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Let the People Have Him: Chiam See Tong: The Early Years
Selected by Mothership.SG as one of the Top 10 local non-fiction books of 2014
3rd Prize Winner of Popular Readers' Choice Award 2015, English (Adult) Category
Chiam See Tong (b. 1935) is Singapore’s longest serving opposition politician. A member of parliament for nearly three decades, Chiam is also one of Singapore’s most iconic, influential and beloved political figures. Through his efforts in shaping Potong Pasir into a “model constituency”, the veteran statesman has greatly contributed towards an increasingly pluralistic Singapore.
When he first entered politics in 1976, there was not a single opposition member in Parliament. As the founder of the Singapore Democratic Party, and later the Singapore People’s Party, Chiam has long rallied for the need of an opposition as the essential democratic check on a one-party system. He is respected for his level-headed and non-confrontational stance, and is the only opposition member to have received public apologies and out-of-court damages from cabinet ministers of Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party.
Based on extensive interviews, family documents and party archives, Let the People Have Him is the first biography of an opposition politician from post-independence Singapore—a biography of a man who, through his accomplishments and devotion, struggled to build a fairer, more balanced and diverse country.
Tracing the first half of a life fully lived, this book sheds light on Chiam’s circuitous and colourful route to Parliament at the age of 49—from his revolutionary family background to his days as a champion school swimmer; from his political awakening in New Zealand to his stint as an inspiring school teacher in Malaysia; from training as a lawyer to his cross-continental romance with his wife Lina; from standing as an independent candidate in 1976 to winning the Potong Pasir seat in 1984 as the leader of the fledging Singapore Democratic Party. Let the People Have Him draws a humanistic picture of Chiam in his early days—as his country changed around him before he was to change it—while revealing the guiding values that have made this humble and unassuming man revered for generations to come.
3rd Prize Winner of Popular Readers' Choice Award 2015, English (Adult) Category
Chiam See Tong (b. 1935) is Singapore’s longest serving opposition politician. A member of parliament for nearly three decades, Chiam is also one of Singapore’s most iconic, influential and beloved political figures. Through his efforts in shaping Potong Pasir into a “model constituency”, the veteran statesman has greatly contributed towards an increasingly pluralistic Singapore.
When he first entered politics in 1976, there was not a single opposition member in Parliament. As the founder of the Singapore Democratic Party, and later the Singapore People’s Party, Chiam has long rallied for the need of an opposition as the essential democratic check on a one-party system. He is respected for his level-headed and non-confrontational stance, and is the only opposition member to have received public apologies and out-of-court damages from cabinet ministers of Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party.
Based on extensive interviews, family documents and party archives, Let the People Have Him is the first biography of an opposition politician from post-independence Singapore—a biography of a man who, through his accomplishments and devotion, struggled to build a fairer, more balanced and diverse country.
Tracing the first half of a life fully lived, this book sheds light on Chiam’s circuitous and colourful route to Parliament at the age of 49—from his revolutionary family background to his days as a champion school swimmer; from his political awakening in New Zealand to his stint as an inspiring school teacher in Malaysia; from training as a lawyer to his cross-continental romance with his wife Lina; from standing as an independent candidate in 1976 to winning the Potong Pasir seat in 1984 as the leader of the fledging Singapore Democratic Party. Let the People Have Him draws a humanistic picture of Chiam in his early days—as his country changed around him before he was to change it—while revealing the guiding values that have made this humble and unassuming man revered for generations to come.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
5 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Loke Hoe Yeong
5 books4 followersLoke Hoe Yeong is Associate Fellow at the European Union Centre in Singapore, and was formerly Research Analyst at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs. He holds an MSc in Comparative Politics from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Since 2014, he has been Assistant Secretary-General of the Singapore People's Party.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 7, 2014
It is an entertaining read about Chiam's life. The narrative about Chiam's early years till he got into parliament in 1984 was well-written and touching. I could feel a connection with Chiam's life, especially with his personal side and this is due to Loke's writing.
What was enlightening was that the book provided a first-hand (maybe not first) look into how the SDP and how Chiam operated during the early years of his political career. Something that you cannot get out of other books that are on the market right now. I wonder if more will be revealed in the second part of the memoir.
However, I do not like how Loke broke the flow of the narrative by inserting dry facts of certain key political events in Singapore's history. I felt that he should have incorporated that into his narrative and that would make reading this book much more enjoyable. Some of the facts that Loke brought up didn't figure in much in the narration, if it did I couldn't detect it. Maybe he should have removed that section if it wasn't significant enough.
Maybe it is just me, but at some points the book was bordering on being a hagiography for Chiam, but Loke managed to pull it back just in time.
Nonetheless, despite its flaw, it is a book I would recommend anyone to read if you want to know about Chiam See Tong and how politics in Singapore was like in the 70s and 80s.
What was enlightening was that the book provided a first-hand (maybe not first) look into how the SDP and how Chiam operated during the early years of his political career. Something that you cannot get out of other books that are on the market right now. I wonder if more will be revealed in the second part of the memoir.
However, I do not like how Loke broke the flow of the narrative by inserting dry facts of certain key political events in Singapore's history. I felt that he should have incorporated that into his narrative and that would make reading this book much more enjoyable. Some of the facts that Loke brought up didn't figure in much in the narration, if it did I couldn't detect it. Maybe he should have removed that section if it wasn't significant enough.
Maybe it is just me, but at some points the book was bordering on being a hagiography for Chiam, but Loke managed to pull it back just in time.
Nonetheless, despite its flaw, it is a book I would recommend anyone to read if you want to know about Chiam See Tong and how politics in Singapore was like in the 70s and 80s.
September 16, 2015
Be aware that the author is the assistant secretary-general of the SPP, and thus paints Chiam in a way in which he can do no wrong. Having said that the PAP has been highlighting his flaws (relevant, perceived or otherwise) for a very long time, so I suppose that can be forgiven.
Covers from his childhood to him winning the 1984 contest for Potong Pasir.
Things I learnt:
He did his undergraduate studies (Science) in New Zealand, where he was exposed to social democratic policies and the welfare state. This triggered his political awakening, so to speak.
His first job was at a school in Ruab, Malaysia where he, an anglicised city-boy, experienced kampong life. It would be the model on which he strove to emulate with Potong Pasir.
Chiam struggled in chemistry yet ended up teaching it. His experience of struggling as a student gave him an innate understanding of his students' fear and dread over abstract chemistry equations.
Apparently there was a disagreement between PSA and HDB over whose responsibility it was to resettle residents displaced by the new container complex in Anson. Let this be a reminder that public service is about serving the public, not passing the baton.
The Howe Yoon Chong report proposed raising the retirement and CPF withdrawal age from 55 to 60 and then 65. Its conclusions were a set of recommendations made logically in response to a study of problems facing elderly Singaporeans. But it was made insensitively and without due consideration to the peoples' concerns about raising CPF withdrawal age. The plan to raise it in stages did little to calm agitated workers. Neither did it help that the minister that led and delivered the report was a straight talking, unsentimental person.
_______
The impression of CST I gained from this book is that he was a jovial person who always placed Singapore first. This is best encapsulated in his maiden speech in Parliament:
"Mr Speaker, Sir, this is my first debate in Parliament and I believe that at the outset I would like to state my position in relation to Parliament and in relation to the nation.
I shall be a loyal opposition, loyal to the Constitution, loyal to the nation, but not loyal to the ruling party. My role in Parliament is to contribute to nation-building. We are a very young country and we have much to do in terms of nation building. Nation building must not be the sole concern of the ruling party. The opposition is equally responsible in nation building. In fact, the whole nation must be responsible for that."
Covers from his childhood to him winning the 1984 contest for Potong Pasir.
Things I learnt:
He did his undergraduate studies (Science) in New Zealand, where he was exposed to social democratic policies and the welfare state. This triggered his political awakening, so to speak.
His first job was at a school in Ruab, Malaysia where he, an anglicised city-boy, experienced kampong life. It would be the model on which he strove to emulate with Potong Pasir.
Chiam struggled in chemistry yet ended up teaching it. His experience of struggling as a student gave him an innate understanding of his students' fear and dread over abstract chemistry equations.
Apparently there was a disagreement between PSA and HDB over whose responsibility it was to resettle residents displaced by the new container complex in Anson. Let this be a reminder that public service is about serving the public, not passing the baton.
The Howe Yoon Chong report proposed raising the retirement and CPF withdrawal age from 55 to 60 and then 65. Its conclusions were a set of recommendations made logically in response to a study of problems facing elderly Singaporeans. But it was made insensitively and without due consideration to the peoples' concerns about raising CPF withdrawal age. The plan to raise it in stages did little to calm agitated workers. Neither did it help that the minister that led and delivered the report was a straight talking, unsentimental person.
_______
The impression of CST I gained from this book is that he was a jovial person who always placed Singapore first. This is best encapsulated in his maiden speech in Parliament:
"Mr Speaker, Sir, this is my first debate in Parliament and I believe that at the outset I would like to state my position in relation to Parliament and in relation to the nation.
I shall be a loyal opposition, loyal to the Constitution, loyal to the nation, but not loyal to the ruling party. My role in Parliament is to contribute to nation-building. We are a very young country and we have much to do in terms of nation building. Nation building must not be the sole concern of the ruling party. The opposition is equally responsible in nation building. In fact, the whole nation must be responsible for that."
November 26, 2014
An overly fawning account intent on replicating the same tone and position as The Singapore Story but with none of the insight or incisiveness. Decently written, with an easy to follow (if slightly repetitive) style.
Nevertheless, a short but not decidedly unproductive read.
Nevertheless, a short but not decidedly unproductive read.
December 24, 2014
Reads like a novel of the rise of Singapore's opposition in the 70s and 80s. Inspirational and entertaining. Couldn't put it down though it's obviously a bias source and therefore shouldn't be taken as the full historic truth.
August 16, 2019
A compilation of interesting anecdotes, marred by a mediocre writing style peppered with anachronistic insertions coloured by an obvious bias (the writer is the Assistant Secretary-General of the SPP, the opposition party Chiam is Secretary-General of).
December 22, 2014
For all political junkies - great autobiography!!
October 30, 2016
if i want someone to like the person i am writing about, i would write like how loke hoe yeong does - he doesn't treat his subject like a god, he treats him like human being who managed to be good.
August 13, 2019
I was pretty surprised to see the library promoting a book like this that outright talks about the ruling party's history in attempting to discredit opposition party candidate Chiam See Tong, who turned out to be the longest serving opposition party Member of Parliament (MP) in Singapore's history. Since this book was put in the spotlight and I was curious about Singapore's political history, I decided to borrow it anyway. Let The People Have Him chronicles Chiam's childhood and upbringing, all the way to his first election victory and winning the Potong Pasir constituency for the first time after three previous failed attempts. It covers his unexpected entry into politics and the uphill struggle he faced in fighting against the People's Action Party (PAP) and the underhanded tactics they had used at times to retain power in the government.
Even though this book has Chiam as its main focus, it is very hard to separate his political beginnings with the actions of PAP. I had always heard that PAP was a different force back then and the tactics they used were authoritarian in a way but the accounts this book shares truly exposes what they were doing with Operation Coldstore and the Internal Security Act. You truly understand why many thought that a kind-hearted gentleman like Chiam, who spent years as a patient and caring teacher before becoming a lawyer, was unsuitable and at risk of danger in such a field. The arrogance and elitism that PAP demonstrated at times was truly repulsive and so were their attempts in consolidating power and discrediting opposition. Considering how PAP has toned down their efforts today, I would say that Chiam's rise as a force to be reckoned with and taken seriously served as a wake up call to PAP.
Let The People Have Him was an insightful look into Chiam See Tong's life and the political landscape of Singapore in the 1970s and 1980s. At times it felt like the book might have been biased but there were attempts at remaining objective that cannot be discounted. Overall, I truly enjoyed reading this book and felt like I really learned more about the nation's history and the importance of opposition parties in parliament. 4/5
Even though this book has Chiam as its main focus, it is very hard to separate his political beginnings with the actions of PAP. I had always heard that PAP was a different force back then and the tactics they used were authoritarian in a way but the accounts this book shares truly exposes what they were doing with Operation Coldstore and the Internal Security Act. You truly understand why many thought that a kind-hearted gentleman like Chiam, who spent years as a patient and caring teacher before becoming a lawyer, was unsuitable and at risk of danger in such a field. The arrogance and elitism that PAP demonstrated at times was truly repulsive and so were their attempts in consolidating power and discrediting opposition. Considering how PAP has toned down their efforts today, I would say that Chiam's rise as a force to be reckoned with and taken seriously served as a wake up call to PAP.
Let The People Have Him was an insightful look into Chiam See Tong's life and the political landscape of Singapore in the 1970s and 1980s. At times it felt like the book might have been biased but there were attempts at remaining objective that cannot be discounted. Overall, I truly enjoyed reading this book and felt like I really learned more about the nation's history and the importance of opposition parties in parliament. 4/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2021
This book covers Chiam See Tong's life from his early years until his first election in 1984. I have not known or cared much about Singaporean politics for many years, and have thus only known Chiam as "the legendary opposition MP from Potong Pasir."
This book sheds more personal light on his life and his upbringing, and perhaps explains why Chiam conducted himself in the way he did during his time as a politician. Much of his humble and friendly nature can be attributed to family influences during his youth, while his political ideologies come from discussions during his studies (both in New Zealand and the United Kingdom).
I think this book does well in capturing the significance of Chiam's election in 1984. In the later parts of the book, it is evident that the PAP plays for keeps in all its elections. During Chiam's first attempts, he had to face PAP heavyweights including Lim Kim San (then Minister for National Development), Howe Yoon Chong (then Minister of Defence, and later Minister of Health), and a host of other PAP figures (including Lee Kuan Yew and Devan Nair) cheering from the sidelines. For Chiam to have won the election in Potong Pasir was a historic moment - it was the first time the SDP had ever won in an election, and it was the first time in two decades that the opposition had won in an election (not counting J B Jeyaretnam's victory in the Anson by-election).
Overall, I think this is a pleasant read and a good, short, histoy of one of Singapore's most famous opposition politicians.
This book sheds more personal light on his life and his upbringing, and perhaps explains why Chiam conducted himself in the way he did during his time as a politician. Much of his humble and friendly nature can be attributed to family influences during his youth, while his political ideologies come from discussions during his studies (both in New Zealand and the United Kingdom).
I think this book does well in capturing the significance of Chiam's election in 1984. In the later parts of the book, it is evident that the PAP plays for keeps in all its elections. During Chiam's first attempts, he had to face PAP heavyweights including Lim Kim San (then Minister for National Development), Howe Yoon Chong (then Minister of Defence, and later Minister of Health), and a host of other PAP figures (including Lee Kuan Yew and Devan Nair) cheering from the sidelines. For Chiam to have won the election in Potong Pasir was a historic moment - it was the first time the SDP had ever won in an election, and it was the first time in two decades that the opposition had won in an election (not counting J B Jeyaretnam's victory in the Anson by-election).
Overall, I think this is a pleasant read and a good, short, histoy of one of Singapore's most famous opposition politicians.
September 5, 2019
An excellent researched and written book on the man, Mr. Chiam See Tong, who dared to challenge the PAP, the mighty ruling party of Singapore. The book shares his personal life and political development as well as what he stood for. Indeed, many issues he fought for as an opposition parliamentarian are still relevant in Singapore today. A highly recommended read for those who are interested in opposition politics in Singapore!
April 12, 2020
Interesting read that I couldn’t put down. Was very insight to learn about Mr Chiam’s life from his early days to how he got into politics. Very interesting to see things from the oppositions point of view that you wouldn’t have learn about otherwise.
December 19, 2015
Believe many Singaporeans (or at least I do) view Mr Chiam as the representation of a balanced opposition member, one who does not oppose for the sake of opposing. But such an impression is actually formed from past reports, articles etc, as I've never had the privilege of having Mr Chiam as my Member of Parliament. And I was not even born when he first won the seat in 1984.
But through this book, I thought I got to know Mr Chiam better as a person, his beliefs and convictions, instead of just a political personality. Sure the book is subjective and events would have been presented in a way that's somewhat more favourable to him, but then again, which biography / memoir isn't?
All in all, interesting to learn about the past of Mr Chiam and what moulded him into his persona. The second part of the biography should be equally, if not more interesting, probably focusing on the issues that he had contested during his years as MP?
But through this book, I thought I got to know Mr Chiam better as a person, his beliefs and convictions, instead of just a political personality. Sure the book is subjective and events would have been presented in a way that's somewhat more favourable to him, but then again, which biography / memoir isn't?
All in all, interesting to learn about the past of Mr Chiam and what moulded him into his persona. The second part of the biography should be equally, if not more interesting, probably focusing on the issues that he had contested during his years as MP?
May 4, 2015
"Unless the people have political rights, they cannot secure the economic rights that are theirs" - Jeyaretnam
March 21, 2015
Quite an easy read despite the subject matter! Not the biggest political junkie but the story read well and I enjoyed the short snappy sentences. It was nice getting to know Lina Chiam too.
November 4, 2015
Brilliant. A must-read for fellow Singaporeans.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews