Lim Bo Seng The Chinese Hero

Transcript:

One noted Chinese hero during the Japanese occupation of Singapura was Lim Bo Seng.

During the war, Lim was a leader of Force 136 and was involved in intelligence gathering against the Japanese occupiers. He died on 29 June 1944 in Gopeng, Perak after he was tortured by the Kempeitai. It is often noted that during interrogation, Lim refused to give the Japanese any information about his network or their activities.

What people rarely mention is that Lim was betrayed by Chua Koon Eng after his own capture.

But more importantly, it should be remembered that Lim’s concern was never for Singapura. He had spent years (even before the Japanese invaded Singapura) fighting against Japanese interests in defence of China. He led the boycott of Japanese goods from the beginning of Japan’s war with China and raised money for the China Relief Fund.

Lim left when the Japanese advanced on Singapura. He went to India, met with Chinese leaders, and worked as a liaison between the British and the Kuomintang government. He worked closely with the British because Britain and China shared the same enemy: Japan.

Lim Bo Seng showed courage and commitment. But let us be clear about who he fought for.

His commitment and loyalty was to China.  Not Singapura.

Lim Bo Seng should be recognise as a hero.

But not for Singapura.

He should be recognised as a hero for China.

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