Polarisation of Race- The Singapore Story

Dear XXXX,

Thank you for confirming that you have registered me for the 'Dialogue Session with the Indian Community on Budget 2008'.

The topic for discussion, namely 'Dialogue Session with the Indian Community on Budget 2008' sounds a little strange to my ears.

Is there something in it which would affect them in particular as a communal group for the need to single them out conspicuously?

To my simple mind, I would think that the nation's budget is something that would affect all residents equally without the special need for dialogue on a racially-segregated basis.

I can well understand that a budget would/could affect different income-groups in different ways, and perhaps the organisers could enlighten me if there are indeed certain aspects which require the dialogue sessions to be conducted on an ethnic basis.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,

Narayanan N


This was written by a dear friend of mine to REACH singapore, who, with the Ministry of Finance Singapore, is counducting a Feedback Exercise for various communities in conjunction with next years Budget debate.

The series of dialogue sessions organised by REACH is for the various 'communities' and will be held from November 2007 to January 2008.

"The topic for discussion, namely 'Dialogue Session with the Indian Community on Budget 2008' sounds a little strange to my ears.

Is there something in it which would affect them in particular as a communal group for the need to single them out conspicuously? "

Now don't you think Mr. Narayana has a point?

This is a nation that still clings fast to the idea that race differentiates its population in its actions, while saying all the while that it is a multi-racial and racially tolerant society. I personally cannot concieve of any race or religion specific issue that needs to be raised in a national budget debate.

In fact, this smells an awful lot like a racial profiling excercise.

Lets call these folk up and ask them for their opinions. Then lets collate their views. Since these are racially segregated views, lets attribute these views to the person's race.

So in other words, if you're an Indian and you made a comment about the rising cost of milk, someone is probably going to prepare a report that would read 'Indians concerned about rising costs of milk'.

While I am a very objective person in general, my ire is often roused by examples of institutionalised racism which seems inherent in Singapore.

Interestingly, REACH Singapore is yet to provide an answer.

deviousDiv