My observation that Malaysians are exceedingly patriotic started way back in 2000 - my first year in NUS.
In Eusoff Hall, FASS and NUS Chinese Orchestra, there are many Chinese Malaysians. Why are there studying in NUS? Because they cannot get a place in their universities as a result of the pro-Malay Bumiputera policies in Malaysia. Are they upset with their country that they are being treated as second-class citizens and have to leave their hometowns to study in a foreign country? Not at all. I couldn't believe it. The Singaporeans who cannot get into local universities and have to resort to studying elsewhere would most probably be whining and complaining and blaming the government , despite what appears to be a purely meritocratic system with fair (well, as fair as can be) competition.
It is impossible not to be touched by what transpired during the elections period in Malaysia. Malaysians all over the world urging their fellow countrymen to return to Malaysia to vote. Malays, Chinese, Indians standing together to denounce racial politics played by the ruling government. The disappointment and desperation when the results were not what the people wanted. Malaysians from Singapore, Taiwan and Ireland (probably a lot more other places just that I am not aware of) showing their solidarity and support. Of course, there are irrational ramblings and insensible outbursts here and there, but from the many videos, pictures and stories found on the social media, it is difficult not to be moved by the heartfelt emotions that Malaysians have for their country.
I have always found Singaporean politics a disgrace. Despite the supposed "political awakening" in GE 2012, most of what transpired boils down to the same old thing - MONEY, JOBS, STANDARD OF LIVING. Every single issue under discussion leads back to this. Population growth and birth rate? In order to fuel our labour market. Influx of foreigners? Despite some feeble attempts to disguise this as a "our sociocultural fabric faces increasing tension" narrative, it is still largely a "they are taking over our jobs" argument. Democracy? Human rights? Ideals for a nation? Nah, Singaporeans have no time for such abstract notions.
I am not saying that such pragmatic concerns are not important. To a large extent I am able to be concerned about such pragmatically meaningless issues precisely because I am reasonably well-to-do and do not prioritize monetary issues. But one would expect that as Singaporeans become increasingly affluent, we would start to be more attuned about less worldly issues. As a result, the elections speeches are largely about housing estate upgrading.
I declare myself to be an unpatriotic Singaporean. There is very little about Singapore that I am proud of. Yes, my family is here, my friends are here, my memories are here, and life is a lot more convenient for me in Singapore because I am a citizen of this country. But this would be true no matter which country I happen to be born in? I served National Service, and think back fondly about the times through thick and thin with my platoon mates, but I will never bluff myself that I am defending Singapore. Yes, I know we have come a long way - we are economically advanced and politically stable, but unfortunately these are not things that I value as much. Other than this, what else do we have?
I do want to love my country. And honestly after teaching GP for six years, I have increasingly appreciated what our country has achieved as I became more aware of what other countries were unable to achieve. However, if one day Singapore is unable to sustain its economic progress (which in inevitable as our economy matures), can Singaporeans still find a reason to love Singapore? What is it about Malaysia that make Malaysians love their country so much, despite the blatant corruption, incompetent leadership and mediocre economic performance?
