Beyond race, let’s cultivate social harmony

I refer to the online report “Post-NDR forum sees discussion on issues of race” (Aug 30). Most Singaporeans tend not to talk openly about the sensitive issues of race.

While racial harmony has traditionally been defined as that of Singapore’s four main races — Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian — I wish to redefine this as social harmony, covering our total population of 3.9 million Singapore residents and 1.6 million foreigners.

Issues related to social harmony extend to harmony between races, between Singaporeans and foreigners and between religions. Population density is a factor: Singapore is a small country, and most of our population live in public housing.

Interaction is unavoidable, at work and socially. This can potentially raise tensions as individuals are exposed to different and opposing perspectives on race, religion, economy and society via interaction, the press and social media.

Some groups may be more vocal, pushing for their standpoints, and this may lead to negative outcomes, such as aversion, fear, anger and frustration. Some sectors of the population fear that they may lose their livelihoods to foreigners.

Also, both sides of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender debate have outspoken views on what is right and wrong. The point is, we are all equal at a simple human level, regardless of race, religion and origin.

From a racial perspective, we grew up inheriting cultural values from our parents. From a national perspective, our Pledge teaches us to live in racial harmony, with meritocracy as a core value.

To live happily in urban Singapore requires, firstly, the Government to provide a high quality of living in terms of jobs, food, housing, security, environment and health care for residents.

Secondly, having quiet spaces or privacy in our social spaces is important to some individuals and groups to reduce the stresses of public engagement. For example, religious groups have places of worship that allow people to practise their faith freely.

Finally, the cultivation of core values and a sense of concern for others’ well-being provide the foundation for social harmony. These core values are universal and include altruism and compassion for all.

If we have all these, we would be able to live in social harmony, even though our views are different.