Jaded about SG50?
By Zul Othman
It’s less than a month away from Singapore’s 50th birthday on August 9 and preparations for the Jubilee celebrations – or SG50 – are in full swing.
On July 18, some 1.2 million households received their SG50 fun packs – usually reserved for those who attend the National Day Parade – reported The Straits Times.
Some are however wondering: beyond the fun packs and HDB blocks adorned with depictions of Singaporean landmarks, will SG50 ditch the cosmetic touches in favour of national introspection.
“There are many things in Singapore to be thankful for, like Singapore’s economic development, for example,” said Andrew Loh, editor of socio-political website The Online Citizen.
Perhaps what is needed is an examination of the Singapore narrative, going forward in a year full of “highs and lows”.
Firstly, there was grief following the death of Singapore’s first Prime Minister on March 23.
Then there was the legal action brought against 16-year-old blogger Amos Yee – who criticised Lee’s political career in a YouTube video – which has also split Singaporeans.
The massive July 7 breakdown of train services on two of SMRT’s mainlines is another point of contention with citizens.
There is also the impending general election, which is expected this year.
Added Loh: “For the SG50 celebrations, I am surprised at how superficial it is. For example, what I feel is missing is a discussion of our history, especially one done from all sides”.
“We don’t have a clear plan going forward in terms of economic structure,” offered sociopolitical blogger Alex Au.
There are hard questions we need to ask ourselves, he added.
“What is important is to ask ourselves if Singapore will even exist 100 years from now. We will hollow out as a society if these questions are not answered.”
National Celebration
Still, Chua Chu Kang GRC Member of Parliament (MP) Zaqy Mohamed sees things differently.
When contacted, he said: “The SG50 celebration is a yearlong event that is inclusive and involves as many segments as possible.
“Intellectuals may look at the bigger picture but to the residents, the celebration is anything but one-dimensional. The response in the heartlands has been very good,” added the MP.
Agreeing, National University of Singapore political scientist Bilveer Singh believes SG50 has been a “strategic game changer” for the Government.
Think less national conversation but more national celebration, he added.
“It’s been a fantastic year and SG50 has been the perfect time to celebrate our national achievement and to feel good about Singapore,” said Singh.
Meanwhile, media observer Donald Low felt it is “unrealistic” to think that the year would be free of incidents like the train breakdowns and the detention of Amos Yee just because of the Jubilee celebrations.
The former civil servant, who recently authored Hard Choices: Challenging The Singapore Consensus, said: “Assuming there is any jadedness, I think that is part and parcel with life in Singapore and the view that there is only a single view of history being put up.”
But could the SG50 celebrations, ultimately, be a not so subtle primer for the upcoming general elections?
Singapore Management University law don Eugene Tan opined: “I think Singaporeans are still keeping an open mind about the impending general elections.
“Celebratory mood aside, I don’t think the people will cut the (ruling party) People’s Action Party any slack just because it is Singapore’s 50th birthday.”
