CONTENT FAQS
What are the challenges faced faced by the multi-ethnic society in Singapore?
1964 race riots
On 21 July 1964, over 20,000 Malays and Muslims assembled at the Padang to celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. The celebration was an annual affair.
Leaflets calling on Malays to overthrow the People's Action Party (PAP) government were distributed. This was due to the increased racial tension fuelled by rumours that the Malays were being unfairly treated by the government. Even the Yang Di-Pertuan Negara, Yusof Ishak, was jeered at by some Malay organisations during his speech.
As part of the celebrations, contingents from the various organisations and societies were to march from the Padang to Lorong 12, Geylang. Along the way, near Kallang, a clash between a Chinese policeman and a group of Malays sparked off the 1964 race riots.
Singapore was put under a curfew that allowed people to leave their houses only at certain times of the day. When the curfew was lifted on 2 August 1964, 23 people had lost their lives while another 454 people were injured.
In September 1964, a fresh round of race riots occurred. This showed the ineffectiveness of Singapore's police and security forces. The PAP government had to wait for the Federal government to mobilise the security forces to stop the riots.
The July and September 1964 riots showed the danger of communal politics in multi-racial Singapore. Racial discord emerged because of the fiery speeches and statements that played up communal feelings. It resulted in a loss of lives, destruction of property and a breakdown in peace and order.
1969 race riot
On 10 May 1969, Malaysia, the ruling Alliance coalition headed by the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) suffered a huge setback in the General Elections. The largely Chinese opposition Democratic Action Party (OAP) and Gerakan Party, gained many seats in the elections. They later secured a police permit for a victory parade through a fixed route in Kuala Lumpur (KL). However, the rowdy procession deviated from its route and headed towards a Malay district of Kampung Bahru, jeering at the inhabitants.
While the Gerakan party issued an apology the next day, UMNO announced a counter-procession starting from Jalan Raja Muda. It was reported that Malays on their way to the procession were assaulted by the Chinese in Setapak, several miles to the north. The angry protestors responded by killing two passing Chinese motorcyclists, and the riot began.
The riot ignited KL and the surrounding state of Selangor. A nationwide state of emergency and accompanying curfew was declared on May 16, which lasted for about a week.
At the end of the riots, it was reported that 184 people died and 356 were wounded. 753 cases of arson were logged and 211 vehicles were destroyed or severely damaged. This race riot had a spillover effect in Singapore.
The May 13 incident also stirred up some resentment in neighbouring Singapore. The Chinese Singaporeans felt unhappy about what had happened to the Malaysian Chinese in Malaysia. They started a few riots against the Malays in Kampung Glam and Chinatown. To handle the situation, road blocks were set up by the Singapore armed force and police to prevent further violence. The casualties from the race riots were low.
Jemaah Islamiyah (JI)
Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) is a Southeast Asian-based terrorist network with links to an international terrorist organisation known as al-Qaeda. The network recruited and trained extremists in the late 1990s. JI's goal is to create an Islamic state comprising Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the southern Philippines, and southern Thailand.
JI was responsible for the bombing of the J. W. Marriott Hotel in Jakarta on 5 August 2003, the Bali bombings on 12 October 2002, and an attack against the Philippines Ambassador to Indonesia in August 2000.
The Bali bombing, which left more than 200 dead, was reportedly a plan drawn up at the many meetings among the leaders of JI in early 2002 in Thailand. The plan included attacks against Singapore and soft targets such as tourist spots in the region.
In December 2001, Singapore authorities uncovered a JI plot to attack the US and Israeli embassies and the British and Australian diplomatic buildings in Singapore. In June 2003, Thai authorities disrupted a JI plan to attack several Western embassies and tourist sites in Thailand.
Investigations also linked JI to bombings in December 2000 where dozens of bombs were detonated in Indonesia and the Philippines, killing 15 people in Indonesia and 22 people in the Philippines.
The capture of Indonesian Riduan bin Isomoddin (a.k.a. Hambali), JI leader and alQaeda Southeast Asia operations chief, weakened JI. However, the group has maintained its ability to target Western interests in the region and recruit new members through a network of radical Islamic schools based primarily in Indonesia.
The exact number of JI members is currently unknown, and Southeast Asian authorities continue to uncover and arrest additional JI elements. The strength of JI members varies widely from the hundreds to the thousands. JI is believed to have cells spanning Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, southern Thailand and Pakistan.
Investigations indicate that, in addition to raising its own funds, JI receives money and logistics assistance from Middle Eastern and South Asian contacts, non-governmental organisations, and other groups - including al-Qaeda.
What are some ways in which Singapore promotes social cohesion?
Inter-Racial Confidence Circles (IRCCs)
The setting up of the Inter-Racial Confidence Circles (IRCCs) was prompted by two events: 9/11 incident and soon after, the arrest of Jemaah Islamiyah members in Singapore.
The IRCCs have many roles. Firstly, the IRCCs have brought in religious leaders who are usually not involved in grassroots work, to build links with other community and grassroots leaders. This has enabled the IRCCs to reach more segments in the society.
Secondly, the IRCCs have been a useful bridge between the different religious groups. This is done by getting people interested in visiting the various places of worship. With these visits, time is taken to explain the meaning and values behind their religious beliefs and practices.
Thirdly, the IRCCs have widened the channels for dialogue where people are allowed to speak on sensitive issues openly and objectively.
Lastly, the IRCCs form a valuable network which is personal and warm. Members can visit one another's homes and attend functions together.
Harmony Circles
The IRCCs are supported by the Harmony Circles (HCs) which are established in the workplace. The HCs aim to provide avenues for people from the various races to interact with one another at the workplace. This is done through having quizzes on the culture and practices of the various racial and religious groups as well as activities that allow for social bonding among the workers from different racial and religious backgrounds. It· is through understanding and appreciation that friendship bonds can be strengthened.
People's Association
The 1950s and early 1960s saw turbulent times for Singapore. Race riots and political strife were rampant. Singapore was a poor and divided society with closely-knit communal groups pulling in different directions. It had to overcome serious political, economic and communal problems in order to survive.
On 1 July 1960, the People's Association (PA) was formed to help foster racial harmony and social cohesion for nation building. The PA, through the community centres (CCs), crystallised the first unit of the building bricks for a nation in the making.
28 CCs were set up to provide a meeting ground for the various ethnic, language and religious groups. Community leaders served in the newly-formed Community Centre Management Committees. These active citizens increased with the establishment of the Citizens' Consultative Committees and later, the Residents' Committees (RCs) and Neighbourhood Committees.
Singaporeans of different racial, language, income and age groups participated in a wide range of activities at the CCs. Such participation in the multi-racial community centres and clubs helped to promote unity within the diversity of our race, culture and religion.
Today, Singapore enjoys political stability and rapid social economic progress. The PA continues to fulfil community need in education, recreation and leisure through activities organised at the community centres and clubs and the RC centres.
Community Development Council
The Community Development Council (CDC) functions as a local administration of its District, initiating, planning and managing community programmes to promote community bonding and social cohesion.
Through the CDCs, the residents can get involved in their community and work towards making life better for everyone. The more able and successful are encouraged to come forward to help the less successful to make our community a better place for all.
The CDC also provides various community and social assistance services delegated by the Ministries. As the CDCs are closer to the ground, they will be more attuned and responsive to the specific needs of their communities.
National Youth Council
The National Youth Council (NYC), a division of the People's Association, was set up by the government on 1 November 1989 as the national co-ordinating body for youth affairs in Singapore. Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth & Sports and Second Minister for Trade & Industry, is the Chairman of the 9th Council in 1998. The Council comprises representatives from various government ministries, youth organisations, academic institutions, voluntary welfare organisations, media, and private sector organisations.
As the national co-ordinating body for youth affairs, the NYC supports the development of youth and youth 'Organisations through grants, awards, national and international programmes, research and publications, as well as other support services. The NYC is also the administering body for the Singapore Youth Awards (SYA), Outstanding Youth in Education Award (OYEA), and liaison body with ASEAN and international organisations on youth development.
National Community Leadership Institute (NACLI)
The National Community Leadership Institute (NACLI) was first established in 1964. Its key purpose is leadership training aimed at instilling in leaders a sense of national identity and a spirit of dedicated service to a multi-racial community.
Outward Bound Singapore
Established locally in 1967, Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) is part of the international network of Outward Bound centres. OBS has the expertise, facilities and safety procedures to conduct rugged activities for youths.
Despite being situated on Pulau Ubin on an area as large as 17 football fields, OBS maintains strong ties with People's Association, to which it belongs.
Social Development Service
The Social Development Service (sDs) was set up by People's Association in November 1985 to create opportunities for non-university graduate singles between 20 and 40 years old to meet.
Since 1985, the SDS has tried to meet the needs of single youths. Many single youths join the SDS for its programmes. The programmes allow youths to network and widen their social circles. For youths who are busy with studies and work, the SDS taps into new technology to facilitate youths to make friends from all walks of life at their own convenience. Even singles who are not stationed in Singapore can easily network with local youths.
Sedition Act
The Sedition Act was incorporated into Singapore's law when Singapore gained independence in 1965. This includes provisions against inciting hostility among races. The Sedition Act is an effort to stamp out racial intolerance in Singapore where social cohesion has been a chief concern since the race riots in the 1960s.
Declaration on Religious Harmony
The Declaration on Religious Harmony was introduced in 2003. This is to ensure that religion is not abused to create conflict or threaten Singapore's harmony. It recognises that Singapore is a secular state and urges Singaporeans to promote social cohesion. It also calls for respect for one another's religion, while continuously building the common space between races and religions, and fostering inter-religious communications.
The words of the declaration are stated below:
'We, the people in Singapore, declare that religious harmony is vital for peace, progress and prosperity in our multi-racial and multi-religious nation.
We resolve to strengthen religious harmony through mutual tolerance, confidence, respect and understanding.
We shall always recognise the secular nature of our State, promote cohesion within our society, respect each other's freedom of religion, grow our common space while respecting our diversity, foster inter-religious communications, and thereby ensure that religion will not be abused to create conflict and disharmony in Singapore.'
Community Enhancement Programme
In February 2006, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong launched the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP). This is upon reflection of the tension that was sparked off among the different communities in London after terrorists' bombings in July 2005. CEP involves schools, businesses, unions and religious and grassroots leaders. This is to build a network of relationships that can be tapped into, in case terror and tensions hit Singapore. However, the government has stated that it will not be the one to spearhead the CEP. It is felt that the leaders and people on the ground are the best to know what activities and programmes need to be carried out to achieve the aims of the CEP. The government feels that in this way, the enthusiasm and energy for the CEP will not wane.
1964 race riots
On 21 July 1964, over 20,000 Malays and Muslims assembled at the Padang to celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. The celebration was an annual affair.
Leaflets calling on Malays to overthrow the People's Action Party (PAP) government were distributed. This was due to the increased racial tension fuelled by rumours that the Malays were being unfairly treated by the government. Even the Yang Di-Pertuan Negara, Yusof Ishak, was jeered at by some Malay organisations during his speech.
As part of the celebrations, contingents from the various organisations and societies were to march from the Padang to Lorong 12, Geylang. Along the way, near Kallang, a clash between a Chinese policeman and a group of Malays sparked off the 1964 race riots.
Singapore was put under a curfew that allowed people to leave their houses only at certain times of the day. When the curfew was lifted on 2 August 1964, 23 people had lost their lives while another 454 people were injured.
In September 1964, a fresh round of race riots occurred. This showed the ineffectiveness of Singapore's police and security forces. The PAP government had to wait for the Federal government to mobilise the security forces to stop the riots.
The July and September 1964 riots showed the danger of communal politics in multi-racial Singapore. Racial discord emerged because of the fiery speeches and statements that played up communal feelings. It resulted in a loss of lives, destruction of property and a breakdown in peace and order.
1969 race riot
On 10 May 1969, Malaysia, the ruling Alliance coalition headed by the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) suffered a huge setback in the General Elections. The largely Chinese opposition Democratic Action Party (OAP) and Gerakan Party, gained many seats in the elections. They later secured a police permit for a victory parade through a fixed route in Kuala Lumpur (KL). However, the rowdy procession deviated from its route and headed towards a Malay district of Kampung Bahru, jeering at the inhabitants.
While the Gerakan party issued an apology the next day, UMNO announced a counter-procession starting from Jalan Raja Muda. It was reported that Malays on their way to the procession were assaulted by the Chinese in Setapak, several miles to the north. The angry protestors responded by killing two passing Chinese motorcyclists, and the riot began.
The riot ignited KL and the surrounding state of Selangor. A nationwide state of emergency and accompanying curfew was declared on May 16, which lasted for about a week.
At the end of the riots, it was reported that 184 people died and 356 were wounded. 753 cases of arson were logged and 211 vehicles were destroyed or severely damaged. This race riot had a spillover effect in Singapore.
The May 13 incident also stirred up some resentment in neighbouring Singapore. The Chinese Singaporeans felt unhappy about what had happened to the Malaysian Chinese in Malaysia. They started a few riots against the Malays in Kampung Glam and Chinatown. To handle the situation, road blocks were set up by the Singapore armed force and police to prevent further violence. The casualties from the race riots were low.
Jemaah Islamiyah (JI)
Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) is a Southeast Asian-based terrorist network with links to an international terrorist organisation known as al-Qaeda. The network recruited and trained extremists in the late 1990s. JI's goal is to create an Islamic state comprising Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the southern Philippines, and southern Thailand.
JI was responsible for the bombing of the J. W. Marriott Hotel in Jakarta on 5 August 2003, the Bali bombings on 12 October 2002, and an attack against the Philippines Ambassador to Indonesia in August 2000.
The Bali bombing, which left more than 200 dead, was reportedly a plan drawn up at the many meetings among the leaders of JI in early 2002 in Thailand. The plan included attacks against Singapore and soft targets such as tourist spots in the region.
In December 2001, Singapore authorities uncovered a JI plot to attack the US and Israeli embassies and the British and Australian diplomatic buildings in Singapore. In June 2003, Thai authorities disrupted a JI plan to attack several Western embassies and tourist sites in Thailand.
Investigations also linked JI to bombings in December 2000 where dozens of bombs were detonated in Indonesia and the Philippines, killing 15 people in Indonesia and 22 people in the Philippines.
The capture of Indonesian Riduan bin Isomoddin (a.k.a. Hambali), JI leader and alQaeda Southeast Asia operations chief, weakened JI. However, the group has maintained its ability to target Western interests in the region and recruit new members through a network of radical Islamic schools based primarily in Indonesia.
The exact number of JI members is currently unknown, and Southeast Asian authorities continue to uncover and arrest additional JI elements. The strength of JI members varies widely from the hundreds to the thousands. JI is believed to have cells spanning Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, southern Thailand and Pakistan.
Investigations indicate that, in addition to raising its own funds, JI receives money and logistics assistance from Middle Eastern and South Asian contacts, non-governmental organisations, and other groups - including al-Qaeda.
What are some ways in which Singapore promotes social cohesion?
Inter-Racial Confidence Circles (IRCCs)
The setting up of the Inter-Racial Confidence Circles (IRCCs) was prompted by two events: 9/11 incident and soon after, the arrest of Jemaah Islamiyah members in Singapore.
The IRCCs have many roles. Firstly, the IRCCs have brought in religious leaders who are usually not involved in grassroots work, to build links with other community and grassroots leaders. This has enabled the IRCCs to reach more segments in the society.
Secondly, the IRCCs have been a useful bridge between the different religious groups. This is done by getting people interested in visiting the various places of worship. With these visits, time is taken to explain the meaning and values behind their religious beliefs and practices.
Thirdly, the IRCCs have widened the channels for dialogue where people are allowed to speak on sensitive issues openly and objectively.
Lastly, the IRCCs form a valuable network which is personal and warm. Members can visit one another's homes and attend functions together.
Harmony Circles
The IRCCs are supported by the Harmony Circles (HCs) which are established in the workplace. The HCs aim to provide avenues for people from the various races to interact with one another at the workplace. This is done through having quizzes on the culture and practices of the various racial and religious groups as well as activities that allow for social bonding among the workers from different racial and religious backgrounds. It· is through understanding and appreciation that friendship bonds can be strengthened.
People's Association
The 1950s and early 1960s saw turbulent times for Singapore. Race riots and political strife were rampant. Singapore was a poor and divided society with closely-knit communal groups pulling in different directions. It had to overcome serious political, economic and communal problems in order to survive.
On 1 July 1960, the People's Association (PA) was formed to help foster racial harmony and social cohesion for nation building. The PA, through the community centres (CCs), crystallised the first unit of the building bricks for a nation in the making.
28 CCs were set up to provide a meeting ground for the various ethnic, language and religious groups. Community leaders served in the newly-formed Community Centre Management Committees. These active citizens increased with the establishment of the Citizens' Consultative Committees and later, the Residents' Committees (RCs) and Neighbourhood Committees.
Singaporeans of different racial, language, income and age groups participated in a wide range of activities at the CCs. Such participation in the multi-racial community centres and clubs helped to promote unity within the diversity of our race, culture and religion.
Today, Singapore enjoys political stability and rapid social economic progress. The PA continues to fulfil community need in education, recreation and leisure through activities organised at the community centres and clubs and the RC centres.
Community Development Council
The Community Development Council (CDC) functions as a local administration of its District, initiating, planning and managing community programmes to promote community bonding and social cohesion.
Through the CDCs, the residents can get involved in their community and work towards making life better for everyone. The more able and successful are encouraged to come forward to help the less successful to make our community a better place for all.
The CDC also provides various community and social assistance services delegated by the Ministries. As the CDCs are closer to the ground, they will be more attuned and responsive to the specific needs of their communities.
National Youth Council
The National Youth Council (NYC), a division of the People's Association, was set up by the government on 1 November 1989 as the national co-ordinating body for youth affairs in Singapore. Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth & Sports and Second Minister for Trade & Industry, is the Chairman of the 9th Council in 1998. The Council comprises representatives from various government ministries, youth organisations, academic institutions, voluntary welfare organisations, media, and private sector organisations.
As the national co-ordinating body for youth affairs, the NYC supports the development of youth and youth 'Organisations through grants, awards, national and international programmes, research and publications, as well as other support services. The NYC is also the administering body for the Singapore Youth Awards (SYA), Outstanding Youth in Education Award (OYEA), and liaison body with ASEAN and international organisations on youth development.
National Community Leadership Institute (NACLI)
The National Community Leadership Institute (NACLI) was first established in 1964. Its key purpose is leadership training aimed at instilling in leaders a sense of national identity and a spirit of dedicated service to a multi-racial community.
Outward Bound Singapore
Established locally in 1967, Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) is part of the international network of Outward Bound centres. OBS has the expertise, facilities and safety procedures to conduct rugged activities for youths.
Despite being situated on Pulau Ubin on an area as large as 17 football fields, OBS maintains strong ties with People's Association, to which it belongs.
Social Development Service
The Social Development Service (sDs) was set up by People's Association in November 1985 to create opportunities for non-university graduate singles between 20 and 40 years old to meet.
Since 1985, the SDS has tried to meet the needs of single youths. Many single youths join the SDS for its programmes. The programmes allow youths to network and widen their social circles. For youths who are busy with studies and work, the SDS taps into new technology to facilitate youths to make friends from all walks of life at their own convenience. Even singles who are not stationed in Singapore can easily network with local youths.
Sedition Act
The Sedition Act was incorporated into Singapore's law when Singapore gained independence in 1965. This includes provisions against inciting hostility among races. The Sedition Act is an effort to stamp out racial intolerance in Singapore where social cohesion has been a chief concern since the race riots in the 1960s.
Declaration on Religious Harmony
The Declaration on Religious Harmony was introduced in 2003. This is to ensure that religion is not abused to create conflict or threaten Singapore's harmony. It recognises that Singapore is a secular state and urges Singaporeans to promote social cohesion. It also calls for respect for one another's religion, while continuously building the common space between races and religions, and fostering inter-religious communications.
The words of the declaration are stated below:
'We, the people in Singapore, declare that religious harmony is vital for peace, progress and prosperity in our multi-racial and multi-religious nation.
We resolve to strengthen religious harmony through mutual tolerance, confidence, respect and understanding.
We shall always recognise the secular nature of our State, promote cohesion within our society, respect each other's freedom of religion, grow our common space while respecting our diversity, foster inter-religious communications, and thereby ensure that religion will not be abused to create conflict and disharmony in Singapore.'
Community Enhancement Programme
In February 2006, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong launched the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP). This is upon reflection of the tension that was sparked off among the different communities in London after terrorists' bombings in July 2005. CEP involves schools, businesses, unions and religious and grassroots leaders. This is to build a network of relationships that can be tapped into, in case terror and tensions hit Singapore. However, the government has stated that it will not be the one to spearhead the CEP. It is felt that the leaders and people on the ground are the best to know what activities and programmes need to be carried out to achieve the aims of the CEP. The government feels that in this way, the enthusiasm and energy for the CEP will not wane.