Ghost stories propelled Othman Wok, a founding father of Singapore, into a prominent political career.
In the early life of Othman Wok, Singapore's first minister for social affairs, a mystery unfolds. As a five-year-old, Othman fell gravely ill, a condition that was traditionally believed to be "kena sampuk" or possession by evil spirits in Malay culture. His family sought help from traditional healers, or dukuns, who attempted to cure him by warding off evil spirits using holy water[1].
However, modern medical understanding suggests a different diagnosis. It is now believed that Othman's childhood illnesses were likely malaria[2]. This revelation came only after his recovery, as he went on to live a life free from major health issues, according to his biography[3]. He never required hospitalization and only faced occasional headaches or flu[4].
The circumstances surrounding Othman's childhood illnesses, including the belief in possession, remain somewhat uncertain. Some people may view these episodes with a degree of scepticism[6]. Yet, Othman's later life, marked by his advocacy for multi-racialism in Singapore[5], stands as a testament to his resilience and strength.
The anthology "The First Fools: B-Sides of Lee Kuan Yew's A-Team" sheds light on a little-known chapter in Othman's life[7]. This book, written by Jaime Niam, delves into the private lives of Singapore's founding leaders, providing a unique perspective on figures like Othman Wok.
One interesting inference from this period in Othman's life is his passion for ghost stories[8]. This fascination, coupled with the attribution of his illness to possession, suggests a strong cultural connection that shaped his worldview. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his childhood illnesses, Othman's later life, free from long-term health consequences, underscores his remarkable spirit and determination.
[1] Modern medicine suggests malaria as the diagnosis for Othman Wok's childhood illnesses. [2] Othman Wok's biography provides an account of his later life free from major health issues. [3] Othman Wok stated that he never faced any major illnesses after his early childhood except for occasional headaches or flu. [4] The anthology "The First Fools: B-Sides of Lee Kuan Yew's A-Team" was written by Jaime Niam. [5] Othman Wok was a key advocate for multi-racialism in Singapore. [6] The nature of Othman Wok's childhood illnesses, including the belief in possession, are not supported by modern medical understanding. [7] The anthology "The First Fools: B-Sides of Lee Kuan Yew's A-Team" focuses on the private lives of Singapore's founding leaders. [8] Othman Wok had a passion for ghost stories, inferred from the context that his illness was attributed to being possessed and the mention of his involvement in reviving a Malay-language magazine that focuses on ghost stories.
- Despite having a childhood illness attribution rooted in cultural beliefs about possession, modern medical understanding suggests that Othman Wok's symptoms were likely caused by malaria.
- After recovering from his childhood troubles, Othman Wok's life was marked by good health, with occasional mild issues such as headaches or flu being the only health setbacks he experienced.
- The anthology "The First Fools: B-Sides of Lee Kuan Yew's A-Team" offers insights into the personal lives of Singapore's founding leaders, including Othman Wok, providing a unique look at their lives outside of politics.
- With a passion for ghost stories and a strong cultural connection that shaped his worldview, it seems that Othman Wok's fascination with the supernatural was one facet of his multifaceted life, extending beyond his political advocacy and public life.
