Every generation in Singapore faces its own set of challenges, and it is through overcoming these that the country’s national identity is strengthened. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong recently spoke on this topic, noting that the Singaporean identity is stronger than it was before, having navigated past crises such as SARS and the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted that the country is now facing new geopolitical disruptions and competition between global powers.
Speaking at the Kent Ridge Ministerial Forum on September 9, SM Lee explained that national identity is not a single, simple thing. “We are one people, but… we are not all identical, and there are fault lines which we have to guard (against),” he said. He pointed out that being a Singaporean is just one part of a person’s identity, which has many different layers. These layers can include our race—such as being a Chinese, Malay, or Indian Singaporean—our religion, and our political views. He also mentioned that people can have different social circles and perspectives based on their sexual orientation.
For many Singaporeans, especially those who are Muslim or Christian, religion is a crucial part of who they are. Similarly, for older generations, their native language remains very important, even as English becomes the primary language for younger people.
During the forum, a student asked whether globalization or domestic divisions were a bigger threat to national identity. SM Lee responded that in the short term, “powerful external forces” will pull Singapore in different directions. For instance, he noted that Muslims are naturally more concerned about events in the Middle East, just as developments in India or China can have a greater pull on those communities. He stressed that Singaporeans must resist these external pulls. “Our job is to resist that and to remember, yes, I am Muslim or I am Chinese or I am Indian, but I am also Singaporean,” he said. “I do hold something here, and I belong here, and I should look at the world starting from here.”
SM Lee also spoke about how Singapore can keep its political system strong. His advice was direct: “Get good people into politics. Vote for good people to be your MPs and to be your ministers and work with them to make the country better.” He warned that a country cannot function properly if good leaders cannot get elected. He also emphasized that an elected position is not about being “the boss.” Instead, it is an opportunity to be “the chief slave, to help look after the country so that you can hand it over and it is better.” He added that an exceptional political system also requires voters who are exceptionally sensible and responsible.
Finally, SM Lee discussed the balance between economic growth and social fairness. He stated that he does not see them as conflicting. He believes that growth is the first step to improving the lives of all Singaporeans. Without growth, he explained, improving the lives of some people would mean taking resources from others, which would create an “unhappy exercise.” By contrast, when the economy grows, the government has more resources to help those who need it most.
