When I Was Young

I SAY
It will not be wise to compromise our values so that foreigners will come

David Dorairaj

I REFER to "To cane or not to cane" (March 24) by Dr Rachel S Kraut.

Much has been talked about the rights and wrongs of public caning, by both locals and foreigners, over many years. Having been on the receiving end of a public caning in school — it was a particular end of my anatomy that received it — I have my own views regarding public caning. Some of these views run contrary to Dr Kraut's. But then, I was born and raised here.

But that is not the main issue of Dr Kraut's piece. The main issue seems, as summarised in the final paragraph of the article, is that the "local system (of public caning)… should be relooked" in order to encourage integration of foreign talent.

A check in the dictionary reveals that the word "integrate" means "to bring together or incorporate (parts) into a whole". This brings forth an idea of give and take. Naturally, as understood by most, it is the "parts" that has the greater onus to flow into the "whole", not the other way around.

When I studied in the United States for four years, there were many things that shocked me as a Singaporean. Among these was the easy purchase of firearms at the neighbourhood Wal-Mart, and the aisle full of bullets; both of which were just behind the children's clothing section.

In the '80s, my brother was posted for several years to work in Holland. He had to deal with issues such as the legal sale and consumption of marijuana, the prevalence of prostitution and open practice of euthanasia.

My point is simple: My brother and I, like others who move to a different country with a different culture, had to carefully analyse and assess both the benefits and costs of that move and arrive at a decision. We understood that it was a package deal. We did not go expecting America and Holland to be like Singapore or for their cultures to conform to us. The onus was upon us to fit in.

Singapore is Singapore because of the values we have had for many years. The success of this country cannot be dissected from her values. And these are distinctly Singaporean values. Thus, it will not be right or wise to compromise these values so that foreigners will come.

Furthermore, everyone needs to understand that our methods flow as an extension and implementation of our values. While we remain open to dialogue and change, foreigners need to understand that our methods, like our values, are distinctly Singaporean. To be otherwise is like expecting an apple tree to bear oranges.

All the "foreign talent", like Dr Kraut, who are here are not martyrs; they are not here even though everything about their country is better. Also, the pull factor must have been sufficiently strong enough in order for them to leave the good of their own country.

Therefore, to the "foreign talent" of the present and future, I say you are most welcome to our home, Singapore; but, kindly do not assume or insist that we ought to rearrange the furniture just so that you would come. I am certain you would not like it if I came over to your house and rearranged your furniture, would you?

From TODAY, Voices
Friday, 27-March-2009

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