Bizarre Singaporean Ballad Makes Plea For Seized Tanks

A cargo of Singaporean military vehicles was stopped in Hong Kong late last year; the Chinese government are yet to give them back.

But what could have quickly escalated into a diplomatic incident has been given a humorous touch, as members of the Singaporean Armed Forces have taken a musical approach to events.

Alvin Oon’s song lyrics read:  

"Our island [is] very small, macham kuaci [like dried melon seeds]. No choice, we have to train [in] other countries"

"Why you take my Terrex Chia [car]?"

Mr Oon has said that he wished to "express how the average Singaporean views this ongoing deadlock concisely in a humorous song."

China have not yet given a reason for detaining the nine Terrex armoured carriers, but insist that they are handling the dispute "in accordance with relevant laws."

Mr Oon's song is suffused with national pride and is vocal about what he sees as the unfairness at the unfolding situation.

The three-minute song sings of the humble beginnings of the Singapore military, and expresses a great deal of national pride, along with indignation about the injustice that the SAF have been served.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Oon said that the tune was a "one-man production", and that the lyrics, composure and recording had all been done by himself.

The video has now been viewed over 200,000 times. Mr Oon said of the response the video had received:

"It has been overwhelming, very positive and encouraging."

"Most people expressed how funny it was, saying they found a new national karaoke song. But if you take a look at the comments on my YouTube page, you'll see it's also become a political debate."

Whilst many Singaporeans shared their thoughts on Facebook, noting the Lunar New Year 'bad luck' superstition of not returning someone else's property over the holiday. Mr Oon said:

"We all know that we should not owe people anything and should make good before the new year. Let's hope we can get our vehicles back before the holiday is over."

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