Yes, he was linked.
You, as a Singaporean, should know the history of the Battle of Malaya, and Battle of Singapore. The 2nd Imperial Guards Division launched an amphibious landing in Singapore passing through the Johor Strait , striking the flank of the British Malay Corp, while Yamashita's 25th Imperial Army struck the city. Singapore's Capital was occupied by the Imperial Guards, who then transferred occupation to Gen. Yamashita.
They are a ceremonial unit, but they are proven in battle. And they never surrendered. Not one.