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