Nurturing Communal Harmony - One Man's Dedication

by Loh Sheng Hng (Hwa Chong Institution), SG United Journalist

WHEN racial riots shook Singapore in the 1960s, Captain (retired) Shamsudin Bin Shadan, PPA, was a Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) in the army.

“People were afraid to come out from their houses because they feared for their safety. When the riots were at the peak, there were curfews imposed too that did not allow residents to step out of their homes. The army tried to put a stop to the unrest and protected the civilians in the kampongs,” Mr Shamsudin recounted.

The army patrolled the kampongs regularly to suppress any tension that were present, and to rid residents of their anxieties. "I can still remember talking to the Malay and Chinese villagers and village chiefs to calm them down and get their co-operation to keep things peaceful."

The 1964 Racial Riots were the most-prolonged riots in Singapore’s post-war history which caused 36 deaths and more than 550 injuries.

Mr Shamsudin is the Chairman of the Buona Vista IRCC (Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles)and also the Head of the Kampung Holland Mosque. Now nearing 77 years of age, Mr Shamsudin’s active participation in the IRCC could be attributed to his real-life experience of having seen and felt the horrors of racial unrest. He received his appointment certificate as the Buona Vista IRCC Chairman from Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, at the National IRCC Appointment Ceremony on 29 Mar.

Proud moment: Mr Shamsudin received his appointment certificate as the Buona Vista IRCC Chairman.

Giving examples to how he would encourage racial harmony, he said that taking shoes off before stepping into one’s house or closing the windows when cooking are simple but essential steps that anyone can take, as every little thing counts.

Despite having long working hours as a security executive, Mr Shamsudin manages his time well. “Saturday is time for family bonding and Sunday would be for IRCC work.”

Serving as a third term IRCC member, Mr Shamsudin explained his course of work as keeping an eye on grievances and complaints from the ground, and promoting inter-religious understanding and harmony through events.

Mr Shamsudin’s Buona Vista IRCC ward will be organising a Racial Harmony Day event on the evening of 18 July (Saturday), at the Amphitheatre at Block 2 Holland Close, near the Buona Vista MRT Station.