The Importance of Social Cohesion and Racial and Religious Harmony

by SG United Journalists Leonard Tan and Darryl Tang, from Nan Chiau High School

"Singapore is like a ball and we are well prepared (against terrorism). We have to succeed every time to prevent terrorists from snatching the ‘Singapore ball’, but they only have to succeed once to take it away. Even if they didn't, if the ‘Singapore ball’ drops, would it bounce back like a rubber ball? Or will it shatter and become beyond repair like a glass ball?”, said Mr Lim Swee Say, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, at the National CEP Dialogue 2011.
Social cohesion and harmony is the essential key in holding Singapore together in times of crisis, the glue that prevents the ‘Singapore ball’ from shattering. Is the key in our hands? When faced with a crisis, will the Singapore society be able to bounce back as one to face the problem, or will it disintegrate?

We all know that terrorism is a real threat, and that Singapore is not spared from it. This threat may be strong enough a force to shatter the ‘Singapore ball’.

Singapore is a multi-racial and multi-religious society. To ensure that Singaporeans stand united against crises, we must preserve the social harmony which we have come to cherish over the years.

Different racial and religious groups have their own beliefs and practices, understanding one and another can build networks of trust across different communities. Being mindful when speaking can also avoid clashes – a careless comment may ignite an argument which may in turn snowball into bigger-scale disputes.

Everyone needs to work together to build the above-mentioned networks of trust, it is not something that one person or a small group can achieved. At the national level, we have the Community Engagement Programme (CEP) that aims to unite the people as one and to encourage the people to be prepared for crises. At the community level, there are initiatives driven by passionate community leaders, an example is the "Kampung Spirit @ Eunos" project which aims at reviving and promoting the kampung spirit in Eunos area, while promoting communal harmony and emergency preparedness.

We must not forget the newcomers joining in the Singapore family. By helping them to better integrate into our society, they can be the new bonds that hold together the networks of trust. New citizens require a sense of belonging, what we can do is to help them understand and embrace our special blend of multiculturalism, which would in turn make them feel at home. Simple acts such as introducing them to local delicacies and even “Singlish” may do the trick.

At the National CEP Dialogue, PM Lee highlighted the importance resilience against crises. He made reference to a photograph showing Japanese in Sendai city queuing up at a supermarket to buy food after the Mar 11 earthquake and tsunami, despite the fact that supplies were running low. This was a demonstration of Japanese’s resilience, and is something Singaporeans should reflect on and learn.

How could the Japanese be so calm? We would think that the strong bonds and trust between people was the key.

Programmes and initiatives can only be programmes and initiatives, what makes them work are the participation of people. You and I, we all have a part to play in keeping the “Singapore ball” intact.