We have come a long way for this day. After 44 years of independence, we finally have a Malay General in the Army. Colonel Ishak bin Ismail has become the first Malay to attain the rank of brigadier-general in SAF. Even though I’m not a Malay, I felt happy when I read the news last week.
It was revealed in 1987 that the SAF was cautious about putting Malay officers in key posts. PM Lee Hsien Loong (Second Minister for defence at that time), made the following comment when asked why weren’t there any Malay pilots in the SAF.
If there is a conflict, if the SAF is called upon to defend the homeland, we don’t want to put any of our soldiers in a difficult position where his emotions for the nation may come in conflict with his emotion for his religion, because these are two very strong fundamentals, and if they are not compatible, then they will be two very strong destructive forces in opposite directions
I personally don’t agree with his statement. Yes, we are surrounded by Muslim countries and if there is any armed conflict in Singapore, it would most likely be with our neighbours. But would someone betray his country because of religion? Or would our enemy be able to use religion to make one of us deflect? I seriously doubt so. It doesn’t matter if the person is a Chinese, Malay or Indian. We are still Singaporeans. Born and grew up here. This is what matter most.
Lets hope that we will no longer discriminate someone based on his/her race or religion. Today is a milestone for Singapore, a day where we move closer to achieving our pledge of “Regardless of Race, Language or Religion”.
on Jul 2nd, 2009 at 11:15 AM
[...] The 1st Malay Brigadier General – Dee Kay Dot As Gee: SAF’s first Malay General [...]
on Jul 2nd, 2009 at 12:53 PM
“Three women were brought to the Singapore General Hospital, each in the same condition and needing a blood transfusion. The first, a Southeast Asian was given the transfusion but died a few hours later. The second, a South Asian was also given a transfusion but died a few days later. The third, an East Asian, was given a transfusion and survived. That is the X factor in development.”
Lee Kuan Yew: Race, Culture, Genes – http://www3.ntu.edu.sg/lib/ne/lky/raceculturegenes.pdf
on Jul 2nd, 2009 at 1:38 PM
In the 1970s, when the SAF was developing its defence plans, two Singaporean SAF army officers defected to the North with the defence plans and joined the MAF. They were immediately promoted two ranks above their then SAF ranks.
Today, they are true and loyal Malaysian citizens, retired from the Maf and live to be the living witnesses of defection from the SAF during peace time! Imagine, what would happen if it is war time?
Are you not aware of these two incidents?
Perhaps, you were not born yet, or you were too young then?
on Jul 2nd, 2009 at 1:47 PM
I Believe: That is 1970s. Singapore just came out of merger with Malaysia and gain its independence. Most likely that 2 person has their roots in Malaysia.
The situation is totally different now. I don’t think anyone born and grew up in Singapore would deflect north.
on Jul 3rd, 2009 at 3:14 AM
Today, even 30 years later, I don’t think the situation is so different. Outward appearances may change but the deeper feelings and sentiments are very difficult to change. They are in the flash, the blood and the bones – very deep rooted. In fact, I am inclined to think that it is even worst today.
I used to have many malay friends – close friends – 30 to 40 years ago but today I have only two left. One happens to be a very devoted Buddhist, intentionally going against his parents’ wishes and therefore has been ostracised by his Muslim family and relatives. The other happens to be a Christian – also being ostracised by his Muslim family and relatives.
Why? Definitely not because all my other Malay friends have passed away, but because they have now become more isolated in terms of social integration. They isolate themselves, refusing to mix with us. Now we only exchange superficial “Hellos” when we happen to meet; no more playing together and eating together.
Today, some still harbour unhappiness. Some still think that Singapore is rightly their own land but taken over by foreigners because of the British backing, influence and power at that point in time. Many of them still have roots in the North. Many, in fact recently, just bought houses in the North. And some are living in JB and working in Singapore may be for economic reasons, I don’t know. These are the facts in today’s context – not assumptions or presumptions, not suspicions or theories.
I would give the benefit of doubt to them but I would not be that 100% so cock-sure of their loyalty in times of crisis. In fact, even people of the same race can sometimes betray their own kinds; what to say about others who have deep-rooted misgivings or ambitions?
I always remember what my parents used to tell me:
“Blood is always thicker than water. Race is part of our culture and is closer to us as a whole. Religion is part of our common believe and understanding and therefore should not be taken lightly.”
Why are there religious wars still happening even today?
What is the meaning of Jihad (Holy War)?
What is the meaning of Crusade (Holy war)?
Why are the Israelis so united as a Race?
Why, for the last few hundred years, were the Chinese discriminated all over the world, except in China, Taiwan, and Singapore?
Why are the Chinese and Indians still being discriminated in Malaysia and Indonesia?
Those are some of the questions for you to ponder deeper. I don’t mean for you to answer them to me. I already know the answers long ago.
on Jul 3rd, 2009 at 3:28 AM
I Believe: Interestingly, I just had coffee and a long chat at Starbucks with a Muslim friend. And I have quite a number of Muslim, Hindu, Christian, Catholic, Taoist, Buddhist and free thinker friends. (I’m a Buddhist)
Perhaps you should try open up your mindset. The world would be a much better place if you put aside the differences.
on Jul 4th, 2009 at 11:33 AM
[...] The 1st Malay Brigadier General – TOC: Singapore’s first Malay general – a star of things to come? – Chemical Generation Singapore: Our First Malay BG – What was Said and Not Said – Today In Singapore: All Hail The Generals – Random Thoughts Of A Free Thinker: A Malay-Muslim BG does not a policy change make – geraldgiam.sg: Malays deserve equal opportunities in the SAF – nofearSingapore: Malays and SAF: Revisiting the issue [Thanks Dr.Huang] – My Singapore News: Discrimination – Malaysian and Singapore models – Dee Kay Dot As Gee: SAF’s first Malay General [...]
on Jul 5th, 2009 at 2:50 PM
DK,
Thank you for your advice to open up my mindset.
Hope I will make your world a better place by putting aside the differences between your views and mine.
on Jul 8th, 2009 at 9:37 AM
Hi, I just happened to like randomly read things in the net and came across this. I just would like to say it doesn’t matter which race or religion one comes from in order to defend Singapore. I think each and every race/religion should deserve to defend Singapore. Why? Simple. We are Singaporeans and we fight for one purpose: defend Singapore. If one were to doubt and say the Malays will go to Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei etc, does that mean the Chinese won’t go to China, Taiwan etc and that Indians won’t go back to India? Lol. All in all it doesn’t matter what race/religion one is, it’s whether he is willing to defend Singapore and that’s all that matters. If there were to be any “betrayers”, it can come from any race/religion. So ya.
Just what I think.
on Jul 9th, 2009 at 12:52 AM
Haikel: Well said. I think our generation have our roots and hearts in Singapore.
on Jul 27th, 2009 at 1:01 PM
Haikel,
No Singaporean of any races would go back to their ancestor’s land when the shit hit the fan – only the foreign talent @ foreign job snatcher @ foreign SPG hunter would do that!
on Jul 29th, 2009 at 3:14 PM
NSman,
Haha, that’s what I was thinking.
I shall not comment on the foreign talent thing. I get what you mean though.