To what extent do threats from external forces contribute to disunity in Singapore? Explain your answer. External threats are the most contributing factor to disunity in Singapore. JI members posed a threat as they intended to plant bombs in several locations in Singapore, creating ill-feelings between Singaporeans. The locals began to fear and suspect the Malays in Singapore then on. It leads to the insecurity amongst the community, while the Muslims felt unfairly targeted.
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When racial or religious issues are used as reasons for terrorist acts committed globally, many people of other races or religion will distrust and seem suspicious of their races after such incidents, leading to the hatred of each other between the people, dividing Singapore. Managing perceptions of different religious groups also contributes to disunity in Singapore. In 1950, there were the Maria Hertogh riots. Custody was given to Maria’s biological parents, even though she was raised as a Muslim by a Malay foster mother.
The Muslims were outraged for the injustice and unfair judgment, erupting into a riot. The actions taken by a person of another religious group may seem disrespectful, insensitive and insulting to another group. Thus it would cause tension, leading to unhappiness and anger between groups. This would eventually lead to the disunity in Singapore. Managing perceptions of different racial groups also contributes to disunity in Singapore.
In 1964, there were the racial riots. The PAP wanted equal rights and privileges for all whereas UMNO wanted Malays to have the upper hand. The resettlement plans by the PAP seemed to be anti-Malay and led to unhappiness among the Malays, then eventually the riot. Actions taken by a racial group may appear to be damaging to another racial group. The lack of understanding between everyone would just stir unhappiness and hatred between race groups, out bursting conflicts.
In the criterion of impact, external threats would contribute mostly to disunity in Singapore. In the beginning, Singaporeans of different racial and religious groups are still living peacefully together with one another. Despite sticking to our own groups, we still have trust and respect between us. But when external threats happen, people start to doubt and suspect one another. Fear, suspicion and hatred start to spark and lead to unhappiness and tension. In the end, it will lead to the disunity of Singapore.
