Singapore Pledge: Understanding the Importance and History of the National Oath

If you’re a Singaporean, you’re probably familiar with the Singapore Pledge. It’s a declaration of loyalty and commitment to the nation, recited by Singaporeans in schools, at public events, and during the National Day Parade. But what is the Singapore Pledge, and why is it so important?

The Singapore Pledge was first introduced in 1966 by S. Rajaratnam, who was then the Minister for Culture. The pledge was drafted to promote national loyalty and consciousness among Singaporeans, who were then a diverse group of people with different races, languages, and religions. The pledge is a symbol of Singapore’s nationhood and unity, and it reflects the country’s values of justice, equality, and democracy.

The Singapore Pledge is not just a set of words that you recite by heart. It’s a statement of your identity as a Singaporean, and a promise to work together with your fellow citizens to build a better future for the nation. In this article, we’ll explore the origins and evolution of the Singapore Pledge, its cultural and educational significance, and some frequently asked questions about the pledge.

Origins and Evolution

Crafting the Pledge

The Singapore Pledge was crafted by Sinnathamby Rajaratnam, a member of the People’s Action Party (PAP) and one of Singapore’s founding fathers. The pledge was written in 1966, shortly after Singapore gained independence from Malaysia. Rajaratnam believed that language, race, and religion were divisive factors that could be overcome if Singaporeans focused on building a shared national identity. The pledge was designed to help foster this sense of national consciousness and patriotism.

Historical Context

The drafting of the pledge took place against a backdrop of communal tensions in Singapore. In the 1950s and 60s, there were significant tensions between Singapore’s different ethnic and religious groups. These tensions were exacerbated by Singapore’s brief union with Malaysia, which ended in separation in 1965. The pledge was seen as a way to help unify Singaporeans around a common set of values and ideals.

Adoption and Amendments

The pledge was first recited on 17 August 1966, by a group of schoolchildren at the City Hall steps. It was subsequently adopted as part of the National Day celebrations and has been recited at every National Day ceremony since then. The original version of the pledge underwent a few revisions over the years. In 1999, the pledge was amended to include the phrase “regardless of race, language or religion”. In 2005, the phrase “one united people” was added to the pledge.

The pledge is now an integral part of Singaporean life and is recited by students during flag-raising and flag-lowering ceremonies, as well as on important occasions such as the National Day Parade and National Day Observance Ceremonies. The Ministry of Education has issued guidelines and regulations on the proper recitation of the pledge to ensure that it is recited with the appropriate level of respect and solemnity.

Overall, the Singapore Pledge has played an important role in shaping Singaporean national identity and fostering a sense of national consciousness and patriotism. Its evolution over the years reflects Singapore’s changing social and political landscape, as well as its ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive and united society.

Cultural and Educational Significance

In Schools and Public Life

The Singapore Pledge is an important part of the cultural and educational fabric of Singapore. It is recited by students during school assemblies, as well as on important public occasions such as National Day and SAF Day. The Pledge is a symbol of patriotism and national identity, and it reinforces the values of racial harmony, shared values, and a commitment to building a democratic society.

Values and Ideals

The Singapore Pledge embodies the values and ideals that are important to Singaporeans. It emphasizes the importance of unity and the need to forget differences of race, language, and religion. It also emphasizes the importance of building a democratic society, where justice and equality will prevail. The Pledge also encourages Singaporeans to seek happiness and progress by helping one another.

The Pledge in Action

The Singapore Pledge is more than just words. It is a call to action, a commitment to building a better society. It encourages Singaporeans to work together to build a society that is fair, just, and equal. The Pledge is a reminder that every citizen has a role to play in building a better Singapore.

In schools, the Pledge is recited daily during flag-raising ceremonies, and it serves as a reminder to students of the values and ideals that are important to Singapore. It is also recited during National Day Observance Ceremonies, where it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Singapore’s pioneers and the importance of preserving the country’s heritage.

Overall, the Singapore Pledge is an important part of Singapore’s cultural and educational heritage. It reinforces the values of racial harmony, shared values, and a commitment to building a democratic society. By reciting the Pledge, Singaporeans reaffirm their commitment to building a better Singapore, and to working together to achieve their goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the author of the Singapore Pledge?

The Singapore Pledge was written collectively by a committee of representatives from different ethnic groups in Singapore in 1966.

What gestures accompany the recitation of the Singapore Pledge?

The recitation of the Singapore Pledge is usually accompanied by the raising of the right fist to chest level.

How did the recitation of the Singapore Pledge differ prior to 1980?

Prior to 1980, the recitation of the Singapore Pledge was accompanied by a salute to the national flag.

Could you explain the meaning behind the lyrics of the Singapore Pledge?

The Singapore Pledge is a declaration of loyalty and commitment to the nation. It expresses the desire to build a democratic society based on justice and equality, and to promote peace and prosperity for all.

In which languages is the Singapore Pledge officially available?

The Singapore Pledge is officially available in four languages: English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil.

What are the official translations of the Singapore Pledge in the country’s recognised languages?

The official translations of the Singapore Pledge in the country’s recognised languages are:

• English: “We, the citizens of Singapore, pledge ourselves as one united people, regardless of race, language or religion, to build a democratic society, based on justice and equality, so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation.”
• Mandarin: “我们是新加坡公民，不分种族、语言、宗教，团结一致，共同建设一个民主、公正、平等的社会，为实现国家的繁荣昌盛、人民的幸福、进步而努力。”
• Malay: “Kami, warganegara Singapura, bersumpah sebagai satu rakyat yang bersatu hati, tanpa mengira kaum, bahasa atau agama, untuk membina masyarakat demokratik yang berdasarkan keadilan dan persamaan, bagi mencapai kebahagiaan, kemakmuran dan kemajuan bagi negara kami.”
• Tamil: “நாம் சிங்கப்பூர் குடிமக்கள், உறுதியாக ஒன்றுகூடிய மக்களாக, உயிர்மூச்சு, மொழி மற்றும் மதம் போன்ற எந்த வேறு பிறப்புகளையும் பிரதிநிதிப் பெற்ற ஜனங்களாக, நீதி மற்றும் சமத்துவத்தின் மூலம் ஒரு ஜனநாயக சமுதாயத்தை உருவாக்கி, எங்கள் நாட்டின் வளர்ச்சி, மக்களின் மகிழ்ச்சி மற்றும் முன்னெச்சரிக்கைகளை அடையாளப்படுத்த உதவுகின்றோம்.”