1. Chapter 5: BONDING SINGAPORE

2. 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?

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

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

5. 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

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

7. 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

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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.”

14. 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.”

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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."

21. 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

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

23. 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)

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

28. Reactions of Non-Muslim Singaporeans

30. 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.

31. Can ethnic diversity be managed?

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

33. 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

34. 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

35. 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

36. 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

37. 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

38. 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

39. Why is it important to manage ethnic diversity?

40. 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