Singapore – who are we? What are the challenges of a multi- ethnic society? How can ethnic...
-
Upload
geoffrey-griffith -
Category
Documents
-
view
215 -
download
0
Transcript of Singapore – who are we? What are the challenges of a multi- ethnic society? How can ethnic...
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?
Population Composition (4.68 million)
Chinese – 75.6%Malays – 13.6%Indians – 8.7%Eurasians & Others – 2.1%
Religious GroupsReligious Groups
Buddhism/Taoism – 51%Buddhism/Taoism – 51%Islam – 14.9%Islam – 14.9%Christianity – 14.7%Christianity – 14.7%Hinduism – 4% Hinduism – 4% No Religion – 14.8%No Religion – 14.8%Other Religions – 0.6%Other Religions – 0.6%
Singapore was a British colony in 1819
People from different countries were attractedto Singapore as itoffered them opportunities & a betterlife
In the end, they made Singapore their home
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
1. Managing perceptions of different racial groups
2. Managing perceptions of different religious groups
3. Threats from external forces
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
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.
“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.”
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.”
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=EWlnUBIvHH
0&mode=related&search
... "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."
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)
A country with many foreign establishments like US embassy
Firm anti-terrorism stanceFriendly to the West
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.
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
Some questions you want to ask about building national identity.
How would you do it?
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 SAFEGUARDING INTERESTS OF MINORITY GROUPSGROUPS
If I am okay, why should I be bothered with people who are not okay?
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
SAFEGUARDING INTERESTS OF SAFEGUARDING INTERESTS OF MINORITY GROUPSMINORITY GROUPS
Have you seen them in action? Where?
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 SPACEDEVELOPING 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 SPACEDEVELOPING 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
DEVELOPING COMMON SPACEDEVELOPING COMMON SPACE