My daughter came home one day and proudly recited the Singapore Pledge to me. She had just learnt it and was, naturally, a little uncertain.
Imagine a five-year-old girl reciting it as if there were a question mark after every line. It made me think because I have never questioned the Pledge. I bet most of us have not.
The Pledge was written in 1966 and it made complete sense for a simpler, less complex time in Singapore.
It established who we were, our goals and our vision, all in 38 words. It was written for a young, desperate nation with one concern: Survival.
Almost half a century later, do the words still carry the same meaning? Let us assume Singapore is run like a company. That is like working for one where the vision has not changed or evolved for 49 years.
Yes, the Pledge enabled us to progress from Third World to First World. But will it take us to where we want to go?
The Pledge was written when Singapore had to find its place in the 20th century’s manufacturing and controlled economy.
Now, we have to find our place in this century’s knowledge, ideas and collaboration economy.
The new normal since the 2011 General Election has also seen a significant shift in Singaporeans’ political values, attitudes and aspirations. Globalisation and ever-evolving technology have transformed the way we live and interact with one another.
So, what is the “new-normal” Pledge for the “new-normal” Singapore?
WE, THE CITIZENS OF SINGAPORE
There were only four races then, but in this globalised world, it is a bit more complex. What values do we believe in? Do we share the same vision?
In the 21st century, immigration is even more vital to Singapore. It was vital in the past when my grandfather came here and contributed to Singapore’s growth along with other pioneers. Today, we need progressive people who share the same vision and goals. The operative word is talent, not foreign.
In the new normal, citizens must be knowledgeable, creative, open, curious and comfortable with constantly-changing technology.
Our education system and government policies must constantly evolve with new global realities.
PLEDGE OURSELVES AS ONE UNITED PEOPLE
In the new normal, what are the beliefs that will unite us?
Do we believe it is necessary to embrace failure because it is part of the journey to success? Do we believe experience and achievement outrank paper qualifications? Do we believe the Government needs to trust the people more? Do we need to create our own art, music, food, language, fashion and architecture? I would say yes to all of the above.
To be truly united, we have to accept that we all have different points of view. But we will get along despite that. Being united also means while the majority rules, it rules in such a way that it will accept and consider the minority’s ideas. All philosophy, religion and ideas always start with the few before it is accepted by the many.
REGARDLESS OF RACE, LANGUAGE AND RELIGION
These three topics are the most polarising in Singapore society. Just because they are does not mean we tiptoe around them.
We must be trusted to have a frank conversation about these issues and be clear on where everyone stands.
But one principle stands above all others: If you want to be part of this nation, the country comes first, not your race, language or religion.
Is Malay still our national language? If it is, then it deserves more prominence as it is integral to our identity. And where does Singlish fit in? Some are ashamed of it, while others are proud of its uniqueness.
And lately, religion is a very touchy subject. Everyone ought to remember that public life and government decisions should remain secular.
TO BUILD A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY
What kind of democratic society? One ruled by elites?
Democratic society in the new normal has to be collaborative and the responsibility shared between the people and the Government. Why? Because the people want to be part of the process.
We have the technology for consultative and participatory dialogue to take place. Platforms such as http://crowdhall.com are designed for that. The Greeks had the right idea about democracy, they just did not have the servers. We do now.
BASED ON JUSTICE AND EQUALITY
Are we consulted on our own laws governing us? Do we have a say in what we can watch, read, write or blog?
“New-normal” laws need to be responsive to business and society. What is acceptable to us now is very different from 50 years ago.
The Internet needs to be kept free because in some ways, it is a great equaliser. It is part of our lives now, carrying not only news and trolls. It is true that the Net is a double-edged sword, but I would rather have that than a single-edged sword that cuts only one way.
We also have to define what equality means if you are married or unmarried, male or female, or lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. This is the inevitable conversation we must have as a nation.
It is better to have this difficult conversation now than to pretend it does not exist and hope it will go away, the way our fathers used to, because we need to move from toleration to acceptance of whatever the outcome may be.
SO AS TO ACHIEVE HAPPINESS, PROSPERITY AND PROGRESS FOR OUR NATION
Do happiness, prosperity and progress have equal weight or is one more important than the others? If so, which is the most important? How do we measure prosperity? What do we mean by progress?
In the new normal, happiness is one that combines both profit and purpose, one that feeds the stomach and the mind. Prosperity should come with a conscience, compassion and empathy, while preserving our past because we need to know where we came from to know where we are going.
So take a little time to reflect on what the Pledge means to you. The context has changed, so we have to make those words mean something to us, like it did to our forefathers.
After all, in this day and age of exponential change, it no longer takes a generation, but every half- or quarter-generation, to find their own Pledge and their own “new-normal” Singapore.
I know my daughter would. Because I will raise her to question everything, to think for herself and make up her own mind.
Calvin Soh is an entrepreneur and Founder of Ninety Nine Percent that helps brands engage the 99% and co-founder of Time Travellr, a mobile platform that gives history back to the people. He is also an advisor to the Singapore Productivity and Innovation board.This piece was originally published in the TODAY newspaper on 2 September 2014.
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