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The national flag of Singapore was first adopted in 1959, the year Singapore became self-governing within the British Empire. It was reconfirmed as the national flag when the Republic gained independence on 9 August 1965. The design is a horizontal bicolour of red above white, charged in the canton by a white crescent moon facing, toward the fly, a pentagon of five small white five-pointed stars. The elements of the flag denote a young nation on the ascendant, universal brotherhood and equality, and national ideals. The national flag is not used as an ensign by vessels at sea. In its place, one of three derivatives of the national flag is used, depending on a vessel's status: merchant vessels and pleasure craft fly a civil ensign of red charged in white with a variant of the crescent and stars emblem in the centre; non-military government vessels such as coast guard ships fly a state ensign of blue with the national flag in the canton, charged with an eight-pointed red and white compass rose in the lower fly; and warships fly a naval ensign similar to the state ensign, but in white with a red compass rose emblem. Rules defined by the Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem Act govern the use and display of the national flag. These rules have been relaxed in order to allow citizens to fly the flag from vehicles during national holidays and from homes at any time of the year.
History
The flag of Singapore from 1946 to 1959. A modification of the original Straits Settlements flag which had three crowns on it representing the settlements of Malacca, Penang and Singapore, it bore only one crown to show that Singapore was now an independent Crown Colony.
In the 19th century, Singapore was under British rule, amalgamated into the Straits Settlements together with Malacca and Penang. The flag used to represent the Settlements was a British Blue Ensign containing three gold crowns—one for each settlement—separated with a red inverted pall, which looks like an inverted Y. The Settlement of Singapore itself had no separate flag, although in 1911 the city of Singapore was granted a coat of arms which featured a lion. Soon after World War II, Singapore became an independent Crown Colony, whereupon it used a modified Straits Settlements flag that features only one crown.1 Singapore became self-governing within the British Empire on 3 June 1959.2 Six months later, upon the installation of the new Yang di-Pertuan Negara (head of state) on 3 December 1959, the national flag was officially adopted, along with the state coat of arms and the national anthem Majulah Singapura ("Onward Singapore").3 In a 1989 interview, then-Deputy Prime Minister Toh Chin Chye talked about the creation of the national flag:
The design of the flag was completed in two months. Toh initially envisaged an entirely red background for the flag, although the Cabinet decided against this, as red was regarded as a rallying point for communism.45 On 30 November 1959, the Singapore State Arms and Flag and National Anthem Ordinance 19596 was passed to regulate the use and display of the State Arms and State Flag and the performance of the National Anthem. When presenting the motion to the Legislative Assembly of Singapore on 11 November 1959, Sinnathamby Rajaratnam, the Minister for Culture, stated: "National flags, crest and anthem express symbolically the hopes and ideals of a people... The possession of a national flag and crest is, for a people, symbolic of self-respect."7 The flag was reconfirmed as the national flag upon Singapore's full independence on 9 August 1965.4 DesignThe Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem Rules define the flag's composition and the symbolism of its elements: red symbolises "universal brotherhood and equality of man", and white, "pervading and everlasting purity and virtue". The waxing crescent moon "represents a young nation on the ascendant". The five stars "stand for the nation's ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality".8 The ratio of the flag is two units high by three units wide. For the manufacturing of flags, the Government of Singapore recommends a few sizes and suggests that the shade of red used on the flag be Pantone 032.9 According to guidelines published by the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA), the flag may be reproduced in any size and displayed at all times, but it must be in its specified proportions and colours.10 MICA recommends the sizes 915 by 1,370 millimetres (approx. 36 by 54 inches), 1,220 by 1,830 mm (approx. 48 by 72 in) and 1,830 by 2,740 mm (approx. 72 by 108 in).9 Usage guidelines
Spectators with national flags at the 2007 National Day Parade
Previously, the flag was used exclusively by government departments and educational institutions, and could only be flown by individuals and non-governmental organisations during the month of August to mark National Day, on 9 August.9 In 2004, these restrictions were alleviated to allow the flag to be flown under certain conditions— year-round. A statement from the Ministry of Information and the Arts (now MICA, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts) said that "[t]he national flag, national anthem and Singapore lion head... are our most visible symbols of our sovereignty, pride and honour" and urged Singaporeans to use those "rallying" symbols to "identify with the nation".11 No rationale was provided for the changes, though it was noted by BBC News correspondents that the government had recently been trying to rally patriotic sentiments dampened by economic issues. (In 2003, unemployment in Singapore reached a 17-year-high of 5.9%, and the Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic in East Asia seriously affected the island's tourist trade, causing Singapore Airlines to suffer a financial loss for the first time in its history.)11 In 2006, following requests by Singaporeans, guidelines for the use of the flag were further relaxed to give residents a variety of opportunities to express their loyalty to Singapore during National Day celebrations. MICA permitted them to display the flag on vehicles and on themselves or belongings with minimal restrictions, from the middle of July to the end of August for a trial period.12 The period was extended in 2007 to three months from July to September.1013 Proper use and displaySingaporeans, government and non-governmental organisations may display or fly the national flag throughout the year to identify themselves with the nation. Singaporeans are especially encouraged to do this during occasions of national celebration or national significance.10 The use and display of the flag is governed by Part III of the Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem Rules14 made under the Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem Act.15 It is an offence to knowingly contravene specified provisions of the Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem Rules; the penalty is a fine not exceeding S$1,000.16 In general
A giant Singapore flag suspended from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter and accompanied by two Boeing AH-64D Longbow Apaches during a National Day Parade rehearsal on 29 July 2006.
The Singaporean government dictates that no person can treat the national flag with disrespect,17 such as allowing the flag to touch the ground.18 The flag must not be displayed below any other flag, emblem or object;19 dipped in salute to any person or thing;20 or displayed or carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.21 Within Singapore, the national flag takes precedence over all other flags, subject to international practice.22 As such, when it is displayed or flown with other flags, it must be in a position of honour; that is, it should be positioned, where practical, either above all other flags or, if displayed side by side with other flags on the same level, to the left of the other flags (as seen by a person facing the flags).23 When the flag is raised or carried in a procession with other flags, it must be done so in front of the other flags in a single file, or on the right as seen by the standard bearers if the flags are carried side by side24 (that is, on the left as seen by the viewer). The standard bearer must carry the flag high on his or her right shoulder.25 When the flag is displayed on a platform or stage, it must be above all decorations and be behind and above any person speaking from the platform or stage. If it is displayed from a staff standing on the platform or stage, it must be on the right side of the person speaking from the platform or stage.26 Finally, when the flag is hung, it must be hung against a vertical wall or other vertical flat surface, with the crescent and stars on the top left position as seen by any spectator facing the flag and the wall or surface.27
United States President George W. Bush addressing U.S. Embassy staff in Singapore on 16 November 2006. Note the national flag behind him is defaced with the Lion Symbol numerous times.
When the flag is displayed outside a building, it shall be displayed on or in front of the building only from a flagpole.28 If the flag is flown at night, it should be properly illuminated.29 The flag must not be displayed on any motor vehicle except on one in which the President of Singapore or any Government minister is travelling on official business.30 The flag may not be displayed on any private vessel or aircraft.31 No person may use or apply the flag or any image of it for any commercial purposes or as part of any furnishing, decoration, covering or receptacle,32 except in such circumstances as may be approved (by MICA) in which there is no disrespect for the flag.33 Further, it is not permitted to use the flag as part of any trademark,34 or to produce or display any flag which bears any graphics or word superimposed on the design of the national flag.35 The flag or any image of it may also not be used or applied as or as part of any costume or attire.36 The Government may ask for the flag to be lowered to half-mast in the event of the death of an important person or for national mourning.37 No person is permitted to use the flag at any private funeral ceremony.38 However, the national flag can be draped on a coffin during a military or state funeral.39 No person may display any flag that is damaged or dirty.40 Any worn out or damaged flag should be packed into a sealed black trash bag before being disposed and not left visible in dustbins.10 During the National Day celebrations periodDuring the National Day celebrations period (1 July— 30 September), the rules governing the flying of the national flag outside buildings need not be observed.41 The flag may be displayed on any vehicle (other than a hearse), vessel or aircraft,42 and may be incorporated as part of any costume or attire, so long as this is done in a manner that does not give rise to any disrespect to the flag.43 Use of the national flagDuring National Day celebrationsSingaporeans are encouraged to display the national flag outside their homes during National Day celebrations, and residents' committees, particularly those of public housing estates, often arrange co-ordinated displays. However, some Singaporeans decline to display the flag as they associate it with the People's Action Party, the ruling party in Parliament, rather than with the nation.44 On National Day (9 August) 2007 at the Padang, 8,667 volunteers holding up red and white umbrellas formed the largest ever representation of Singapore's flag at an event organised by Young NTUC, a youth movement associated with the National Trades Union Congress.45 At other times
The national flag, along with banners, flown at Istana Park
Outside the National Day celebrations period, the national flag of Singapore is flown from all buildings housing government and government-related departments, such as armed forces installations, court houses, offices, and educational institutions. A picture of the flag is commonly found in each classroom, and schools conduct ceremonies at the beginning and the end of the school day at which the national flag is raised and lowered, the national anthem is sung and the national pledge is taken.46 The national flag is sometimes flown by Singapore-registered vessels, although this is considered incorrect, as such vessels are required to hoist proper national colours either when entering or leaving port.47 The ensign is red and charged with a circle enclosing a crescent surmounted by five stars in a circle, all in white.48 The national flag is not used by coast guard ships and military warships; both classes of ships have their own specific ensigns. The Singapore Government makes announcements regarding the lowering of the flag to half-mast in the event of a death of an important personage or mourning affecting the nation. The flag has been flown at half-mast during the funerals of former presidents and senior politicians,49 and on 9 January 2005 as a mark of respect for those who perished in the 2004 Asian Tsunami disaster.50 In cultureIn 1969, Singaporean composer Lim Su Chong composed a song entitled Five Stars Arising which took the elements of the national flag as its theme. The lyrics of the song speak of a new moon, five stars and a new flag "arising out of the stormy sea". The moon is "[y]outhful and bright and bearing hope, and tranquil as can be", each of the stars is "a lamp to guide our way; a lamp for all to see" and the flag is "[c]rimson as the blood of all mankind, yet white and pure and free".51 The song is often sung during National Day celebrations. In January 2003, Singaporean artist Justin Lee Chee Kong was prevented by the Media Development Authority (MDA) from exhibiting a painting entitled Double Happiness— A Fantasy in Red, which consisted of an image of the Singapore flag with various red images of the Chinese characters for double happiness. The move was made on the grounds that "the National Flag is a national symbol and no words or graphics should be superimposed on it". Lee reported that the work was simply a display of one's love for their country and an expression of joy at Singapore's success, and in a press statement, he asked that the piece be "treated as an artistic and complimentary interpretation of a national icon". When interviewed by The New Paper, he said "I know as a citizen that we are not allowed to do it, but this is art and I am an artist."52 He also complained about double standards as a Chinese artist, Gu Wen Da, had recently exhibited a national flag made of hair at the Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay. Lee felt the use of hair to create the nation's flag meant that the flag was in the wrong colours, and was distasteful.52 In August 2007, a Singaporean pub, Loof, sent an electronic direct mailer to at least 1,500 members on its mailing list featuring a close-up shot of the crotch of a female model wearing a red swimsuit or pair of underpants bearing the crescent and five stars of the national flag. This was done as part of the pub's publicity campaign for its National Day events. According to Loof's marketing manager, "[T]he ad was definitely not meant as an insult to the country or anyone. I hope that the ad will be taken in the spirit of humour and fun." A majority of people polled by The New Paper felt the advertisement was disrespectful and in bad taste. MICA said that the advertisement did not breach the law as it only reproduced some components of the flag— it did not, for example, incorporate the flag's red and white background together. However, K.U. Menon, director of MICA's National Resilience Division, said: "MICA does not encourage such ads which treat the national flag with disrespect. [...] Symbols should be treated with some measure of dignity and we hope Loof will withdraw the ad on its own initiative."53 Other flags of Singapore
In addition to the national flag and ensigns, there are other flags used for official purposes.
Notes
References
Further readingArticles
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