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

Can cause CONFLICT between people of different races and religions

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

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... "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.

Can ethnic diversity be Can ethnic diversity be managed?managed?

Building National IdentitySafeguarding Interests of Minority

GroupsDeveloping Common Space

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

Why is it important to Why is it important to manage ethnic manage ethnic

diversity?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

REASONS FOR THE IMPORTANCE OF REASONS FOR THE IMPORTANCE OF MANAGING ETHNIC DIVERSITYMANAGING ETHNIC DIVERSITY