Looking back at an eventful year for Singaporeans

How have the various national events and happenings in 2015 left a mark on the average Singaporean? What touched them and stirred them the most? What are their abiding memories and takeaways? TODAY held a focus group comprising Singaporeans from different walks of life to get an insight into the impact of an eventful year on the Singaporean psyche.

PARTICIPANTS

• Tan Ern Ser, Associate Professor of Sociology at National University of Singapore
• Raymond Koh, 64, retired banker
• Nazry Bahrawi, 39, lecturer at the Singapore University of Technology and Design
• Jace Loi,  32, parenting coach and yoga teacher
• Tan Pei En, 23, researcher at Centre for Liveable Cities

Q: Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s passing — What did his death mean to you and why? 

Prof Tan: After he stepped down 25 years ago, he was still around in Cabinet ... But it has now dawned on us the reality that he’s gone, that his era is actually over.

Raymond: After Mrs Lee’s passing, we saw him degenerate... He became a shell of a man and he lost a lot of his fire, (compared to) the way he used to operate before. This was a man with vision. So it was a big loss for me when he passed away. Do we have people in the government who are able to take over? But (his style) might not be accepted now.

Pei En: I will always remember that day (when the news broke). I was rushing my honours thesis then. But Mr Lee’s passing is an event where you stop everything you’re doing to pause and respond. I spent the morning reading everything I could get online. I also watched the passing of the cortege with my mum at Dover... I think now’s a chance for the younger Singaporeans to think about what they want for the future, and of the many possibilities.

Nazry: Yes, it was a commemoration, but through his passing, we could also reassess Singapore... I admired his sense of single-minded purpose to ensure Singapore survives amidst instability. But (going forward), we need to think about other things we want. For example, this idea of sheer pragmatism, and simplistic assumptions about multi-culturalism... (Should they still be) embraced?

Jace: To many of the 80s babies, he was like a father figure. You spent most of your time fighting against the rules that he set... It’s like when you have a dispute with your parents, and all of a sudden when they’re not around, (your rebellion) dissolves, and you have only respect and gratitude for what they did.

Prof Tan: When LKY passed away, the people chose to remember his contributions and legacy as the founding PM. In death, the man has become larger than life and above politics.

Nazry: That sense of idealism LKY had is a really alluring quality to have in a politician, especially for a small country that is looking to a strong figure in uncertain times. It’s something that is missing today… the sense of idealism and purpose in heading somewhere. I think the current slate of politicians are kind of lacking in that. Now (it’s more like) we’re living under bureaucracy than democracy.

Q: General Election – What did this year’s election mean to you? What did it say about us as Singaporeans?

Raymond: I think the 2011 election was the watershed election. The Government was detached from the ground... but I give credit to the Government. They (tried to address their shortcomings), so when 2015 came, they were ready. And as the election timing coincided with LKY’s passing, there was a lot of emotional weightage.

Pei En: We voted for what was safe. Even though the opposition candidates may not be of a certain calibre at this point in time, people can choose to vote for the party and what they stand for.

Raymond: Traditionally, Singaporeans are not risk takers... That’s why we have opportunities for employment but very little for entrepreneurship. And in terms of choosing right political party, we go with the safe bet. At the end of the day, we want to make sure our rice bowl is sound and without cracks.

Nazry: (The outcome) was also disappointing to me... I wasn’t expecting a new Government but it’s good to have more diversity of political voices and views in Parliament.

Q: On SG50 and going forward

Raymond: I think SG50 celebration came at a time when the world (was) in turmoil. Major economies are not doing too well. In the next five years, we might have global recession, and with terrorism, it’s going to hurt the economy... We’ve got a strong base - a strong educated workforce, corrupt-free governance… But we need to be more careful in moving forward as we’ve got more to lose than before.

Nazry: I agree... but it’s also time to be introspective about Singapore. I’m involved in Project 50 /100, a collective which presents alternative narratives about Singapore. We hope to give a voice to people who have not been heard.

Jace: Yes, during SG50 itself there’s a lot of nostalgia, and (sharing) of things we’re grateful for. But there’s not been enough talk about what’s our vision ahead. (The Government) keeps talking about productivity and economic growth, but what about finding what makes people intrinsically motivated? (It might be due to) the lack of engagement and aspiration that leads to the dismal productivity levels... it’s important for the next step, to help people reach that potential and bring our country to the next level of growth.

Q: Now that the first 50 years are behind us, what do you worry will divide society in the years to come?

Raymond: One thing is the foreign-local divide. With 60 per cent local and 40 per cent foreigner ratio, we fear losing our Singapore identity. I’m not against the foreign talent policy – it helps us springboard into faster growth. But we have to get right talent, right sizing, and good social integration.  

Prof Tan:  I think Singaporeans can accept that they live in a diverse society and increasingly more so. But what we need to address is the sense of insecurity – if Singaporeans feel secure, they would be more accepting. This means ensuring opportunities and jobs... The Government is already doing that with SkillsFuture, but the possession of skills must be translated into good jobs, social mobility, and being able to live the Singapore Dream.

Jace: When most people face competition (be it for jobs, education, housing), straightaway, we feel like protecting (our own) self-interests... so I feel it’s about building resilience. Build upon a resilient mindset to develop trust. Trust in ourselves as individuals that can make a difference. Trust in our family and community, so even if you fall through the cracks, you trust that help and support is at hand.

Nazry: We should also think about division in terms of culture, like the fiasco over Pink Dot. The problem is that there’s been some impositions on some fronts, rights trampled upon (between the) conservative and liberal (camps). The question is how do we address that? (We need to think about) our shared values, our shared morality. Being in a democracy also means we need to protect minority rights, especially for those outside a privileged circle.