Year 1981
RSAF pilot safe after crash in Luzon
Monday, 26th August 1985
A Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) pilot, Captain Tan Jui Song, ejected safely when his A-4 Skyhawk crashed in Central Luzon in the Philippines. Capt Tan was rescued by a United States Air Force helicopter operating from Clark Air Base.
First Reserve Recall
Monday, 8th July 1985
For the first time, SAF recall code names were flashed across cinema and TV screens and announced over radio and Rediffusion. Sea King, Fire Fly, Rare Gem and Baby Tooth were the first names used for units affected by the open mobilisation exercise for reservists. Some 8,400 out of 10,000 men responded within three-and-half hours, though they were given up to six hours to do so.
First HIV Infection in Singapore
Thursday, 16th May 1985
The first case of HIV infection in Singapore was detected in May 1985 and this patient was warded at the Middleton Hospital which later became the Communicable Diseases Centre. Soon after this two more cases were reported. All the three cases of AIDS here were discovered by Dr. K.V. Ratnam, a dermato-immunologist at the Middle Road Hospital. The government reacted immediately to the discovery of HIV-positive cases in Singapore by forming the Advisory Committee on AIDS in the same year, 1985. This committee formulated an action plan called the National AIDS Control Programme to implement control measures for the prevention of HIV incidences in Singapore.
President Devan Nair Resigned
Thursday, 28th March 1985
President Nair resigned in unclear circumstances. According to Government sources, Devan Nair resigned to get treatment for alcoholism. In an official event Sarawak (Malaysia), President Nair was drunk and was seen fondling the naked breasts of Dayak dancers.
SIAI-Marchetti S.211 Jet Trainer Delivered To RSAF
Monday, 31st December 1984
SIAI-Marchetti of Italy delivered the first new SIAI-Marchetti S.211 jet trainers to RSAF. The S.211 was ordered in 1983 by MINDEF. The jet trainer aircraft was to be deployed to two Paya Lebar-based squadrons, 130 and 131 Sqns. The S.211 is for the RSAF's advanced pilot training to replace the ageing RSAF's BAC 167 Strikemaster Mk 84 (purchased new in 1969) and Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star (purchased second-hand from France in 1979).
PAP Won 1984 General Election
Saturday, 22nd December 1984
Singapore’s incumbent PAP (People’s Action Party) won the 1984 General Election. It was the 5th General Election in Singapore since independence. PM Lee' Kuan Yew's son Lee Hsien Loong made his debut, while PAP stalwarts Dr Goh Keng Swee and Ong Pang Boon stepped down. Teh Cheang Wan of PAP would was under investigation for corruption did not stand for this 1984 election. Workers Party (WP) retained, with an increased majority, its sole Anson seat of leader J. B. Jeyaretnam while Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) made its first in-road into Parliament with the victory of Chiam See Tong in Potong Pasir.
The Case Of The Muthu Curry Murder
Wednesday, 12th December 1984
Mr Ayakannu Marithamuthu (aka Muthu) was murdered at the Orchard Road Presbyterian Church and his body cooked in curry before being disposed of. Muthu was an unrepentant wife-beater and was a father of three who worked as a live-in caretaker of holiday chalets in Changi. His wife Naragatha worked at the Orchard Road Presbyterian Church. On the day of the alleged murder, he was repeatedly bludgeoned to death by his wife, Naragatha, and her 3 brothers. To destroy all traces of evidence, his body was chopped up into pieces. The body parts were then cooked into curry and disposed all over the island.
RSAF Plane Crashed In South China Sea
Friday, 12th October 1984
A RSAF F-5E jet crashes during a routine training flight over the South China Sea. The F-5E 23-year old pilot, Lieutenant Tan Cher Khin, ejects safely from the aircraft.
RSAF Skyhawk Crash Into Straits of Malacca
Wednesday, 10th October 1984
A RSAF Air Force pilot was missing after the A-4 Skyhawk crashed into an area 30 nautical miles west of Singapore in the Straits of Malacca. 26-year old pilot Lieutenant Khoo Seng Kim was missing while 28-year old pilot Captain Kwok Him Yin was rescured by passing fishing vessel.
Another RSAF Fighter Squadron Formed
Sunday, 1st July 1984
The 145 Squadron "Hornet" is a strike fighter squadron of the Republic of Singapore Air Force was formed on this day. The Squadron which consist of A-4 Skyhawk A-4S Skyhawk and later the locally upgraded A-4SU Super Skyhawk. Update: Squandron 145 move to Changi Airbase (East) in 2004 and operate the F-16Ds from the new air base.
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