What does it mean to be Singaporean?

As we celebrate SG60, let's reflect on the quiet compromises that make us who we are and keep Singapore special.

- Abdul Malik Anwar Deen

As an Indian Muslim, I represent what I call a "super minority" - a unique group within Singapore's diverse mosaic. This often prompts questions from even our closest Singaporean neighbours: Are you Malay? Hindu? Why do you go to the mosque, yet speak Tamil and not celebrate Deepavali?

Recently, I was asked by a fellow Singaporean three times if I was "born" in Singapore. I was very happy to say yes and almost immediately the person became much nicer to me. It made me feel that I should make a grand announcement proclaiming that I am indeed a Singaporean, born in Kandang Kerbau, served national service and served a further 12 years of reservist duty. The whole nine yards.

But I caught myself thinking, why should it matter if I was born here?

Surely if someone cared enough to be Singaporean, and contributed to the economic and external well-being of Singapore, they deserve to be here. Just like my father, my grandfather and my great-grandfather were not born in Singapore but spent their adult lives contributing here on this island.

Even as many of us across various communities see ourselves as Singaporeans first, there is reason to remain mindful of alienating new Singaporeans who have made Singapore home. This becomes more important as we welcome new citizens and permanent residents who become an integral part of our society, contributing to our collective well-being and enriching our social fabric.

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong mentioned in his speech on March 9 at the Teck Ghee citizenship ceremony that Singapore takes in about 22,000 new citizens every year. He called on new citizens to participate "wholeheartedly" in society and make efforts to integrate while urging Singaporeans to engage with new citizens and to be "big-hearted" in welcoming them.