Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Singapore is a country with diverse populace of around 5 million people which is made up of Chinese, Malays, Indians, Caucasians and Eurasians. Singapore has a diverse populace of nearly 5 million people which is made up of Chinese, Malays, Indians, Caucasians and Eurasians. With many foreigners in Singapore, it is quite a challenge to manage all the different races and religions such that all of them will feel a sense of belonging to Singapore and do not feel discriminated in any way. This lesson has been learnt through some riots that have happened some time ago due to differences in beliefs between the different races and religions, injuring and hurting many people. At such, Singapore has taken a lot of measures to maintain this racial and religious harmony in Singapore. This is essential because Singapore has a diversity of cultures with different beliefs and these people have to work together as one to bring Singapore to greater heights. For example, Singapore maintains tight restrictions on arts and cultural performances. Most artistic works have to be vetted by the government in advance, and topics that breach so-called out of bounds markers (OB markers) are not permitted. While the OB markers are not publicly defined, they are generally assumed to include sensitive topics such as race, religion, and allegations of corruption or nepotism in government. Below are some examples of problems caused by riots and the measures taken by the Singapore government to maintain harmony in Singapore.

Language Policy And Nation-Building

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Summary: 
Of the four official languages, Malay is designated the national language, reflection both the historical and national position of the island-state. English, as the non-ethnic and thus neutral official language, has over the years evolved to become the dominant working language in Singapore. It is the only language taught in all schools at all levels.The general language policy of Singapore can best be described as multi-lingualism, which prescribes that all four official languages should be treated as equal.The danger is that too much emphasis on English may lead to the "detrimental effects of deculturalization," of producing "anaemic, uprooted floating citizens without the social cohesiveness and the cultural impetus that give the people the drive and the will to succeed as a group"Confronted with the dilemma, Singapore's answer to the problem is the provision of bilingual education. Traditional values are retained through the continued use of ethnic language. 

Reflection:

To prevent Singapore from getting into inter-racial chaos again, the government has taken up several measures, one of which is the language policies. The general language policy of Singapore can best be described as multi-lingualism, which prescribes that all four official languages should be treated as equal. Confronted with the dilemma, Singapore's answer to the problem is the provision of bilingual education. With the students needing study both English and another ethnic language, (usually their own ethnic’s language) the government probably hopes to bond Singapore through a common language, which is English, and to retain Traditional values at the same time, through the continued use of ethnic language.Even though Malay, of the four languages, is designated the national language, reflecting both the historical and national position of the island-state, it seems like it almost exclusively symbolic at the official level. Malay is used in the National Anthem and military commands. However, Malay is not taught as a compulsory subject in school for the non-Malays, and a person need not pass a national language test to become a naturalized citizen of Singapore, even though it is Singapore’s national language. This has caused some discussion online and I personally feel that Malay being almost exclusively symbolic at an official level is inevitable as the use of English language is extensive around the world. So as to keep up with the world’s standards, individuals in Singapore would naturally want to takeup English as their first language.

Overall, Singapore’s use of English as the country’s common language is a good tool to bond the nation as the country strives together to level our English standards with the world’s and achieve a better Singapore.

11 December 1950, Maria Hertogh Riot

11 December 1950, Maria Hertogh Riot

Summary:

Maria Hertogh was born to Dutch-Eurasian parents, & adopted during the war by a Muslim woman, Che Aminah whom raised her and gave her the Muslim name, Nadra. After the war, the Hertoghs wanted custody of Maria upon receiving information in 1949 of her whereabouts. This attracted intense media attention worldwide. Photographs in newspapers of Maria in a Catholic convent affected religious sensitivities amongst Malays,thinking that their religion was not respected. At the appeal hearing, custody was given to the Hertoghs. Large crowds felt that the British legal system were biased against the Muslims, sparking off a riot with hatred towards the European and Eurasian communities. A 24-hour curfew was imposed for two weeks before British, Malay troops and Singapore Police regained control of the situation and maintained peace.

Reflection: 

From this article, it can be seen that if religious issues are not handled carefully, there may be a development of hostility and distrust among the people, affecting the relationships between people in the different religious groups. The media, no doubt, played a very important role in the Maria Hertogh Riots. It was insensitive to the way it handled the religious issues in Singapore. Without the influence of the media coverage, this battle of custody would not have been known within the country or world, thus there would not have been ill-feelings created between the Malays and British, hence this tragedy might have been avoided had the people been more sensitive to those of other religious groups. Singapore is a multi-cultural, multi-racial and multi-religious country. Different religious groups coexist on this land. With the religious riots occuring, it reduces the social security felt by Singaporeans. The damages are devastating as the riots affects the country's stability, social order and disrupts harmony. It is thus important for everyone to compromise each other's thoughts, feelings, and way of life. Singaporeans have to be more sensitive to other religions and create strong, harmonious bonds within ourselves, only then will we be able to bring our country to greater heights as one united people.

1964 Racial Riots

1964 Racial Riots

INTRO OF ARTICLE: 
On 12 July 64 UMNO held a convention of about 150 Malay organisations in Singapore. He concluded that Malays in Singapore had not been treated fairly by the PAP government as they had not progressed in material terms. He urged the Malays to unite to overcome this unfair treatment. The Utusan Melayu, a Malay newspaper in Malaya also constantly adopted a communal line in their publications, and it accused the PAP of humiliating and trying to divide the Malay community in Singapore. There were already daily Indonesian accusations that he had sold out the Malays to the Chinese and Indian merchants in Malaysia. After the racial riot, Tunku suggested that it was caused by the long neglect of the Singapore Malays, pointing out for instance that, "(the Malays) were being driven out of their homes which they had owned to make way for new flats and so on ..." This created some unhappiness. On 21 July 1964, about 25,000 Malays gathered at the Padang, Singapore to celebrate the Muslim prophet Muhammad's birthday. Along the way, a few Chinese onlookers jeered or threw items like bottles at the Malay marchers who had been shouting "God is great" and other Islamic slogans loudly. Then fighting started and even policemen got attacked. The government declared a curfew at 9.30 p.m. to restore order, but in the first day of rioting, 23 people were killed and 454 injured.



Reflection: 
From the article it can be seen that ill feelings can be created very easily between the different races in Singapore. Singapore is a multi-cultural country and people from different races have different beliefs. Sometimes these beliefs are so vastly different that it may be difficult to compromise with one another. Hence, with a bit of provocation, other races may feel discriminated because they do not understand that it is difficult to make sure everyone is treated equally in Singapore. From this we can see the importance of bonding between the different races in Singapore. With strong bonds, no matter how much other people try to break us apart, we can still stand strong as one people and one nation to overcome all difficulties. With strong bonds we will not be swayed easily and together Singapore can be a country with strong stability whereby everyone works together as one and is considerate towards one another, sensitive towards others' feelings. Singapore cannot afford to have weak bonds between the different races because if this happens everyone will not be able to work together peacefully as they may feel discriminated against other races. Majority of Singapore is made up of different people from different countries. If these people are unable to work together and try to understand one another's way of life and thoughts, Singapore will be left with a very small workforce to sustain the economy. At the same time, if ill feelings get worse, riots may occur, risking the lives of the citizens in Singapore.

7 religious organisations promote harmony at IRCC event

7 religious organisations promote harmony at IRCC event


By Olivia Siong | Posted: 08 September 2012 1748 hrs

SINGAPORE: A record seven religious organisations are taking part in a carnival to promote religious harmony in Singapore. 
Organised by the Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circle (IRCC), this is the fourth time such an event is being organised.
It is all about celebrating religious and ethnic diversity, while having fun.
Known as IRCC@Heartlands, the two-day carnival hopes to showcase the various religious, ethnic and community groups in Singapore.
It is also the first time the event involves three IRCCs.
Apart from booths that teach children about different religions through games and activities, one of the main features at the carnival is scaled-down replicas of places of worship.
Chairman of the Kampong Glam IRCC, Mr Chia Keng Hian, said: "Normally they don't have this sort of opportunity to see so many religions in one place."
Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, was also present.
Members of the public welcomed the chance to learn about the different religions.
The two-day roadshow takes place on Saturday and Sunday at the Albert Mall.
- CNA/al

 http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1224822/1/.html

Summary:

Seven religious groups, together with the IRCCs organized a carnival including games, activities and trips to visit the replica of places of worship. This event aimed to develop mutual understanding of other religions and races, and in turn strengthen the ties in between different ethnic groups. This is a very precious opportunity for Singaporeans to go for a multi-religious trip. Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, was also present, to encourage Singaporeans to participate enthusiastically. 

Reflection:

Maintenance of racial and religious harmony is very important in Singapore, and it’s also important to inculcate values such as respect among Singaporeans from young. Playing games could be a very productive way to let the children understand and respect other ethnic groups because it is easy for children to get along well with each other while having fun, and by enjoying activities, friendships are created. To strengthen the bonds between all ethnic groups is not the responsibility of the organizations or the government only, the public has to make an effort to participate in events and activities to widen their knowledge and learn to understand each other in order to prevent misunderstandings and disputes. I’m very impressed by the organizations that were able to create opportunities for Singaporeans to be exposed to the different cultures and religions. Also, every single one’s effort put in to establish friendly relationships within the different groups of people counts. It takes one to start a war, but two to create peace. Hence, for Singapore to maintain a peaceful relationship among all racial groups, everyone has to take the initiative to get involved in the common spaces created, and together, create strong bonds and good relationships between all religious and racial groups, so to make Singapore a harmonious, multi-racial society. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the most important message out across by all articles is that everyone in Singapore, regardless of race, nationality, age and gender, determines the stability of the peaceful relationships between all races and religions. Only one group of people or even one person is needed to destroy the trust and respect within the society by influencing the others with ill feelings. Hence, to ensure that peace and order can be maintained in this multi-ethnic society, every single person is a significant figure that helps to strengthen the bond between one another and develop resistance to the external and internal threats that aim to break down the spirit Singaporeans have as a nation. So with efforts put in by everyone, Singapore’s multi-ethnic society will not be seen as a weakness, instead, pride of every Singaporean.