Non-Malay won't get into lift with Malay. How civil are we if we
can't be civil to fellow Singaporeans?
The Straits Times
November 8, 2005
I have been teaching in an international school in a Third World
country for almost two years now. Recently I was back in Singapore
to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with my family and friends.
What I experienced on the morning of Hari Raya makes me question
how civilized are we if we can't be civil to fellow
Singaporeans.
On Nov 3 at Block 723, Tampines Street 72, I was waiting for the
lift to send some cakes I had bought overseas for my fiance's
family. A non-Malay man was also waiting for the lift but when the
lift came, he refused to take it.
Inside the lift, I kept the door open when I heard someone rushing
to catch it. As soon as she stepped into the lift, her body had an
'automatic repel' action, or should I call it 'allergic reaction'
to seeing a Malay girl in baju kurung inside.
It caused her to bounce back outside. She shook her head vigorously
indicating a change of mind to stand in the same lift with me. As I
shut the lift door, I saw a smirk on the man's face as he sniggered
and nodded in agreement with the woman.
I have been keeping myself updated with the news in Singapore. I am
well aware of the convicted racist bloggers but personally I think
enforcing the laws to combat racism is not enough.
I have mingled with friends from other races, religions and
cultures since I was young. Right from pre-school to university,
these friends had walked with me through obstacles and we
understood one another despite our differences.
In a multiracial country like Singapore, it is not enough just to
be tolerant. We also need to mingle with others before we can
understand them.
I was really upset by what I experienced especially when I had just
arrived in Singapore a few hours earlier. How can we get foreign
professionals to come to our country when we drive away our own
professionals by exhibiting such attitudes?
Third World countries look up to Singapore as modern and efficient.
But really, how modern and civilized are we in Singapore when
educated people behave in less than intelligent ways?
My experiences in the Third World country where I work have taught
me the importance of culture and humanity. Having to work with
people from diverse backgrounds and nationalities is an
experience.
We have cultural exchanges on a weekly basis. We also emphasize
lifelong skills and independence amongst our students. In
Singapore, are we adopting an assumed superiority and have
forgotten about basic human values such as tact, sensitivity and
understanding?
Junaidah Bt Sidik
