Page 135 - Stories from our Grandparents

During my time, although World War 2 has ended, everyone was
quarrelling and fighting. Singapore had to face problems such as riots.
I wanted to live in a world where there was peace and no war.
Mdm Asmah Mispan Born 1949 I had hoped that one day Singapore would have peace and no social
problems. Years passed and it felt like it was just yesterday that my
By Adriana Binte Irmady mother told me to get a job. There were not many jobs I could take
Ping Yi Secondary School
up, so I decided to be a parking attendant.
Working as a parking attendant might seem like an easy job but
it was quite tough. It required stamina and I had to socialise
My name is Asmah
Mispan. I’m 69 this with people. I once faced a problem and it was very unpleasant.
year. I miss the old I was putting the slip indicating that the owner of the car did
Mdays or as I call it, not park the car properly so I had to fine him. When I was
The Kampung Days. At that time As I grew up, I experienced putting the slip on the car, the owner saw me and
children were spotted changes. In the past, people started to argue with me. Luckily,
playing some traditional would come together and “I am I was near a coffee
games such as Flag celebrate their differences but as honoured to be
Eraser, Five Stones the years passed, people started
and many more. having disagreements that led to a Singaporean and I
My father used arguments and those arguments am glad that Singapore
to tell me stories then led to riots. My parents is now an independent nation.
about Singapore imposed curfews and I did not There is no place I’d rather be.
and its history. He have freedom. They were very
told me the legends of strict and I was restricted from This is my home. This is
Singapore and how it got leaving the house. I was frustrated where I belong.”
its name. The legend of Badang and I thought that it was unfair shop and a man
was my favourite! My father also that I had to stay in the house helped to defend me.
told me that Singapore was under while my parents were able to go I thanked the man and he offered
the Japanese Occupation and out. However, I was lucky that my me a cup of coffee. I still couldn’t forget
how aeroplanes were dropping parents were protective as I heard about that incident up until now.
bombs all across Singapore. stories of people dying as a result
of the riots.
Nowadays, I see people helping
one another and showing care.
There are no more riots and
Singapore is peaceful.

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