Want to be the gang head? You have the most responsibilities
May 13, 2017 stage
Gang 21, as the name goes, was a famous triad during the 60’s in Singapore. Just how it came about? According to a local report some 30 years ago, it was formed after the 60’s racial riots.
Photo source: Lianhe Wanbao
Ah Yi is a witness to the history of this gang. Then, he was under the direct leadership of the gang head honcho. From 1965 to 1984, where the gang head died at the age of 76, he had almost 20 years of totalitarian control. He can also be considered as the “last Emperor”. As he was interested in Ah Yi to take over full control, he revealed all the details connected with Gang 21.
Ah Yi said: “the gang head summoned all the heads of the 19 gangs then and they decided to form a ‘union’ to protect the interests of the Chinese community. Some have also dubbed this combination as 19 in 1.”
“Initially, some recommended 108, as the number is used to detail a legendary union in Chinese fable history, but the gang head said no as he want to replicate a triad system seen in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Hence the formation of the Gang 21, also playing on the Chinese character 洪.”
“Soon, Gang 21 applied to be a legal society under the law, and even wanted to enter politics. But the government said a firm NO.”
Ah Yi continued: “this Gang 21 is actually like a franchise, and the countries Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Philippines will take turns to host a convention!”
“Unfortunately the Singapore branch was illegal, unlike their counterparts.”
All wanted to rise to the top, but it’s not the case now!
The glory days are over – it was a lucrative business last time out. There were many underground casinos in operation. A night there, and each of the five triad members on duty can receive $50 each. Add on the opium dens and brothels, and they can earn lots of money. And please note that the money was HUGE last time. Just 5 cents can buy a bowl of noodles. Go figure.
The police soon came in and tried every way to counter their activities. The gang head will be super busy every day with branch leaders coming to pay their respects by giving red packets.
Want to be the head? You have the most responsibilities!
Sometimes, the gang head will also have to take the fall and go to jail. It is a game of survival. And that is why many don’t want to be in this position. In sticky situations, the elite, some in their thirties and forties, will be the ones who go out to battle.
Nowadays, it is harder to establish “connection”. It is unlike the olden days. Young people nowadays don’t follow the so-called chain of command!
These gangs would soon do legal business, but they are still hampered by their past reputation. The night clubs, and adult amusement places no longer pay protection money. In a way, these establishments will employ a handful of the gang members, and give them managerial and executive roles. It is a win-win situation as the night clubs can fulfill their workers quota and employ overseas singers.
Those money lender roles are also taken up by those with a clean criminal record. They are also often the fall guy and will go to jail should anything crop up. The local scene now is quiet, and is mostly dedicated to those triad with numbers such as 108, 24, 32, 18 and 369.
According to a report in February, 2011, 46 members from an unidentified triad were ambushed as they thought they had walked into a fellow triad territory. However, to their surprise, it was on 369 territory.
The police has been vigorous in sending anti-triad messages to the young, but Ah Yi lamented that it will be hard for those are in…to come OUT.
“I suggest that the police just go for the jugular – just go for the head. That will solve all the problems for sure. A policeman can also infiltrate the triad, like going undercover and do his work of urging the youth to stay clear.”
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May 13, 2017 stage
Gang 21, as the name goes, was a famous triad during the 60’s in Singapore. Just how it came about? According to a local report some 30 years ago, it was formed after the 60’s racial riots.
Photo source: Lianhe Wanbao
Ah Yi is a witness to the history of this gang. Then, he was under the direct leadership of the gang head honcho. From 1965 to 1984, where the gang head died at the age of 76, he had almost 20 years of totalitarian control. He can also be considered as the “last Emperor”. As he was interested in Ah Yi to take over full control, he revealed all the details connected with Gang 21.
Ah Yi said: “the gang head summoned all the heads of the 19 gangs then and they decided to form a ‘union’ to protect the interests of the Chinese community. Some have also dubbed this combination as 19 in 1.”
“Initially, some recommended 108, as the number is used to detail a legendary union in Chinese fable history, but the gang head said no as he want to replicate a triad system seen in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Hence the formation of the Gang 21, also playing on the Chinese character 洪.”
“Soon, Gang 21 applied to be a legal society under the law, and even wanted to enter politics. But the government said a firm NO.”
Ah Yi continued: “this Gang 21 is actually like a franchise, and the countries Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Philippines will take turns to host a convention!”
“Unfortunately the Singapore branch was illegal, unlike their counterparts.”
All wanted to rise to the top, but it’s not the case now!
The glory days are over – it was a lucrative business last time out. There were many underground casinos in operation. A night there, and each of the five triad members on duty can receive $50 each. Add on the opium dens and brothels, and they can earn lots of money. And please note that the money was HUGE last time. Just 5 cents can buy a bowl of noodles. Go figure.
The police soon came in and tried every way to counter their activities. The gang head will be super busy every day with branch leaders coming to pay their respects by giving red packets.
Want to be the head? You have the most responsibilities!
Sometimes, the gang head will also have to take the fall and go to jail. It is a game of survival. And that is why many don’t want to be in this position. In sticky situations, the elite, some in their thirties and forties, will be the ones who go out to battle.
Nowadays, it is harder to establish “connection”. It is unlike the olden days. Young people nowadays don’t follow the so-called chain of command!
These gangs would soon do legal business, but they are still hampered by their past reputation. The night clubs, and adult amusement places no longer pay protection money. In a way, these establishments will employ a handful of the gang members, and give them managerial and executive roles. It is a win-win situation as the night clubs can fulfill their workers quota and employ overseas singers.
Those money lender roles are also taken up by those with a clean criminal record. They are also often the fall guy and will go to jail should anything crop up. The local scene now is quiet, and is mostly dedicated to those triad with numbers such as 108, 24, 32, 18 and 369.
According to a report in February, 2011, 46 members from an unidentified triad were ambushed as they thought they had walked into a fellow triad territory. However, to their surprise, it was on 369 territory.
The police has been vigorous in sending anti-triad messages to the young, but Ah Yi lamented that it will be hard for those are in…to come OUT.
“I suggest that the police just go for the jugular – just go for the head. That will solve all the problems for sure. A policeman can also infiltrate the triad, like going undercover and do his work of urging the youth to stay clear.”
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