What National Day means for me I (temasekreview.com)
Long before our National Day started, we have definitely heard of democracy, equality and media bias. Our current Minister Mentor, Lee Kuan Yew once said, “But we either believe in democracy or we not. If we do, then, we must say categorically, without qualification, that no restraint from the any democratic processes, other than by the ordinary law of the land, should be allowed… If you believe in democracy, you must believe in it unconditionally. If you believe that men should be free, then, they should have the right of free association, of free speech, of free publication. Then, no law should permit those democratic processes to be set at nought.” That was said when he was an opposition leader, back in April 27, 1955. What about now, since 9 August 1965?
In an earlier article on this website, we saw that “people” have been putting up the Singapore flags in all the HDB estates, which is in fact, our friendly grassroots volunteers. However, is this really a true action of patriotism? I doubt so. In all my years in Singapore, and overseas for my tertiary studies, I can make very good comparisons of how we and other countries celebrate National Day or in other words, Independence Day. In other countries, they have a choice on whether to show so outwardly that they are loyal to their country. Moreover, even if you are very loyal it is still a choice and you might not hang your flags anyway.
As most of the Singaporean citizens here would call Singapore their homeland or motherland, let me clarify a fact, no matter what you want to call it, it is still our home, be it permanently or temporary. Back in those days, when I was still a Primary School student, I was being called to stage to give a speech on what National Day means to me. If I were to choose a word, I would say, my answer was really casual. I often reminisce that moment when I said it was a day where I celebrate the birthday of my nation, but also a day where I can stay home and sleep in. And then the time came when my school got its turn to attend the National Day Parade (NDP) preview. I was in Primary 5 then and it was a must to attend.
While I was there, I was overwhelmed with emotions that filled the air by the attendees of the preview. Besides singing the patriotic songs, the show of various fleets of weapons, there was also the unforgettable fireworks that covered our skies. One shout of protest from me though, why couldn’t we stick to just a few songs that all of us had learnt in schools than having to learn the one new song every year that the government had prepared for us?
That aside, during that time, I asked my friends and people around me which was an impromptu action of mine, what did National Day mean to them. I got replies ranging from being able to watch the fireworks to more creative ones like feeling that everything was so secured for them economically while they see so many people saying the pledge together (maybe that is why this year the organizers decided to have a mass pledge moment at 8.22pm). But as said above, none of them covered key terms like free speech or free publication.
Free speech has never been worked upon in our society and even more seldom would you hear it in our own communities. The government has erected Hong Lim Park as the designated free speech area but how often is it used and truly, say from the bottom of your hearts, the opinions aired there are not opposed by some greater authority?
On the other hand, what about free publication? Singapore has only one main newspaper publishing company, Singapore Press Holdings and one smaller one called, MediaCorp. Both of them are government controlled too, so there goes the free publication talk. The only way we can express ourselves are through the internet where it is still new and widespread. Therefore, we should not sit back and simply let things flow by but to not take all these things for granted and fight for all these rights which were promised us. This land where we dearly call our own is our home, and I am sure we will use all methods to protect it with our lives if we are also given our rights.
To be a Singaporean, we have to be law abiding citizens. Of course, this is not a bad thing but there are definitely more to being a Singaporean than just that. Everyone has choices. Everyone has rights. Just because you tell me to do it, does not mean I must, as it is just an advice, isn’t it?
The good thing about being a Singaporean is that when I am overseas, I can say that it is a clean place with good security and criminals actually get caught. Just to share, I was robbed once before when I was overseas and the police over there was very impressed with Singapore’s low crime rate. If I were to quote him, he said “Wow! I want to work in Singapore too because criminals there actually gets caught.” That was also a time when I was happy and proud to call Singapore my home. Other times include the fast turnaround time for things to get done, for instance, bank cards and driver’s licenses. In short, to me, being a Singaporean includes being able to remember and portray the values that our forefathers have held so dear and also continuing our endearing multiracial culture.
In my opinion, National Day celebrates our rich heritage, thanks to all our fellow citizens. We are also the only country in the world where four official languages reside harmoniously with our special arrangements of public holidays. Speaking of which, the fact that National Day falls on August 9 which is also close to Hari Raya, our Malay counterparts feel more festive and more attached to this parade and display of loyalty. We have strong racial bonds because of our unique housing where we have a mix of families from different dialects and races.
Besides, now, the only changes that I hope to see for Singapore is that we have more true blood Singaporeans and please try to make us stay here. I know that many famous people want to make Singapore their home which includes Jet Li, Gong Li and even Richard Li wants to send his wife and son here. We are really easy to hold back and even the slightest thing would have made us contented. Things like being able to REALLY speak our minds and also do not just look at the paper chase for education. Lastly, do have more seats in parliament for the opposition. After all, our Minister Mentor also started off in an opposition party too right?
With all the above mentioned met, I am sure I will gladly say Singapore is my home. For now, it is just a place I was born in and of course, I do remember my roots. Although I have spent considerable amounts of time overseas, I do still hold the red passport and pink identity cards which are uniquely us – also a sense of identity. No? I look forward to a better Singapore with the Integrated Resorts (IR) coming up, and the changes that the government is willing to make.
In summary, I am proud of being a Singaporean because of the stability, security, cleanliness and racial harmony. But I look forward to a country that I love for more than just these points and hopefully it includes free publication, true free speech and also equality in parliament (for oppositions). For friends, we are happy to be here as this is also the place where our friendships are built and experiences endured together. For family, Singapore is definitely our home.
If we were given a chance to state our wish for Singapore, it will definitely be just the plain old, Happy 44th Birthday and do continue to strive harder for a better future.
About the Author:
Amanda Lian is in her mid 20s, and is currently working as a writer for various publications. Having spent lots of time abroad and back home, she is happy to be called a Singaporean. Passionate about the arts scene, she aims to be able to write rewarding articles about the various issues of comtemporary life. She finds it intriguing to know more about a specific issue and to pen them down on paper.
What national day meant for me? Good question. It means looking at tax-payers' money squandered on props and its just another public holiday for me to enjoy in batam due to long weekend. lol.
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