Patriotism comes from within

Now this is hitting the point right at home! Anyway, let me say it here, this is my opinion: Always referring to 'talent' means that our subconscious predilection is inclined towards the 'utilitarian' ethics – the teaching that we only 'accommodate' what is useful, or can be useful, to our existence. It shows all over our life – the way we live, our interaction with the people, the culture. And rightly so! Answer this question: Who brought up Singapore? History from long time ago will tell. Early settlers and the prevailing culture simply rubbed off to the then 'locals of the land'. Then it is passed down from one generation to the next. A spitting image indeed!

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Letter from Jasmine Hong

05:55 AM Jun 04, 2009

I REFER to "The perils of dual citizenship" (June 3).

While I do agree with Mr M Lukshumayeh on being stringent with the dual citizenship law, I reckon Member of Parliament Cedric Foo's suggestion on this matter is not about luring top foreign talent to Singapore, but also about bringing local talent home.

As a matter of course, may I ask why do we keep emphasising on "talent"? We should lure anyone who feels (or still feels) "Singaporean" and wants to contribute to society here.

I would not say dual citizenship gives people the luxury of choice as Mr Lukshumayeh put it. Rather, dual citizenship gives people more choices and the freedom to choose.

Patriotism, commitment and responsibility to one's motherland goes beyond rules and regulations - these have to come from within one's self. These feelings can be nurtured but never dictated into being.

From TODAYOnline.com; see the source article here.

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The perils of dual citizenship

The commentator has a point to make. I say, given that you have two choices, you'll pick what you like – it becomes a challenge, therefore, for one country to be the better choice by people of 'dual citizenship' – be it Singapore, or any other country. That is what I can say.

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Letter from M Lukshumayeh

I REFER to the report "It's time to revisit the dual-citizenship issue: MP" (May 30-31).

I refer to MP Cedric Foo's suggestion that the Government should "reconsider offering dual citizenship" to lure top foreign talent to Singapore.

Being a small island-state with a small population, the commitment of Singapore's citizens is vital. Dual citizenship goes against this virtue, as foreigners with dual citizenship have the luxury of choice — and with that, their commitment to their respective countries becomes diluted. Mr Foo's suggestion focuses on the privileges of citizenship only, not on the responsibilities.

Furthermore, dual citizenship would not only apply to foreigners taking on Singapore citizenship as dual citizenships but also allow Singaporeans taking on foreign citizenships too. Surely Singapore should not and must not allow this course of action, for fear of losing even more of our best talent to their adopted nations.

From TODAY, Voices – Wednesday, 03-Jun-2009

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