Sinnathamby Rajaratnam is one of the prominent figures in the modern history of Singapore. Recently, on 22 February 2006, he passed away in the age of 90, just 3 days before his 91st birthday. This essay is trying to reconstruct the current collective social memory on Singapore’s founding fathers such as S Rajaratnam, CV Devan Nair, Goh Keng Swee, and Lim Kim San, in the current Singapore society. Afterwards, this essay will try to answer the question on why is it important for us to remembering them. This essay is focusing on S Rajaratnam because of his prominent career in politic and contribution that he has given to Singapore. He is also regarded as one of the founding fathers of Singapore as well as a prominent politician, thinker, and writer1. This essay is then trying to assert whether the current approach in making these great men be remembered is considered to be effective and come up with some suggestions on rectifying the situation of “amnesiacs nation”.
Although most Singaporeans still can recall the name of S Rajaratnam, most of them are difficult to recall what contributions he has given to Singapore. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong himself complained about Singaporeans lack of knowledge of their founding fathers on his National Day Rally Speech on 20 August 2006, “They didn't know that Mr Rajaratnam wrote the pledge or that Mr Lim Kim San was the reason that we all have homes is HDB flats”2. PM Lee is very much concerned with the fact that even Singaporeans are really shadowed about their own history. Ng Chuin Song, an NUS undergraduate, wrote, “I was not alone. I did a survey and found out that even my fellow political science majors did not know Mr Lim (he referred to Lim Kim San)”3. Many articles written on the newspapers again show the same concern about the lack of the collective memory on the nation's founding fathers4. The current education system is mentioned as one of the causes of this problem as history is taught based on its usefulness for the nation-building, commented Professor Lee Guan Kin, director of Nanyang Technological University's Centre of Chinese Language and Culture5. Some also argued that the continued prominence of former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew has virtually reduced all of his peers' contribution in Singapore history.6 Although these two factors might be considered influencing this condition, we should look inside the very soul of every Singaporeans. Young generation, who has enjoyed many privileges brought by their ancestors and founding fathers, has reduced the position of the “past” in their memory7. This condition leads to an ignorance8 and lack of eagerness in knowing more on how founding fathers built this country. However, one question that can be raised is that why is it important for us to remember S Rajaratnam. We will now look in closer details on the achievements, contributions, and ideas that he has given for this country.
S Rajaratnam once lamented that he may not leave any lasting legacies for the coming generations as he said that his “contributions were very abstract as there are no buildings I can point to and say, they were what I did”9. This shows his great humbleness, one thing that is well remembered by Lee Khoon Choy10. He was the one who found out similarities of political aspirations between himself, Lew Kuan Yew, Goh Keng Swee, and Toh Chin Chye, thus pioneering the formation of People's Action Party (PAP) to “overthrow imperialist rule and stop the expansion of communism”11. He was a loyal supporter, old guard of the party's idealism, and ”among the few who articulate and emphasis the PAP’s stand when attacked,”12. He is also known as the supporter of a one-party government as he described a strong opposition as a non-communist subversion to Singapore13, an idea that gave a basis for the current’s successfulness of Singapore. He is also mentioned as the one who gave Lee “a heart to go on fighting”14. He remembered S Rajaratnam as “a tower of strength to all around him”. He added, “My most lasting memory of him was his courage. Never for one moment did he consider giving up the fight”15. S Rajaratnam has showed us a great patriotism and courage, humbleness, and many aspects that we can learn from such a great man. His contribution and continuous support for PAP is invaluable for the party's and nation's development.
During the turbulent period of 1959-1965, S Rajaratnam who served as the Minister of Culture, spoke out the ideas of “Singaporean Singapore”, a multi-racial society progressing based on merit, not race. He said, “On my identity card, it says my race is Indian. But I don't care if you call me an Indian or an Eskimo. What is important is whether you consider me a good man”16. He stressed out the idea of being Singaporean as a matter of choice and conviction, not as a matter of ancestry17. His view of multiculturalism is heavily influenced by his childhood memory:
“In those days, I came into contact with many aspects of the different races, such as Malay music and dance, Chinese lion dance during Chinese New Year and the wayang outside the Chinese temples ... I found them interesting and colourful.”18
Aside from the idea of multiculturalism, he is also a supporter of religious tolerance. He admitted though he is not a religious man, he has “always believed in religious freedom and tolerance”19. Singapore Pledge, which is well known among Singaporeans, is penned by S Rajaratnam as a manifestation of his belief20. The idea of “Singaporean Singapore” along with religious freedom idea, have become the basis of a stable modern Singapore society, a lasting legacy of S Rajaratnam.
On 8 August 1967, ministers of foreign affairs from five Southeast Asian countries signed the document that provides the basis of the foundation of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). S Rajaratnam, at the time was the incumbent Singapore's Minister of Foreign Affairs, was one of those pioneers21. The formation of ASEAN is later considered crucial as he mentioned the importance of a self-sustained regional community as a pillar to support the world globalisation:
“Should the new regional efforts collapse, then globalism, the final stage of historical development, will also fall apart. Then we will inevitably enter another Dark Ages ...”22
However, the early reason of the formation of ASEAN is not because of that view, but as S Rajaratnam affirmed, ASEAN is formed in the midst of fear of disintegration following the Vietnam War which subsequently led to the rise of communist power in the region23. At that time, the idea of regional community as a pillar of world globalisation was not yet exist. ASEAN is also a path for the manifestation of a self-sustained Southeast Asia, an idea voiced out by S Rajaratnam in 1970s. However, he didn't refute the fact that until 1970s, the region’s economy was still very much depending on the west24. He observed that the region can stand to importance if they have “the vision and courage”25. This can only be achieved through mobilisation of the collective strength and potential resources of ASEAN; something that can be actualised if all the Southeast Asian countries settle down their clashes and unite. His vision on ASEAN is proven to be true as ASEAN now stand as one of the most influential regional community alongside the European Union. His contributions toward regional politics are very great considering all his ideas and support he has given to ASEAN during his lifetime.
During his time as the Singapore’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, S Rajaratnam had contributed much to the Singapore’s foreign policy and drew much of the outline on how Singapore positioned itself in the international society. He designed a friendly and open policy for all countries that are trying to make such kind of relationship with Singapore26. He also stressed out not to formulate foreign policy based on permanent enemy as the world is changing very fast, thus need a consistent review on the relationship made with another countries. He was then categorised countries into three categories to judge the level of friendship that Singapore can build with that country27. His idea has been a basis for the Singapore’s foreign policy for years as acknowledged by Minister of Foreign Affairs George Yeo28. Besides continuing a “friendly policy”, S Rajaratnam is also concerned on the main ideal of Singapore’s foreign policy as a safeguard of Singapore’s independent from external threats29. In order to fulfil this ideal, he supported a non-aligned policy thus placing Singapore in the neutral position. At that time, Cold War is on its height and the rivalry between the Western and Eastern Block is at large30. He emphasised and re-emphasised the importance of non-aligned policy several times on his parliamentary speech:
“Our foreign policy and our defence policy must ensure that we do not become, or even appear to become, the pawn of any outside power”31
“Singapore is genuinely convinced that a non-aligned policy is the correct one for itself and for the peace of Southeast Asia”32
S Rajaratnam has contributed much for Singapore’s foreign policy. He is known as the “architect” of Singapore’s policy and much of his ideas still become the runway for Singapore’s foreign affairs.
We have now examined several answers behind the question on the importance of remembering S Rajaratnam. Thereafter, this essay is trying to look deeper towards what that has been done to remember him. Recently, the Nanyang Technological University is announcing a new school named after S Rajaratnam as a form of tribute to him33. On the other hand, the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) has launched a biography project on the leaders who often referred to as members of the old guards34. They are now working on it, especially on S Rajaratnam's, said the Director of ISEAS, K Kesavapany35. As this essay mentioned earlier, education system is mostly blamed for lack of awareness of Singapore's history among Singaporeans, but Dr. Cherian George, assistant professor at Nanyang Technological University’s School of Communication and Information, mentioned not to turn the entire burden to the school but to refer back to the society to give the children a sense of history36. Indeed, the one who shape the young and nurture them with the spirit of nationalism and understanding of their country is first done by the society. We need to create this awareness in the older generations as their view will eventually influence the young. However, there’s still a need to revise the current history curriculum offered from the primary to the secondary school to emphasise more on the post-war history as to increase the pupils’ awareness and appreciation of the post-war struggle for independence. The National Education programme that is started on 1997 to increase this awareness is considered ineffective as it is too limited and selective37. Another factor that reduces this awareness is that only a few of retired politicians and other distinguished persons shared their experience in form of books or memoirs38. Books are important as the source of knowledge for the young to understand their country's story. Therefore, there is an urgent need to stimulate writing of memoirs among the outstanding persons in the Republic. Their writing will be invaluable resources for the next generations of Singapore. However, it is unfortunate that S Rajaratnam himself never leaves us with any personal memoirs.
S Rajaratnam contributions towards this country are very special. He has together with other nationalists, struggled for the Singapore’s independent and has built this country through his ideas, writing, and thought. His contributions are long lasting contrasting the fact that the memory of him has faded away from most young generations of Singapore. In order to keep this social memory intact, there is a need to revise the current history curriculum, encouraging the retired politicians, civil servants, and other imminent figures to share their experience with the young through their writings and memoirs, and increasing the awareness of the society to nurture the sense of history on the young generation.
1 Lee Kuan Yew on “Minister Mentor's Eulogy for Mr S. Rajaratnam”, 22 February 2006. In this eulogy, Lee Kuan Yew spoke about S Rajaratnam, “His strength was as a thinker and a writer, a man of honour, with great moral courage.”
2 “Keeping the Singapore story alive”, Straits Times, 21 August 2006.
3 Ng Chuin Song, “Even Undergrads are Blur about Singapore's History”, Straits Times, 5 August 2006.
4 Many newspaper articles dated after the death of S. Rajaratnam show this fact. Sue-Ann Chia and Li Xueying wrote in “A Nation of Amnesiacs?”, Straits Times, 4 March 2006:
“Some had no idea the Singapore Pledge they used to recite daily in school was penned by Mr Rajaratnam. As Ms Monica Yap wrote in The Straits Times Forum page: 'If it was not for the death of Mr Rajaratnam, would we know all the past historic events and the writer of our Pledge? My plea is, please do not wait till the death of another great man before we learn about him and his impact on Singapore's history.' ”.
Sue-Ann Chia, in another article, “Know the Founding Fathers of Singapore”, Straits Times, 4 March 2006, wrote: “But beyond that, younger Singaporeans are hard pressed to list these leaders' contributions. Some historians describe Singapore as a nation of amnesiacs, with little curiosity about the past. “ Another quotations from the newspapers that show this lack of social memory are listed below:
“There is a consistent ignorance among the very young and the older of the post-independence cohort about the milestones of the Singapore story and of its principal characters. Is the deficiency important enough to think about? Most assuredly, yes. What can be done?” (Anonymous, “No Sense of History”, Straits Times, 6 March 2006)
“My peers and I reacted to news of Mr S. Rajaratnam's death with a certain degree of detachment. I remembered him only because of passing references in my history textbooks.” (Kenny Tan, “The Detached Generation”, Straits Times, 6 March 2006)
“Until he died and I read about it in the papers, I did not know he had penned the Pledge.” (Chua Muhammad Taufiq Muhammad Hadi, “Why had I not known about him earlier “, Straits Times, 6 March 2006)
“When a friend told me recently that Mr S. Rajaratnam had passed away, I found the name vaguely familiar but I could not put a face to it.” (Eisen Tao, “Make men like Raja come alive in classes”, Straits Times, 6 March 2006)
5 Sue-Ann Chia & Li Xueying, “A Nation of Amnesiacs?”
6 Ibid.
7 Albert Lau, “The National Past and the Writing of the History of Singapore,” in Imagining Singapore, edited by Ban Kah Choon, & others, (Singapore: Times Academic Press, 1992), p. 46. Albert Lau mentioned in this paper that Singaporeans has mostly neglected the past as they searched for the meaning and for their destiny in the present and in the future.
8 Kenny Tan, “The Detached Generation”, Straits Times, 6 March 2006. He write that: “We see the older generation in a rather distant light, and many of us says: ‘If it doesn’t affect us, why should we be bothered?’” This statement shows an increasing of ignorance happening in the young generation.
9 Hong Lysa, “Making the History of Singapore: S Rajaratnam and CV Devan Nair”, in Lee's Lieutenants: Singapore's Old Guard, ed. Lam Peng Er & Kevin YL Tan. (Australia: Allen & Unwin, 1999), p. 108.
10 “Former Minister of State Lee Khoon Choy Remembers ex-DPM Rajaratnam”, Straits Times, 28 March 2006. He mentioned S Rajaratnam as a man “always maintained his own self and he never showed off.”
11 Ang Hwee Suan, Dialogues with S. Rajaratnam, Former Senior Minister in the Prime Minister's Office (Singapore: Shin Min Daily News, 1991), p. 7.
12 Ibid., p. 97.
13 S Rajaratnam, “Non-Communist Subversion in Singapore”, in Trends in Singapore: Proceedings and Background Paper, ed. Seah Chee Meow (Singapore: Singapore University Press for ISEAS, 1975), p. 118. On this paper, he mentioned that “Given a one-party government, the capacity of such a government to act is far more independently than if it were harassed by an opposition and by proxies ...”
14 Ibid., p. 108.
15 Lee, “Minister Mentor's Eulogy for Mr S. Rajaratnam.”
16 Chua Mui Hoong, “Singapore Pioneer Rajaratnam Dies”, Straits Times, 23 February 2006
17 Hong, “Making the History of Singapore”, pp. 105-106.
18 Ang, Dialogues with S. Rajaratnam, p. 88.
19 Ibid., p. 89.
20 S Rajaratnam wrote Singapore Pledge against the backdrop of racial riots in the 1950s and 1960s. The Pledge emphasises that these differences can be overcome if Singaporeans cared enough about their country. Extracted from http://www.sg/explore/symbols_pledge.htm
21 Jamil Maidan Flores and Jun Abad, “The Founding of ASEAN, ” <http://www.aseansec.org/7069.htm>, 8 August 1997
22 S Rajaratnam, “ASEAN: The Way Ahead,” <http://www.aseansec.org/13991.htm>, 1 September 1992
23 Ibid.
24 S Rajaratnam, “Politics of the Global City”, in The Future of Singapore: The Global City, ed. Wee Teong-Boo (Singapore: University Education Press, 1977), pp. 28-29.
25 Ibid., p. 29.
26 S Rajaratnam, The Prophetic & the Political, p. 280.
27 Ibid., pp. 280-281. In this speech, S Rajaratnam outlined the three categories of countries exist in the world:
“… if a country does not like us as a matter of principle … should not preclude normal relations between us and them. So long as they do not translate their theoretical disapproval of us into hostile deeds … The second category of countries are those which may have to be unfriendly with us in theory … while developing friendly and normal relations with us in practice … The third category of nations are the nations whose foreign policy of words is as hostile and dangerous to our national interests ...”
28 George Yeo on “Minister for Foreign Affairs Statement on the Passing of Mr S Rajaratnam”, 22 February 2006. He mentioned that S Rajaratnam has “shaped Singapore's foreign policy in its crucial formative years, made us many friends and helped transform us into a global city”
29 S Rajaratnam, The Prophetic & the Political, pp. 282-283.
30 S Rajaratnam, “New Cold War in the Pacific”, Asia Pacific Community Quarterly Review, 3 (Winter 1978), pp. 1-3.
31 S Rajaratnam, The Prophetic & the Political, p. 283. S Rajaratnam’s parliamentary speech on 16 and 17 December 1965.
32 Ibid., p. 285
33 Liaw Wy-Cin, “NTU’s New School to be Named after Rajaratnam”, Straits Times, 6 August 2006. This article mentioned that the new school will be called S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS).
34 Sue-Ann Chia & Li Xueying, “A Nation of Amnesiacs?”
35 “ISEAS to set up research fellowship in memory of late Rajaratnam”, Channel NewsAsia, 25 February 2006 06:58 pm. K Kesavapany mentioned that, “We are now in the process of bringing out a book on Mr Rajaratnam, a collection of memorial essays and a research fellowship, to really go into depth what his philosophy meant. Our younger generation is at the point of forgetting what our pioneers have done, so it is important we record this for posterity.”
36 Ibid.
37 Chua Muhammad Taufiq Muhammad Hadi, “Why had I not known about him earlier?” He wrote: “National Education is too limited and selective. Mr Rajaratnam is a classic example of someone who has not been given enough importance in our history syllabuses.”
38 Anonymous, “No Sense of History.”
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