In Singapore, one can expect to be treated equally regardless of race, language and religion, he said.
SINGAPORE - In Singapore, one can expect to be respected as an individual and treated equally regardless of race, language and religion, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Aug 3 at a dialogue with youth.
During the hour-long session, participants from post-secondary institutions, madrasahs, Special Assistance Plan schools, as well as community and religious groups, asked SM Lee questions on topics ranging from casual racism and influence of social media to integration between locals and new migrants.
This is not a mature or practical way of getting along with each other, he said, which requires “give and take”, understanding, tolerance and respect. “And I am able to get on together because, fundamentally, we believe that we are Singaporeans. I think we should take that kind of an approach.” He also said that though inter-racial marriages blur the lines between the major ethnic groups, he does not expect that they will cause a significant change in the nation’s racial mix.
“It may have come from this round of fighting in the Middle East. It may be from somewhere else altogether or some other period altogether. And you don’t know,” said SM Lee, adding that it is important to be sceptical about sources of information.He said Singapore brings in foreigners when there is an economic need and not enough Singaporeans to perform these jobs.
“When they come, they must know that this is Singapore. And this is how you are supposed to behave in Singapore... and the way Singapore is, this spirit, this ethos and this sense of identity and national belonging.”
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