WAR IN ISRAEL – OUR PERSPECTIVE

Conflict, displacement of communities and people living under extreme situations like in the Middle East or Ukraine is intolerable for all sides. As fellows in this world, we share in their grief, distress and wish for an end in hostilities. Who is right and who is out of line is beyond our remit, but living in Asia, we recognise the fundamental need for partnership, understanding, acceptance and peace.

While we can feel far removed from what’s happening in other parts of the world Asia’s success is tied into global commerce, partnerships and business. Singapore and Asia has trade ties and imports from Ukraine and the war was a stark lesson for everyone as we learned the enormity of the country’s contribution as the world’s wheat bowl. Food prices went up, some immediate shortages and probably more to come.

Today’s crisis in the Gaza Strip, between Palestine and Israel maybe geographically distant, but for our region with its vast Muslim populations, and Singapore’s ties with Israel creates an issue that is much closer to the heart with a potential tinderbox that could quickly become highly contentious and disruptive. Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei are Muslim majority states, and there are significant Muslim minorities in Thailand and the Philippines. Across our region, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines have close ties with Israel with more than 30,000 Filipino workers and around 26,000 Thais working there. Reportedly 28 Thais have been killed in the fighting, while 17 are still held hostage.

In exactly this context, Singapore and indeed Asia with its growing population, works extremely hard – and successfully - to promote racial harmony among the different ethnic groups. For example, in Singapore, a very deliberate, measured and successful campaign to educate, promote racial and religious tolerance and harmony is not only more than four decades old but today is woven into the very fabric of the Singaporean society. Children learn about racial differences, harmony, and observe racial harmony day by dressing in ethnic costumes to “show-off” and educate!

Similarly, the Pancasila in Indonesia was developed post-independence to unify a fledgling nation spread wide and far and ravaged by World War Two. Promoting religious acceptance, the Pancasila sometimes referred to as the “Five Obligations” promote social harmony, just and civilised society and democracy as the fundamental tenets of national tolerance. This is often overlooked by an outsider (media) looking in, describing the country as one of the largest Muslim nations of the world. It is not only lazy journalism but also lacks a true appreciation for a society that is friendly, respectful and modern in its acceptance of diversity and gender.

In response to the news from Israel,  local media in Singapore, immediately launched a conversation about the importance of maintaining the fine, well-curated balance established among our four racial groups including the Chinese majority; the indigenous Malay-Muslim community, Singapore’s Indians and an official group dubbed “Others” which comprises everyone else. We at Priority Consultants were approached with requests for comments from our Israel based clients with whom we have long standing relationships. Our approach and counsel in keeping with the national agenda in Singapore was to advocate tolerance, understanding while urging for immediate end to the conflict.

On that note, Singapore has voiced concern and sent condolences for the loss of life on both sides and the government of Indonesia has urged an immediate end to the violence, while Malaysia’s Prime Minister, has confirmed a national commitment to solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Given these divergent views across the region, it is complicated  but we are all united in hoping for a speedy resolution and hope that current diplomatic efforts by US President Biden will bring the region back from the brink.

At Priority, we are proud that our family of eight different ethnicities works together not only harmoniously but productively, with our mix of different perspectives helping to deliver innovative solutions to the communications challenges of our clients. Our lived experience is that our differences make us stronger as a group – we pray that the Israelis and Palestinians will achieve peace, for the sake of the whole world.