Singapore National Pledge
Encyclopedia
The Singapore National Pledge is an oath of allegiance to Singapore
. It is commonly recited by Singaporeans in unison at public events, especially in schools, in the Singapore Armed Forces
and during the National Day Parade
.
in 1966 shortly after Singapore's independence
. Rajaratnam revealed that the dream was to build "a Singapore we are proud of". He believed that language
, race and religion
were divisive factors, but the Pledge emphasises that these differences can be overcome if Singaporeans cared enough about their country. The draft text was handed to the then Prime Minister
Lee Kuan Yew
, who polished the text before submitting it to the Cabinet
.
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
. It is commonly recited by Singaporeans in unison at public events, especially in schools, in the Singapore Armed Forces
Singapore Armed Forces
The Singapore Armed Forces is the military arm of the Total Defence of the Republic of Singapore; as well as the military component of the Ministry of Defence. The SAF comprises three branches: the Singapore Army, the Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Navy...
and during the National Day Parade
National Day Parade
The Singapore National Day Parade is a national ceremony in Singapore that, as its name implies, includes a parade on Singapore's National Day on August 9, in commemoration of Singapore's independence that is usually held at the Padang , the National Stadium, various decentalized venues all over...
.
Origin
The National Pledge was written by Sinnathamby RajaratnamSinnathamby Rajaratnam
Sinnathamby Rajaratnam, better known as "S. Rajaratnam", , was a Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore from 1980–85, and a long-serving Minister and member of the Cabinet from 1959-88. He is regarded as one of the founding fathers of independent Singapore as it achieved self-government in 1959 and...
in 1966 shortly after Singapore's independence
History of Singapore
The history of Singapore dates to the 11th century. The island rose in importance during the 14th century under the rule of Srivijayan prince Parameswara and became an important port until it was destroyed by Acehnese raiders in 1613. The modern history of Singapore began in 1819 when Englishman...
. Rajaratnam revealed that the dream was to build "a Singapore we are proud of". He believed that language
Language
Language may refer either to the specifically human capacity for acquiring and using complex systems of communication, or to a specific instance of such a system of complex communication...
, race and religion
Religion
Religion is a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldviews that establishes symbols that relate humanity to spirituality and, sometimes, to moral values. Many religions have narratives, symbols, traditions and sacred histories that are intended to give meaning to life or to...
were divisive factors, but the Pledge emphasises that these differences can be overcome if Singaporeans cared enough about their country. The draft text was handed to the then Prime Minister
Prime Minister of Singapore
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore is the head of the government of the Republic of Singapore. The President of Singapore appoints as Prime Minister a Member of Parliament who, in his opinion, is most likely to command the confidence of a majority of MPs.The office of Prime Minister...
Lee Kuan Yew
Lee Kuan Yew
Lee Kuan Yew, GCMG, CH is a Singaporean statesman. He was the first Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, governing for three decades...
, who polished the text before submitting it to the Cabinet
Cabinet of Singapore
The Cabinet of Singapore forms the Government of Singapore together with the President of Singapore. It is led by the Prime Minister of Singapore who is the head of government...
.
The Pledge
The National Pledge is:- We, the citizens of Singapore,
- pledge ourselves as one united people,
- regardless of race, language or religion,
- to build a democratic society
- based on justice and equality
- so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and
- progress for our nation.
Malay version
- Kami, warganegara Singapura,
- sebagai rakyat yang bersatu padu,
- tidak kira apa bangsa, bahasa, atau ugama,
- berikrar untuk membina suatu masyarakat yang demokratik,
- berdasarkan kepada keadilan dan persamaan
- untuk mencapai kebahagiaan,
- kemakmuran dan kemajuan bagi negara kami.
Chinese version
| Simplified Chinese | Traditional Chinese | Hanyu Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
我们是新加坡公民， 誓愿不分种族、言语、宗教， 团结一致， 建设公正平等的民主社会， 并为实现国家之幸福、繁荣与进步， 共同努力。 |
我們是新加坡公民， 誓願不分種族、言語、宗教， 團結一致， 建設公正平等的民主社會， 並為實現國家之幸福、繁榮與進步， 共同努力。 |
Wǒmen shì Xīnjiāpō gōngmín, shìyuàn bù fēn zhǒngzú, yányǔ, zōngjiào, tuánjié yīzhì, jiànshè gōngzhèng píngděng de mínzhǔ shèhuì, bìng wèi shíxiàn guójiā zhī xìngfú, fánróng yǔ jìnbù, gòngtóng nǔlì. |
Tamil version
- சிங்கப்பூர் குடிமக்களாகிய நாம் இனம்,மொழி,மதம்
- ஆகிய வேற்றுமைகளை மறந்து ஒன்றுபட்டு,நம் நாடு
- மகிழ்ச்சி,வளம்,முன்னேற்றம் ஆகியவற்றை அடையும்
- வண்ணம் சமத்துவத்தையும்,நீதியையும்
- அடிப்படையாக கொண்ட ஜனாயக
- சமுதாயத்தை உருவாக்குவதற்கு
- உறுதி மேற்கொள்வோம்!
Guidelines for usage
The Singapore government's guidelines for the use of the pledge are:- The National Pledge is recited in schools during assemblies, during SAF Day, during the National Day Parade, and at National Day Observance Ceremonies.
- Individuals reciting the Pledge shall clench their right fists to the left side of their chests as a gesture to symbolise loyalty to the nation.
- The Pledge shall not be used for any commercial purposes.