Singaporean identity ‘particularly pertinent’ as Republic moves into next phase: Indranee
SINGAPORE — The question of what it means to be Singaporean is "particularly pertinent" as the country heads into its next phase of development, said Second Minister (Law, Education and Finance) Indranee Rajah, who sought to sketch the Singaporean identity on Friday (May 18).
SINGAPORE — The question of what it means to be Singaporean is "particularly pertinent" as the country heads into its next phase of development, said Second Minister (Law, Education and Finance) Indranee Rajah, who sought to sketch the Singaporean identity on Friday (May 18).
Among other things, Singaporeans have a "strong sense of self-determination", a trait moulded by the Republic's history. "We have a deep and abiding belief that our future should be charted, not by others but by ourselves and on our own terms," said Ms Indranee, noting how the country is often subject to external pressures as a small nation.
Singaporeans also believe in a multicultural, multiracial and multi-religious society, and are guided by values such as meritocracy and the aspiration towards equality. Above all, "to be Singaporean is to care", she suggested in her speech on the final day of a five-day debate on the President's Address.
Citing the concerns over social stratification which were raised by several backbenchers and Cabinet ministers during the debate, Ms Indranee said the issue is indeed a problem.
However, the real point to note is that "we care that it is becoming a problem and we are determined to do something about it", she said.
"We care enough to want to do something. If we see something wrong, our first instinct is to help, to fix it, to improve the situation," she added.
In seeking to define the common Singaporean characteristics, Ms Indranee also observed the idiosyncrasies of what she called a "uniquely Singaporean" culture.
This includes "our habit of calling everyone Auntie or Uncle, whether or not they are related to us", and the concept of "choping" especially with a packet of tissue paper, said Ms Indranee, referring to the Singaporean habit of reserving tables at food centres.
Nevertheless, values lie at the heart of the Singaporean identity, she said.
Apart from meritocracy and the aspiration towards equality, other values that define Singaporeans are "family, kindness, inclusiveness", "honesty, integrity and anti-corruption", as well as "justice, fairness and the rule of law".
"Because of our values, our hallmark is trust. People know they can trust us. In global and regional trade, many accord a premium to dealing with Singaporean businesses," she said.
Citing a long list of international achievements by the country and its people in various fields including music, arts and sports, Ms Indranee said the pursuit of excellence is also part of the Singaporean identity.
"Now, some of you may have felt slightly uncomfortable during my recitation of this long list of achievements. If so, you are displaying another very Singaporean trait — which is modesty," Ms Indranee told the House.
She added: "We are not given to blowing our own trumpet or puffing ourselves up. If anything, we are embarrassed by praise and accolades… But this is not about chest thumping or bragging. This is about understanding the significance of what I have just listed."
Still, Singaporeans are by no means perfect, Ms Indranee said. Besides being "champion complainers", Singaporeans can be inconsiderate, selfish, kiasu (acting on the fear of being left behind), and impatient, she noted.
"But overall, our positive attributes far outweigh our negative ones," she said.
Calling on young Singaporeans to help write the next chapter in the country's history, Ms Indranee said they have the qualities, values and opportunity to make their mark.
"No matter what our background, each of us has a role to play, each has something to contribute to make Singapore a better place," she said.