Here lies Mdm Tan Siok Hui. Her Ming tombstone stands before us a silent testament to a life lived centuries ago. This isn’t just any tombstone. It’s a unique artifact hinting at the complex history of Singapore. Mdm Tan was the second wife of Chua Moh Choon a powerful figure in 19th-century Singapore. Chua was a leader of the Yi Heng a huge secret society. He controlled businesses cinemas even brothels. He was a big name.
Chua died in 1879. Mdm Tan’s death followed in 1889. Their graves were located on Choon Kok Hill now near Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 and Upper Thomson Road. Chua and his first wife’s tombs disappeared years ago. Only Mdm Tan’s remains.
Notice the inscription. It reads “Ming Lady Moh Long Siok Hui Chua Family Mdm Tan buried in 1889”. The unusual phrase “Ming Lady” is key. It reveals the pro-Ming anti-Qing sentiments of some groups in that era. Even though the tombstone was erected during the Qing Dynasty it uses Ming terminology. This was a bold statement. It indicated strong loyalty to a fallen dynasty.
The tombstone is more than a marker. It’s a symbol of resistance. It shows the lasting power of identity and belief even under oppressive rule. The grave itself was mysteriously robbed of its coffin sometime recently. Only the tombstone and a few other items remain. This strange exhumation puzzles investigators. The authorities deny involvement. The mystery remains.
Today the Ming tombstone stands as a poignant reminder. It reminds us of Singapore’s layered past. It shows the hidden stories in plain sight. It’s a piece of living history. A silent observer of Singapore’s transformation. Let’s leave the Ming tombstone in quiet respect. Let’s reflect on the legacy it represents.