![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif?v=92.1){kind=small}
Why the Government is Loving This
Yesterday some ministers issued comments on the recent AWARE saga, indicating their concerted stance that whatever is happening in AWARE is an internal matter that rightfully falls outside the boundaries of government intervention.
Whilst this is true, I believe (or rather imagine) that they have another reason for holding their horses: they are loving the responses to the incitement.
How often does one get to witness countless citizens coming out to say that they believe in the multi-religious, multi-racial, multi-whatever society that is Singapore?
It is a testament to the aspects that our government has done right, to the extent that it should be considered a victory - one that deserves glorification above GDP and economic growth statistics. Somewhere along the lines, contrary to what I had believed, the government has flourished in an area where so many other institutions have failed.
Societal behaviour might refute the existence of such inclusive notions amongst citizens, but it nevertheless is a progressive start. Everyone knows that civil society here has a long way to go; still, knowing that many Singaporeans acknowledge the concept of societal secularism is definitely very affirming.
This begs the question: women of Singapore, what are your beliefs in society? Saturday will not just be a battle of numbers - it is a battle between the secular left and the conservative right. A win for the old guard is of great personal importance to me, for I want to believe that in spite of the many flaws in Singapore, the culture of tolerance and respect will emerge victorious in the end. Such would only bode well for future developments and debates in society.
So while we do not talk about human rights, while we do not talk about greater political freedom, while we do not talk about an elitist government, we can talk about how we co-exist peacefully, even though it happens in a strained setting. This is something I can bring myself to be wholly proud of.
For the first, and hopefully not the last, time in my life, I actually feel pro-Singapore for WHO the country is. Kudos to AWARE; may Singapore win.
Whilst this is true, I believe (or rather imagine) that they have another reason for holding their horses: they are loving the responses to the incitement.
How often does one get to witness countless citizens coming out to say that they believe in the multi-religious, multi-racial, multi-whatever society that is Singapore?
It is a testament to the aspects that our government has done right, to the extent that it should be considered a victory - one that deserves glorification above GDP and economic growth statistics. Somewhere along the lines, contrary to what I had believed, the government has flourished in an area where so many other institutions have failed.
Societal behaviour might refute the existence of such inclusive notions amongst citizens, but it nevertheless is a progressive start. Everyone knows that civil society here has a long way to go; still, knowing that many Singaporeans acknowledge the concept of societal secularism is definitely very affirming.
This begs the question: women of Singapore, what are your beliefs in society? Saturday will not just be a battle of numbers - it is a battle between the secular left and the conservative right. A win for the old guard is of great personal importance to me, for I want to believe that in spite of the many flaws in Singapore, the culture of tolerance and respect will emerge victorious in the end. Such would only bode well for future developments and debates in society.
So while we do not talk about human rights, while we do not talk about greater political freedom, while we do not talk about an elitist government, we can talk about how we co-exist peacefully, even though it happens in a strained setting. This is something I can bring myself to be wholly proud of.
For the first, and hopefully not the last, time in my life, I actually feel pro-Singapore for WHO the country is. Kudos to AWARE; may Singapore win.
Comments