Chapter 5: BONDING SINGAPORE

What are the challenges of a multi-ethnic society? Overview Singapore – who are we? What are the challenges of a multi-ethnic society? How can ethnic diversity be managed? Why is it important to manage ethnic diversity?

Singapore - who are we? Population Composition (4.68 million) Chinese – 75.6% Malays – 13.6% Indians – 8.7% Eurasians & Others – 2.1%

Religious Groups Buddhism/Taoism – 51% Islam – 14.9% Christianity – 14.7% Hinduism – 4% No Religion – 14.8% Other Religions – 0.6%

Origin of Singapore’s Multi-Ethnicity Singapore was a British colony in 1819 People from different countries were attracted to Singapore as it offered them opportunities & a better life In the end, they made Singapore their home

What is the danger of multi-ethnic country? Can cause CONFLICT between people of different races and religions

Challenges of a multi-ethnic society: Why do conflicts occur? 1. Conflict happens when perceptions (viewpoints/feelings) are not properly managed which causes: Misunderstanding between people of different races & religions 2. Threats from external forces

Challenges of a multi-ethnic society: Managing perceptions of different racial groups Managing perceptions of different religious groups Threats from external forces

Managing perceptions of different racial groups Case Study: 1964 Communal Riots In the 1960s, different political approaches of the State government in Singapore and Federal Malaysia caused a strain in their relationship Federal government believed in communal politics Singapore government believed in non-communal politics In 1964, PAP participated in the Federal Election of Malaysia This made the Malays in the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) feel threatened

What is communal politics? A certain group of people are given special rights and privileges in a country What is non-communal politics? Everyone in the country is given equal rights and privileges

What did UMNO do then? anti-PAP campaign organised by UMNO leaders Highlighted the poverty of Malays in Singapore PAP’s resettlement and redevelopment programme was portrayed as anti-Malay Arouse feelings of dissatisfaction among Singapore Malays towards the PAP

Challenge 1 managing perception of different racial groups In July 1964, during the celebration of Muhammad’s birthday, a clash between a Chinese policeman and a group of Malay participants, turned into full-blown race riots over the next few days and months.

Eyewitnesses Report “When the Muslims were marching and shouting “ God is Great”, some Chinese men disturbed the procession by throwing water and bottles at the group. This incurred the Muslims’ wrath and some crude words were exchanged between the two races.”

Eyewitnesses Report When a police officer requested for some marchers to stick to a particular route, he was attacked. John Le Cain, Commissioner of Singapore’s Police Force, described that incident: “Instead of being obeyed, he was set upon by this group. Thereafter, a series of disturbances occurred as more groups became unruly and attacked passers-by and innocent bystanders.”

Managing perceptions of different religious groups Case Study: Maria Hertogh Riots Riot occurred between the Muslim & Christian community in 1950 Over a domestic battle for custody of a young Dutch girl Legal system appeared to rule in favour of the Eurasians - Muslims felt they were treated unfairly Media reports escalated tensions felt between both camps

The court’s decision to annul Maria’s marriage to a Malay teacher and pictures of Maria in a Christian convent published in the papers increase the unhappiness of the Muslim community Muslim community felt that their welfare was not looked into Results in riots Government placed a 24-hour curfew and called in the British and Malayan troops to maintain peace http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q51daa9HZ-M http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWlnUBIvHH0&mode=related&search

Extracts of the broadcast from a Muslim leader, Maulana Mohamad Abdul Aleem Siddiqui: ... "With the full force at my command, I say that whatever is going on in the streets is quite contrary to the teachings of Islam." ... "Please, please for God's sake do not repeat such things. Have confidence in your leaders who are trying their level best to create a better atmosphere."

Threats from External Forces Case Study: Terrorism - Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) Transnational terrorism – acts of violence which are global in terms of aims, organisation and impact Test the social bonds of the people in Singapore as race & religion may be used to create ill feelings among different ethnic groups

Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) – a militant group active in several SEA countries Base: Indonesia; Malaysia; Philippines; Singapore

In December 2001, Singapore authorities arrested 13 JI members, eight of whom had trained in al-Qaida camps in Afghanistan, who planned to bomb the U.S. and Israeli Embassies, British and Australian diplomatic buildings, and U.S. and Singapore defense targets in Singapore. Since 2001, 34 JI members were arrested under the Internal Security Act for terrorist-related activities (fund-raising & purchase of materials for bomb-making)

Why attack Singapore? A country with many foreign establishments like US embassy Firm anti-terrorism stance Friendly to the West

Reactions of Non-Muslim Singaporeans

These mixed reactions showed an urgent need to ensure that social cohesion is not affected by the JI arrests Different racial and religious groups in Singapore must still continue to live and work harmoniously with one another.

Can ethnic diversity be managed?

ETHNIC DIVERSITY CAN BE MANAGED THROUGH: Building National Identity Safeguarding Interests of Minority Groups Developing Common Space

BUILDING NATIONAL IDENTITY Multiracialism Equality among races Equal opportunities to succeed Ensured by the Constitution Creating a sense of belonging to the nation Common Practices Singing national anthem, pledge taking Instilling loyalty and national pride Bilingualism English as the language linking the ethnic groups English as a non-native language – fair for all races Improving communication among Singaporeans

SAFEGUARDING INTERESTS OF MINORITY GROUPS Minority Representation Presidential Council of Minority Rights (PCMR) – ensures no racial or religious group is disadvantaged by any law passed in Parliament Group Representation Constituency (GRC) – ensures the minority racial groups are represented in Parliament, so as to voice out the concerns and needs of the minority groups

SAFEGUARDING INTERESTS OF MINORITY GROUPS Self-help groups Provide community members with aid in studies and training for jobs, and moral support To improve members’ social and economic positions in society Joint projects, e.g. joint tuition programme, to allow interaction among different ethnic groups E.g. Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC), Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA), Mendaki, Eurasian Association

DEVELOPING COMMON SPACE Refers to the time and place that people come together Allows for interaction and deeper understanding of the cultures of different ethnic groups Allows for friendships to be cultivated and strengthened, and closer bonds formed

DEVELOPING COMMON SPACE Events and programmes organised by grassroots organisations People’s Association (PA) Home visit / home stay with a host family from another ethnic group Opportunities offered by educational institutions Daily interaction among students of different races and religions During lessons, school activities, CCAs

DEVELOPING COMMON SPACE Common living space provided by public housing Ethnic integration policy (1989) – quota set for the proportion of races in every housing estate Activities conducted by Inter-Racial Confidence Circles (IRCCs) and Harmony Circles (HCs) Visits to places of worship, playing traditional games Shared experience through National Service Undergoing military training together

Why is it important to manage ethnic diversity?

REASONS FOR THE IMPORTANCE OF MANAGING ETHNIC DIVERSITY Security and peace Safe to live, work and play in Singapore Economic progress Foreign investors are attracted to invest and set up companies in Singapore Boost to tourist industry