Singapore Government Press Release
Media Division, Ministry of Information and The Arts,
MITA Building, 140 Hill Street, 2nd Storey, Singapore 179369
Tel: 837-9666

SPEECH BY REAR ADMIRAL TEO CHEE HEAN, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND SECOND MINISTER FOR DEFENCE AND MP FOR PASIR RIS GRC AT PASIR RIS ZONE ‘10’ RC LUNAR NEW YEAR DINNER CELEBRATION AT THE OPEN SPACE NEXT TO PASIR RIS ZONE 10 RC CENTRE, BLK 192 PASIR RIS ST 12 ON 10 FEBRUARY 2001 AT 8.25 PM

Mr Alan Tai PBM, Chairman Pasir Ris Loyang CCC, Mr.Cheok Boon Hua,Organising Chairman, Mdm Josephine Tan, Chairperson Pasir Ris Zone 10 RC, grassroots leaders, residents and guests.

I am very pleased to be with you today at this Chinese New Year dinner celebration organised by the Pasir Ris Zone 10 Residents’ Committee.

Today, Singaporeans of different races and religion can identify with the ideals of a multi-racial, multi-religious society. But those of us who are old enough will remember that prior to the nation’s independence, the country has lived through painful episodes of racial riots and violence. It is through the policies of the government with the support of the people that we have built this harmony over the years.

Every community has been given the opportunity to advance and excel under the principle of meritocracy. The results speak for themselves. Every racial group in Singapore has made great improvements in the education, economic and social fields. They have done so through the government’s programmes and through the efforts of the community self-help groups, without special privileges for any community.

Every community can preserve its own customs, language, traditions and religion. But every community also comes together to build a united nation, for example, when we celebrate each others’ festivals together, during national events, and most importantly in our schools.

I commend our grassroots organisations, particularly the CCC and the RCs for their tireless efforts to further enlarge the areas of common iteraction and interest among races. Our grassroots leaders have made significant contributions in enhancing community bonding and social cohesion in our nation.

Just a few weeks ago, we celebrated Hari Raya here together, and now we celebrate Chinese New Year together. As we celebrate, we are really celebrating the racial and religious harmony that we enjoy.

Let me wish all of you a happy and prosperous Lunar New Year.

Thank you.