Are You a Singaporean?

I wish to share this true personal encounter.

I am surprised and indeed sad over this shocking incident. Immediately after the GE 2011 Nomination Closed, as a Volunteer to a Political Party in the North East of Singapore GRC; I started the political campaign right after that.

In the hustings, I visited and stationed myself in Yishun MRT, and Sembawang MRT for days.

Since General Election, is a Singapore Singaporean subject matter; courteously, and out of respect to our FWT / SPR folks; prior to handling out the Party’s Election propagation/manifesto materials, to them; I will be mindful and ask the commuters, a simple question  -

“Are You a Singaporean?”

I also aware and adjusted my audible decibel so that it can be easily heard by at least a couple of commuters simultaneously as they are marching out of the train station.

Usually, the train will come and go at an interval of 2-3mins during the morning and evening rush hour period. Each time a small group of passenger of 5-10pax will cluster up and gait/walk out of the MRT station to where ever their next desired destination.

On many occasions, not a single person among those commuters, will care to reply and answered back to me that he or she is a Singaporean! 

So, why like that lah. 

Based on the 2011 Singapore population demographic and percentage of car ownership; I dare say that a least 50% of the MRT commuters is Singaporean. For those who eventually patriotic enough up will walk close to me and nod his/her head only in Silence Body Gesture.

Some, with true courage, will do it (reply to my query) with a warm smile; and this give me the opportunity to successfully hand out the Party’s Election Materials to them.

But the big question in my head till today; why are they so Shy and not Honoured to have the courage to acknowledge and pro-claim that he or she is a Singaporean?

This is really very puzzling or appalling to me as we have been undergoing continuous Nationhood Building for almost 50 years.

Where are the Patriotisms in us?

Since as a Nation, we have just celebrated our SG50; I hope for this GE2015, the election candidate can once again ask the above same question, “Are U a Singaporean?”  during their hustings or nightly rally.

For one, I love my country, I am A Singaporean.