1. Counter-Argument
1.1. Meritocracy has not effectively created a multi-cultural society because there is no actual equal starting point for everyone.
1.1.1. Singaporeans come from a variety of backgrounds. Inevitably, those from disadvantaged backgrounds will have lesser opportunities to excel. For example, in education, students from lower income families do not have the money to go for enrichment classes. Students from a better background will have the chance to get these benefits, and gain a higher stepping ground.
1.1.1.1. Malays are put in an inferior position largely because of their relatively lower income and lack of access to opportunity: meritocracy does not mean everybody begins the race at the starting line. Many Malays have other socio-economic battles to fight before they even get in the race, and even when they do, many face an incline right from the start.
1.2. As more immigrants immigrate to Singapore, the competitiveness among the locals and the immigrants will also increase as a result.
1.2.1. According to meritocracy, if the immigrants work hard enough, they will advance up higher ranks. From the Singapore citizens' POV, immigrants would then be seen as 'stealing their rice bowl'. Hence, tension arises.
2. Argument
2.1. Meritocracy promises equal opportunities for people of all races, religions and backgrounds.
2.1.1. Hence, this helps to build a multi-cultural society as it will not result in unhappiness/tensions between people of different races/religions
2.1.1.1. Evidence: Education in Singapore
2.1.1.1.1. No quotas - enrollment to universities are based on abilities/merit, and not based on race/religion.
3. Conclusion
3.1. (COMPROMISE) However, we need to understand that whatever that the government implements, it is for the mandate of the people, and there will be no system that can be fully effective, and satisfy the whole population's needs. (Maximum happiness, minimum dissatisfaction)
3.1.1. The benefits of a meritocratic system in Singapore outweighs the disadvantages of it in terms of the support the model has contributed to the dynamics of the population (shaping singapore into MC country).
3.1.1.1. Therefore, we disagree with the statement as the meritocratic system in Singapore has created a multicultural society to a large extent.