Tag: marginalisation

Deepavali vs Diwali Debate Explains Singaporean Tamils’ Unhappiness With Foreigner Influx

A Channel NewsAsia’s Deepavali special got my attention today for two reasons. One the news presenter said: “Deepavali also known as Diwali”, and secondly because the presenter also referred to Deepavali as a “Hindu New Year”.

(You can view the entire segment here: http://bit.ly/2e3oc2T)

Just like a friend who commented on my Facebook post on the topic, I too have an issue with our national broadcaster needing to translate Deepavali (as it is said in Tamil) into Diwali.

My friend said: “Tamil is one of our National Languages. I would rather they stick to Deepavali. I am not Tamil myself but grew up with it. I know many don’t see it the way we do and that is their right, But i would like the media to stick with Deepavali.”

I think my friend is absolutely right when she added: “I don’t think the sudden use of Diwali has anything to do with the considerations of the Singapore bred North Indians…It has to do with the new citizens from North India who have come here.”

Responding to my post, another friend asked if it was offensive to say ‘seng jia jiu yi’ instead of ‘xing nian kwai le’ (Happy Chinese New Year). I think it is different.
Yet another friend chimed in and said that CNA did mention ‘Deepavali’ as well as ‘Diwali’ and so it is ok. He said that if an organisation totally replaces ‘Deepavali’ with ‘Diwali’ it would be wrong and that Jurong Point Shopping Centre has done precisely that.

Considering that Jurong has Tharman Shanmugaratnam as its anchor-Minister for the constituency, I am surprised that Jurong Point Shopping Centre has done that.

Some in the Singaporean Tamil community have felt unhappy and sidelined by the non-inclusion of Tamil in certain prominent spaces (like the Changi Airport), which has also made international news. CNA’s production has got to be called out at least for that – because if we keep quiet then it may be accepted as a norm.

My friend Gangasudhan writing on the same topic last year said that he felt like a second class citizen in his own country.

“In recent days, many in the Tamil community have had their panties in a bunch because some shopping centres and even Changi Airport have started putting up Christmas decor even though Deepavali is right around the corner – in other words, not a single F was given for this festive occasion. While there is good reason to feel marginalised by this callous attitude in multiracial Singapore that champions racial harmony – complete with a special day each year to wear ‘costumes’ and ‘celebrate’, I am surprised that anyone is surprised by this.”

The larger issue of course is how uninformed the majority in Singapore is despite 50-years of the Government promoting multi-racialism and multiculturalism. If the national broadcaster can be confused if Deepavali is a Hindu New Year, is it any wonder that local websites like The Smart Local will try and tease a laughter out of its audience by comparing laddoo (a popular Indian sweet) to diarrhoea?

Yes CNA, Even if the Marwari, Gujarati, and Nepali of the Indian community celebrate their new year around Deepavali they are not the majority even in India.

Deepavali is not a Hindu New year.

Source: http://theindependent.sg

October 30, 2016
Singapore Chinese Muslim Stunned By Halal Dietary Question In Job Application

“You don’t eat pork, right?”

Singapore Chinese Muslim Heidi Heng was shocked when she was asked the question when she tried to find out more about an opening for an administration position.

At first, she said, she was mistaken for being a non-Chinese because she was seen wearing a headscarf. Then, she was told that her Halal diet would be an inconvenience to other employees especially when it comes to company events.

Heng was responding to job application queries sent via Whatsapp messages on her phone when she was confronted by questions that involved her race, religion and dietary option. She was corresponding with someone who appeared to be the human resource staff of an unnamed company.

A screen grab of the conversation was posted on Facebook on Tuesday, and has since garnered more than 1,000 shares and nearly 100 comments.

The conversation had taken place over Whatsapp when Heng was asking for the appropriate email address to send her resume to. Heng seemed disappointed at how the conversation had panned out, even labeling the comments that the staff member made as “racist”.

“Work is work, food is food. I can eat Halal food, (you) can eat (your) non-Halal food. Just (wanted) a simple admin job, end up get a racist comment… Admin job got event every month meh (sic)?” she said.

Most of the commenters on Facebook have shown support for Heng while criticising the company.

“I don’t see why one’s dietary preference will hinder the productivity of the admin job… what if the candidate is a Chinese vegetarian?” said a Bob M Fauzi.

One commenter even offered Heng a job and is awaiting her reply.

Yahoo Singapore has contacted the Ministry of Manpower for a comment.

Source: https://sg.news.yahoo.com

July 2, 2015
Dr Yacob Ibrahim: Quality Of Life Of Singaporean Malays Have Improved

SINGAPORE: The quality of life for the Malay-Muslim community in Singapore has “improved tremendously” compared to 50 years ago, Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Dr Yaacob Ibrahim said on Friday (Jun 26).

“Malays are now homeowners, we have a better educated population, wealth has been increasing in the Malay-Muslim community and we collected more ‘zakat’ last year compared to previous years,” he said to reporters at a Mendaki house visit.

“By and large, the state of affairs of the Malay-Muslim community here is quite good.”

Dr Yaacob, who is also the Minister of Communications and Information, was responding to comments made by former Malaysian law minister Zaid Ibrahim in his blog.

On Wednesday, Mr Zaid wrote that he couldn’t “wait for Malays (in Malaysia) to be like Singaporean Malays”, saying that the latter enjoyed a “clean and transparent system of government and a good and fair housing policy, on top of reaping the benefits of the modern advanced economy that is Singapore”.

Mr Zaid said he meant for the post to clarify a tweet he had posted earlier, responding to former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad’s criticism of current PM Najib Razak.

“I think the most important thing for me as a member of the Malay-Muslim community is to be thankful for what we have in Singapore,” Dr Yaacob said.

While the community does have its challenges, the important thing is to figure out how to go forward, he added.

“We need to preserve what we have and maintain the standards that we have lived by to ensure that the succeeding generations can also enjoy a higher quality of life, for themselves and for their children,” he said, citing values such as meritocracy and the absence of corruption.

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com

June 27, 2015
A Look Inside The Most Expensive City In The World!

Singapore was just named the world’s most expensive city by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

The cosmopolitan city-state is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, but it’s also one of the wealthiest, with about 105,000 millionaires living there — and that means that it has prices to match.

The EIU reported that Singapore is the most expensive place in the world to buy clothes, but the upscale malls of Orchard Road are still bustling as shoppers vie for designer goods.

And there are deals to be had: Singapore is world-famous for its inexpensive street food. And driving may cost a fortune, there’s no need to own a car since the city has one of the most efficient and cleanest metro systems in the world. There are also dozens of free parks to wander in — Singapore is called the “garden city” for a reason, after all.

Downtown Singapore’s skyline is dominated by massive modern towers.

The Marina Bay Sands isn’t necessarily the top hotel in the city, but it’s now become one of the most recognizable landmarks of the Singapore skyline.

It’s most famous for its rooftop pool, which overlooks the city from the 57th floor.

But the more traditional Raffles Hotel is probably the real most iconic hotel in the city. It’s where the city’s signature drink — the Singapore Sling — was invented, and it still embodies Singapore’s old colonial-era elegance.

The symbol of the city is oddly a Merlion — half lion, half fish — a mythical creature that was created by the city to generate tourism.

Much of Singapore is comprised of reclaimed land. The island was so tiny that it has nowhere to expand but up and out. Gardens by the Bay is a 250-acre park that’s built on reclaimed land.

The whole park is sustainable. Its artificial “super trees” power everything from the Flower Dome to the Cloud Forest.

Every year, the Formula One Grand Prix race is held in the city. Bystanders don’t just get a view of the race. They also get a great view of the skyline.

Even though the city is filled with massive towers, it’s easy to find peaceful respites. Singapore is called “the garden city,” after all.

The Singapore Botanic Garden, which is open to the public for free, is incredible. Singaporeans often come here to picnic and relax on the weekends.

There are also tons of walking and jogging paths all over the city — assuming it’s not too hot to work out.

Shopping seems to be the national pastime in Singapore, judging by the sheer amount of shopping malls, most of which are filled with designer shops. Meanwhile, the EIU reported that Singapore is the most expensive place in the world to buy clothes, with “the malls of Orchard Road offering a price premium that is over 50% higher than New York.”

Source: EIU

Most of the shopping centers around Orchard Road, and ION Orchard is perhaps the nicest shopping mall.

Because the city is so densely populated, traffic can be bad. Driving is also incredibly expensive. But Singapore makes up for it with one of the most efficient and cleanest metro systems in the world.

But Singapore isn’t all modern. Traditional Chinese culture still reigns in the bustling Chinatown.

And Indian culture is alive and well in Little India.

The food — perhaps Singapore’s strongest suit — reflects the cultural mix of the city, which is mostly comprised of Chinese, Indian, and Malay people. All of these cultures and cuisines come together at Hawker Centres, which are essentially government-regulated food courts.

At these Hawker Centres, you can try iconic Singaporean dishes, like the famous Chicken Rice.

Chili crab is another famous (and delicious) Singaporean dish.

Many people travel to Singapore just for the food — and we don’t blame them.

Of course there are fine dining restaurants here too, like Jaan Restaurant at Swissotel the Stamford.

There are lots of swanky restaurants along the river at Clark Quay. It’s the place to be at night.

Boat Quay is another hotspot for nightlife. This area is also popular with expats.

Dempsey Hill, which was once the base of the British military, is another popular area with expats. Today it’s home to cool shops, bars, art galleries, and restaurants, all of which are located in the former British army barracks.

Meanwhile, the hipsters hang out in Tiong Bahru, a neighborhood with cool coffee shops, bars, and vintage shops.

Singapore’s Changi Airport is regularly named “the best in the world,” and the international transit hub’s amenities include a butterfly garden, rooftop pool, movie theaters, hotels, spas, and showers, and even a four-story slide.

Source: www.businessinsider.sg

March 5, 2015
A Muslim’s Response To Anti-Islam Protesters In Germany

Dear 25,000 Anti-Islam Dresden Protesters and Pegida,

I hear you marched in your thousands against my religion. Last week, and last month. You marched against immigrants, foreigners, and anyone a shade darker. I will not draw comparisons to Nazi Germany. I will not call you bigots, I will not insult you, and I will not label you. But we do have a problem.

You marched with banners claiming your city is overcrowded with Muslims. Yet 0.1% of Dresden are Muslim. You marched claiming immigrants are cramming your schools and leaving your children to travel miles for an education. Yet 2.5% of Dresden are foreign-born.

You claim that Germany is being invaded by Muslims. Yet only 5% of Germans are Muslim.

You march “against the Islamization of the West”. Yet within a century containing two World Wars, the decolonisation process, countless civil conflicts, foreign intervention, globalisation, and further displacement, Muslims remain a fringe minority in Europe. Less than 6%. A pretty lousy colonisation process, no?

You marched against refugees and asylum seekers, claiming Germany is their target for welfare and social security. Yet according to UNHCR, there are 51.2million refugees worldwide. Germany caters for less than 0.01% of them. Is that too much to ask? Is such a humanitarian obligation too large for the Refugee Convention 1951 your government ratified? Or is it actually punitive, for example, in comparison to Lebanon where every fourth person is a Syrian refugee?

Protesters, you are not alone. In my country, Britain, we have our own anti-immigration party. Ukip won their first seat in Clacton with nothing but anti-migrant rhetoric. Yet only 4.3% of Clacton are foreign-born. In a Parliamentary-based system, where each constituency elects a representative to voice their views, there is nothing Ukip can do for the people of Clacton.

Do you see a pattern? Perhaps I should explain. Your kind tend to establish themselves where their “problem” does not actually exist. Is this therefore an issue of negative perception? Fear of the unfamiliar? Intolerance in ignorance? Scapegoating an underclass? Media misinformation?

I will elaborate. London has a 36.2% foreign-born population. Relatively, that is fifteen times the population of foreigners in Dresden. A far greater diversity. Ukip poll the lowest in London compared to the rest of the country– in every demographic, foreign or not. London is a metropolis of brown, black, and white working side by side. We thrive. I saw an atheist today. Guess what? I did not try to convert him nor behead him for blasphemy; I helped him off the bus. He was 74 years old.

Does that make sense?

Your only insight into Islam is a box in your living room. Confirmation bias andcognitive dissonance infest the information you expose yourself to. Information which dehumanises and polarises anyone unlike you.

You enjoy the far-right media portrayal of Islam. It makes you feel good. Superior. Better. The barbaric Muslims, we are. We disrespect women, and we impose our beliefs on to others.

Yet did you know that Turkey, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, all Muslim majority stateshave had more elected female heads of state than almost every other Western country? Did you know that the Quran explicitly says “there is no compulsion in religion” (2:256), and our Prophet clarified “whomever hurts a non-Muslim will not smell a whiff of paradise”?

Did you know that your twisted misrepresentation of my religion helps the terrorists? Did you know that you and the terrorists agree on what seems to form an integral part of your identity: that Islam is violent? Did you know that you even use the same methodology to proclaim this; taking a verse out of context and evading any intellectual discourse?

What are Muslims to you, anyway? Arabs? Less than 20% of us are Arab. Indian or Pakistani? Again, less than 20%. Turkish? Less than 5%. Nothing else? That is more than half of us you cannot identify.

You assume our identity by our race. Is it not disheartening to you that such a narrow world view is legitimately held by so many? Does it not display a perspective so constrained to the contents of immediate life and prejudice? Is that not likely to lead to ignorant assumptions and offence in face of what is unbeknownst?

What becomes of the German Muslim, I wonder? Is he spared because he is white? Or is he declared a traitor and shunned? Is it difficult to choose between racism and neglecting a fellow countryman? Choose neither. Choose education. Tolerance. Kindness.

Detach from the vicious cycle of far-right media (who are unfamiliar with foreigners) feeding the far-right populace (who are unfamiliar with foreigners) what they should think about foreigners.

I ask you, have you ever met a Muslim? “Met” is not a synonym for shouting abuse at or stabbing to death in or outside their home. No, have you ever sat with a Muslim? Talked to a Muslim? Worked with a Muslim?

You should. At an airport perhaps, where we are 42 times more likely to be searched, and thus declared safe for human interaction.

Sincerely,
A Real-Life Muslim (not the ones on TV)

Source:www.huffingtonpost.co.uk

January 22, 2015