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SINGAPORE: Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew has said Singapore and Malaysia will continue to collaborate on areas of mutual interest such as security and terrorism.
But he sees both countries taking different paths in future because of differences in fundamental views.
He was speaking during the question and answer session of the S Rajaratnam Lecture.
Mr Lee spoke of Singapore and Malaysia sharing a common history. But he sees a different future for both countries.
He said that while Singapore is a multi-racial meritocracy, its neighbours organise their societies on the supremacy of the indigenous population, such as Bumiputras in Malaysia and Pribumis in Indonesia.
As for Singapore, he added that although it is becoming an integrated society, the jury is still out whether it can remain cohesive under extreme circumstances.
He said: "I'm not sure if we're put through a stress test, if famine breaks out and you've got to share your rice, will you share with your family and your clan or will you share it with your neighbour who may not be of the same race? I am not sure what the end result will be because we have not been put through that extreme test which is the final test."
Mr Lee noted that in its pursuit of improving its competitiveness, Singapore is always raising the benchmark in areas such as cleanliness and efficiency.
While it may make some countries uncomfortable, it is ultimately good for the region.
He said: "We started greening, Malaysia started greening, Thailand started greening, Indonesia started greening. China studied our system, went down to parks and trees and looked at our administrative arrangements and they can go to Shenzhen, Shanghai and the place is green! So I think that we should set the benchmark, raise the standard. They may feel uncomfortable but it's good for everybody."
Mr Lee also said that countries that do not adapt quickly to technological changes will lag behind and pay the price.
But Singapore has no intention of doing so.
"I don't know what changes that will come, but I know that we have to stay ahead and be part of it," he said.
- CNA/ir
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