Charles Joseph Pemberton Paglar

Charles Joseph Pemberton Paglar (b. 1 September 1894, Alor Gajah, Perak - d. 9 December 1954, Singapore), surgeon, member of the Legislative Council, philanthropist, and sports patron, was a prominent Eurasian leader. During the Japanese Occupation, he was coerced to serve as the president of the Japanese-sponsored Eurasian Welfare Association - a connection which led to his indictment for treason by the British after the war. Paglar was not convicted as the case was withdrawn.

Early Life
Born in Perak to a British father and Indian mother, Paglar was orphaned and adopted by Alexander John Francis Paglar, a Catholic Eurasian planter, miner, magistrate, and justice of peace in Malacca. He received his education at a convent in Penang and the St Francis Institution in Malacca.  In 1910, he obtained the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Scholarship, and studied at the King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore where he graduated in 1917

Medical Career
During the First World War, he served as a medical staff sergeant of the field ambulance unit at the Military Hospital on Belakang Mati (present-day Sentosa) from 1914 to 1916. After graduation, he worked as an assistant house surgeon at the Singapore General Hospital. In 1920, Paglar set up his private practice at Joo Chiat which led to the establishment of the Paglar Maternity and Nursing Home (where the East Shore Hospital now stands). Besides his medical practice at Joo Chiat, Paglar also ran other clinics and pharmacies, such as the Paglar Pharmacy at North Bridge Road. In 1926, Paglar furthered his studies in Edinburgh, specialising in gynecology. He also completed other post-graduate work in Java, Syria, France and Germany.

Paglar became known for his excellent medical skills and in 1930, was appointed as the personal physician to the Sultan of Johore. For his contributions, Paglar was conferred the title of "Dato" in 1948 on the occasion of the Sultan's birthday.

Japanese Occupation

In the days leading to the fall of Singapore, Paglar served as the surgeon-in-charge at an emergency hospital for war casualties operated by the Medical Auxiliary Service at Yeok Eng School in Tanjong Katong. There, he provided free treatment to war victims and the sick. During the Occupation, the Japanese made him the president of the Eurasian Welfare Association to carry out their orders. In those days, the Japanese regarded the Eurasians with suspicion due to their close affiliation with the British. Paglar understood the dangers to the community if they did not have an official go-between with the Japanese, and agreed to take up the post.  However some people did not understand him, and regarded him as a collaborator. Paglar was further implicated for his role in the resettlement of the Eurasian community in Bahau, and in the reading of a speech pledging support for the Japanese at the birthday celebrations of the Japanese Emperor. Nevertheless, Paglar continued to help his community by providing medical aid, money, clothing and job assistance. He would treat patients with medicine bought with his own money, and was known to never turn away anyone with a medical need, regardless of his nationality or station in life. After the Bahau Settlement was established, Paglar would make monthly trips through guerilla-controlled areas, to deliver his own medical supplies to the settlers.

Treason Trial
After the Japanese surrendered, Paglar was imprisoned at Outram Road and charged with treason by the British. At the trial on 26 January 1946, the Chief Welfare Officer of the Japanese Administration, Mamoru Shinozaki, gave evidence that it was he who wrote the speeches of the community leaders, and that Paglar had acted under his direction in order to protect the Eurasian community. Paglar was not convicted but neither was he acquitted as the judge had adjourned the trial until Paglar's natural death.

Contributions to Society

After Paglar was freed, he continued to lead the Eurasian community, and was President of the Singapore Recreation Club from 1946 until his demise in 1954. He was known for his generosity and gave his time, energy, and money in support of many charitable and sporting organisations. These include the Singapore Family Benefit Society, Adult Education Board, Singapore Table Tennis Association, Singapore Amateur Boxing Association, Singapore Amateur Weight Lifting Federation, Malayan Football Association, Singapore Young Malayans Club, Liberty Musical and Dramatic Association, Singapore Boy Scouts and St. John Ambulance Brigade.

Paglar was also instrumental in the formation of the Yio Chu Kang Youth Club and the Katong Boys Club where youths could spend their time purposely. He also built a Tamil school for children at Wing Loong Road, and contributed to a mosque for the Malay villages in Ponggol. Another instance of his philanthropic spirit was his donation to the construction of the Singapore Badminton Hall. Not only did he give twice, but he also rallied others to contribute as well.

Political Contributions

In 1951, Paglar was elected as a member of the Legislative Council for Changi under the ticket of the Singapore Progressive Party. He held the seat until his death. During his term, he spoke up on many issues which affected the common man, such as housing, education, protection for workers and businesses, and accountability in government revenue and investments.

Death

On 3 December 1954, Paglar suffered a stroke and was admitted at the Singapore General Hospital. He succumbed to a heart attack a few days later on 9 December 1954 and passed away at the age of 60. The funeral service was held at St. Joseph's Church and thousands turned up at the funeral procession. His body was laid to rest at the Bidadari Cemetery. In memoriam, a Paglar Ambulance Division was established in the St. John Ambulance Brigade and the Paglar Cabin of the Singapore Scouts Association at Jurong Park was also named after him.

Family

1^st wife: M. Kathleen Paglar (divorced)

2nd wife: Mani Lim Geok Neo

3rd wife: Baby Quek

4th  wife: Emily Paglar

Children: Ethel Barbara Kinna nee Paglar, Rene Paglar, Eric Paglar, Kenneth Paglar and Hana Paglar



Author
Joshua Chia Yeong Jia



References
4,000 at funeral of Dato Paglar [Microfilm: NL 1772] (1954, December 13). The Straits Times, p. 7

Braga-Blake, M. (Ed.). (1992). Singapore Eurasians: Memories and hopes (pp. 83-84). Singapore: Times Editions.  
(Call no.: RSING 305.80405957 SIN)

Channel Newsasia (2007). Eurasian community launches first-ever university scholarship. Retrieved November 29, 2008 from http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/259329/1/.html

Chew, R. (interviewer). (1984, July 18). Oral history interview with Mr Ronald Milne on Communities of Singapore (Eurasian) [electronic transcript]. Retrieved November 28, 2008, from http://www.a2o.com.sg

Council to pay tribute to Paglar [Microfilm: NL 1772] (1954, December 11). The Straits Times, p. 5.

Datin Paglar for Jakarta [Microfilm: NL 2502) (1950, June 4). The Straits Times, p. 5.

Dato Paglar [Microfilm: NL 2507] (1951, April 24). The Straits Times, p. 5.

Decree Nisi granted to doctors wife [Microfilm: NL 1798]. (1940, October 17). The Straits Times, p. 11.

Explain tax and you'll get money - Paglar [Microfilm: NL 2629 ] (1952, March 22). The Straits Times, p. 7.

Give aid to employers, says Paglar [Microfilm: NL 3305] (1953, August 5). The Straits Times, p. 5.

The Hall: Donations rolling in (1951, July 1). The Straits Times, p. 18.

He demands minimum wage scales for colony workers [Microfilm: NL 2630 ] (1952, May 9). The Straits Times, p. 10.

Honoured by the Sultan [Microfilm: NL 5337] (1948, September 18). The Straits Times, p. 4.

Koh, T. & [et al.]. (Eds.). (2006). Singapore: The encyclopedia (p. 401-402). Singapore: Editions Didier Millet in association with the National Heritage Board.
(Call no.: RSING 959.57003 SIN)

The late Mr. J. F. Paglar: Appreciation of popular Malacca planter [Microfilm: NL 489] (1921, December 30). The Straits Times, p. 10.

Lee, G. B. (2005). The Syonan years: Singapore under Japanese rule 1942-1945 (p. 118). Singapore: National Archives of Singapore and Epigram.
(Call no.: RSING 940.53957 LEE)

Lim, J. (interviewer). (1999, May 10). Oral history interview with Dr. N. Varaprasad on Story of Joo Chiat Changing Landscapes & Community [electronic transcript]. Retrieved November 28, 2008, from http://www.a2o.com.sg

Low, L. L. (interviewer). (1983, August-October). Oral history interview with Mr Eric C Paglar on the Japanese Occupation of Singapore [electronic transcript]. Retrieved November 28, 2008, from http://www.a2o.com.sg

Paglar Cabin opened [Microfilm: NL 1820] (1955, August 7). The Straits Times, p. 11.

Paglar dies in his sleep [Microfilm: NL 1772] (1954, December 9). Singapore Standard, p. 1, 7.

Paglar dies in hospital [Microfilm: NL 1772 ] (1954, December 9). The Straits Times, p. 1.

Paglar Division for St. John [Microfilm: NL 1818] (1955, June 17). The Straits Times, p. 4.

Paglar wants to know Paglar wants to know Paglar wants to know [Microfilm: NL 1769] (1954, July 9). The Straits Times, p. 5.

ParkwayHealth (2007-2008). East Shore: A Parkwayhealth Hospital. Retrieved November 28, 2008, from http://www.parkwayhealth.com/Hospitals/Singapore/ESH/beginings.asp

Pitt, K. W. (interviewer). (2005, September 19). Oral history interview with Mr Rudy William Mosbergen [electronic transcript]. Retrieved November 28, 2008, from http://www.a2o.com.sg

Shelly Rex. (2010).  Dr Paglar: Everyman's hero. Singapore: Published for the Eurasian Association by Straits Times Press. 

(Call no.: RSING 610.92 SHE)

Shinozaki, M. (1992). Syonan - my story: The Japanese occupation of Singapore (pp. 105-108).  Singapore: Times Books International.
(Call no.: RSING 959.57023 SHI)

Some prominent Eurasians. (2006, April 15). The Straits Times. Retrieved November 28, 2008, from Factiva database.

Tan, L. (interviewer). (1983, August 13). Oral history interview with Annie Wilson Oehlers (Lady) on Women Through The Years: Economic & Family Lives [electronic transcript]. Retrieved November 28, 2008, from http://www.a2o.com.sg

Tributes to Dato Paglar pouring in [Microfilm: NL 1772] (1954, December 10). The Straits Times, p. 9.

Youths to be entertained [Microfilm: NL 1767 ] (1954, April 7). The Straits Times, p. 5.

Further Reading
Tan Beng Luan (1996). The Japanese occupation 1942-1945 :  a pictorial record of Singapore during the war (p. 95). Singapore :  Times Editions
(Call no.: RSING 940.5395 TAN)


The information in this article is valid as at 2010 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject.  Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.