Bonding Singapore: Challenges of multi ethnic diversity

Bonding Singapore: Challenges of multi ethnic diversity

Managing perceptions of different racial groups:
The lack of understanding among different racial groups can create suspicion and resentment among people too. This may lead to outbreaks of violence among the people. For example, when Singapore was still part of Malaysia, different political approaches were adopted by the Singapore state government and the federal government with regards to special privileges received by the Malays led to racial riots in Singapore. This happened due to suspicion, distrust and even hostility among the people. Hence, any instigation can trigger off conflicts in Singapore.

Managing Perceptions of different religious groups:
Difference in religious beliefs and practices can be used to create tension among the people in Singapore. Sensitivity to other races is essential to preserve religious harmony in Singapore. If a group perceives that it is not treated fairly, then Singapore’s peace will be shattered. For example, in the Maria Hertogh case in the 1950s, the British legal system was deemed to have been unfair to the Muslims after the court has awarded the custody of Maria to her biological parents. The court’s decision meant that Maris would have to annul her marriage. This then sparked off a series of riots which led the government to place a 24hr curfew for 2 weeks. The decision caused much unhappiness to the Muslim community. This caused the Muslim community to feel that their culture and welfare were not looked into. Thus, from the above example, it can be proven that if the different perceptions of the religious groups are not managed well, there can be a possibility of conflicts in Singapore.

Threats from external forces:
Threats from external forces can be used to cause possible conflicts in Singapore. This is especially so for multi ethnic Singapore. For example, between 2001-2002, there were 34 JI members who were arrested under the internal security act for their in-terrorist related activities, which included the plans to bomb the US embassy in Singapore and some other buildings such as the Ministry of Education. The Muslim leaders condemned the JI group in union and emphasized that it did not have the support of the Muslim community. Singapore, being multi-ethnic in nature is especially susceptible to external events that create ill feelings among the different ethnic groups, in return threatening the racial and religious harmony in the country. If that was not done to clarify the situation, then it could have led to suspicion among the various ethnic groups, causing tension and maybe eventual conflicts.


Bonding Singapore: Management of ethnic diversity

Building a national identity:
There were efforts taken by the government to forge a national identity among the Singaporeans. One of them is carrying out common practices which are actions that Singaporeans carry out daily. Common practices such as singing the national anthem, reciting the pledge and participating in the flag raising ceremony are examples of common practices carried out in schools. The policy of bilingualism where students are expected to learn English and their own mother tongue facilitates interaction among different ethnic groups. As such, common practices help to foster national identity as they instill loyalty and national pride towards Singapore. This is one way to get Singaporeans to see themselves as one people and this will promote social cohesion in Singapore.

Safeguarding the interests of minority representation:
There are also other measures taken by the government to promote social cohesion in Singapore, such as ensuring minority representation in parliament. An example of this is the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) which ensures that at least one of the candidates in the team contesting in the General Election is from the minority group such as the Malays, Indians or Eurasian. The GRC ensures that the minority groups are represented in the parliament. As a result, the minority is given the opportunity to express their views and no group is at a disadvantage. In this way, the concerns and needs of the minority is made known to the government. This will promote social cohesion as everyone feels that their opinions are valued and heard.

Developing common spaces:
Developing common spaces for Singaporeans to interact is also an important measure the Singapore government has to take to promote social cohesion. For example, Students from different races and religions study in educational institutions where friendships can be cultivated and strengthened. As such, friendships can be cultivated and strengthened. The experiences gained by all able- bodied men through military training.


Bonding Singapore:Building a national identity

Multi- Racialism:
The policy of multi-bilingualism promotes equality among the different races, with no special rights granted to any particular racial or religious groups. Everyone has equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of their background. Favoring a certain group because of their race or religion is prohibited by the constitution. Since everyone is seen as a valued member of the Singapore society, a sense of national identity as Singaporeans is created.

Common Practices:
Common practices are actions that Singaporeans carry out together. Singing the national anthem, reciting the pledge and participating in the flag raising ceremony are examples of common practices carried out in schools. These common practices help to foster national identity. Incalculating loyalty and national pride towards Singaporeans to see themselves as one people.

Bilingualism:
The policy of bilingualism was introduced in 1966. Students were expected to learn English and their own mother tongue. Mother tongue language is used to impart moral values and culture traditions of each race. With bilingualism, English is used as the linking language for all the ethnic groups. As English is a non-native language for all the ethnic groups, no one has an advantage over others. The use of English has helped improve communication among Singaporeans.

Bonding Singapore:Safeguarding the interests of minority groups

Minority representation:
The policy of minority representation gives minority groups a say in governance. It is also a way to safeguard the interests of the minority groups the Presidential Council of Minority Rights (PCMR), and two examples of how representation of the minority groups is achieved. The GRC ensures that at least one of the candidates in the team contesting in the General Election is from the minority racial communities such as the Malays, Indians or Eurasian. The GRC ensures that the minority groups are represented in the parliament. In this way, the concerns and needs of the people are made known to the government.

Self-help groups:
CDAC, SINDA, Mendaki and the Eurasian association play an important role in helping members of their community who are less fortunate to get aid in their studies and training for their jobs. Self-help groups also give moral support to members of their own community. This helps Singaporeans to cope and compete with one another on an equal footing. By doing so, people from the minority groups will be able to improve their social and economic position in society.


Bonding Singapore: Developing common spaces

Events and programmes organized by grassroots organizations:
Grassroots organizations such as the People’s Association (P.A) creates common spaces through their wide range of programmes and activities developed to cater to the needs and interests of every Singaporean. One of the programmes conducted for students is a home visit or home stay opportunitity with a host from another ethnic groups. This allows participants to gain a better understanding of the cultures and customs of other races. With mutual respect, strong friendships can be built over time.

Opportunities offered by educational institutions:
Educational institutions such as schools and tertiary institutions are open to every Singaporean, regardless of their race language or religion. Students from different race and religion study together. The daily interaction that takes place among students during lessons and school activities provides an opportunity for friendships to be cultivated and strengthened as can be seen in their CCAs. The variety of activities conducted during CCA provides opportunities for students to work closely with and understand one another.

Common spaces provided by public housing:
In the 1980s, it was observed that there were too many people from the same racial group living in the same housing estate. This situation could hinder the social bonding among people from the different races. In 1986, the ethnic intergraded policy was introduced. It puts a limit on the proportion of races in every neighborhoods and block. The ethnic integration policy ensures that there is an even distribution of different races in all the housing estates.

Activities conducted by IRCCs & HCs:
The inter-racial confidence circle (IRCCs) was introduced in January 2002 to provide the common spaces to foster greater inter-racial understanding. One of the activities carried out by the IRCC is visits to places of worship. At the workplace, the inter-racial and inter-religious activities are carried out by the HCs. These activities create opportunities for the Singaporeans to appreciate their difference and develop strong bonds among different ethnic and religious communities. All these activities help to build confidence and friendship among people.

Shared experiences through national service:
In 1967, Singapore requires all able-bodied men to serve in the defense of the country. They go through military training together and build enduring friendships regardless of their background, race, religion, and culture. The shared experiences, for example, going through military training during national service, help to strengthen the bond among the men. Through at least 2 years of military training together where they go through thick and thin in the army has certainly helped to bond the national men together.