An occupation that draws uni riots between rival secret societies. One of the most intriguing aspects of these riots is that both sides were multiracial, with the Muslim Red Flag association and the Hokkien Toa Peh Kong Society united against the Muslim White Flag and the Cantonese Ghee Hin.

The most serious riots broke out in August 1867 at Lebuh Cannon area. In order to put down this unrest, the alarmed colonial authorities called in reinforcements from Singapore, and cannons were fired near the site of this sculpture, leading to today`s names of Lebuh Cannon and Medan Cannon. It is said bullet holes from this time can still be found in the walls of surrounding buildings.