S’pore multiracialism built on patience, respect for ethnicity

I disagree with the commentary “Move beyond identifying S’poreans based on ethnicity” (Nov 7). Ethnicity and the Singaporean identity are not mutually contradictory.

This small city-state has witnessed racial tensions and riots, and can recognise that in order to create a harmonious co-existence and cohesive society of the Chinese, Malay, Indian and other races, there must be mutual tolerance and respect.

In comparison, the United States may be a melting pot for different races, but I am unsure if its various ethnicities over the past century have achieved organic development to be, and live as, Americans.

In a large country, any tension behind the facade of a seemingly well-assimilated multicultural society may not be apparent, but it would be a different matter in a small island such as ours.

We proudly call ourselves Singaporeans and defend our destiny because, since independence, the nation has dedicated great effort to protecting the rights of its ethnic and religious minorities, to mould a Singaporean identity with shared values as its hallmark.

A meritocratic system that is fair, irrespective of one’s racial background, is what helps to galvanise the loyalty of citizens.

The success of the Singapore brand of multiracialism did not come easy. It needed patience and respect for ethnicity as the cornerstone to build upon.

If new immigrants want Singapore to be their home, they should assimilate quickly and share our aspirations and values, rather than expect Singaporeans to adapt to their set of cultural differences.