Few things have weighed on my heart as heavily as this.
After all, was it not a few months ago when we mourned our founder’s death, and we joined our voices in unity and faith at the National Stadium to commit our hearts to Singapore’s future? As we crossed over our nation’s 50th birthday, it dawned upon me that it will be up to my generation and the next to bring Singapore to SG100.
The values, ethos and soul of our nation rests in our hands. Where else have you seen a youth so passionate about their ideals and restless for social good?
This week, I wrote to express my concerns and grief with respect to Madonna’s Rebel Heart tour. Below, is a part of what I wrote, with further elaborations on some of my personal thoughts.
“Although her concert organizer agreed to comply with the terms of license of Media Development Authority (MDA) not to offend any race or religion, it has maintained that she ‘will have the final say in how the show turns out’. Historically, she has consistently abused her artistic license to stir political and religious controversy abroad, invoking lawsuits, police and government concerns. This has happened not only in more conservative societies like the Middle East, but across Europe and America.”
But what has this really got to do with us? After all, she is an artist, characteristically a diva. Has the concert not already been classified as R18? Is not sufficient that her concert will be within the walls of the Sports Hub and not screened on public media?
When I saw the stage set-up, the exploitation of religious symbols and themes in provocative and derogatory ways for the purposes of theatrics and entertainment, I saw the elaborate display constructed from a heart of rebellion, determined to wound sentiments. It attacks communities which appreciate that social cohesion rests on harmony and mutual respect.
I wrote,
“I am particularly concerned about our youth and the bad example this sets. In my capacity as a humanitarian doctor, author and active speaker on several youth platforms, I was honoured to receive the Young Outstanding Singaporean Award. Society has given much to me and I consider it my responsibility to give back by inspiring our youth to be socially and morally-conscious future leaders. This is why I am raising this matter.”
Once, we never struggled with such performances.
“I am grateful for the times the Media Development Authority has withstood pressures of those preferring more liberal approaches to censorship, because of its eminent responsibility to protect the delicate balance of Singapore’s multi-religious, multi-racial society, and uphold values of respect and harmony.
I urge it to keep faith with the public by discharging its role with due consideration to our local mores, to act with principled resolution to uphold those values cherished by many Singaporeans, which have been so critical to our past, and will be key to our continued success. We should not fall prey to demands by a vocal sector to be “liberal” and “progressive” as many of us consider public indecency and blasphemy to be regressive.”
You may disagree that licensing such performers has the effect of undermining the fundamental values upon which Singapore is built, such as that of safeguarding racial and religious harmony, public decency, and building strong families. But by the time we realize its detrimental effects, it would be too late.
Some have been concerned about how I feel about the online trolling regarding my letter. Some asked if I’ve read the comments, what my response is, whether I will write back.
My answer is no. I’ve read a couple. I’m not interested in becoming embroiled in a fight. My intent was not to stir more controversy, or to prove I am right.
I wrote what I did because I felt an unshakeable, restless burden in my heart which grieved my spirit.
To the young people of my generation, let us remember that we are what we eat. What we imbibe, becomes who we are and defines the intangibles of the culture, ethos and soul of our country. A spring cannot bubble forth both clear and muddy waters.
To the artists who call me parochial, legalistic or overly conservative regarding “good art”, I will maintain that Art was created as an expression of the overflow of the human heart. Good art always seeks the greater good for others. Good art which inspires, uplifts and brings hope must thus be from a heart nurtured with values of purity, truth and goodness. What we consume, has the power to spark or corrupt our creativity.
To the youth who have attended the talks I’ve given and asked me what it means to make a difference, it is about having the courage to stand counter-culturally, against values which seek to rebel, provoke and cause controversy. It is being a steward of our nation, to safeguard values which, once lost, will be impossible to reclaim.
“Singapore has received global admiration for our ability to maintain a prudent equilibrium in preserving our multi-religious, multi-racial society.”
I am proud of our country.
Let us move away from the online bashing and return to the true heart of the matter- to hold steadfast to the very values that have built the foundation of our nation. These values are not merely “old-fashioned” or “traditional”- they are what will root us to a foundational rock of truth, in a world of tumultuous chaos and rebellion.
“Let us not compromise these values for the sake of entertainment which seeks to rebel and divide, rather than to uplift and unite.”
Let us be radicals, and not rebels, for this nation we love.