Decolonisation and Racial Justice: A Critical Assessment of Multiculturalism in Hong Kong and Singapore

Abstract

Hong Kong and Singapore share many characteristics. Both cities are former British colonies with a Chinese majority, a predominantly Chinese culture, and a significant minority population that is primarily South and Southeast Asian in origin. They also seek to portray themselves as having a cosmopolitan image: Hong Kong is marketed as 'Asia's World City' due to its interconnectedness and geopolitical orientation; while the constitution of the dominant party in Singapore declares the country to be multiracial where people of diverse backgrounds live in harmony. To reinforce the desired image, both governments continue to implement policy initiatives aiming to promote 'multiculturalism.' However, an examination of multiculturalism in these former colonies indicates that in their postcolonial times the disadvantage of racial minorities continues or has even worsened, in the name of 'decolonisation.'