Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Bill

Dr Tan Wu Meng.

Mdm Speaker, once upon a time, 60 years ago, our Founding Generation of leaders led by Mr Lee Kuan Yew – they had a dream. A dream of a multi-racial nation. A dream full of audacity and hope. It was the era of post-World War II, of decolonisation. Communal forces in newborn nations. The American Civil Rights movement had not even run its course.

Today, looking around the world, in so many nations, that dream is still very far from reality. We see the lessons of Ferguson, Missouri – deep divides between races, a tinderbox set alight in the burning violence that followed. We see the lessons of the banlieues in France, where children can grow up isolated, seeing a ceiling above them almost from the time they are born, wondering if they will ever have a place in the broader society. We see the lessons from countries much closer to home. Because all too often, when societies are left to natural workings alone, human imperfection can lead a society to a less than perfect outcome.

Economists know this. This is why the laissez-faire approach is now moderated to recognise the human externalities within ourselves. Last year's Human Development Report by The World Bank spoke of behavioural science – the art of understanding human strength and weakness.

So, in an imperfect, often fallen world, how do we aspire to a better future? Do we start by blinding ourselves? Or do we start by strengthening our society by seeing better, understanding better, so that we may see beyond our differences?

In France, the 1958 Constitution, the French Constitution's Article One states that there shall be equality for all French citizens, no matter their "origin, race or religion". Yet, the New York Times reported in a 2009 study that of the 555 deputies elected to the National Assembly in metropolitan France, just three – three out of 555 – were from minority backgrounds.

To put this in perspective, depending on which study you look at, between 10% and 20% of the French people have foreign origins, represented that year by three out of more than 500 deputies in the French National Assembly.

In France and other societies, we have seen that a statement of aspiration is not enough. The natural workings of society are not enough. Good intentions are not enough. And today, many of these countries face deep, deep divides.

Even in the United Kingdom, in its higher education and academia, amidst the idealism of dreaming spires, there was imperfection. I spent some time there as a student, lived as a minority for a while, got involved with student politics. Not part of the official curriculum, but it was still an education.

At the Cambridge Union Society, if an Asian candidate went up against a White British candidate, it was clear that race would be part of the equation. You might not hear it at the hustings. It is not something that is ever put into writing. But word gets around, you hear of it.

That is the reality of human nature. We are all imperfect human beings. We must be humble enough to recognise that as human beings, we have human flaws. We must be vigilant to guard against the arrogance which whispers that human nature no longer matters.

And when we have imperfect human beings taking part in a closely contested election with racial differences, the outcome can be less than perfect. Candidates face the same finish line, but some will have had to walk further, longer and harder just to get to the starting line.

This is why we have GRCs today. They were controversial at the beginning but, today, we see their value as a safety check, to avoid a freak election result where every elected Member of Parliament is of the majority race.

Likewise, there is value in having reserved elections as a safety valve for the Elected Presidency, so that every generation has a chance to see a President elected from their own community.

But improving the process of the Elected Presidency is just one step. It is just one step. Because the arc of history does not bend just because of legislation. The arc of history does not bend just because of what we say or do in this House. It bends when all of us, Singaporeans from all walks of life, put our hands upon it, and move as one.

We all can play a part to strengthen our multiracialism, so that someday, these provisions of a reserved election will never need to be triggered, when we have become a more perfectly united people. It starts with all of us, in our daily lives. It starts with how we connect with fellow Singaporeans of different races, languages and religions and how we set an example for our children and grandchildren.

It matters, whether we recognise that in any democracy or social order, being with the majority will always carry a special responsibility. Even as we promote and take pride in the use of our mother tongues, it matters whether we communicate and transact in a shared language, such as English, in the presence of colleagues, teammates and friends of other races.

It matters, whether our children spend time in shared, common spaces, building friendships from young, across all colours, tongues and faiths, because values are caught, not taught.

And the Government has a role and a responsibility to keep on building these shared common spaces, making sure that our common spaces will always remain open to, always remain accessible to Singaporeans of different backgrounds.

It matters, whether we learn about one another's languages and cultures. You do not have to be an expert, and it should not be about sitting for an exam or having a curriculum item prescribed by the Education Ministry. What matters is learning with an open heart, so we can communicate with, connect with, learn from one another. Because to see through the eyes of a fellow Singaporean is to see further, closer and better.

Mdm Speaker, in July, we hosted a Bulan Bahasa or Malay Language Month event at Clementi Community Centre in Jurong GRC. In September, many of us attended the national Bulan Bahasa Launch together with Malay friends and Minister Ng Chee Meng, Education Minister for Schools.

More recently, we had our Jurong GRC Bulan Bahasa celebration at the IMM Mall, attended by residents of all races. Listening to the performances, even though I only know a little bit of Bahasa Melayu – "sedikit-sedikit", a little bit by little bit – it was very meaningful, very educational.

At last year's Deepavali celebration in Clementi, young friends of all races enjoyed the cultural performances. And throughout the year, we attend different festivities and gatherings with our Indian community. Sometimes, there is even audience participation. Some of us have been invited to dance the Bhangra – or, in my case, trying very hard, and still trying to dance.

Mdm Speaker, in each of these journeys, we see, we learn, we grow closer together. And we must keep on trying to do better – whether it is the big gatherings, the small get-togethers or the friendships we build. So that the light of multiracialism will keep growing brighter – many lights, shining together. So that the song of the Singapore Story, our many tongues, will speak to a deeper harmony. So that under our sky, our little red dot can be a beacon to the world.

We must continue seeing, learning, growing closer together. Mdm Speaker, if I may say a few words in Malay.

(In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] In Singapore, we have many races, languages, religions. If we learn other languages, if we have friends from other races, we will be one united people and one nation. Mdm Speaker, I would like to speak in Mandarin, please.

(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Singapore in all the world is a unique little red dot. We are little, but within us is a great ideal – a Singapore united regardless of race, language or religion.

It is said that "everyone is responsible for the fate of the nation". Maintaining racial harmony is not just the responsibility of the Government or national leaders, it is everyone's responsibility, too. And this is not limited to our thoughts and attitudes. We must show it in our actions and deeds.

In Singapore, we promote the importance of mother tongue from young. I am sure we all agree that mother tongue helps us understand our own community's history, culture, thinking and traditions. Likewise, we should encourage our children to – through communication and interaction – learn about other communities' languages and cultures. This is because mutual understanding can overcome gaps and deepen understanding, thereby strengthening our nation's social cohesion.

Please allow me to conclude in English.

(In English): Mdm Speaker, there is imperfection within all of us, but also the opportunity to find our better selves. That is the paradox, it will always be the paradox, and the story of building a multiracial nation and a more perfect union amidst our diversity.

This never-ending mission was once the work of our Pioneers, our Pioneer Generation Singaporeans. That responsibility now falls on us, our generation of Singaporeans.

It is up to all of us, from every walk of life, to keep that dream burning bright. It is up to all of us to live the values of multiracialism, to live those values as best we can in what we do. It is up to all of us to try and build a better Singapore for our children and grandchildren, regardless of race, language or religion. I stand in support of the Bill. [Applause.]

Mr Murali Pillai.

Mdm Speaker, I rise in support of the Government's Bill to amend the Constitution.

In my speech, I will focus on the proposed Article 19B which provides for a reserved election for a community that has not held the office of the President for five or more consecutive terms. In effect, this provision, if passed, would ensure that the office of the President, from time to time, would be held by persons drawn from the minority communities. This is done without compromising the rigour of the eligibility criteria spelt out in the proposed Article 19.

To me, the proposed amendments have a direct impact on what it means to be Singaporean and how we signal to all communities in Singapore the importance of ensuring we always remain an inclusive society. Let me explain.

Before Independence, when Singapore was part of the Federation of Malaysia, it was the Malay/Muslim community, the indigenous people of Singapore, who were the majority community in the Federation. Independence was thrust onto Singapore as her leaders advocated for a Malaysian Malaysia which entailed equal treatment of all races in Malaysia. This was roundly rejected by the Federal Government of Malaysia.

After Independence, the Malay community in Singapore found themselves a minority in Singapore. They remained, knowing Singapore's declared commitment to meritocracy, equality and multiracial and multi-religious pluralism.

This was a brave move on the part of the Malay community. No one could have then foreseen how the different communities in Singapore would manage race relationships among them. Indeed, only a year before, there were race riots in Singapore, resulting in loss of lives. But the Malay community placed full trust and worked with the Government which, on its part, also ensured that the community's interests are always protected, in recognition of their commitment to the country.

This may be a good time to remind ourselves that this is why Article 152 of our Constitution was enacted. It is provided in our Constitution that the Government has a responsibility to constantly care for the interests of the racial and religious minorities in Singapore and, in particular, those of the Malay community as the indigenous people of Singapore.

Over the past five decades, significant progress has been made by all communities in Independent Singapore, including the Malay community, not just in terms of economic wealth but with respect to integration as one nation. Minister Yaacob Ibrahim outlined the journey of the Malay community in his speech. Having learnt Malay in Singapore, having had many Malay friends and being involved in community work for a good number of years, I have seen first-hand and am very proud to note the progress my Malay friends have made in the educational, skills development and socio-economic spheres.

It is this progress by all communities that addresses a potential existential issue about securing Singapore's future. The late Mr Lee Kuan Yew said as follows in his first National Day rally speech in 1966:

"It is important that we should understand what is it we are after in the long run, and if we are after a permanent and secure future for ourselves, then this must be done; to build a society which, as it progresses, improves, flourishes and gives an equally satisfying life to one and all. If groups are left behind …and if with these groups, the line of division coincides with the line of race, then we will not succeed in our long-term objective of a secure future".

These words, in my mind, continue to be the guiding principle of the People's Action Party and the successive governments it has formed.

We cannot assume that we have arrived as a nation, with all intercommunal issues having been resolved forever. The pressures around us, globally, evolve yearly. There continues to be issues each community faces and we must ensure we continue, as a country, to help each family and each individual that may struggle, be it financially or socially.

The recent events occurring this year alone suggest that societies are vulnerable along ethnic lines, and what we have achieved in terms of multiracial peace and harmony can be easily unwound. We have seen an increase in violent confrontations among people of different races and ethnic groups all over the world, even in our region. There is growing racial intolerance, rising religiosity and extremism. All these factors are pulling many societies apart. As a country, we are not immune to what is happening outside our borders. Deputy Prime Minister Teo, in his speech, gave an analogy about sailing in the high seas, with all its attendant perils.

Even in Singapore, we still see sensitive and potentially divisive issues being raised periodically; for example, issues, such as holding religious foot processions and wearing of tudung by Muslim women who are frontline Public Service officers.

Whilst, thus far, these issues have been dealt with constructively and responsibly and against the broader context of ensuring that our communities progress as a whole, we cannot take for granted that this will always be the case.

It is against this background that we should view the proposed Article 19B. This issue, as I see it, is much more than the narrow issue of whether a member from a minority community stands a fair chance to be elected by the Singapore electorate in an unrestricted election.

This amendment represents an important signal to all communities within Singapore that she must always remain an inclusive society. This is, in my view, as important an overture as the decision on the part of the Malay community in August 1965 to be fully subscribed to the meritocratic and multiracial ideals of an emerging Singapore.

This does not mean that the Singapore electorate is, therefore, being encouraged to vote on racial lines for the Elected President on the basis that there is a guarantee of a minority candidate being fielded from time to time. If that happens, that is a retrograde step. Rather, I see Article 19B as a signal and a safeguard. Singaporeans should continue to vote for the Presidency on the basis of who they feel is the best person for the job, regardless of race, language or religion. Should, however, there be a situation where 30 years have elapsed without a President drawn from the minority community, then, for the sake of ensuring we always remain an inclusive society, the inclusion provision will kick in. Mdm Speaker, I would like to continue in Malay, please.

(In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] In my English speech, I felt that it was important to highlight the historical context about the decision of Malay Singaporeans after Independence to remain here has a minority that believes in the ideals of meritocracy and multiracial and multi-religious harmony.

This decision helped us to build a nation that is more inclusive. I have also viewed Article 19B as an important way to ensure that we remain as one country. With Article 19B, we ensure that we will have a member of the minority community becoming the President of Singapore, the highest office in the land, from time to time. With this, we will not lose our perspectives as we face and manage difficult and sensitive issues like the tudung. Article 19B will allow us to have the gotong-royong spirit in our Constitution.

(In English): Mdm Speaker, Article 19B really strikes at what it means to be a Singaporean. It weaves into our constitutional DNA that all Singaporeans now and generations to come, regardless of race, are part of and are important to the Singapore story founded on inclusiveness. I support the Bill.