The Japanese Occupation
Kaboom! Well that was how Singapore went up in flames under the attacks of the Japanese. Sob! I remember.....it was a sad day. Just when it was the Chinese New Year Eve, these terrible Japanese must come all the way through Malaya and attack us. Sob! Singapore was invaded by the Japanese forces and was surrendered to them on 15 February 1942. The island was renamed "Syonan-to" by the Japanese. All existing courts ceased to function when the Japanese Occupation began. It was a terrible era to live in. Sob!
I could still vividly remember that the courts were re-opened by a Proclamation dated 27 May 1942, which stated:
"With the restoration of peace and order in Malaya and for the proper protection of the people, the Civil, Criminal and Supreme Courts have been re-opened to try civil and criminal cases, except military offenders. Without prejudice to the functioning of the Military Administration, the jurisdiction of these civil courts is confined to civil and criminal cases only.
For the time being, the functioning of these courts follows the former system. These codes of laws of these courts are adapted from the former laws in so far as they do not interfere with the authority of the Military Administration.
Finally, the Syonan Supreme Court or "Syonan Koto-Hoin" was opened on 29 May 1942. A Court of Appeal was also created, but alas! It was just a puppet as it was never sat. Sob!
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