A National Day 2004 Essay – Are we a Progressive Society?
The theme for Singapore’s 39th National Day Parade is “A Progressive Society”.
According to the website, the theme:
“illustrates the current progress of the nation amidst the uncertain and gloomy outlook both locally and
globally. To echo PM Goh's rally call, our situation is no worse than the early days of nation building.
With collective faith and fighting spirit to face our problems head on, we will be able to overcome our
challenges. We have done it before and we can do it again. Besides that, "A Progressive Society" demands a paradigm shift in our mindset. It requires an open mind and the willingness to adapt and adjust to changing conditions. More importantly, the future of our nation depends very much on the passion and commitment of all Singaporeans.”
Is this year’s National Day theme appropriate? Are we a Progressive Society, aiming to be one or taking measures to become one? What do we mean by progressive?
“Progressive” can refer to an advance in social conditions or efficiency with rapid reforms (which is
the term that the National Day Committee has chosen to emphasize)
It can also describe
1. broad or liberal-mindedness and tolerance
2. favouring civil liberties and social progress
3. ahead of trends and norms
and a progressive person is someone who has a liberal political opinion.
The latter definition is downplayed by the authorities who believe that politics has no place in Singapore. We remain a third world country when it comes to politics and liberalism.
It is the result of years of PAP indoctrination – that economics should exceed politics in importance; that we should sacrifice our civil rights for the welfare and stability of the population.
Hence, after 39 years of independence, it is not ironic that the population has been “depoliticized”. What we have is a silenced Opposition and weak civil society, unable to flourish and compete with the government in providing socio-political alternatives.
However, over the years, PAP has come to recognize that globalisation and the inevitable waves of
democratisation has influenced and will continue to affect many countries. The region, including India, Taiwan, Indonesia, Philippines, Hong Kong and Malaysia have all embraced democracy in one form or another and reaping the benefits.
To counter the tides of change and retain one party dominance, the PAP has taken various measures to “soften” the authoritarian image of Singapore with projects such as the formation of feedback committee and Singapore 21. Yet, the progression has been cosmetic in many instances.
Lest we mistook introduction of film rating classifications, bungee jumping, extension of nightclub hours as signs of a more open consultative government, the true indicator is the willingness to create a strong civil society.
The much feared Internal security act is still being used, most recently to detain alleged JL terrorists.
Online political dissent has been curbed with compulsory registration for political websites. Election boundaries are redrawn constantly to prevent Opposition from effective electioneering. The media
continues to act as a propaganda mouthpiece of the government. These are just some of the preventive
measures that PAP has set up to discourage the formation of strong alternative and oppositional politics.
One of the reasons why Singapore has not caught on the tides of democracy, unlike our neighbours, is
the lack of political education and the wide-spread belief that democracy is chaotic and invalid for multiracial Singapore. This is coupled with a deep-seated belief that the government can provide us with material well-being, as long as we sacrifice some of these fundamental rights, such as the freedom to associate or speech.
It is this mindset that is troubling for the benefits of democracy will far outweigh what we are getting.
Our material achievements may appear to surpass our neighbours and some of the world’s most developed nation. Yet, they do not suffice and cannot substitute what we lack in other areas.
Our management towards minorities or human rights issues, remains awkwardly backward. It is in heed with this year’s national day theme of “progressivity” that I wish to highlight the inconsistencies between words and actions.
Racial and religious topics are still taboo. Something as basic as wearing a tudung to school for a Muslim girl has been banned because the authorities believed it can cause segregation.
The sexual minorities in Singapore continue to be portrayed as “abnormal” and prevented from forming a legal group.
While the government acknowledges gender inequalities, women are still very much marginalised in various sectors, including political representation. Our women continue to be seen as “bearers” of the children; and not individual adults. There are no laws to prevent women’s workplace discrimination or sexual harassment.
Children rights are ignored and hardly mentioned. Singapore remains one of the two countries yet to sign an international protocol, the 1996 Stockholm Declaration and Agenda for Action, which aims to reduce the incidence of child sexual exploitation.
The plight of foreign workers and maids who are lowly paid, work long hours and sometimes being mistreated, has raised concerns. TWC2, which is formed in response against maids’ abuse face problems with legal formation as a society. They have been told to amend their constitution. Not too long ago, a construction firm has held back the salaries of foreign workers that they have earned. The Nicoll Highway tragedy highlights the importance of workplace safety, especially, in construction sites, which employs mostly foreign workers.
Workers in Singapore are not represented because of the lack of strong and vocal unions. There is no minimum wage legislation and maximum working hours are violated to the detriment of family life.
On the international front, it is our government’s relationship with the Burmese military regime that requires scrutiny. We need to show our concern and contribute to international pressure in demanding the house release of Aung San Suu Kyi, who is the democratically elected government of the country.
Singapore is not a signatory of the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty or commonly known as the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer or Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction. In an article, entitled, “History of Landmine” on the website of “International Campaign to ban landmines”, Singapore remains one of the mine producing countries.
Our government’s univocal support for the US - Iraqi war include sending troops to post war Iraq. Our strong support for the US puts us on the map for terrorists’ attack. When a small group of individuals stood outside the US embassy to protest against the war, they were detained by the police and given a warning.
This National Day will be a significant year for Singapore because our Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Lee
Hsien Loong, will take over as Prime Minister on the scheduled 12 August. Unhindered, uncontested and officially approved. We will wait with abated breath if Mr Lee will push for genuine social and political reforms; or stick to the adage PAP guidelines that has kept the ruling elites in power.
No doubt, the sanctioned theme of “A Progressive Society” will be believed as “truth” and embraced by the majority of the population. However, this National Day is also a good time for us to reconsider and examine the significance and importance of what it means to be progressive.
I hope for the day when National Day means celebrating diversity regardless of one’s gender, race or sexual orientation. The day, when we can say our pledge, without any hint of remorse.
We, the citizens of Singapore,
pledge ourselves as one united people,
regardless of race, language or religion,
to build a democratic society
based on justice and equality
so as to achieve happiness, prosperity andprogress for our nation.
