Friday, June 29, 2007
Racial Harmony
Although Singapore is just a small red dot on the world map, but it is not an ordinary red dot. What distinguishes this little country, apart from its greenery and warm tropical climate, is its stability, and lack of racial problems. Singapore is a multiracial society. In our community, 4 official races are present, namely the Chinese, Malays, Indians and the Eurasians. Naturally, in our society, minority races like the Arabs are also present. Watching the news on television, and reading our national newspapers such as Straits Times, and the Chinese newspaper, Lianhe Zaobao, we have come to realize the value of Racial Harmony in a multicultural society like ours.
Many tragic events between races are still a nightmare for Singaporeans now and without their existence, Singaporeans will not be able to understand the importance of racial harmony.
One of the most terrific racial riot happened on the 21st July 1964. There were many casualties and only on the very first day of the riot, there were already 4 killed and 174 injured. In total, about 23 people had lost their lives and 178 were injured giving a total of about 201 casualties in this riot alone. This riot was reported to have started at about 5pm. During the course of the 11days of the riot, curfews were imposed to help stop the riot. After the riot, there was significant damage to property and vehiclesand about 2,500 people were arrested, mostly for possession of dangerous weapons and violating the curfew.
The day before the riot had started, 21st July, 1964, 25,000 Malays gathered at Padang to celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. During the procession towards Geylang, a group that had dispersed from the procession was asked by a policeman to rejoin the procession yet the group disobeyed orders and attacked the policeman. The group of Malays then continued to attack some Chinese passer-bys and spectators which led to a race riot between the Malays and the Chinese. Throughout the riot, curfews were imposed and only lifted for the civilians to buy supplies.
As our ancester failed to understand the importance of racial harmony, wheather to themself or to the country, we must learn from their mistakes and not let such disaster happen again. Only when Singaporeans is united regardless of race and religion, then Singapore will prosper.
Posted at: 10:10 PM