The Singapore Pledge
We, the citizens of Singapore,
pledge ourselves as one united people,
regardless of race, language or religion,
to build a democratic society
based on justice and equality
so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and
progress for our nation.
pledge ourselves as one united people,
regardless of race, language or religion,
to build a democratic society
based on justice and equality
so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and
progress for our nation.
Origin
Singapore’s national pledge was written by Singapore’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs, S. Rajaratnam, in 1966, against the backdrop of racial riots in the 1950s and 1960s.
Rajaratnam’s inspiration was to build "a Singapore we are proud of", while emphasising unity and multi-racial harmony. He believed that language, race and religion were potentially divisive factors, which could be overcome if Singaporeans cared enough about their country.
5 comments:
Personally heard this Pledge at the Serangoon Stadium at the end of the Workers Party Rally for the recent GE.
Very strange, the Pledge this time held a different meaning for those present. Kudos to WP for "usurping"
the privilege to rally Singaporeans round as one united people to end a political Rally. The feeling was awesome, more meaningful, and more emotional to the audience.
Americans call their Pledge the "Pledge of Allegiance".
Red Skelton's (American comedian and non-elite) explanation is one of the best known and most repeated.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoJIMNXq4OU&feature=related
A Pledge is an oath. A solemn promise that Singaporeans make to each other.
rex comments as follows,
The biggest irony of the pledge is the call to "build a democratic society".
The building of the political form of society is surely the primary role of Goverhment. If the goverhment is serious about the Pledge, why are they not "building a democratic society" in the last 49 years? Why is the goverhment building a dictatorship and not a democratic society? Why is the goverhment breeching its promise "to build a democratic society" for 49 years? Why is the goverhment calling us to recite the pledge when they have no intention to honour their part of the promise?
I would tell the Ministers and the entire PAP:Saying nothing is better than to say something hypocritical. Shame on you for doing nothing for 49 years to fulfil the oath
rex
Go ask our primary school students and see how many actually understand and implication of our National Pledge? Try this more relevant and simple version of pledge for younger citizens and see their respond: I love the Republic of Singapore.
It is the land of my birth;
It is the home of my people.
It protects me and helps me to be strong, happy and useful.
In return, I will heed the counsel of my parents;
I will obey the rules of my school;
I will perform the duties of a patriotic, law-abiding citizen;
I will serve my country unselfishly and faithfully
I will be a true Singaporean in thought, in word, in deed
Question: In our Singapore Pledge "to built a democratic society..." --> Why this statement when we clearly is a Republic? So far, most of the countries who are democratic are in huge financial debts. Why are we aspiring to be in their footsteps?
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