The Visitor (Part 1/3)

The next time you pass by the Singapore River, perhaps take time to see its colour.
The next time you see a garbage truck, perhaps take time to smell it.
The next time you go to another country, perhaps take time to appreciate what you have in Singapore.

And the next time you work, perhaps take time to think: What am I working for?

“Singapore is very nice. Very modern,” quipped the Thai tourist as they walked down the Parliament House, clearly mesmerised by the brief moment of tranquility amidst the busy city with the silhouettes of the buildings forming the Singapore skyline composed of Suntec City, Marina Mandarin and the Singapore Flyer.

“We have only 40 years of history, but we are where we are now thanks to our forefathers who toiled for our generation to reap the fruits of labour,” Bing took a line off his history textbook, half knowing that he, being the ambassador of Singapore, should say nice things about his country.

“That’s right. And we have our founding father Lee Kuan Yew who had the wisdom and vision for Singapore, together with an excellent team of people, built the country up from third world to first in just 40 years,” Adam joined in the praise, equally proud of what his country has achieved over the years. “And not forgetting our hardworking workforce who contributed to our economic prosperity too,” he added.

The cool wind stroked their faces, not too warm and not too cold – the temperature just right to make one very comfortable.

“You know, when people sing praises of our country, I am always somewhat in a dilemma,” Adam said to Bing, as they walked on. Bing was surprised at his remark. “There are so many bad things about Singapore. Our country is well known to be tops at the good stuff. But sometimes, they make headlines for the wrong reasons as well.”

“Hmm…Wh…aat are you talking about?”

“I’m saying about our country being very pragmatic. We strive for tops for the practical stuffs. But often we neglect the intangibles. Little things like the Happy Planet Index. Our citizens are among the most unhappy people in the region, you know that?”

“Well, I’m happy everyday. I think maybe you’re thinking too much,” retorted Bing, obviously not being very aware of news, politics and current affairs.

“You’re living in your own world. Maybe you should leave your turtle shell and read up more, my friend.”

“Why should I care. They don’t bother me. I study hard, work hard, earn money, and be happy. Knowing all these won’t make my life any better.”

Adam did not respond. The three of them continued walking on the well-paved footpath along the road, free of litter and bumps. The bustling city orchestra was now reduced to the music of the silent symphony made up of cars that whizzed by occasionally.

They walked a short distance more, and arrived at the Singapore River, overlooking Clarke Quay. They could hear faint screams coming from the reverse bungee facility a short distance away.

“Ha ha, A river. Very nice lighting and very nice atmosphere down here,” chirped their Thai friend. Adam and Bing looked at each other and smiled. After all, they have been proud of their country and all the national education they’ve been through since young further instilled their patriotism. “But…I won’t be surprised to know that the colour of the water is yellow. Well, it doesn’t smell, but you might never know.”

Both men were taken aback by what the Thai tourist had said. Suddenly, it came to their realisation that even though they knew that there was nothing in their knowledge they couldn’t answer, the sheer audacity of this remark left them almost speechless. Nobody had spoke with such conviction and assertiveness to be almost certain that he will be proven right. What’s more, it’s a statement about the quality of things in Singapore that’s being thrown to them. They have grown so used to life being that way, taking everything for granted to the extent that they have failed to appreciate how fortunate they are, living with many privileges other people elsewhere don’t get to enjoy.

Adam replied calmly: “It’s clean water, my friend. Many years ago the colour was yellow. So the government ordered the cleaning up of the river, and since then, it has remained that way.”

“Oh really?” the Thai tourist responded, his eyebrows raised. “Well, I certainly wish our Thai government is that effective.” There was a tinge of disappointment in his tone. Or was it envy. Nobody could tell. After all, he had been living with what he has in his country for so many years. This little eye-opener was perhaps, something he accepted exists only in Singapore and not in his home country in his lifetime.

“Let’s go have our dinner,” Adam suggested, pointing the way down to Chinatown, where he could bring his Thai friend to sample local food.

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Part II will be posted later this week.