Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, addressed the nation during his National Day Message yesterday (8 August).
During his speech, he touched on many topics, including the recent spate of racist incidents and the racial harmony in Singapore.
He said that several racist incidents have gained wide publicity and “amplified by social media”, but they are “not the norm.”
He said that the negative incidences do not mean that Singapore’s racial harmony is failing.
He said:
“It is helpful to air and acknowledge these sensitive issues. We need to do this candidly and respectfully.
It took several generations of sustained effort to bring our races and religions together, and grow the common space that we now share.”
He added that Singapore’s racial and religious harmony was borne out of the “fruit of mutual understanding and compromise by all parties”, and not by “every group stridently insisting on its identity and rights”.
He added:
“Our social norms evolve with each successive generation, shaped by different life experiences and aspirations. These norms are also influenced by external trends, because we are so open and connected to the rest of the world.”
Finally, he further added that the racial harmony in Singapore needs to be “refreshed, reaffirmed and reinforced” with every new generation, he said:
“We must not lightly give up this hard-won and delicate balance. As our society evolves, we have to continually adjust this balance to maintain our social harmony.
It is the government’s duty to manage these issues on behalf of all Singaporeans, regardless of race, language or religion. To do this, we will need your cooperation, support and trust.”
Images source: MCI and screenshot from Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore YouTube