SINGAPORE: Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen stressed the
need to maintain racial and religious harmony in Singapore, no
matter what changes the country undergoes.
But Dr Ng added that it's also important that the
various ethnic groups preserve their own culture, heritage and
values.
He was speaking at a Duan Wu carnival organised by
the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations and Toa Payoh
Central Community Club.
Dr Ng said the Duan Wu Festival helps Singaporeans to appreciate
Chinese culture and heritage.
It's also an opportunity to reach out to other races, to strengthen
social bonding.
Dr Ng added that the younger generation needs to appreciate their
cultural values as they will be the ones to decide Singapore's
future.
"We have to help them preserve what we find is valuable so that
when they're in charge of Singapore, they will take Singapore in
the right path and in the next higher step - so that all of us can
make sure that Singapore continues to progress and become the
Singapore that we want".
- CNA/ck