I am proud to be a Singaporean, despite Singapores’ flaws

Posted by yesterday.sg under 50years
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By Ng Jing Kang

singapore2 After Reading Straits Times Article-The RI boy who hawked pancakes-Thoughts on Being Proud to be a Singaporean, A RI boy, hawking pancakes, a pitiful sight…Clichely, did he went on to become some successful man? No. Denied of a university education, he went on to become…an ordinary man, despite having went to RI, led a decidedly uneventful life.

Did he felt bitter towards his parents for his poverty that led to a lack of university education? No. Nor did he felt that the government is at fault. Singapore may not be a place where he could receive a scholarship easily, as in those days such scholarships are rare. Yet he is proud of Singapore.

As the article was written by the Minister Of State for Defence, we could be assured that he was certainly able to touch into people’s hearts…perhaps too well. But then, who cares if that is a fictional work? Such articles could make all Singaporeans feel proud. From ‘I hope Lee Kuan Yew will live a long life’ to ‘Schoolchildren are so fortunate’; this article seems similar to a meticulously drafted propaganda. Yet, who cares?

From young we accepted that government policies were beneficial to us, despite slight evidences to the contrary. Even if the government were a bit too uptight towards issues such as free speech and the like, they were protecting us like a Big Brother. Just look at US. What good had free speech done them? Racial Riots? Open discrimination? Endless gossips and rumours about politicians? Singapore may be a democratic country, yet it still defends the minorities, something that US had failed to do so.

Well, I am proud to be a Singaporean, despite Singapores’ flaws. The Lee Big Brothers may be watching us, but are only trying to make our lives better. Happy Birthday Singapore!!!

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