AEC ( Heritage Trail)
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| Poster on riots |
During the 3-week term break in June, I embarked on a heritage walking trail. The trail that I have chosen was National Museum of Singapore and Fort Canning Park which were both located near Cityhall Mrt.
The National Museum of Singapore is the oldest museum in Singapore. Its history dates back to 1849, when it was started as a section of a library at Singapore Institution and called the Raffles Library and Museum.
(Singaporevr.com, 2017)
I choose to go there because there are many history stories kept in the museum,
I also choose to go there as it is air-conditional which will keep me cool in Singapore hot weather. ><
The interior looks very nice and appealing.
I explored and walk around to see different parts of the museum and to go see the artifacts. I saw the timeline of Singapore's history and the stories about it.
This is a video of Mr Lee Kuan Yew addressing to people
He mentioned about we unite regardless of race, language, religion, culture. He emphasise the importance of uniting with each other.
I find Singapore's History very interesting. It showed us that back in the post-war years, different races were having riots and misunderstanding. However, because of the incident, the government and the people realise that they need to do something as we are a multi-racial country. I am glad that now everyone accept each other race, and make friends with one another.
Case-study: 1964 racial riots in Singapore
Causes of the racial riots ;
Racial sentiments were aroused in Singapore in various ways. On 12 July 64 UMNO held a convention of about 150 Malay organisations in Singapore. It was chaired by Syed Jaafar Albar, secretary-general of UMNO in Malaya. He concluded that Malays in Singapore had not been treated fairly by the PAP government as they had not progressed in material terms. He urged the Malays to unite to overcome this unfair treatment.
The Utusan Melayu, a Malay newspaper in Malaya, owned by prominent UMNO members, also constantly adopted a communal line in their publications, and it accused the PAP of humiliating and trying to divide the Malay community in Singapore. This triggered many Malays as they felt unfair and discriminated. There were also miscommunication between racial groups. Hence, there were an outbreak of riots.
(National Library Board, 2017)
This taught us that it is important to keep ties with other races so as to avoid miscommunication and argument. Government came out with racial harmony day where students learn about different culture of other races. This is also why social studies is very important and is taught in primary and secondary schools.It is particularly important as Singapore becomes more diverse and faces regional uncertainties. This also ensures that people will respect each other race and religion. Singapore is a country with mix races and religion. As maintaining racial and religious harmony is hard and crucial.
I enjoyed myself a lot throughout this trip to the National Museum as it not only taught me a bit more of our history. I also had a lot of fun with my friends as I enjoyed the beautiful art exhibitions.
After going to the museum, we head to Fort Canning Park.
Fort Canning Park, an iconic hilltop landmark has witnessed many of Singapore’s historical milestones. The decision to surrender Singapore to the Japanese was also made on the hill, in the Underground Far East Command Centre, commonly known as Battle Box. The hill was once served as the Headquarters of the Far East Command Centre and British Army Barracks.
(Fort and Tour, 2017)
References:
Singaporevr.com. (2017). Singapore VR - National Museum of Singapore - Building. [online] Available at: http://www.singaporevr.com/vrs/NationalMuseum/NationalMuseum.html [Accessed 11 Jul. 2017].
National Library Board, S. (2017). Communal riots of 1964 | Infopedia. [online] Eresources.nlb.gov.sg. Available at: http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_45_2005-01-06.html [Accessed 11 Jul. 2017].
Fort and Tour (2017). Fort Canning Park. [online] National Parks Board. Available at: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/fort-canning-park [Accessed 11 Jul. 2017].
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