The state's historical narrative of Singapore is constructed as such to highlight Singapore's struggle for survival and success from the British Colonial Era till after Singapore gained independence in 1965. The state's narrative of Singapore is presented and taught to students through national education in schools. In comparison, the history of managing differences depicts internal developments in Singapore. Differences include race, religion, language, culture, gender, sexual orientations, nationalities, political ideologies and even the different peoples' accounts of Singapore history as presented in this GES1010. Both interpretations do overlap on certain aspects as depicted in the state's narrative and managing differences narrative whereby
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Democracy, communism and colonialism were some examples. Apart from the PAP being pro-democracy, there were "pro-communism" and "pro-colonialist" amongst the people in Singapore. The difference in political ideology eventually led to riots such as the Hock Lee Bus Riots in 1955. The incident was a violent confrontation between colonialists and communists because of failed negotiations between the Hock Lee Amalgamated Bus Company and its bus workers as depicted in the historical narrative in national education. However, communist nationalism ideology amongst the people was questionable. Fong Swee Suan who was involved in the riot presents himself as anti-colonialism rather than pro-communism. The riot was not driven by the Malayan Communist Party, however, there could have been party constituents who took advantage of the circumstance as suggested by Fong. Therefore, managing contesting nationalisms were one crucial step in Singapore struggles and success in nation building history where politics comes into play. There were sacrifices made and stakeholders used as scapegoats to achieve political aims for the future success of the PAP. Thus, through managing differences narrative, the light in uncovering the “real” truth and the reasons behind actions made by different stakeholders is …show more content…
As seen from state's narrative, national service is made compulsory for all Singaporean men of all races. Shared experiences not only strengthens the bonds between Singaporean men of all races but also between fathers, sons and brothers. The sense of Singapore identity in protecting one's home is instilled those who served NS as well. However, it is not true that all Singaporean men serve NS as highlighted in the managing differences narrative. Malay youths studying in religious schools are not called up to serve NS is one "open secret" that few know about. The fact remains that the Signal Formation is distinct in its exclusion of Malays, as are certain other units, such as 39 SCE, CBRE Defence Group, the Armour Formation, Reconnaissance units and Military Intelligence amongst others. The discrimination against Malays has been discussed in parliament and the media and is justified by the assertion that the loyalty of Malays cannot be assumed, both because they are Muslim and because they have a racial and ethnic affinity with the Malays in Malaysia and Indonesia. Therefore, unravelling these dark secrets in governance shows how the government fears the Malays would go against Singapore in times of war with Malaysia or Indonesia due to their Islamic
Democracy, communism and colonialism were some examples. Apart from the PAP being pro-democracy, there were "pro-communism" and "pro-colonialist" amongst the people in Singapore. The difference in political ideology eventually led to riots such as the Hock Lee Bus Riots in 1955. The incident was a violent confrontation between colonialists and communists because of failed negotiations between the Hock Lee Amalgamated Bus Company and its bus workers as depicted in the historical narrative in national education. However, communist nationalism ideology amongst the people was questionable. Fong Swee Suan who was involved in the riot presents himself as anti-colonialism rather than pro-communism. The riot was not driven by the Malayan Communist Party, however, there could have been party constituents who took advantage of the circumstance as suggested by Fong. Therefore, managing contesting nationalisms were one crucial step in Singapore struggles and success in nation building history where politics comes into play. There were sacrifices made and stakeholders used as scapegoats to achieve political aims for the future success of the PAP. Thus, through managing differences narrative, the light in uncovering the “real” truth and the reasons behind actions made by different stakeholders is …show more content…
As seen from state's narrative, national service is made compulsory for all Singaporean men of all races. Shared experiences not only strengthens the bonds between Singaporean men of all races but also between fathers, sons and brothers. The sense of Singapore identity in protecting one's home is instilled those who served NS as well. However, it is not true that all Singaporean men serve NS as highlighted in the managing differences narrative. Malay youths studying in religious schools are not called up to serve NS is one "open secret" that few know about. The fact remains that the Signal Formation is distinct in its exclusion of Malays, as are certain other units, such as 39 SCE, CBRE Defence Group, the Armour Formation, Reconnaissance units and Military Intelligence amongst others. The discrimination against Malays has been discussed in parliament and the media and is justified by the assertion that the loyalty of Malays cannot be assumed, both because they are Muslim and because they have a racial and ethnic affinity with the Malays in Malaysia and Indonesia. Therefore, unravelling these dark secrets in governance shows how the government fears the Malays would go against Singapore in times of war with Malaysia or Indonesia due to their Islamic