Why is there a need to have a Race classification on our NRIC? We have been taught and reminded time and again that race does not matter, yet, race does matter on our national identity cards. Many times, we are fed news that the Govt urges students to speak up against racial stereotypes, yet it the Government that is encouraging racial classifications.
Instead of being classified as Malay, Chinese, Indian or Others, can we all be integrated as "Singaporean"? Perhaps our NRIC should be amended to describe race in the following way: Singaporean (race of person). It will at least increase our consciousness of being Singaporean.
It would be better if we could do away with race classification altogether. Any policy of racial classification risks having data about race being systematically collected, and even exploited.
We must dare to rethink race categorisation so that future generations will inherit an inclusive Singapore. The time to lay the foundation is now.
