Singapore, as an immigrant country, has always had a hidden issue of race. Singapore officials stated that new citizens must identify with "Singaporeans" and called for unity.
The official media of Singapore, "Lianhe Zaobao," featured a front-page story. On Sunday (August 31), Singapore's Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Heng Swee Kiat, emphasized at the naturalization ceremony for new citizens that new citizens are also part of the Singapore story. The future of Singapore is not written solely by the government, but by all citizens - regardless of whether they are new or old - working together.
300 new citizens joined the ceremony in the Marsiling - Hougang area held at the Institute of Technical Education West Campus in Choa Chu Kang. Heng Swee Kiat is also the Member of Parliament for the Marsiling - Hougang Group Representation Constituency and the grassroots advisor for the Limbong area. He welcomed the 300 new citizens to Marsiling - Hougang and read the National Pledge with them.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of Singapore's independence. Heng Swee Kiat pointed out that when Singapore reached its moment of independence, they chose to become Singapore citizens, choosing the identity of "Singaporeans who are not divided by race, language, or religion," and rolled up their sleeves to jointly build Singapore.
Heng Swee Kiat said that today's new citizens have made similar choices. "You are not just choosing to live here, but you have vowed to be loyal to this country. You have a firm belief in the survival and success of our country. It is important that you are committed to upholding the shared values of Singaporeans."
Diversity is a unique feature of Singapore, and it needs to be maintained by generations
Prime Minister Heng emphasized the importance of maintaining Singapore's diverse society. He said that diversity is a unique aspect of Singapore, "instead of letting our differences divide us, we choose to embrace diversity and see it as a strength."
In his speech at the National Day Rally in mid-August, Heng Swee Kiat proposed building a "We First" society. At the ceremony, he again called on citizens to trust each other, care for one another in both good and bad times, and move forward as a whole.
Heng Swee Kiat quoted the first sentence of the Singapore Pledge, "We are Singapore citizens," emphasizing that we must unite to work together for the "happiness, prosperity, and progress of Singapore."
After the ceremony, he posted on social media that Singapore has always been an immigrant country, and Singaporeans must unite to work hard to develop the nation.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1842015646990348/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.