Name: _____________________________ Sec 3/______

Chpt 5: Bonding Singapore

Chapter 5 Bonding Singapore

Investigating:
What are the challenges of/threats to a multi-ethnic state
Why are these challenges/threats?

Question analysis:
Q1. Managing how different races perceive one another is the
greatest challenge a multi-ethnic state faces. How far do you
agree? Explain.

Q2. Managing the negative perceptions of one race against

another is the greatest threat a multi-ethnic state faces. How far
do you agree? Explain.

The points given below are for you to develop the answer to the
Key Questions. Use them if you find them useful to develop your
answer.

Factor 1: It is difficult [challenging] to manage how different races

feel[Think of one another] towards one another This becomes a
threat to peace when these perceptions are negative.

Factor 1: Why is it difficult to manage how different races feel towards one
another?
Multi-ethnic states easy for misperceptions and
misunderstandings to arise between different races race is a
sensitive matter race tells us about who we are if a race feels that
it is threatened or insulted by another community, it will become
defensive this is a challenge to manage as it can turn one community
against another a perceived insult to ones race is an insult to ones
family and self as well, including ones ancestors and descendents.
(Difficult to correct the perception once a person feels his/her race has
been treated poorly once the sense that ones race has been insulted, it
is hard to dismiss or remove the feel of unhappiness.) Note well: Ones
race cannot be changed it is a permanent part of ones identity.
Different races have cultural differences Races can
misunderstand the intentions of another race this can lead to
tension.
Misperceptions that one race is ill-treated/discriminated by another
can create suspicion and unhappiness between the races Spark
violence and hatred.
For example: In the 1960s, PAPs resettlement of the housing areas
affected all races but Malays believed it was targeting them
Mistrust and hostility between the Malays and Chinese arose.
Hence, how one race perceives its treatment by another can affect the
relationship and affect social cohesion Hence, this is why the

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 management of the perception between races in a multi-ethnic state is
challenging.

Factor 2: Why is it difficult to manage how different religions feel

towards one another?
Multi-ethnic states multiple religions easy for misperceptions
and misunderstandings to arise between different religions -- Religion
is sensitive as it is sacred [Holy] to its believers.[ Religion tells of a
communitys belief in a superior being and about issues like the
afterlife highly sensitive] It is difficult for the government to
manage these sensitivities once a religion feels that it has been
insulted by another community or by the government.
Some religions feel that their welfare is not looked after by the
government. Hence it is challenging for the government to make sure that
all religions feel cared for.
If an insult to a religion is perceived OR a religion feels that it is
under threat create hostility[ Root word: Hostile aggressive]
between the religion and other communities or the government Tension
will increase.
For example in 1950s Singapore: Maria Hertogh riots, Singapore
Muslims believed that the British Government had disregarded Muslim
feelings and that the British sided with Marias Dutch parents in giving
custody of Maria to them. Muslims believed that the British were anti-
Muslim and so rioting and violence occurred.

Factor 3: Why are external forces a challenge to a multi-ethnic

state?
Transnational Terrorism is the external threat to multi-ethnic states.
Transnational terrorism is hard to manage as it comes from outside of
the country and can influence the members of the same religion via
the internet which is hard to control ( 1st reason why it is a
Challenge)
Transnational Terrorists can misuse religion to influence those of the
same religion by twisting religious facts.
Terrorist acts can divide the people Social cohesion can be damaged
if citizens in a multi-ethnic state view all the members of that
particular community from which the Transnational Terrorists come from
as also being terrorists by association. The government cannot fully
control such wrong perceptions. ( 2nd reason why it is a Challenge)
For example in Singapore, 43 Malay Muslim Singaporeans were
arrested in connection with the Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist group
planned to bomb parts of Singapore. ( The challenge is in making the
other community groups feel safe in the presence of malay muslims and
that 43 deviant individuals should not be considered to be indicative that
the entire Muslim community is deviant)
Other races and religions in Singapore may become distrustful of the
Malay-Muslim community and this can negatively affect Singapores
national unity.

Weighing paragraph: Greatest challenge the factor that cannot be

controlled easily by the Singapore government = influence of external

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 forces [Internet cannot be controlled easily and terrorist groups can
continue to use it to twist religious teachings in their favour]

Investigating
How can the challenge of a multi-ethnic state be managed?
What is the best method to manage a multi-ethnic state?

Key question:
The best way to manage a multiethnic state in Singapore is
through safeguarding minority rights(Gf). How far would you
agree? Explain.

The points given below are for you to develop the answer to the
Key Question. Use them if you find them useful to develop your
answer.

Factor 1: Build a National Identity

Building/Build = Developing/develop
o National Identity = Sense of belonging to nation(Singapore)
Sub-factor A: Multi-racialism policy [Treating all races and religions
equally and fairly]
Equality among races
o No special rights for any race or religion disallowed by law
Equal opportunities to succeed
[Outcome] Everyone feels valued by nation & Nobody feels
discriminated
[Outcome] No single race or religion has special rights No
feeling of hatred against the race or religion by other communities
for having special rights.
[Outcome of the outcome] People feel united = More cohesive as a nation
Sub-factor B: Common Practices
Things Singaporeans carry out/do together.
o E.g. Sing the National Anthem
o Take the Pledge
o Attend flag raising
o Celebrate National Day [ Only Singaporeans are allowed to
do these common practices]
Develop patriotism[Love for ones country] in citizens
o common practices can only be carried out by citizens of the
country and so this increases the sense of belonging to the
nation.
o Feel united as one country = More cohesive as a nation
Sub-factor C: Bilingualism policy
1966
Learn both English(EL) and Mother Tongue(MT)
o MT to transmit values and keep roots
EL is a common language to allow races to communicate

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 o Greater understanding/unity amongst the races
o Sense of closeness and friendship= greater cohesion
EL not native/neutral language [Not a language that belongs to a
particular race] to any race
o No race has an advantage over the other races
o no sense of discrimination
o there is a sense of cohesion.

Factor 2: Safeguarding = protect the interests of the minority groups.

Sub factor A:
Minority representation policy [ policy = government decision]
o Gives minorities a say in government + feel concerns are
voiced and heard.
o Less likely to be feel marginalised[discriminated] Remain loyal to
nation Greater unity
Example 1: Presidential Council of Minority Rights
o Made up of people from minorities
Ensures no race or religion is disadvantaged by new laws
passed in parliament.[ any new law must be first approved
by the PCMR that the law does not discriminate against any
race of religion]
Minorities will know their rights are protected
Hence Minorities will not be harmed or discriminated against
by any laws created
Minorities will not feel any ill-will against the majority
harmony between the races/religions is guaranteed.

o Example 2: Group Representation Constituency (GRC)

At least one candidate in each GRC contesting in General
Election must be from a minority
GRC ensures/Guarantees minorities are represented in
government since all political parties are required to have
at least 1 minority candidate in their GRC slate of candidates
during General Elections.
Minorities do not feel left out
Minorities will feel wanted [Minorities are represented in
government decisions making] and thus there is
Minorities feel they have a stake in Singapore unity.

Sub factor B: Self-help groups[ by race]

Help less fortunate in own communities [by race] financially and
in education. Example: SINDA, CDAC and MENDAKI
o Helps Singaporeans cope and compete with one another on an
equal footing
o Financial aid to needy families
o Education via Joint Tuition programme helped pupils to improve
academically
o Young people from the different races will not feel left behind
o [The rich-poor gap in the country is kept small
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 o if the gap is wide, there will be jealousy and anger directed at the
better of citizens in the country leads to potential instability e.g.
civil wars and disorder
o when the poorer Singaporeans are assisted, they move up the
economic ladder
o less likely for unhappiness to grow since the number of poor in
Singapore is minimised
o Singaporeans will feel a greater sense of unity in Singapore as
everyone is doing well.
o All races improve together and no races are left behind since the
poor in every race is helped in levelling up.

Factor 3: Developing common space

Creating platform for people come together
Common space = opportunities and places for people of different races
and religions to interact
Outcome = Understanding amongst the different races/religions is
deepened.

Sub factor A:
Events and programmes organised by grassroots
organisations ( Residents Committees and Citizen
Consultative committees CCCs)
o Grassroots organisations e.g. Peoples Association Organise wide
range of programmes for Singaporeans of all races and
backgrounds. = community centre events. E.g. Dancing class,
yoga, cooking etc.
o Platform for different races to mingle
o Develop understanding of each others cultures
o Mutual respect trust
o Strong friendships can develop
Harmony between races
o Example: Home stay opportunity between people of different races
and religions
o helps people of different races appreciate each others lifestyle and
cultural differences = greater harmony and unity in Singapore.

Sub factor B: Opportunities offered by educational institutions

(schools)

Government schools open to all races and religions

o Pupils of different races interact in school
o Develop teamwork, understanding and appreciation of other races

o promote close bonds [ Friendships formed can last for life
o improves inter-racial harmony even in adulthood]
Opportunity for friendship and mutual respect to be cultivated between
different races.
o Pupils grow up knowing friends from other races.
o Social bonds are fostered = greater cohesion between the races in
Singapore.[From young]

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Sub factor C: Common living space provided by the public housing
1989, ethnic(racial) integration(Combination) programme
Limits the proportion of races in a block of flats.
Prevents certain housing estates to become ethnic enclaves = areas where
only 1 race lives.
Ensure opportunities for people from different ethnic groups to interact
o Races will develop better understanding of each other by living
side by side = greater harmony and unity in Singapore

Sub factor D: Activities conducted by inter-racial confidence circles

(IRCCs) and Harmony Circles (HCs) ( Circle = grouping)
IRCCs organise visits to places of worship e.g Churches.
Gives opportunities for Singaporeans to appreciate different races and
religions
Develop strong bonds and respect
o HCs organise bonding activities to build confidence and friendship
among people of different races at work(at the workplaces) =
greater national unity
Sub factor E: Shared experience through National Service
All able-bodied Singaporeans men of all races serve in defence of nation
(Common goal)
Common goal bonds everyone
o Develops loyalty to the nation
o enduring friendships amongst the men from different races
o greater national unity.

NB: For this topic, the given factor could be a sub-factor!

Weighing paragraph: Weighing will be based on which is the most

fundamental factor which cannot be done without = developing national
identity via multi-racialism

Investigating:
Why is it important to manage diversity?
Which is the more critical reason for managing ethnic
diversity in multi-ethnic states? Page 154 and 155 in TB Sec
3

Using Special Topics essay for bonding Singapore:

Possible questions:
Q1. The most important reason why ethnic diversity should be managed is
because of economic progress rather than maintaining security and peace.
Explain you answer.

Q2. The most important reason why ethnic diversity should be managed well
in Singapore is political rather than social or economic. Explain.

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 NB: The political factor would be the relationship between the government
and its people and between government and government. [ Fractured
relationship]

The social factor is regarding the relationship between the different

races/religions/communities.

The economic factor is about the standard of living,

employment/unemployment, tourist arrivals and the investment by businesses in
the country.

Security and peace

Harmony
o People feel safe
o No inter-racial violence.
o Respect for each others race and religion

Peace means families can grow up safely

o No armed conflict

Economic Progress
Peace and stability
o Economic progress
Foreign investors
o Set up companies in Singapore
o Investments protected
o Businesses generate jobs
o Jobs = income
o Increased expenditure = more business for
companies
o Economy progresses on
Tourism industry improves
o Tourists prefer peaceful nations
o No war, no terrorism
o More tourist = more business for companies =
more jobs = standard of living improves.