8 - Political and National Identities of Peranakan Chinese Leaders in IMS: Before and After Independence

Summary

As this book addresses the issue of Peranakan identities, it is therefore essential for us to examine the concept of political and national identities of a few major Peranakan leaders from the colonial period to after independence. As the situation of IMS differs from country to country, it is therefore imperative for us to have examples from the three countries and a brief comparison between these leaders and their political and national identities. The comparison would definitely throw new light on the characteristics of the Peranakan Chinese in each country and their likely different future.

For the purpose of discussion, two or three Peranakan leaders from each country during the colonial period and two or three leaders from each country after independence have been selected. The selection category is based on the position of the leadership, the influence they had on the Peranakan community, and the availability of information on their thoughts with regards to their political and national identities.

However, it is difficult to differentiate Singapore Peranakan leaders from those of Malaysia (or Malaya). As a matter of fact, both countries had the same leaders before the separation. It is only possible to differentiate Peranakan leaders of the two countries after Singapore left Malaysia and attained an independence status.

Before proceeding further, the Peranakan Chinese situation in IMS needs to be clarified. In Indonesia, the Peranakan Chinese remain quite influential politically as their number has become even larger after Indonesia attained independence, while in Malaysia and Singapore, the traditional Peranakans are declining in number. The leadership position of the Peranakans in Malaysia has gradually been taken over by the non-Peranakan Chinese, as reflected in the MCA leadership. While in Singapore, the leadership position of the Peranakan Chinese in the People’s Action Party (PAP) has been strong, one can also see that Singapore Peranakans are adjusting to the international and national development.

Having mentioned the background, let us look at the Peranakan leaders that are selected in this chapter. For the colonial period, Tjoe Bou San, Kan Hok Hoei and Liem Koen Hian are selected for Indonesia; Lim Boon Keng and Song Ong Siang are selected for both Singapore and Malaya/Malaysia. For the independence period, Siauw Giok Tjhan, Yap Thiam Hien and Abdul Karim Oei Tjeng Hien are selected for Indonesia; Tan Cheng Lock and Lee Kuan Yew are selected for Malaysia and Singapore respectively.