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MUSINGS ON SINGAPORE'S 40TH BIRTHDAY
Not perfect but there's much to celebrate

BEING somewhat embarrassed with open displays of national pride, I must confess that I have been taking National Day for granted while I was in Singapore.

I will refrain from repeating how great a place Singapore is but living in Britain has made me treasure several aspects of life in the Republic.

While we may still face difficulties in fostering closer racial interaction and religious harmony, hate crimes have not been part of the routine existence of almost all living in Singapore.

Since the bombings in London on July 7, Islamphobia-related incidents in Britain have gone up by 600 per cent. Women with headscarfs were spat on and one Pakistani man was killed by a gang of white teens.

I may not be entirely sure that similar incidents will not happen in Singapore, but having lived in Singapore for three decades, I do not think my countrymen would do likewise.

Politics in Singapore would be considered a yawn for many political observers but, in 'mature democracies' where political mudslinging and brickbats are the order of the day, I am beginning to miss the more focused and rational discussion on resolving broader issues rather than name-calling.

While our political culture needs to be made more vibrant, critical and open, we should not dismiss it completely as being authoritarian.

I dare say that many Britons outside the sophisticated 'liberal circles' would yearn for a 'nanny state' where leaders persistently stress the need to be more employable through skills upgrading, changing attitudes, etc, rather than merely blaming certain personalities, institutions or groups.

The one aspect of Singapore I miss most is a slogan from the Singapore Police Force: 'Low crime doesn't mean no crime.' Living in an area with police warnings discouraging the use of mobile phones in public and advice to be discreet about personal belongings, I try to return home before midnight, learnt to look over my shoulder for suspicious persons, and avoid groups of loitering juvenile delinquents.

However, every time I return to Singapore, I drop my guard almost completely.

Singapore's achievement in these areas is not attributable to the Government alone. Without consensus from the citizens, no government policy, however well articulated, would bear fruit.

While there is room for improvement, there is also much to celebrate on our 40th National Day. I wish everyone in the land I call home 'Happy National Day'.

Liew Kai Khiun
London, UK

A lesson for S'poreans in UK's cool-headed reaction
Liew Kai Khiun a Singaporean in London
news@newstoday.com.sg

I heard the first ambulance siren at around 9.15am in my office near the King's Cross underground station, where one of the bombs went off.
.
As I write this nine hours later, recovering from the shock of the multiple attacks in central London, the siren screams of the ambulances and police cars still echo along the eerie roads.
.
I was lucky. I left home earlier than usual, took the London Underground and arrived at my office at about 8.30am – 20 minutes before the first bomb exploded. The difference between being in the comfort of the office and being a victim was just a matter of minutes.
.
Since September 11, 2001 we have become numb to the television images of terrorist attacks, particularly the routine bombings in Iraq. But a rude reminder was given to us here that the places where we conduct our daily activities are actually the frontlines for the extremists.
.
To them, civilians are merely pawns in a twisted game designed to permit them to achieve their goals. The ghastly remains of the exploded bus sit, ironically, next to a park which is home to a statue of the late Mahatma Gandhi — a man associated with peace and non-violence.
.
There is much to learn about this attack for Singaporeans who are just as vulnerable as the Londoners to terrorism.
.
The response of the emergency services was excellent. The various services — police, fire department, ambulances and hospitals — swung into action according to the earlier drills they practised hard. Although there was initial confusion and panic among commuters, the professionalism and confidence of the frontline staff kept the situation in hand.
.
The British political leadership demonstrated its courage, clarity and compassion as leaders such as Prime Minister Tony Blair put up a united front to reassure a shaken public.
.
Most importantly, the people of London have exhibited extraordinary patience and understanding, even as they were severely inconvenienced by the attack. Instead of getting annoyed with roadblocks and public transport disruptions, many are making adjustments. I continue to see on the streets the brave faces of people determined not to be cowed by acts of terror.
.
As I end my note, I can still hear the sirens of emergency vehicles racing past my office building — something I hope Singaporeans will never hear.
.
But, should we have to, we should face the situation with the same strength and dignity that Londoners proudly displayed on the gloomy morning of July 7, 2005.
Liew Kai Khiun a Singaporean in London
news@newstoday.com.sg

I heard the first ambulance siren at around 9.15am in my office near the King's Cross underground station, where one of the bombs went off.
.
As I write this nine hours later, recovering from the shock of the multiple attacks in central London, the siren screams of the ambulances and police cars still echo along the eerie roads.
.
I was lucky. I left home earlier than usual, took the London Underground and arrived at my office at about 8.30am – 20 minutes before the first bomb exploded. The difference between being in the comfort of the office and being a victim was just a matter of minutes.
.
Since September 11, 2001 we have become numb to the television images of terrorist attacks, particularly the routine bombings in Iraq. But a rude reminder was given to us here that the places where we conduct our daily activities are actually the frontlines for the extremists.
.
To them, civilians are merely pawns in a twisted game designed to permit them to achieve their goals. The ghastly remains of the exploded bus sit, ironically, next to a park which is home to a statue of the late Mahatma Gandhi — a man associated with peace and non-violence.
.
There is much to learn about this attack for Singaporeans who are just as vulnerable as the Londoners to terrorism.
.
The response of the emergency services was excellent. The various services — police, fire department, ambulances and hospitals — swung into action according to the earlier drills they practised hard. Although there was initial confusion and panic among commuters, the professionalism and confidence of the frontline staff kept the situation in hand.
.
The British political leadership demonstrated its courage, clarity and compassion as leaders such as Prime Minister Tony Blair put up a united front to reassure a shaken public.
.
Most importantly, the people of London have exhibited extraordinary patience and understanding, even as they were severely inconvenienced by the attack. Instead of getting annoyed with roadblocks and public transport disruptions, many are making adjustments. I continue to see on the streets the brave faces of people determined not to be cowed by acts of terror.
.
As I end my note, I can still hear the sirens of emergency vehicles racing past my office building — something I hope Singaporeans will never hear.
.
But, should we have to, we should face the situation with the same strength and dignity that Londoners proudly displayed on the gloomy morning of July 7, 2005. Liew Kai Khiun a Singaporean in London
news@newstoday.com.sg

I heard the first ambulance siren at around 9.15am in my office near the King's Cross underground station, where one of the bombs went off.
.
As I write this nine hours later, recovering from the shock of the multiple attacks in central London, the siren screams of the ambulances and police cars still echo along the eerie roads.
.
I was lucky. I left home earlier than usual, took the London Underground and arrived at my office at about 8.30am – 20 minutes before the first bomb exploded. The difference between being in the comfort of the office and being a victim was just a matter of minutes.
.
Since September 11, 2001 we have become numb to the television images of terrorist attacks, particularly the routine bombings in Iraq. But a rude reminder was given to us here that the places where we conduct our daily activities are actually the frontlines for the extremists.
.
To them, civilians are merely pawns in a twisted game designed to permit them to achieve their goals. The ghastly remains of the exploded bus sit, ironically, next to a park which is home to a statue of the late Mahatma Gandhi — a man associated with peace and non-violence.
.
There is much to learn about this attack for Singaporeans who are just as vulnerable as the Londoners to terrorism.
.
The response of the emergency services was excellent. The various services — police, fire department, ambulances and hospitals — swung into action according to the earlier drills they practised hard. Although there was initial confusion and panic among commuters, the professionalism and confidence of the frontline staff kept the situation in hand.
.
The British political leadership demonstrated its courage, clarity and compassion as leaders such as Prime Minister Tony Blair put up a united front to reassure a shaken public.
.
Most importantly, the people of London have exhibited extraordinary patience and understanding, even as they were severely inconvenienced by the attack. Instead of getting annoyed with roadblocks and public transport disruptions, many are making adjustments. I continue to see on the streets the brave faces of people determined not to be cowed by acts of terror.
.
As I end my note, I can still hear the sirens of emergency vehicles racing past my office building — something I hope Singaporeans will never hear.
.
But, should we have to, we should face the situation with the same strength and dignity that Londoners proudly displayed on the gloomy morning of July 7, 2005. Liew Kai Khiun a Singaporean in London
news@newstoday.com.sg

I heard the first ambulance siren at around 9.15am in my office near the King's Cross underground station, where one of the bombs went off.
.
As I write this nine hours later, recovering from the shock of the multiple attacks in central London, the siren screams of the ambulances and police cars still echo along the eerie roads.
.
I was lucky. I left home earlier than usual, took the London Underground and arrived at my office at about 8.30am – 20 minutes before the first bomb exploded. The difference between being in the comfort of the office and being a victim was just a matter of minutes.
.
Since September 11, 2001 we have become numb to the television images of terrorist attacks, particularly the routine bombings in Iraq. But a rude reminder was given to us here that the places where we conduct our daily activities are actually the frontlines for the extremists.
.
To them, civilians are merely pawns in a twisted game designed to permit them to achieve their goals. The ghastly remains of the exploded bus sit, ironically, next to a park which is home to a statue of the late Mahatma Gandhi — a man associated with peace and non-violence.
.
There is much to learn about this attack for Singaporeans who are just as vulnerable as the Londoners to terrorism.
.
The response of the emergency services was excellent. The various services — police, fire department, ambulances and hospitals — swung into action according to the earlier drills they practised hard. Although there was initial confusion and panic among commuters, the professionalism and confidence of the frontline staff kept the situation in hand.
.
The British political leadership demonstrated its courage, clarity and compassion as leaders such as Prime Minister Tony Blair put up a united front to reassure a shaken public.
.
Most importantly, the people of London have exhibited extraordinary patience and understanding, even as they were severely inconvenienced by the attack. Instead of getting annoyed with roadblocks and public transport disruptions, many are making adjustments. I continue to see on the streets the brave faces of people determined not to be cowed by acts of terror.
.
As I end my note, I can still hear the sirens of emergency vehicles racing past my office building — something I hope Singaporeans will never hear.
.
But, should we have to, we should face the situation with the same strength and dignity that Londoners proudly displayed on the gloomy morning of July 7, 2005.

March 11, 2005
Foreign NGOs can hold protests but not locals

I AM surprised that the Government has allowed 300 accredited foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to hold peaceful protests and demonstrations during the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Summit to be held in the Republic next year.

This contrasts sharply with the ban that the police imposed on attempts by ordinary Singaporeans to stage peaceful demonstrations, particularly in the recent protests against the US war on Iraq.

More recently, the application for women's groups to hold a walk in support of the White Ribbon Campaign on violence against women was also denied. In reply to a query by a foreign journalist recently, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong stated that Singapore is too small to allow public protests and demonstrations which would have clogged the streets.

While I am not against these NGOs, I am disappointed that the Government is practising double standards by allowing foreigners to stage demonstrations, a right rarely granted to Singaporeans.

Liew Kai Khiun
London, United Kingdom

Something about being Singaporean Date: 26/2/2001 5:58:25 PM
Being S'porean: A unique, collective experience

Feb 22, 2001

I REFER to the article, 'I want to be proud of Singapore... but what about?' (ST, Feb 20).

It is heartening to know that many Singaporeans are looking beyond their identity cards and passports for answers to what makes them Singaporean.

They are also not rushing to embrace the Government's symbolic gestures to promote national pride and awareness via patriotic songs.

Being world No 1 - from airports to international mathematics and science competitions - has already been taken for granted.

It is not something to be celebrated collectively for most Singaporeans.

Furthermore, we have been told recently not to be proud of our grammatically-incorrect, colloquial brand of English, or 'Singlish', which allows us to identify a fellow Singaporean instantly, even in a foreign country.

Associating ourselves with our physical environment and neighbourhood is difficult in a constantly changing landscape, where few buildings survive for more than 30 years and where the faces of our neighbours and colleagues change frequently.

While grand parades, like the annual National Day Parade, serve as momentary affirmations of our national identity, the feeling fades away eventually, as we revert to our mundane chores.

Finally, creating a 'us versus them' xenophobic mentality through soccer matches or foreign bogeymen is definitely not a healthy and rational means of fostering a collective sense of belonging.

However, we should not be alarmed that we have difficulty defining a national identity. In an increasingly globalised environment, the challenge to define ourselves according to our nationalities has become tougher.

For a long time, in our quest to make ourselves relevant to the international economy, we have been quick to show the world what we can offer in terms of infrastructure and facilities.

In the process, the line between local and global is blurred.

However, as our society becomes more established and confident, Singaporeans will be less inclined to conform to the simplistic prescriptions of tourist brochures, government policies or slick marketing gimmicks of global corporations.

I am glad to see some local organisations like the Singapore International Foundation (SIF) and the Singapore Institute of International Affairs beginning to acknowledge these sentiments.

In particular, as part of its efforts to encourage Singaporeans to think global and feel Singaporean, the SIF has set up the 'Singapore Internationale'.

The programme supports and recognises Singaporeans, from artists to scientists, who are able to show the world something as complex as the Singaporean identity through their works.

To conclude, rather than seeking fruitlessly for the 'real' Singaporean founded on a set of imaginary benchmarks, we should be asking ourselves who we are, based on our unique experiences on top of our collective achievements as a nation.

LIEW KAI KHIUN

In light of the flurry of self-professed language police nick picking on every pronunciation and spelling, I agree with Professor Kirpal Singh that we need to address the more fundamental problem of language competency. It is sad that the Speak Good English Campaign has been reduced to superficially parroting what is regarded as the standard format rather than gaining a more meaningful grasp of the text and context of the language. In the process, we risk confusing a whole generation of especially younger Singaporeans bombarded with a cacophony of both local and overseas accents. It would be inevitable an English teacher would be asked by an innocent student why yah lah is any less legitimate that Yo! Man. And, by the religious emphasis on merely the linguistic correctness, we also risk alienating them from cultivating a deeper appreciation of the English language which is reduced to a set of sentence structures.

Hence, as suggested by Professor Singh, it is vital that we should not neglect the socio-cultural dynamics of the English language. Unlike the need to understand our cultural roots in the mother tongue polices, the emphasis on English seems only to be placed more on technical competencies in terms of being able to read instruction manuals and to be understood by foreigners. Although it is the first language of instruction in schools, it plays only the role of the language of commerce, leaving many devoid of a more comprehensive grounding in the language.

But, at this point, I would like to caution the authorities that the mere re-introduction of literature as a compulsory subject in the format of what Professor Singh considered as "the nation's best". As a secondary school student eighteen years ago, I still remembered the horror of reading the first paragraph of Shakespeare's Macbeth and subsequently Chaucer's Cantebury's Tales alongside with Jane Austen's Persuasion in addition to the poems of Woodsworth, Coleridge and Keats. As an ordinary teenager, these tongues and words seemed to come from another word. I found instead Catherine Lim's Or else the Lighting God and Other Short Stories more relevant to the dimension I exist in.

I used to perform badly in the English language examinations even I was considered a relatively more proficient speaker in school. But, I dare claim that my grasp for the language improved significantly after reading the National Geographic and listening to the BBC. In fact, there was an incident where my English teacher failed my composition test in Secondary Three as she refused to believe that it was my own efforts.

Hence, there is little point in getting bankers to taxi drivers to speak "good English" if it becomes merely contrived attempts to mimic a certain slang or accent, with little substance behind. What is more important is to go back to the basics of fostering a more conducive literary culture. This should be measured neither by whether we have extracted the lahs and lors from our conversations nor what sort of "cheem" (a Singlish expression of complicated) high literature syllabus to baffled students. Rather, it should be a culture where Singaporeans are inclined to read more extensively beyond the entertainment magazines, write more prolifically beyond SMS messages, company reports and emails, and of course listen to programmes beyond non-stop music hits. This in turn would enable them to articulate their thoughts more substantially beyond the common expression like " I think this one is very nice" even if it were to be pronounced in the most grammatically correct manner.