ON RACISM AND XENOPHOBIA
Mr Lee then said that as a multiracial and multicultural society, it is unavoidable that racism permeates all levels of society.
Although this occurs less in Singapore than in most other countries, Mr Lee affirmed that the government will keep working to move things in the right direction.
“To make (racism) completely disappear, I think, would be very difficult. I think that we will improve, we will do more… to nudge this in the right direction.
“For example, the workplace discrimination legislation we are working on. I think it would make a difference. Ultimately, I do not believe that you can completely make this disappear.”
He was referring to a proposed law against workplace discrimination later this year, which has yet to be introduced in parliament. The proposed law seeks to prohibit workplace discrimination based on a set of characteristics, including age, race, gender, and marital status.
Instead of striving to eradicate racism, Mr Lee said leaders must take a stance when something “outrageous” happens that sparks public outcry, adding that such events do happen from time to time.
But he also noted that leaders should exercise some judgment of the situation before doing so. A stern stance could be seen as an overreaction over, for example, a “foolish” post on social media, he said.
“Sometimes, if there is a small incident and you overreact, and everybody gets hyped up overnight because (somebody made a) foolish post, I think it is not really the wisest way to handle it … You cannot have a maximum response every time,” he said.
HOW 4G LEADERS ARE MEETING THESE CHALLENGES
In terms of the most difficult challenge, Mr Lee said it is managing the inherent tensions between wanting social cohesion among Singaporeans and being open to bringing in foreign talent, as well as making people feel comfortable instead of feeling threatened or having social tensions build up.
Asked about the sense of trust between the PAP’s fourth generation (4G) leadership team and the Malay-Muslim community in approaching sensitive issues within the community, Mr Lee said: “I think both sides are working at it.”
Mr Lee noted how DPM Wong recently attended buka puasa (breaking of fast) sessions during Hari Raya Puasa, and also met religious leaders, Malay MPs, and activists in the PAP during the Ramadan period recently.
“All this will be part of the work of developing that relationship, mutual confidence and trust, understanding each other, where you stand, what you can say yes to, and what you can ask for, but the government will probably be unable to agree to it.
“And it will take time to build up, but I am sure they will be able to do it.”
This article was originally published in TODAY.
