How to lose an election
How to lose an election
First, read this. Better still, read the book to understand the context.
Secondly, these are my thoughts, as I've commented [in a rather haphazard fashion] on various threads on Facebook.
Why I disagree generally with his statements on integration
I vigorously disagree with his statements because of two reasons. Firstly, he believes that creating a national identity involves everyone sharing similar traits. He thinks there cannot exist separate identities because it creates tension. I fundamentally disagree on this point because it is contrary to multiculturalism. Integration should not mean assimilation. You might forgive me for my liberal ethos but I believe that if a Muslim woman wants to wear the hijab, she should not be seen a detriment to nation-building. Compromises should be made reasonably, in line with the national culture. For example, in France, the ban on burkas was passed precisely because French political culture has a strong activist zeal on protecting its national values [please note that most French of north African descent do not wear a burka, and it was meant to prevent conservative Middle Eastern ideology from spreading]. There is no such zeal in Singapore society, we are an immigrant society with a diversity of values.
Secondly, he has subordinated aspirational values to his belief in pragmatism and his only concern is on what works. The problem is, what values underpin what works? For example, the security restrictions on Malays in the military reflects the government's pragmatic view that we might be swayed by our beliefs. I have no quarrel with a policy of gradual integration, but I have a lot of beef about the lack of debate, transparency and assurance that we are making progress. It is as though MM Lee sees us as a fifth column and I strongly deplore those statements. Let me tell you what are the real fifth columns in our country - a rising income gap, the lack of transparency and accountability in government, a liberal immigration policy [that has seen friction even between those of Chinese ethnicity]. These are the real issues, not the problem of integrating ourselves with the rest of the population, for which we share much in common and have no issues with.
Why I believe Islamization is a valid concern...
The issue about the Islamization of various countries have been going on for a long time. A wave of Islamic fervour has swept the region since the 1970s. Lee Kuan Yew is not wrong to say that this is not an issue, because this fervour can turn political. This is especially seen in Malaysia, from UMNO's official pandering to the more religious Malay folk in order to compete with PAS. Greater Islamization potentially poses a threat to the social fabric, if not handled properly.
For example, in the UK, state school, colleges and universities are breeding grounds for Islamists. Unfettered campus freedom has allowed radical Islamist ideology to foster, my university included. Principals and chancellors are unwilling to intervene, in the name of free speech. This creates tension between Muslims and non-Muslim university students, especially when the former are influenced by radical Islamist teaching. My point here is that no one can refute the dangers that greater religious exclusivity can pose to society.
...but why I believe that his point on Islamization only masks his real prejudices
Consequently, Lee Kuan Yew's statements are not wrong if he indeed was pursuing my point above. The problem is, he was not. From history, we know that he has questioned the loyalty of Malays to Singapore many times before. Ostensibly, greater religious fervour has complicated efforts in making us similar to the rest of the population. This means that on top of being a minority in Singapore with suspected allegiances to our Malay brethren in Malaysia, we are now making it more difficult for them to trust us because we are “separate and distinct” due to our religious practices.
My view is - drop the charade. Most people will think he is just condemning religiosity per se, but I beg to differ. In Singapore, most of the wealth and quite a lot of influence [remember the AWARE saga?] lie with those who profess Christianity - you're telling me they are not a threat to national integration while we are? I strongly believe that religion is being used as an excuse here for what appears to be Lee Kuan Yew's neuroses about the 1960s pre-independence era.
As Muslims, practising or not, we should not be apologetic about our faith, as long as they do not hinder our interactions with our non-Muslim brethren. Not drinking beer or not eating pork are poor examples of non-interaction, what then should we say about vegetarians and general tee-totalers?
-
Ziz