United Against Terror: Divided by Defence?

The more the ministers talk about social cohesion and integrating foreigners into the warm embrace of Singapore Inc, the more I find their statements contradicting because their words do not match the implementation by Singapore (Govt) Inc.

Recently, not one but two "heavyweight" (is there any other weight category?) ministers came out to make public announcements to bring Singaporeans (born here, converted or whatever) together, ostensibly to unite against the real bogeyman - TERRORISM! *cue scary music scores or perhaps Michael Jackson's "Thriller"* (On a serious note: I do recognise terrorism is a real issue but Govts all NEED bogeyman to help bring people together.)

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan (Minister for Community, Youth and Sports) remarked:

'We must not discriminate. We must learn to live and let live. We must learn to accept people with open hearts,' he said, while reminding the 1,000 residents at the dinner that their forefathers had also once been newcomers to the island.

But he conveniently didn't mention that our forefathers didn't have to serve national service and they could compete against the other fellow immigrants on a level playing field unless they belonged to the then "white-horse" equivalent groups of orang putih (white skinned, i.e. British Colonial types) or sons of the soil types.

DPM Mr. Teo Chee Hean observed:

'One of the objectives of these extremists is to use religion in the wrong way in order to split societies apart. We must realise this and...make sure we put in even more effort to understand our neighbours and friends and reach out to one another.'

I agree with the key thrust of his message. But as any mother-hood statement, it is as useful as it's being implemented. Serving this nation for 2.5 years in full-time national service and 10 years of annual In-camp training with 2 stints of operational responsibilities have left me with the reality of Singapore Inc. The country will suck the marrow out of your life through conscripted service for the defence of the state. Sure, ask Mindef to let you defer to pursue higher education or music or the arts that doesn't fall into nice little categories on their deferment forms and see if the nation reaches out to you when you need some help and understanding.

Even the case of the Hare Krishnan priest that was asking for some understanding was met with the standard "get with the program" message or get charged as giving exemptions will ruin our system of meritocracy. Of course, "White horse" programme is allowed within our glorious meritocracy, as well as the fact that certain units in the SAF do not have soldiers who belong to a certain faith. If you don't believe, go ask Mindef for number of people of a certain faith who cannot be found in Signals, Artillery, Armour and other sensitive vocations. Mere concidence of deliberate discrimination based on religion?

You decide.

Majullah Singapura.