The country has flourished but its soul may have died

by Raj Singh

We, the citizens of Singapore, pledge ourselves as one united people, regardless of race, language or religion, to build a democratic society, based on justice and equality, so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation.

I grew up in a small flat in Taman Jurong. My neighbours were Malay Indian Chinese and Eurasians. We played football at the lift lobby (no police or people complaining). We entered the houses of the Chinese and had Kueh TuTu. We would eat Epok Epok with the Malays and sometimes vadai with the Indians.

We would catch spiders or fly kites. Play hantam bolla and rounders with slippers.

We played carom while adults would chit chat.

We were told that we could be anything we wanted to be. We could be news reporters, actors, doctors, judges, pilots and anything else we wanted – all we needed was hard work.

Race and color didn't matter. We had a Chinese leader who spoke fluent English, Mandarin and Malay. We believed in what he said. Our childhood idol was Fandi Ahmad. We greeted people in the lifts when the lifts worked perfectly!

We believed in the good of people and our government to lead us. Regardless of race religion and color.

Today, while the country has flourished, its soul may have died. All I see are people hiding behind the phones. Rushing to work like there's no tomorrow. Everyone hiding in their million dollar homes in the evening, with the doors closed like their hearts.

Today, we are told we need to be of a certain color before we are allowed to lead or be a leader.

Today, we are told we need to be of an elite status before we are allowed to contribute to our country

Today, we are told that some young men who may have skills and creativity, maybe put behind computers to work and ensure compliance.

Today, I am worried for the next generation.

We the citizens?

This post was first published as a Facebook post by Raj Singh and reproduced with permission

This entry was posted in Letters.

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