ThinkingAloud

Hounding immigrants who insult Singapore only generates more toxins

Rather than seize on episodes of tension to hound the immigrant, can we use these as teachable moments to show our Singaporean values of mutual respect and tolerance?

New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

Years ago, I drove to my office for a meeting. It was some time in the mid-afternoon and the usual carpark was full.

After circling the building in a mounting panic as the clock ticked away, I drove to the visitor section and parked my car. The security guard on duty waved me away. "This is for visitors, staff can't park here," she said.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on November 03, 2019, with the headline Hounding immigrants who insult Singapore only generates more toxins. Subscribe