In “S’poreans should show support for Nepal” (April 27), the writer stated that the Gurkhas in the Singapore Police Force remain “part of the nation’s formula to ensure harmony” and that they were “‘blind’ to racial divisions” during the 1964 riots.
While their well-documented professionalism is not in doubt, I wonder if the writer, in alluding to the Gurkhas’ continued importance, thinks a Singaporean-only uniformed group may have difficulties putting aside racial allegiances should similar incidents arise.
As a 50-year-old nation, we have come a long way on the back of our Pledge — in particular, “regardless of race, language or religion”.
Recently, public intellectuals have even discussed whether racial classifications remain necessary in a Singapore where individuals have multiple identities and meritocracy is valued.
With our well-developed police and military to stand guard over “one united people”, we should do some soul-searching on whether we must still rely on objective foreigners to quell any possible upheavals.
