Funny how slogans can mean different things to different people.
In a couple of days, the annual National Day Parade, the product of zillions of man-hours and resources, will culminate at the Padang. The NDP is a powerful rallying point at which to celebrate our country’s independence and achievements.
Beyond the pomp and fireworks, and towering skyscrapers, what lies beneath? What are the national values we hold dear as Singaporeans? How committed are we to the country’s success? Do we feel we belong? How much would you give up in order to benefit a fellow Singaporean? Are we - a nation?
To this end, the just-released Institute of Policy Studies National Orientations of Singaporeans Survey No. 4 is interesting in several respects. It seems that generally, Singaporeans are faring well relative to other countries in their sense of national pride. Around 30% of the approx 2,000 respondents wanted more government provision of social goods, even if it meant higher taxes. And, perhaps more significantly, 85% believed that `voting gave citizens the most meaningful way in which to tell the government how the country should be run’.
It is indeed right that the General Election remains a national level event – one which lets the people write a collective report card on the incumbent’s performance. It is wrong to re-cast a national election into a vote in favour of local estate upgrading plans, or worse, threats of withholding such plans.
As we approach our 45th National Day, we should really take stock of where our nation is going at this critical juncture. Yesterday, I met two residents of Aljunied GRC who lamented that while they had critical views on government policies, there was no point voicing them. “What can one voice do?” they asked. They could not be more wrong. If every person whom we venerate as a mover and shaker thought that way, would there ever have been human progress?
We owe it to ourselves and the next generation to do what we can, to secure a Singapore which endures. Live Our Dreams. Fly Our Flag!
About Me
- Sylvia
- I am Chairman of the Workers' Party. I also love wine, music and sports, in that order:- Wine was introduced to me by my hostel mates in London, as there was easy access to Italian restaurants; when I returned home, I simply bonded with my father who was way ahead in wine pursuits. Music, singing in particular, I indulged in from young, but when I turned 30 I decided I had to become schooled in reading Western notes rather than only relying on the Chinese method of numbering. I belatedly studied Music Theory and Classical Singing from 1995, and managed to pass ABRSM Grade 8 in both. However, I failed twice to get a singing Diploma; my voice was not ripe and trained enough. As for sports, I used to take part in amateur running competitions in the 1980s and 1990s, but a series of injuries has required me to scale back a lot...These days, a moderate gym workout of about 40 mins is more appropriate. However, I do live vicariously in Olympic athletes and swimmers.