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The global economy is changing rapidly. Globalisation is
making inroads into every sector. Information technology is
changing the way we work, live and play.
All of us must adjust to these changes. Our economy is very
dependent on the global economy. We cannot isolate ourselves
and ignore these developments, and hope to progress. Hence,
our Malay community must not focus only on issues pertaining
to the Malays. It must also look outward and at the big picture.
Your concerns over madrasah education, Malays in the SAF,
and the Malay leadership issue are legitimate. These issues
are at the heart of the Malay community. But they are complicated
issues which cannot be resolved overnight. We should not let
them impede your efforts to adjust successfully to the New
Economy. I am glad that already, we are able to discuss such
sensitive issues openly and in a pragmatic way, and in the
context of a multi-racial society. This is real progress.
Like other Singaporeans, our Malays face some big challenges
ahead. Our slow economic growth this year will affect their
jobs and standard of living. They also have to worry about
the impact of instability in neighbouring countries.
Furthermore, in the future, the economic pie may not grow
as fast as in the past. The income gap will widen. This will
test our solidarity. It is, therefore, even more important
to strengthen our national cohesion.
The key is good inter-racial relations.
When I was a young boy in Pasir Panjang Primary School, the
students mixed easily regardless of race or religion. In Raffles
Institution too, we studied and played together. I had many
Malay and other non-Chinese friends.
Let us find new ways to improve the quality of interaction
among our races. We should better integrate our people in
our schools, housing estates, workplaces and sporting arena.
We must develop the sense of a Singapore family, that we are
one people, and that we sink or swim together as Singaporeans.
This solidarity will enable us to overcome whatever difficulties
we may face in the future.
The Malay community has made steady progress economically
and socially. You did this within a competitive, meritocratic
system. By standing on your own two feet, you have become
stronger and more confident.
I want to see more Malays occupy high positions in the public
and private sectors. To do so, you must do even better in
education, in particular, in IT, science and mathematics.
You must acquire skills in new growth areas. You must be innovative
and progressive. You must also have a broad outlook, and be
well-integrated with others. At the same time, you should
remain anchored in your culture and religion. If you get the
right balance between traditional virtues and a cosmopolitan
outlook, your community will do well in the New Economy.
I wish you success.
Thank you.
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