Rethinking racial harmony in Singapore

Straits Times, 29 June 2006

SOMETIMES we should not take for granted our racial peace. That harmony was achieved only after great efforts put in by the government and the community to understand each other better. I feel that although racial differences were always present, it was the effort put in to see beyond the differences that kept our country, Singapore free from racial riots. The sense of responsibility to maintain that peace has been deeply inculcated in our minds but i feel that there is a need it be continually reminded in the days of this younger generations. Racial Harmony month is just around the corner. I agree that commemorating racial harmony raises awareness about inter-racial "realities" of the past but it might also stir up past instilled anger. Indeed the importance if racial harmony has become more and more important as the greatest prevention of terrorism is it.