Singapore Democrats
The historic Malay forum that the SDP is organising tomorrow afternoon has created a buzz online. It has energised many in our Malay community who have said that they want to speak up and be part of the national conversation.$CUT$
Many questions confront our society: Why do Malays lag behind economically? Does the present education system help or hinder Malays moving up the socio-economic ladder? Have PAP policies created a united Singapore or fomented disunity?
Even former PAP MP Mr Maidin Packer is of the view that Singaporeans are growing apart under PAP rule. He voiced his concerns to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his
Facebook, lamenting that the Government’s push for economic growth at all cost has caused society to fracture and become disunited.
He wrote that in the past, Singaporeans may have been economically poorer but there was unity among the people and a sense of belonging to this country:
It felt like we were all ONE BIG MULTI-RACIAL FAMILY. We moved as one, act as one – all for the good of the people and the nation. (emphasis Maidin’s)
He has reflected what the Singapore Democrats have been saying all these years. As we push ahead relentlessly to multiply our economic numbers, we have not progressed together. The rich have sprinted ahead by miles leaving the rest behind.
The poor, comprising disproportionately of Malays, have fallen even further behind. But instead of leveling up society, the Government exacerbates the situation by bringing in cheap foreign labour that has suppressed the wages of low-wage workers.
The influx of nationals from China, India, Philippines and other countries have displaced Singaporeans economically and socially.
The Malays are not alone in feeling the dislocation and disconnect with the Government but they are, as a community, increasingly feeling alienated and marginalised in Singapore.
The forum tomorrow seeks to address these concerns and, for the first time, will see the various races and ethnic groups come together to talk about the continuing discrimination of Malays in Singapore by the PAP and examine ways on how we can end such a practice and find ways to bring about a truly united Singapore regardless of race or religion.
We are expecting a large turnout and advise those who are attending to come early as seats are limited and seating is on a first-come-first-served basis.
Forum: The future of Singapore – Do Malays have a part?
Date: 8 Sept 2012 (Sat)
Time: 2pm -5pm
Venue: Bras Basah Complex, Action Rm, #04-41