What you will learn in this chapter:

1. What are the challenges of a multi-ethnic society?

2. How do we manage ethnic diversity?
3. Why is it important to manage ethnic diversity?

1. What are the challenges of a multi-ethnic society?

What does this mean? Tests / problems / difficulties that originate from inside and outside a society with
many religious and ethnic groups that can cause instability in the society.
In the previous chapter, weve seen how perceived insensitivity and lack of consideration for different
groups and communities in a country or society can lead to conflict when violence is used to express their
frustration and to fight for better treatment or changes in policies. In Singapore, such events have
occurred, and have caused deaths, damage and destruction.
Explain how diversity in population can pose challenges to Singapore.

Having different
perceptions / lack of
understanding /
insensitivity of
different racial
groups
o

Different perceptions /
lack of understanding /
insensitivity of
different religious
groups

Challenges

1964 race riots

Maria Hertogh
riots

Threats from external

forces that are based on
religion / ethnicity
o

Transnational terrorism
e.g. Al-Qaeda & JI

Identify the type of

diversity in
Singapore

Describe the point

Show how this diversity poses a

challenge to Singapore

Having different
perceptions / lack of
understanding /
insensitivity of
different racial
groups

The lack of understanding among the racial

groups can create suspicion and unhappiness
among racial groups. In 1964, Singapore
experienced race riots which resulted in 36 people
dead and 560 others injured.

The race riots illustrated how

easily the peace and harmony in
Singapore can be broken
through the use of violence,
where the people are injured
and properties destroyed, due to
perceptions that one racial
group
is
being
treated
differently.
Furthermore,
irresponsible
media reporting and a trigger
like the issue of race can cause
suspicion, distrust, and even
hostility among Singaporeans.
The lack of unity among the
people
will
affect
the
development of Singapore as
the people are not willing to
work together for the wellbeing country.

1964 race riots: During the merger period, UMNO

and PAP had political differences. To increase
support for UMNO from the Malay community in
Singapore, UMNO started anti-PAP campaigns
through Utusan Melayu (Malay newspaper) aimed
to reduce support for PAP among Malays
UMNO highlighted the poverty among the Malays
in Singapore and claims that the resettlement
policy carried out by PAP was to remove the
Malays from their lands stirred anger in Malays
in Singapore towards the PAP government, which
were seen as biased towards the Chinese
community as there were more Chinese in the
party during the celebration of Prophet
Muhammads birthday at the Padang, Chinese
policemen and Malays clashed developed into
full-blown race riots led to loss of property and
lives.
Different perceptions
/ lack of
understanding /
insensitivity of
different religious
groups

(E.g. in Australia in 2005: ethnically

motivated riots at Cronulla, Sydney
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_Cronulla_
riots )

Differences in religious beliefs and practices can

be used to create tension among the people in
Singapore. This was illustrated by the Maria
Hertogh riots in 1950. The outbreak of violence
left behind destruction and loss of lives.
Maria Hertogh, a Catholic, was left in the care of a
Muslim lady when her parents were imprisoned by
the Japanese during WW2 Maria was raised as
a Muslim, and married a Muslim man after
WW2, the Dutch family demanded the return of
their daughter, a court trial followed where the
High Court ruled in favour of the Hertoghs the
marriage was annulled as she was deemed to be
underaged, and Maria was housed in a convent
and seen kneeling in front of Mother Marys statue
the Muslims felt that the court was disrespectful
to the Muslim law and their religion was
disregarded sparked off a riot against the
European and Eurasian community.

In a culturally diverse society

like Singapore, racial and
religious harmony is critical If
religious issues are not handled
carefully by the government,
various religious communities
may feel that they have not
been treated with respect and
fairness hostility will occur
among the various religious
communities they will begin
to feel frustrated and angry for
being discriminated against
create chaos to vent anger
will lead to cracks in the social
fabric of Singapore Thus, the
unity of Singapore will be
shaken affect progress and
prosperity for our nation.

(other e.g.: according to ISA, racist remarks, behaviour,

blogging, publications may be jokes / no harm
intended but have the POTENTIAL to cause
disorder)
(e.g. in other countries Msia: unhappiness of Hindu
community over temple issues, unfair treatment)

(Today, Muslim affairs are dealt with in

the Syariah Court)

Identify the type of

diversity in
Singapore

Describe the point

Show how this diversity poses a

challenge to Singapore

Threats from external

forces that are based
on religion / ethnicity

Transnational terrorism refers to acts of violence

by terrorist groups which are global in terms of
aims, organization and impact, e.g. Al Qaeda. In
2001, Singapore experienced the Jemaah
Islamiyah [JI] threat. This terrorist group (which
aimed to set up an Islamic state in Asia) had
made plans to bomb certain areas in Singapore to
create chaos and mistrust in the country, and to
force the govt to stop supporting the Western
countries members of the group were arrested
by Singapore authorities

These terrorist acts which are

based on religion / ethnicity can
test the social bonds of the
people in Singapore when
the
people
have
a
misunderstanding
about
a
particular community because of
these terrorist acts may result
in
discrimination
of
that
particular community create
ill-feelings among the different
ethnic groups threaten racial
and religious harmony in the
country affect the peace in
the country

(TB pg 143 Fig 5.20)

(other e.g. in USA after 9/11: Muslims and
mosques associated with terrorism and Al-Qaeda
attacked / discriminated against based on
religion and appearance)

(In response to the arrest of 34 JI

members, there were calls by
political & religious leaders in
Spore for people to remain calm
and be committed to living in
harmony with other racial &
religious groups. Muslim leaders
condemned the JI group and
emphasised that it did not have the
support of the Muslim community
and the Muslim community did not
condone the acts of the JI.)

2. How do we manage ethnic diversity?

What does this mean? To control / regulate / monitor society such that there would be harmony and
cohesion despite the differences

Explain how the Singapore government manages ethnic diversity.

1) Building a
national
identity:
o
o
o

2) Safeguarding
the interests of the
minority

Policy of multiracialism
Common
practices
Bilingualism

How to manage
ethnic diversity

3) Developing common space

Identify the
measure
Building a
national identity:
Policy of multiracism
Common
practices
Bilingualism

Describe the measure

Policy of multi-racialism
The policy of multi-racialism ensures that no
special rights is granted to any particular racial
or religious group. Everyone has equal
opportunities to succeed, regardless of their
background. Favouring a certain group of
people because of their race or religion is
prohibited by the Constitution.

Common practices
Common practices are actions that
Singaporeans carry out together. Singing the
national anthem, taking the pledge and
attending the flag raising ceremony are
examples of the common practices carried out
in schools.

Explain how this will manage ethnic

diversity
This policy promotes equality amongst the
races. Everyone is seen as a valued
member of the Singapore society and
enjoy the same rights, so there would not
be any reason for ethnic groups to stage
protests and use violence to fight for equal
or better treatment, thereby ensuring the
peace and stability of the country.
These common practices remind us of the
values that we should uphold as a nation,
and help the people to see themselves as
one despite their different ancestry. By
inculcating loyalty and patriotism to
Singapore through such practices, the
people would be united and continue to
work together for Singapore and contribute
to the countrys growth.

Identify the
measure

Describe the measure

Policy of Bilingualism
The policy of bilingualism was introduced in
schools in 1966. Students were expected to
learn English and their own Mother tongue.
The Mother Tongue language is used to
impart moral values and cultural traditions of
each race. English will be a common
language that can be used to communicate
with the different races.

Safeguarding the
interests of the
minority

Explain how this will manage ethnic

diversity
As English is a non-native language for all
the ethnic groups, no one has an
advantage over others. It is used as the
language linking the different ethnic
groups. This will help reduce any
misunderstanding among the people as
they can use the common language
English to communicate, which leads to
building of bonds among the people.

Minority representation
The Presidential Council of Minority Rights
(PCMR) and the Group Representation
Constituency (GRC) are two examples of how
representation of the minority groups is
achieved.

The PCMR and GRC gives the minority

groups a say in governance. It also
safeguards the interests of the minority
groups as their needs and concerns are
represented in parliament.

- The PCMR consists of members from the

minority racial and religious groups. It
ensures that no racial or religious group is
disadvantaged as a result of a law that is
passed in Parliament.

As such, no racial and religious group is

disadvantaged and Singaporeans know
that their welfare is being looked after. This
would prevent them from going on protests
/ strikes or use violence to fight for equal
rights or better treatment, hence ensuring
peace and prosperity in Singapore.

- The GRC ensures that at least one of the

candidates in the team contesting in the
General Election is from the minority racial
communities such as Malay, Indian or
Eurasian. (Sembawang GRC: Ellen Lee
Geck Hoon, Hawazi Daipi, K Shanmugam,
Khaw Boon Wan, Lim Wee Kiak, Mohd
Maliki Osman) (Pasir Ris GRC includes a
Eurasian MP, Mr Michael Anthony Palmer)
Self-help groups
Chinese Development Assistance Council
(CDAC) (www.cdac.org.sg), Singapore Indian
Development Association (SINDA)
(www.sinda.org.sg), Mendaki
(www.mendaki.org.sg) and the Eurasian
Association (www.eurasians.org) play an
important role in helping members of their
community who are less fortunate to get aid in
their studies and training for their jobs. These
groups also give moral and financial support
to members of their own community.
(Visit the sites to see programmes organised
for different ethnic groups and age groups
within the community)
(Refer to Annex A for additional info)

These groups will be able to provide

support in areas specific to the ethnic
group to cope and compete with one
another on an equal footing. This means
that the welfare of those less fortunate is
provided for, and citizens of the various
ethnic groups will be able to improve their
social and economic positions in the
society. (Consider, if the less fortunate
continue to suffer, one avenue to express
their frustration is to go on the streets to
protest, etc which may lead to outbreak of
large-scale death and destruction, affecting
Singapores peace.)

Identify the
measure
Developing
common space
(Common space
refers to the
common time
and place that
people come
together This
provides
opportunities for
Singaporeans to
interact
deepen
understanding
among
Singaporeans
from the different
races.)

Describe the measure

Events and programmes organized by
grassroots organizations
Grassroots organizations such as Peoples
Association (PA) (http://www.pa.gov.sg/)
create common space through their wide
range of programmes and activities developed
to cater to the needs and interests of every
Singaporean. E.g. in Woodlands Brisk
walking club, celebrating various festivals in
parks, organising void deck parties, organising
day trips to farms, staging arts performances
in the community, providing facilities e.g.
badminton courts for pple to use and engage
in leisure activities together.
Common living space provided by public
housing
In 1989, the ethnic integration policy was
introduced. It puts a limit on the proportion of
races in every neighbourhood and block to
prevent enclaves of ethnic groups from
forming. Besides this, facilities are also built
in each residential area e.g. swimming
complex, sports complex, market, shopping
centre, library, etc.
Opportunities offered by educational
institutions
Educational institutions such as schools and
tertiary institutions are open to every
Singaporean, regardless of their race,
language or religion. Students from different
races and religions study together and are
involved in Co-Curricular Activities (CCA)
where they come together to play games and
work on tasks (think: your own CCA group
camp, competition, training, etc).
Activities conducted by Inter-Racial
Confidence Circles (IRCCs) and Harmony
Circles (HCs)
The IRCCs were introduced in January 2002,
to provide the common space for various
religious and racial communities to interact.
They organise activities such as visits to
places of worship.

Explain how this will manage ethnic

diversity
This allows participants to gain a better
understanding of the cultures and customs
of other races. With mutual respect, strong
friendships can be built over time.

The integration policy ensures that there is

an even distribution of the different races in
all the housing estates. Living in the same
neighbourhood also provides opportunities
for people from different ethnic groups to
meet and interact with one another. This
allows for people to understand each other
and build friendships as well.

The interaction that takes place among

students during lessons and school
activities provides an opportunity for
friendships to be cultivated and
strengthened. Strong bonds are built and
students also learn to appreciate one
anothers talents and respect one another
as individuals.

These activities create the opportunities for

Singaporeans
to
appreciate
their
differences
and
develop
promote
understanding
among
different
ethnic and religious communities. The
activities also help to build up confidence
and friendship among the people. This
helps to foster greater inter-racial
understanding among the people.

E.g. Inter Religious Harmony Circle Hindu

Endowment Board, Inter-Religious
Organisation, MUIS
(visit www.mcys.gov.sg and/or
http://fcd.ecitizen.gov.sg/CommunityDevelopm
ent/PromoteRacial
HarmonyNCommunityBonding/ for more info)

Identify the
measure

Describe the measure

Shared experience through National Service
National Service, introduced in 1967, requires
all able-bodied men to serve in the defence of
the country. They share bunks, eat together,
train together etc.

Explain how this will manage ethnic

diversity
The shared experiences help to strengthen
the bond among the men from different
ethnic and religious backgrounds, and they
build enduring friendships. Also, they learn
to work together towards a common goal
of defending Singapore, our homeland,
when there is any threat from potential
aggressors.

3. Why is it important to manage ethnic diversity?

To achieve security and peace
If ethnic diversity is well-managed, there will be racial and religious harmony the people would want to avoid
violence and chaos in society so that their lives, families, property would not be threatened or damaged live in
peace and happiness
To achieve economic progress
With peace and stability comes economic progress people will feel safe in where they live and work When
there are no disruptions in the peace and security of a country, the people will be able to concentrate on their
work this will improve overall productivity Thus, there will be sustained economic development of the
country.
With peace and stability Foreign investors would want to invest and set up their companies in Singapore
because their investments would be protected.
With peace and harmony the tourist industry will benefit. Tourists generally avoid visiting countries that are
caught in violence and conflict attracted to Singapore as even though they are from various nationality /
ethnicity / religion, they know they would be safe and can enjoy their holiday