Sit alongside my bak kut the eating friends, while I savour my
Nasi Padang from the stall run by the jovial Malay makcik. Celebrate Chinese
New Year, Deepavali and Christmas in the homes of my kakis, and inviting them
over to mine during Hari Raya. Witness an Indian uncle and a Chinese uncle “lim
kopi” at the coffee shop downstairs and having an exchange in fluent Malay.
Uniquely Singaporean? Yes.
Proudly Singaporean? Heck, Yes!
Often, we take for granted this thing called “racial and
religious harmony” that we enjoy. We routinely say “regardless of race,
language and religion” – without fully comprehending how precious that
statement is. I bet like myself, many of you will not remember the turmoil that
ensued following the 1960s racial riots, cos we didn’t have to live through it.
To have to live in fear of your neighbors, of your fellow Singaporeans is
simply unthinkable of today.
At the recent 66th anniversary dinner
of the Inter-Religious Organisation, PM Lee Hsien Loong said that it was “quite
unrealistic” to assume that there should be “unfettered discussions or even
criticisms and blasphemies on matters of race and religion”. PM Lee also said
that “Singapore cannot afford to take its harmony for granted”.
Bonding activities, such as those organised by the People’s
Association and its grassroots and through education and activities in schools,
national holidays to foster racial harmony and to bring people of various
races, religions and backgrounds through their common interest played an
integral role then. And I believe they will continue to play a major role in
our society. Without this move, one wonders if we’ll still be as chummy as we
are with one another today. Needless to say, these programmes have helped us
understand better the norms and the quirks of those that are not of the same
race/culture as us.
I guess we can liken this “tolerance” that we have towards
each other to paper – once crumpled, it can be straightened, but the creases
caused by these “memories” will never be fully erased, no matter how hard we
try. Now and again, it is good to remind ourselves to be mindful and tactful in
our conversations and actions, both online and offline, while we enjoy and reap
the benefits of a community that is racially and religiously harmonious.
Let’s all do our part in preserving the peace for ourselves
and for many generations to come. We are colour blind and proud!
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