SINGAPORE: Members of Parliament speaking on Day 1 of the debate on changes to the Elected Presidency scheme expressed support for instituting a mechanism to ensure multi-racial representation in the Presidency.
The three MPs who spoke on Monday (Nov 7) after Deputy Prime Minister tabled the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Bill were MacPherson Single Member Constituency (SMC) MP Tin Pei Ling, Jurong Group Representation Constituency (GRC) MP Tan Wu Meng, and Bukit Batok SMC MP Murali Pillai.
HEAD OF STATE MUST REFLECT SINGAPORE’S MULTI-RACIALISM: TIN PEI LING
Ms Tin Pei Ling spoke of the need to ensure that the Elected Presidency reflects Singapore’s multiracialism, adding that the imperative of doing so “goes beyond fulfilling our ideal of a multi-racial society”.
There is a need, she said, for Singapore to assert its independence and multi-racial complexion because of the geopolitical realities it faces.
She explained that with 75 per cent of Singapore’s population being ethnic Chinese, it is easy to mistake Singapore as a Chinese society, and “this is not a figment of our imagination.”
“In the not-so-distant past, many people in the West had either not heard of Singapore or often mistook Singapore as part of China. Even today, after years of hard work in fostering multi-racialism and positioning ourselves as a multi-racial society, Singapore is still nicknamed as a ‘po xian‘ amongst some groups of PRC nationals, referring to us being a county – and not even a province – of China,” she said.
And while Singapore should continue strengthening its relationship with China, Ms Tin said perceiving Singapore as a Chinese county “undermines our independence and standing as a sovereign nation”.
“That the majority of our population is ethnic Chinese is a fact,” she said. “But we must make sure that our Head of State – an important national symbol – reflects our multiracialism.”
IMPERFECT HUMAN BEINGS, LESS THAN PERFECT CONTEST: TAN WU MENG
While the GRC system was controversial in its early years, its value as a safety check is now evident today, in order to avoid a freak election result where every elected MP is of the majority race, said Mr Tan Wu Meng.
“Likewise, there is value in reserved elections as a safety valve for the Elected Presidency, so that every generation has a chance to see a President elected from their own community.”
Mr Tan said the reality of human nature is such that we are all “imperfect human beings”.
“And when we have imperfect human beings taking part in a closely contested election with racial differences, the contest can be less than perfect,” he said. “Candidates facing the same finish line, but some will have had to walk further and longer and harder – just to get to the starting line.”
But he noted that improving the process of the Elected Presidency is “just one step”.
“We all can play a part to strengthen our multi-racialism,” he said. “So that someday these provisions of a reserved election will no longer be needed, when we have become a more perfectly united people.”
“A SIGNAL AND A SAFEGUARD”: MURALI PILLAI
Mr Murali Pillai said the amendments to provide for a reserved election “have a direct impact on what it means to be Singaporeans and how we signal to all communities in Singapore the importance of ensuring we always remain an inclusive society”.
Explaining why the change would not just be a safeguard but an important signal to all groups, Mr Murali spoke of how Singapore’s Malay community chose to remain in Singapore, even though they found themselves a minority after independence from Malaya.
“They remained knowing Singapore’s declared commitment to meritocracy, equality, and multi-racial and multi-religious pluralism. This was a brave move on the part of the Malay community. No one could have then foreseen how the different communities in Singapore would manage race relationships between them,” he said.
“But, the Malay community placed full trust and worked with the Government which on its part also ensured that the community’s interests are always protected, in recognition of their commitment to the country.”
Mr Murali noted that ensuring the progress of all communities is a guiding principle of the People’s Action Party, and the successive governments it has formed.
“Singaporeans should continue to vote for the President on the basis of who they feel is the best person for the job regardless of race, language or religion. Should, however, there be a situation where 30 years have elapsed without a President drawn from the minority community, then, for the sake of ensuring we always remain an inclusive society, the inclusion provision will kick in.”
The debate continues, with more MPs expected to speak over the rest of the week.
