Singapore – Has it really cast of Oppressive Colonialism ?
Postcard Singapore – British Heritage
In 1945, when Hiroshima and Nagasaki disappeared in a nuclear flash, well Japan’s dreams of the great ‘Asian Prosperity Sphere’ were, well and truly radioactive ash!
With Japan defeated and thrown out of occupied Asia, the original occupiers felt free to return. Britain quickly reset about renting out Singapore to the Singaporeans. Not surprisingly the Singaporeans said, “We’d like the property deeds back thank you!” (click this link to read about Singapore’s independence story)
This did not happen till 1965.
So, with the Landlord gone, clearly Singapore loved the British Empire Trinkets left behind.
A considerable part of a considerable National fortune has been spent repurposing such buildings to serve the people of the Republic: Art Galleries, Libraries, Museums, etc.
All first-class stuff!
Sir Stamford Raffles looks down on contemporary Singapore from numerous statues: Wonder what he would think?