I came across two interesting sites last night while surfing the 'net. The first is by this guy by the name of Pete Biggadike who used to be with the Royal Air Force (UK) and served in Singapore in the late 40s (I think) and early 50s.

What's interesting about the site are the original black and white photographs he has taken of Singapore back then (look for the links with the name "Singapore" in the above link) and the more current ones which he took when he came back here for a visit in 2001.

The differences are obvious and the poor guy could no longer recognise the country anymore. The only thing that has remained is the street names.

Anyway, it is interesting to see what our little red dot looked like back then and I could faintly recognised some buildings in Sembawang that still existed when I was in navy school.

The second site hosted the pictures and video clips of the recent wedding of DYTM Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, the Raja Muda of Perak (crown prince) and Zara Salim Davidson, now DYTM Raja Puan Besar Tuanku Zara Salim of Perak. It is interesting because for once, you get to see how royal Malay weddings are conducted (much like your ordinary Malay ones) with all the accompanying pomp and pageantry (toned down somewhat for this wedding at the request of the Raja Muda).

Both of them are quite successful academically, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah has a PhD in Political Economy and Government from Harvard and Tuanku Zara Salim has 1st Class Honours in Chemical Engineering from University of Nottingham, and both are also rather successful in their careers.

Well, the Perak royal family (descendants of the last sultan of Malacca) has always been relatively more accomplished, polished and civil compared with some others. And I guess it's only natural that the Raja Muda would marry someone well-educated and accomplished like Tuanku Zara.

Her surname reflects the fact that her father is British, William Davidson who is a lawyer practising in Malaysia.

Incidentally, she also happens to be the great-granddaughter of Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah of Kedah through her mother's side. You can check out the rest of her lineage and personal history at her wikipedia entry.

One thing's for sure is that she is pretty. Check out the wedding at this site.

It would be interesting if Singapore still has its own constitutional monarchy. At least it would make things more glamorous than a colourless and dour "elected" president.

Labels: history, malaysia, royalty, singapore