On National Unity and the Necessity of Cultural Friction

I respectfully disagree with the Minister's stance. In fact, we should confront these perspectives openly rather than shielding ourselves from them. As Singaporeans, we are well aware of our inherent social fault lines. Yet, it is precisely through these points of friction that we will discover our collective identity and what truly makes Singapore exceptional.

Those raised here are defined by far more than their designated ethnic categories. We possess an intimate, lived familiarity with the cultures, beliefs, and religious practices of our neighbors. Because we grew up alongside them, they are not foreign anomalies to be feared; we have moved past mere tolerance toward deep-seated acceptance.

Consider the sights and sounds that define our landscape: the nightly resonance of a Taoist wake, the rhythmic pulse of the kompang at a Malay wedding, or the fervent energy of the fire-walking procession during Thaipusam. This vibrant tapestry is the literal color of our city—not to mention the rich diversity of public holidays it grants us.

Individuals from monolithic cultures cannot easily relate to this reality. Lacking this shared vocabulary and common background, they have never truly experienced or understood the delicate balance we maintain. Yet, one truth remains absolute: everyone possesses roots. Remembering where we come from is precisely what anchors our strength as Singaporeans.

We represent unity in diversity—an entity far greater than the mere sum of its racial components.

When the state over-polices cultural organic expression, it inadvertently stunts society’s civic evolution. Over-regulation deprives citizens of the opportunity to develop the resilience needed to navigate friction, ultimately breeding more polarized reactions. While Minister Tong views these online provocations as an existential threat to national unity, society is already demonstrating its capacity to self-regulate by collectively calling out disruptive behavior on social media. Realistically, the state lacks the capacity to monitor or prevent every instance of poor civic conduct. This is not an issue of race; it is a straightforward matter of cultural friction and civic accountability. i.e., unacceptable behaviors.

Remember—Based On Justice and Equality... not Caste. not Wealth. not Skin colors. not creed.

Knowledge is our ultimate leverage. Cultivating a deliberate blindness to our differences prevents true understanding. Recognizing how others live allows Singaporeans to forge a sustainable, common ground. While cultural variations are embraced, fundamental anti-social behavior will always be rejected. Whether one dines with hands, utensils, or chopsticks is a matter of tradition; however, a flagrant disregard for public decorum or leaving communal spaces in disarray is simply civic bankruptcy. The local community rightfully abhors it.

We must resist framing this as a partisan political issue. Actions ultimately speak louder than words. What we are witnessing is a unified, global societal rejection of entitled, inappropriate behavior and a demand for respect toward host laws and local customs. Ignorance of a host nation's legal and cultural framework is not an excuse.

Original article: Singapore must act firmly when others seek to divide it: Edwin Tong on blocked online content