ANOTHER REASON HE’S A NATIONAL TREASURE

At today’s IPS conference, I argued that the state should continue to lead the management of diversity – but less through coercion and more by modelling the kind of values we need. I pointed out that government rhetoric frames diversity mainly as a risk to social order. This is only partly true. Diversity is also a source of vitality. (Full text here.)

During the Q&A, I said that growing up in a multicultural society has modulated my “Indianness” with traits from Malay and Chinese culture – and I feel I am the better for it. I think there are Malays who feel similarly positive about the hybridisation of their own culture.

But what about our majority race? Are our ethnic Chinese government leaders able to say how living amidst minorities in multicultural Singapore has helped them?

No, I’m not just referring to how minorities add to Singapore’s colour and cuisine; or how our presence enhances Singapore’s appeal as a tourist destination.

What I’ve been waiting for is a prime minister who can share how interacting with Malays, Indians and others has made him a better person. I don’t recall hearing this from the first three. Maybe the fourth will finally have an answer?

I meant this question for our political leaders, but it was Ambassador Tommy Koh who rose to answer it.

He offered his own personal list. He has learnt from his Malay friends the values of gotong royong and mesyuarat, he said. And his Indian friends have taught him the value of principled argumentation.

I don’t know if all Malays and Indians would agree that these are the cultural traits they are most proud of (personally I felt affirmed to hear my “argumentative” heritage valorised).

But it’s not the precise list that matters. It’s simply fact that this establishment member of Singapore’s majority community could, in a heartbeat, express his heartfelt appreciation for multicultural living.

No, there’s no need for a national Minority Appreciation Day (that would be, er, MAD). And no, school kids shouldn’t be forced to write reflection essays on the topic. That’s the kind of overkill that would invite a backlash. No need to inflict Chinese guilt on our fellow citizens.

But, not for the first time, our leaders should be learning from Tommy Koh. If they don’t feel the value of multiculturalism deep within themselves, and instead continue to discuss diversity as mainly a “fault line”, Singaporeans will never develop the people-to-people trust that is the best protection against forces that seek to divide us.