Singapore National Pledge
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.
Origin
The National Pledge was written by Sinnathamby Rajaratnam 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.
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,
berikrar untuk membina suatu masyarakat yang demokratik,
berdasarkan keadilan dan persamaan
untuk mencapai kebahagiaan,
kemakmuran dan kemajuan bagi negara kami.
Chinese version
Simplified Chinese | Traditional Chinese | Pinyin |
---|---|---|
我们是新加坡公民, |
我們是新加坡公民, |
Wǒ men shì Xīnjiāpō gōngmín, |
Tamil version
Tamil script | Romanization |
---|---|
சிங்கப்பூர் குடிமக்களாகிய நாம் இனம்,மொழி,மதம் |
Singapoor Kudimakkalaagiya naam,inam,mozhi,madham aaghiya vaetrumaeygalai marranthu,ondrupattu,nam naadu magizhchi,valam,munnethram aaghiya-vatrai adaiyum vannam samathuva-thayum,neethiyaiyum adippadaiyaaga kondha jananaayagha samuthaayathai uruvaakuvatharku uruthi merkolvom magal. |
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".)