MFA SPOKESMAN'S COMMENTS

In response to media queries about the remarks attributed to Malaysian Deputy Education Minister Datuk Abdul Aziz in the Nanyang Siang Pau on 30 January 2002 on Singapore's Ministry of Education policies on school uniforms, the MFA Spokesman said:

"We are surprised at the remarks which Malaysian Deputy Education Minister Datuk Abdul Aziz is reported to have made. This is an interference in Singapore's internal affairs. Both Malaysia and Singapore are multi-racial and multi-religious countries. However, as separate, sovereign and independent nations, we have adopted different approaches towards racial integration. We respect the choices that Malaysia has made and expect in turn that Malaysia will also respect our choices."

The Spokesman also added:

"Datuk Abdul Aziz obviously does not know that our regulations on the wearing of school uniforms is not new and had been in place for a long time. The vast majority of pupils, including Muslim pupils, have had no problems with the rule."

31 JANUARY 2001

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore