STATE ARMS AND FLAG AND STATE NATIONAL ANTHEM

3.30 p.m.

The Minister for Culture (Mr S. Rajaratnam): Mr Speaker, I beg to move the motion standing in my name,

That this Assembly adopts the State Arms and Flag and State National Anthem as described and shown in Paper Misc. (New Series) 2 of 1959.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not propose to launch into a long dissertation about the role that symbols play in the political and social life of a people. Suffice it to say that they are accepted features of any government.

National flags, crests and anthems express symbolically the hopes and ideals of a people. The symbols by themselves may be meaningless. What gives them meaning are the ideas and emotions behind the symbols. We respect not the flag as such or the State arms or the anthem but the sentiments and ideas they represent.

The possession of a national flag, anthem and crest is, for a people, symbols of self-respect. Through these a people acquire identity and a personality of their own.

The symbols we have had so far were symbols that emphasised our subjection to the will of others. They were symbols of dominance, of authority imposed from the outside.

Now that Singapore is a self-governing State, it is right and proper that it should have its own symbols of authority and loyalty. Only through these new symbols can we express the spirit that today moves our people.

Therefore, in designing the new symbols, the Government has worked in close co-operation with Opposition Parties because we want these symbols to express the sentiments and aspirations, not of any particular group, Party or section, but of the people of Singapore as a whole.

Of course, Mr Speaker, symbols are a very tricky business. They can mean whatever a person wants them to mean. The same symbol can be given a friendly or an unfriendly interpretation. We have the same sort of difficulty over words which are far more precise in their meaning than colours and symbols.

This House, for example, Sir, is divided into a Government and an Opposition precisely because we cannot get a unanimous interpretation on such seemingly harmless words like "democracy", "socialism", and so on.

It is in order to prevent any too free a translation of the new symbols that we have taken the precaution of providing, as it were, an authorised translation of the symbols which our flag and State arms carry.

The colour red stands for universal brotherhood and equality of man. Whatever the colour of our skin, the shape of our nose and eyes, the blood that gives us life is of one colour - even among those who claim to have blue blood. The colour white signifies purity and virtue. So the two colours combined signify that we hope to achieve brotherhood and equality through purity and virtue.

The crescent moon signifies a country eternally young. This is expressive of one of the essential qualities of our people, for not only are our people physically young but they are also young in spirit and outlook.

This refutes the traditional picture which depicts Asian countries as countries which have grown senile, as countries burdened with ancient and meaningless traditions.

This picture is not true of Asia today. It is a youthful, restless Asia.

The new Singapore, like the new Asia, therefore, finds its inspirations in what it hopes to do in the future rather than what it has done in the past. Only the old, grown weak and complacent, hark nostalgically back to the past.

It is only the youthful who are more conscious of the future waiting to unfold before them.

Sir, the five stars represent the ideals on which the new State of Singapore is founded - democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality. Those who would destroy these are our enemies. Those who would repudiate them are false prophets.

These symbols are also incorporated in the State arms which also has a lion and a tiger. The lion represents Singapore and the tiger our links with the people of the Federation.

As for the State national anthem "Majulah Singapura", it has already been tacitly accepted by the people as their song. It has been sung and played as Singapore's anthem unofficially on many occasions.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I would have liked so much to end this debate by getting the whole House to give its rendering of this stirring anthem, but I gather, Sir, that the rules of debate would have to be completely relaxed for what, I am sure, would have been a historic performance.

The flag, the State arms and the anthem are new symbols of national pride. They are expressive of the new spirit of self-reliance and dedication which inspires our people today.

Sir, I beg to move.

Mr Goh Chew Chua: I second the motion.

Question proposed.

3.39 p.m.

Inche Mohd. Ali Bin Alwi (Kampong Kembangan): (In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, on behalf of the Parties on the Opposition side, I wholeheartedly support the motion before us and the opinions expressed in this Assembly today. Therefore, Mr Speaker, I wish to congratulate particularly the Hon. the Prime Minister who, I am of the opinion, has been very compromising in accepting constructive suggestions. What we have achieved today, by our decision to give full support to the motion before us is indeed historical, and history will show that what we have fully supported today will also receive the support and acclaim of our future posterity.

Although we sit in opposition to the Hon. the Prime Minister's Party, we do not hesitate here to make known our appreciation of his attitude of compromise which is significant. One should remember that in the history of the Malay Archipelago, if I am not mistaken it was in 1292, there existed an emblem which our own State emblem now closely resembles, in part if not in whole. This serves to remind us here in Singapore, which is one of the component islands of Malaysia, of the solidarity of the indigenous people of these islands. Therefore, because of this, on behalf of U.M.N.O. particularly, we wish to support the Government wholeheartedly for bringing into existence a new State emblem with such a historic background dating back to 1292, to be the symbol of our joint struggle on the road to full political independence - a thing we have yet to achieve today. For that reason, I say that the State flag is welcomed by U.M.N.O. The State flag (upper half in red and the lower half in white with a crescent and five stars, as described by the Minister for Culture just now) has a true significance particularly to U.M.N.O. and generally to the people of Islam because we believe, as followers of Islam, that the five stars - apart from the interpretation given by the Minister - also symbolise our firm faith in our religious beliefs, for they could symbolise the five main pillars of Islam. To us the State flag signifies the firm belief in God of the people of Singapore. Mr Speaker, my remarks about the State flag similarly apply to the State crest. It can be said that the significance of the crest is a matter which can be put into effect because it shows that a tiger and a lion can meet in peace. This is a good omen for Singapore in its approach towards a progressive State for which we are all aiming.

Finally, Mr Speaker, we know that the Tunku has stated that the Australians should learn Malay. Therefore, it is indeed wise that the State motto and national anthem should be in Malay. I feel that the Government and the Opposition will unanimously support the idea that Malay should be the lingua franca of Malaysia. If possible, the Australians too could learn the national language.

3.45 p.m.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education (Mr Leong Keng Seng): (In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, regarding our State flag, the Minister for Culture says the five stars on it symbolise democracy, peace, progress, prosperity and justice. Democracy is signified by the fact that our State is a democratic State, and peace by the fact that the State wishes to have a peaceful society. We are opposed to a warlike society. Our State, although a youthful State, must progress gradually. Justice in our present society means that whether a thing is reasonable or unreasonable, we must deal with it justly and with discipline. In our State there is no class or race division or religious prejudice. What these five stars symbolise is very appropriate to our State.

The crescent moon represents a rising and youthful State. At present we are still young; we are a young people and energetic, and we will grow stronger. The colour red symbolises that we are all brothers, irrespective of race or religion. The colour white symbolises that in our new State the people are pure and virtuous, unlike the previous colonial government where there were some evils. On the national crest, i.e. the State arms, the tiger and the lion represent ultimate merger of Singapore with Malaya, when the people of Malaya and Singapore will live together. The title of our national anthem is "Majulah Singapura" - meaning that Singapore is progressing every day. Therefore, I fully support our State flag, national anthem and State arms.

The students of this country are already learning the score of the national anthem. Those who are in or out of school must also be familiar with it. I also hope that all the people of Singapore will be able to sing the national anthem. I support the the motion.

3.50 p.m.

Mr Thio Chan Bee (Tanglin): Mr Speaker, Sir, first of all, we would like to say that we appreciate this new procedure of inviting an All-Party Committee to consider matters of national importance or matters which are controversial. We know, Sir, that the Government side could unilaterally impose its ideas on the House, but we are glad that another procedure was adopted and we do hope that in future whenever such matters arise this procedure could also be adopted.

Sir, naturally different Parties have different ideas as to flag designs, and personally I would have liked it better if the public could have been invited initially to submit their own ideas. But, of course, time did not permit that and the next best thing was to have this All-Party Committee. We are very glad that ultimately agreement was reached and although perhaps not one group could say that the State flag satisfies us in every respect yet it should symbolise the desires, the hopes and the aspirations of all citizens who are loyal to Singapore.

The Minister for Culture, Sir, has explained in detail the significance of the various parts of the State flag - that the red colour stands for universal brotherhood, and the white colour represents purity and virtue. These two, Sir, are high standards which we in politics find not easy to practise, but we do hope that since they are a part of our State flag we should try to apply those standards.

The five stars are indicated as signifying democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality. I notice that prosperity is not mentioned, but I suppose it is implied that when there are peace and progress in the country then there must be prosperity, because there is no doubt that-

Mr Byrne: It is all within quotes!

Mr Thio Chan Bee: - the people of this country desire a higher standard of living.

Sir, the U.M.N.O. representatives conveyed the opinion of their Executive that one of the stars should stand for unity through godliness or unity under God. Now, we know that this country is inhabited by people having different religions and there is an impression - I am glad that the U.M.N.O. representatives did say clearly that it was a wrong impression - that U.M.N.O. was trying to make the people of Singapore believe in their one religion. Their idea was that unity under God means unity under the God of Muslims, Christians, Hindus and even all those who do not believe in God. Now, Sir, that may be regarded as a controversial issue, but we would like to draw the attention of the House to this new approach which helped to settle the war in Cyprus.

We know that in Cyprus the problem of communalism or racialism is almost similar to that in this part of the world. And only last year, there was a shooting war between the Muslim Cypriots and the Greek Christian Cypriots and the British soldiers-

Mr Speaker: Order. I was just wondering how the incidents in Cyprus could be incorporated into our flag!

Mr Thio Chan Bee: Mr Speaker, Sir, the idea of unity and the fact that U.M.N.O. representatives conveyed that idea as being feasible; and in Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios attributed this new unity to the fact that when both sides regarded this as practical, then they had a new approach, and these are his words, Sir:

"Humanity fell into disaster and was involved in hatred and enmity, because she lost the right way which guides to brotherhood, solidarity and love."

And he said that he hoped to create in Cyprus a new pattern of unity under God.

Sir, we have already heard it reported that in Australia the Prime Minister of our good neighbour has said that it is difficult to have merger between Singapore and the Federation because of certain differences in outlook. I think that this new approach suggested by U.M.N.O. could be one of the ways that could bring about unity in this country and between us.

So, in this spirit, Sir, I support the motion before the House.

3.56 p.m.

Inche Yaacob Bin Mohamed (Bukit Timah): (In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, today is a historic day and a most happy occasion, not only for me but also for all Members of this Assembly as well as for all the people of Singapore, because in this House today all Parties, both the Opposition and the Government, have been able to forget their differences of opinion and unite on a national issue which we are discussing today. As a Member of this House, I am very proud because this is a good example of agreement on a national issue which is of common interest to us all. We are able to forget our divergent policies and our differences of opinion. May the adoption of this motion and the acceptance of the new flag for our new State with a new status signify that the people of Singapore are prepared to live and fit themselves to live as a people of a free, independent State!

There are people who would interpret the colours of red and white with various connotations, as was done by the Hon. the Minister for Culture, the member of U.M.N.O. and the member of S.P.A. It has been said that the colours red and white had been the emblem of past Malay superiority during the time of Hang Tuah or during the Sri Vijaya Kingdom. This is a matter for the historians to ascertain. But for us, the people of Singapore, who are members of a multi-racial society, I would say that if we wound a part of our body, red blood will flow. The red colour therefore signifies that we are one, that we believe in unity, and that we live in unity without any discrimination whatsoever; whilst the white colour symbolises our sincerity of purpose, and that we are prepared to make sacrifices in the interests of unity.

Concerning the stars embodied in our emblem it has been said that they symbolise the five tenets of Islam; and also that they signify democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.

I think all these interpretations can be accepted by posterity according to the progress of their ideas and their level of thought. But for us we should feel proud because we have been able to base our aspirations and sentiments on five precepts of life. If Indonesia is well-known for its five precepts of Panchasila and Afro-Asia for its five international codes of behaviour, we too, in Singapore, as a new State, have brought forth our five basic principles and call them Panchasila, or five codes of behaviour. Panchasila is a Sanskrit word meaning five principles of behaviour.

Mr Speaker, concerning our State Arms - the lion and the tiger - it is generally accepted that the lion had been the symbol for Singapore since Sang Nila Utama first set foot in Singapore. Likewise the tiger is also known for its strength, and is incorporated in the State Arms of the Federation of Malaya. As the Hon. the Minister for Culture has said, this signifies the unity between the Federation of Malaya and Singapore. The lion is an animal which is only found in Africa, and the tiger is an animal well-known in Asia, equally noble and strong. This can also therefore mean that in Singapore the spirit of Afro-Asia has been assimilated as from now.

Concerning the national anthem, this was composed by a composer from among the people of Singapore, in an atmosphere where the people are imbued with the spirit and determination to achieve independence. It was thus that the national anthem was composed and was accepted by the people, and finally accepted by this Assembly to be our national anthem. Our pride is even greater because the national anthem typifies the earnest aspirations of the nation - the sincerity and loyalty of the people. This expresses the unity of the nation, the singleness of purpose of the people, and will be a slogan which will unite the people together, irrespective of race, creed and beliefs.

All the three national emblems - the State Arms, the State flag and the national anthem - have been accepted by all sections of the people through all their representatives who are present today. This indeed is a very significant beginning for us to unite ourselves in a spirit of self-sacrifice, and the struggle for the creation of a fully-pledged independent and sovereign state. Let us resolve then that we will defend these State emblems to the utmost, so long as the waves of the sea wash our shores, the State flag of Singapore flutters in the breeze, the national anthem resounds in the air, and the State Arms be seen at all times.

4.06 p.m.

Mr S. Ramaswamy (Bukit Merah): (In Tamil): Mr Speaker, Sir, the new Yang di-Pertuan Negara assumes duty on the 3rd December. Since we have been liberated, we should have a national anthem, a crest and a flag for ourselves. These become necessary. Therefore, for our Singapore, we have prepared them. These are acceptable by everyone - after having consulted all the Parties represented in this Legislative Assembly. Everyone has agreed to all the three. The crest consists of a red shield on which are emblazoned a crescent moon and five stars in white. The crescent represents the growing Singapore. The five stars stand for democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality. The red colour symbolises the universal brotherhood and equality of man. The white colour signifies purity and virtue. The whole shield is supported by a lion on the left and a tiger on the right.

The Parties have also agreed to all these things. They can interpret the five stars as "Panchasila" or in any way they like. Coming to the flag, it is red on the upper half and white on the lower half. Our national symbols are not based on creed or races. These symbols are acceptable to everyone.

4.10 p.m.

The Prime Minister: Mr Speaker, Sir, the object of the State flag, the State crest and the State anthem is to evoke in the hearts and minds of our people, feelings of loyalty and unity towards the State of which they are constituent members.

When we set on this task of drawing up a symbol which would receive universal acclamation, there were certain principles which had already been ordained by the rules of heraldry. I would like to pay a tribute to the Deputy Prime Minister for the thorough and methodical manner in which he delved into these rules of heraldry, and for having done the spade-work of the "dos" and "don'ts" of drawing a flag and a crest. Amongst other things, I learnt of the necessity of having supporting figures and balance, and lions rampant and other abstruse things connected with animals. But surprisingly enough, if one looks at the book of flags and the book of crests, there is a limit to human ingenuity. The number of basic symbols that one can use is limited, and the juxtaposition of these symbols is also limited. The number of combinations of colours which would strike the human mind vividly is also relatively limited.

Therefore, I think we have a great deal to rejoice over in having drawn up a simple striking symbol which has, with the blessings which all Parties have given it today, every reason to endure as the emblems of the State and which will evoke loyalty and unity in our people. We are glad that this motion will be passed without a dissenting voice.

Mr Speaker: Mr Rajaratnam, in reply?

4.13 p.m.

Mr Rajaratnam: Yes. Mr Speaker, Sir, this is one of the Bills which has obviously universal acclaim, though I did warn that the interpretation of symbols is a very tricky business, and we have had a number of very striking interpretations of what these symbols could mean. Generally they have been helpful, and I hope to keep within the framework of the spirit of the explanation provided for the symbols, because I am quite sure that somebody could say that the colours red and white are colours you find on a barber's pole. So I hope that in the future, any interpretation to be made of these symbols would be in keeping with, as I have suggested, the authorised translation provided for in the Paper Misc. (New Series) 2 of 1959.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolved,

That this Assembly adopts the State Arms and Flag and State National Anthem as described and shown in Paper Misc. (New Series) 2 of 1959.