation the church, the hall and outside and tents in front made sure everyone had a seat 

Our Crown bearers and Consecration of Families bearer  

the young ladies crown Our Lady ....

our young man places the book of Consecration of Families ............ 

.......at Our Lady's shrine. The bearers return together  ....

After the Crowning its the start of the Procession around the neighbourhood 

..the order of procession ,,the servers, the children, Mother Mary ...

...and the Ministers followed by the congregation  ...

..the procession returns ....

..Fr Phillip Lai has the Benediction ...nice to see the servers and flower girls throwing flowers.... 

Fr Joe thanked the various committees and congregation for making this night so memorable..please proceed to the fellowship ......  

..just part of the 'fellowship

This year with good planning the mass went by like a breeze from start and ended with a wonderful fellowship. 

KC