Paths Not Taken: Political Pluralism in Post-War Singapore

by Michael D. Barr (Editor), Carl A. Trocki (Editor), E. Kay Gillis (Contributor)

Singapore's era of pluralism between the 1950s and 1970s was a time of extraordinary cultural, intellectual and political dynamism. Students, labour unions, ambitious political contenders, and representatives of the various ethnic communities all stepped forward to offer alternate visions of Singapore’s future from across the entire political spectrum. They generated a ferment of ideologies, priorities, perspectives and social visions such as mainstream 'official' Singapore politics had never known before and has not seen since.

Post World War II histories generally follow a central theme of progress to establish the PAP political, economic and social model. Alternatives receive cursory treatment as problems, false starts, or difficulties to be overcome. This book reveals a more complex situation that involved a much larger cast of significant players, and gives due weight to the middle years of the twentieth century as a period that offered real alternatives, rather than a chaotic age before the dawn.

The book will remind older Singaporeans of pages from their past, and will provide a younger generation with a novel perspective at their country’s past struggles. For outside observers, it offers a fascinating glimpse of a side of Singapore that has received relatively little attention.

Genres: History

306 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2009

Reviews

[Amanda Chia · Rating 5 out of 5]

worth re-reading to remind oneself of the price paid for surrendering pluralism.

[Xing Yi Ngiam · Rating 4 out of 5]

It doesn't read particularly well because of the unevenness of the contributors' writing quality, but it's an important thematic addition to the writing of Singapore's history.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't quite agree with the conclusions raised from some of the historical facts raised, but it was an interesting read nonetheless. And I'd encourage anybody interested in Singapore to read it, whether you end up agreeing with the authors or not.

[Yogesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this. Amazing insights into less explored topics of modern Singapore's history. Particularly loved the chapters on internationalist nationalism in the 50's, the chapter on David Marshall, the competing politics of left-wing trade unions and student activism, and the chapters on press freedom and AWARE's history. Personally I've always found Singapore's history to be suffocated by the elite party's history, and reading historical accounts that go beyond was an amazing way to rekindle my interest in our history.