Why our team has chosen to work on project task A

Question: You are to set up a blog to reflect on the challenges at social cohesion that Singapore ( a multi racial society) has faced and is facing today.

You are to blog about how the government has managed ethnic diversity and the importance of doing so. You are also to explore other ways of bonding Singapore and to invite your suggestions or proposals.


We have decided to chose this project as we feel that we work better with issues regarding Singapore as we know our country better.

We have also blogged about the many issues and questions given by the guiding questions. We also want to learn about the ways that Singapore has fostered social cohesion. We can also generate new ideas on how Singapore forges an identity in a globalizing world.

It can also help us in understanding chapter 5, regarding harmony in Singapore. Likewise, we have selected a name for our blog called hearts of harmony because we believe that everyone has a part to play in making Singapore a beautiful and harmonized country.

How different are we?

What makes a place unique, that gives it its distinct identity?
Its beauty.
Its landscape.
Its place in the world, a little red dot .

However, we think its the poeple that makes this tiny dot on the world map different. We blend and mix with each other to make this country a peacful place to live. Singapore is a bridge between the east and west for centuries and we think it will always remain this way. It has age-old events that burst with colour and festivity as we celebrate it with one another.

It tells a story of what Singapore has evolved to be; a bright vibrant city of colours and unique experiences. We have been taught that harmony is important in our country because which country will be able to survive without harmony,peace and people?

If you take a stroll in a neighbourhood in our country, you will realise it is vibrant society that has a fusion of many cultures and races. But we're not walking on different paths, we are walking together, hand in hand.

By Navneet

What were the events that lead to the race riots in 1964?

The 1964 Race Riots were a series of riots that took place in Singapore during two separate periods in July and September between Chinese and Malay groups.

The first riot occured on 21 July that was the same day as Prophet Muhammad's birthday.
IThe riot killed 36 people and injured more than 550.There have been many suggestions cited for the occurence of the race riots. Malaysia Deputy Prime Minister Tu Abdul Razak blamed the Indonesian and Communist provocateurs or agents.

On the other hand, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and several other foreign ministers thought that happened as the result of disturbance by Syed Jaafar Albar and other cuases of the ultra-nationalist faction in UMNO. According to the Australian Deputy High Commissioner, W.B. Pritchett: "...there can be no doubt that UMNO was solely responsible for the riots. Its members ran the communal campaign or allowed it to happen." The riots happened during the period when the PAP-UMNO relations were extremely strained after the People's Action Party challenged the UMNO in the March 1964 Malaysia federal election with the campaign slogan of Malaysian Malaysia.In addition, the involvement of Chinese secret societies in the riots also increased the level of violence.

By Navneet

What happened during the race riots?

Over 20 000 Malays and Muslims had met at the Padang to celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad in the afternoon of 21 July 1964. Such celebration and assembly was a yearly affair but something different happened that year though.

Handouts calling on Malays to destroy the PAP government were distributed earlier that day. Even the 'Yang Di Pertuan Negara', Yusof Ishak, was teased at by some organisations during his speech. As part of the celebrations, groups from the various and different organisations and societies were to march from the Padang to Lorong 12, Geylang and along the way, near Kallang. A clash between a Chinese policeman and a group of Malays were then sparked off the 1964 race riots. Singapore was put under a curfew that allowed people to leave their houses only at certain times of the day as a result of the racial riots.

When the curfew was lifted on 2 August 1964, 23 people were already dead by then while another 454 people were injured. It is thought that the riots were not an automatic expressions of bad feelings among the races but were rather purposely started by rumours, exaggeration and lies that werecreated to stir racial and religious hatred among the malays. Most were pushing the blame on the government regarding the racial riots.

By Nur Diana

What were the consequences of the race riots?

So far, the racial riots in 1964 were the worst and the most prolonged in Singapore's post-war history. There are a number of factors that contributes to the conflict of violence.

Firstly, implementing their policy of Confrontation with the newly formed Federation of Malaysia.
There are a number of indonesian activist had drench into Singapore in attempts to arouse the religious favour of the more fanatical malays.

Secondly, the chinese secret society gangs has seized the opportunity to stir up the violence and riot.

Thirdly, there is reporting in the speech press which helped to cool down racial emotions. Hence, the Deputy Premier, Dr. Toh Chin Chye, suggested on 2 August 1964 that laws amd rules to be introduced to prohibit newspapers from publishing articles which might add on to the racial riots sparks.

Furthermore, the leaders of both the Federal Government of Malaysia and the State Government of Singapore gave firm surety that everyone, regardless of racial origin, would have a place under the Malaysian 'sun' and will be looked after "has a place under the Malaysian sun and all will be looked after without any discrimination.

By Nur Diana

What were the lessons learnt from the riots?

Now the Singaporean goverment

also featured the tragedy to the dullness of the colonial government towards the racial and religious feelings of the locals. It indicates the incident as a vital lesson learnt in the importance of racial and religious understanding and harmony. It also cites the incident as a case for placing a certain degree of governmental control on the media, especially when racial or religious issues are implicated.

The “Cina-Melayu Gaduh” period by many Malays, the 1964 racial riots had definitely been a lesson learnt the hard way for many Singaporeans. Nevertheless, with the introduction of the Racial Harmony Day, students are able to recognize the terror of Singapore’s past and come to realize that racial tolerance and harmony are essential when living under a multi-ethnic roof. We should speak in one voice as citizens of Singapore, rather than from a colored perspective as members of the different ethnic and religious communities.

Why do people act sensitively to religious issues?

While race difference has been unlawful for 30 years or more, until recently, some members of religious groups could not bring a this difference claim at all, while others could only attempt to bring what was in fact a religious discrimination claim by using the existing race difference legislation. That unsatisfactory legal position changed in 2003 and now entirely separate legislation governs the two types of discrimination.

There are some similarities between the two, for example, the sub-division into types of discrimination as explained below. The new Equality and Human Rights Commission, formed in October 2007, has replaced the previously separate commissions and now means that for the first time there is an official body working to battle discrimination based on religion or belief.

Discrimination on the grounds of race became unlawful with the introduction of the Race Relations Act 1976 (RRA). The Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against someone on the grounds of nationality and color, or ethnic, racial, or national group. The RRA contains provisions outside the field of employer/employee relations.

The Race Directive and EC Equal Treatment Framework Directive which aim to harmonize race equality legislation across the EU have also been incorporated into UK law. The Race Relations Act 1976 Regulations 2003 , which implemented provisions of the Race Directive, cover difference on the grounds of ethnic, racial or national group, but exclude discrimination on the grounds of nationality and color.

Race discrimination has been lawless for nearly thirty years, though discrimination law on religion was only introduced into British law in December 2003. But employers shouldn’t be relying on legal requirements alone. Effective organizations will have diverse workforces and embrace good employment practices regardless of race or religious beliefs. Different views, perspectives and ideas are vital.

By Shazana

What were the events led to the Maria Hertogh riots of 1950?

After the judge decides that Adeline Hunter should be given the authority to have Maria and opposed to Aminah's appeal, huge crowds starts to gather in front of the court. They said that this is an unfair treatment towards Aminah and has cause a religion disturbances issues where the court has treated Muslim unfairly compared to the Dutch.

By Hafizah

What were the causes of the Maria Hertogh riots?

In 1945, after World War II ends, Sergeant Hertogh was released and returned to Java, and that is where he reunited with his wife. The couple said that they want Maria back but Che Aminah and Maria were nowhere to be found.

Then, they went back to the Netherlands after asking for help from both Singapore and the Dutch authorities in Java to try to trace and find the child. Red Cross Society, the Indonesian Repatriation Service, the Royal Netherlands Army and local police then conduct an investigations on Maria and Che Aminah.

Finally, in September 1949, Che Aminah and Maria were successfully traced to the kampong where they were living in. That is when the unagreement on the child's custody started between couple Sergeant Adrianus Petrus Hertogh and Adeline Hunter who can speak Bahasa fluently, going against Che Aminah.

By Hafizah

What happened during the riots?

Large crowds gathered outside the court showing their anger. If the Malays see any Europians or Dutch, they will attack them. They overturned, burnt and destroyed all the cars. The Malay and Indian Muslim rioters took control of the Sultan Mosque, North Bridge Road, Jalan Besar, etc. They also set up barricades along the major roads.

The riot continued for three days and a 24-hour curfew had to be setted up for two weeks. British troops, Malay troops and the Singapore police all had to be involved to control the riot.

By Hafizah

What were the consequences of the riots?

Altogether, 18 people were killed and 173 were injured. Nine were killed by rioters while the others were killed by policemen. Thus, a Police Inspector and a Special Constable, whom killed by rioters had nothing got to do with the Hertogh case and their murder was caused by racial hatred.

The riots shows the incorrect way of how the media handled religious and racial issues in Singapore.

Although the rioters were mainly Malays, there is also a large number of foreigners including Indian, Pakistani and Indonesian Muslims. Added to this, mainly, Malay Police Force sympathise the Muslim rioters and thus did not treat them harshly during the riots.

It became an offence to have racial and religious hatred in Singapore. The local media exercised greater discipline in the coverage of sensitive issues. National integration and nation-building took top priority in the formulation of government policies.

By Hafizah

What were the lessons learnt from the riots?

The lessons learnt from the racial riots were that we must not be biased against different races and we must maintain equal treatment of every race in Singapore.One main lesson we have learnt is that Singapore is vulnerable, and our economy is dependent on the outside world. Nobody owes us a living, but if we are quick and wise, we can still make a very good living for ourselves.

We need to be alert and smart to survive and prosper. There is still a wealth of opportunities that we can grab and explore, provided that we have the dynamism and sense of venture. Our best chance of winning is for all of us Singaporeans to stay united, and to show strong social discipline. At the same time, while we are aware of the danger to our lives, we must have a tough mind to live our lives normal. These experiences with Indonesia and Malaysia underscore the complications and importance of maintaining sound relations with our immediate neighbours, in a changing environment, and despite awkward issues that comes up from time to time.

A key challenge is to maintain good relations with our neighbouring countries.Another important lesson is that a fundamental basis for sound relations is for us to be able to stand on our own as equals with other nations.

By Jahan

Why do people react sensitively to religious issues?

People react sensitively to religious issues because in a multi-ethnic country and also as a smallest country in south-east Asia, we, regardless of religion or race, should be united so that our country can prosper and develop as any other larger country out there .If religious issues are not handled carefully, hostility and distrust among the people might occur, thus affecting the relationships among different religious groups.

For a small country we cannot afford to fight among each other but work together to bring our country higher. By working together we must see ourselves as one. We must understand each other race and religion and respect the different cultures. We must also have trust in each other and be loyal to our country. Thus, if religion is an issue that leads to violence, all said cannot be done and Singapore would not be able to grow , our economic , tourism and investors will drop as many things would be damaged.

By Jahan

What were the measures taken to foster social cohesion (unity among people) in multi-ethnic Singapore?

During British settlement in the early 19th century, Singapore's population during that period was not much compared to Singapore's population currently. Today, Singapore is known as a multi-ethnic society. It is a country which consist of variety of people and also one of the world most densely populated countries.
Immigration and foreigners contributes to Singapore's growth. About 75 percent of the people in Singapore are of Chinese origin. The malays who are the original citizen of the region are the second largest ethnic group which adds up to 15 percent of the population. The rest of the major ethnic groups in Singapore are Indians and Pakistanis.

A minor number of europeans who are mostly of british background also live in the island named Singapore. The different and various ethnic groups in Singapore has mostly maintained its traditional custom and also their way of living. At the same time because of the diversity or variety of the population, toleration for others have become a way of life in Singapore. This has been encourage by the government who hopes to create from its peoples a Singaporean national identity.

In fostering social-cohesion in multi-ethnic singapore, there must be equality among the races without any special rights to be given to any particular race or religion or it would not be fair. Singapore have a multi-racialism policy whereby everyone has equal opportunities to suceed no matter who they are and where they come from. In this way, a sense of national identity which is Sinagporeans would be created. Common practices were done here in Singapore meant for Singaporeans. Examples of common practices in Sinagpore is like singing the national anthem and reciting the pledge. In this way, it actually helps to foster national identity. Students in Singapore were also expected to be billingual.

They are to learn English language and and their own various mother tongue language. English language will then be used as the language linking the different ethnic groups which helps to improve communication among Singaporeans. The government also gives common spaces for people in various areas to get together. This provides them opportunity to interact so that understanding among Singaporeans will strengthen and hece, social cohesion were fostered.

By Nur Diana

Why is it important to foster social cohesion?

It is important to foster social cohesion so that our country can maintain racial and religious harmony among us singaporeans as our country is a multi-ethnic country. By maintaining racial and religious harmony in our country , is also to prevent division among our people in the society. Security and peace is one of the benefits for living in Singapore together with peace and harmony. Every singaporean feels safe with one another as we respect each other culture and religion.Therefore, various policies and programmes have been placed to ensure that everyone living in Singapore, regardless of race or religion, enjoy a harmonious living environment that is clean,safe and peaceful.

By Jahan

Explore other ways to foster social cohesion in Singapore?

The government can provide more opportunities or activities for different races to have more interaction with each other. For most Singaporeans there has been no significant improvement in economic conditions, and many face deepening structural poverty.

This is poverty caused by changes in the structure of society such as the emergence of the knowledge society, which builds on education and lifelong learning for the integration of all members into social and economic life.

Retrenchments continue, many businesses either continue to post losses, down size or relocate elsewhere, job prospects look bleak, the cost of living and doing business in Singapore remain relatively high, our young people joining the work force for the first time find it harder to secure jobs and start at much lower salaries. More families and individuals are unable to pay their mortgages, utilities and other bills.

In light of these happenings, there is a need to put forward different policy options through ideas and solutions derived from Singaporeans and provide those essential checks and balances and non-elitist practices to ensure social cohesion and to repossess ownership over the policy making process.

One way to achieve this is by initiating wide public consultation to find out what Singaporeans want and how they would like to rectify the problem. However, to foster social cohesion mainly depends on us. If we could get along with everybody, this will make Singapore a peaceful and harmony country.

By Shazana

How issues relating to transnational terrorism could divide the people.

Transnational terrorism refers to acts of global violence in terms of aims, organizations and impact.Singaporeans should try to adopt to a security consciousness way of life as we are more dependant on the government regarding this kinds of matters, although Singapore has taken security measures such as screening every piece of luggage at the airport or checkpoint.Transnational terrorism could divide our people by using our multi-ethnic country against us. they can create issues regarding our different religion and race to seperate our people so that wo would not be able to prosper and develop. It could also endanger the safety of our people .Thus ,we singaporeans must not have a mindset that nothing would happen to our country but must stay alert at all times.

By Jahan

Videos on the Racial Riots

- video interviewed on

Osman Wok used to be an MP (Minister of Parliament)