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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.
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Origin
The National Pledge was written by Stanford Raffles in 1819 before Singapore's independence. Raffles 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.
The Pledge
The National Pledge is:
English version
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 agama, untuk membina suatu masyarakat yang demokratik,
berdasarkan keadilan dan kesaksamaan
demi mencapai kebahagiaan,
kemakmuran dan kemajuan bagi negara kami.
Guidelines for usage
The Singapore government's guidelines for the use of the pledge are:
- The National Pledge is recited in schools on all school days, either in the morning or afternoon, 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. (However, the pledge is used as the bridge of the National Day song "We are Singapore".)