Singapore is a Harmonious Country

"Singapore’s religious harmony is not something that came about by chance. It is the result of continuous efforts to nurture a harmonious society.

Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said this at a tree—planting event to mark Racial Harmony Month in Singapore at the Stamford Green, Fort Canning Park on Saturday. Religious leaders from various faiths came together to plant eight Kayu Arang trees at the event, helping to turn the Stamford Green into a permanent landscape symbolising religious harmony.

Senior Minister Goh said that planting the Kayu Arang trees — known for its sturdiness — may be a simple act, but it has a deeper meaning in multiracial and multireligious Singapore. Mr Goh said it is also symbolic of Singapore’s commitment to harmony between religions.

He said: "These trees, planted close to one another, reaffirm that all of us, whatever religions, have a place in Singapore. Like religious harmony, these trees will require delicate care and constant nurturing." Mr Goh said when mature, the trees will be an enduring symbol of Singapore’s peaceful co—existence and a tribute to religious harmony.

He added that Singaporeans may not wonder much about the country’s multiracial, multi religious makeup, but to a foreign visitor, it is often a surprise and even admiration, at how well Singaporeans have integrated.

Mr Goh said: "How did we achieve this? The primary reason is a fair and just government. We treat all religions with respect. We do not allow the majority to overwhelm the minority. We ensure that no one is discriminated against or disadvantaged because of his race, language or religion."

And to help promote inter-faith understanding, the country formed Inter-Religious Harmony Circles to bring together different religions through universal shared values.

In the evening, Senior Minister Goh was at his Marine Parade constituency to celebrate racial harmony with residents there. The celebrations saw residents joining their MPs and members of Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles in a reaffirmation of racial harmony in Singapore.
There was also a talk on the importance of building friendship and trust in peacetime.

In Singapore, Racial Harmony Day is observed on July 21 to remember the racial riots of 1964."

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It's articles like this that make me feel proud of being Singaporean. And some patriotism is good for the lead-up to our nation's 43rd birthday. As much as we gripe about CPF, COE and price increases in various sectors, surely we can be thankful for (not necessarily in my order):

1. Peace of mind when we sleep at night, knowing that our police force roams the streets and keeps them safe.

2. Clean water, thanks to the extensive peace talks between Malaysia and Singapore.

3. Excellent wireless connection, thanks to Singtel and Starhub. I don't curse the internet connection anymore.

4. Affordable and convenient taxis. I'm grateful that I don't have to haggle with taxi drivers about the price of my journey, that I can just flag a cab on any street and be assured that both driver and I can speak the same lingo.

5. Convenient transport system - You win some you lose some. Hate the crowds in the MRTs but trains take me faster than a jam on the Pan Island Expressway. And the buses are equally commendable.

6. A home we can call our own. Every street and every corner is a piece of me. When I am far away from Singapore, I can still hear the little mynahs and pigeons cooing, the sighing of trees in the tropical wind, the hum of traffic....and they bring me back home. To have a national identity is something nothing can destroy.

There are many more things to be thankful about. But most of all, I enjoy the racial harmony that's accessible to anyone who's interested enough. No riots, no tensions between factions. In school, kids learn to share food with different races; everyone takes the same bus home, everyone's neighbours with one another in the 100-unit HDB flats...and the cycle of life just keeps turning that way.

Life in Singapore is really truly a pretty package.