Date : 12 July 2011
Synopsis
"The tolerance, acceptance and common space that we have developed is the result of hard work over the years. In the face of global economic and socio-political instability, we must continually rejuvenate our work in Racial Harmony. " reminded DPM Teo Chee Hean at the Pasir Ris- Punggol GRC Racial Harmony celebrations on 10 July.
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Good Morning,
Mr Nurul Firman Misran, Organising Chairman,
CCC Chairmen of Pasir Ris- Punggol GRC,
CCMC Chairmen of Pasir Ris- Punggol GRC,
Branch Secretaries of Pasir Ris- Punggol GRC,
Grassroots leaders,
Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls,
It is my pleasure to join you all this morning here in Sengkang to celebrate our GRC Racial Harmony Celebrations. I am also heartened to see many residents from all over Pasir- Ris Punggol GRC to join us at this event this morning.
Every year in July, Singapore celebrates Racial Harmony Day. It is a day when we appreciate Singapore’s racial cohesion. It is also a day for reflections, when we recall and learn from the events of the 1964 racial riots. Singapore has done well because we have not taken our peace and harmony for granted. Years of Racial Harmony efforts in our community have had a profound impact. We must continue to build on our efforts and work hard to maintain Racial Harmony in Singapore. We should remember that we are a nation of diverse races and cultures, brought together by history and circumstances. While we each belong to a diverse range of cultural and community groups, we have taken steps to understand and embrace different cultures and traditions as part of our identity. The tolerance, acceptance and common space that we have developed is the result of hard work over the years. In the face of global economic and socio-political instability, we must continually rejuvenate our work in Racial Harmony. Only then, will we continue to enjoy peace and stability for decades to come.
This morning, I am delighted to see so many of you coming together as one to learn and know more about each other’s cultures through the various traditional games stalls and performances. I also hope that you are enjoying the delicacies from the multi-racial food stalls. In the midst of enjoyment, do not forget that the peace and stability that we have today is hard earned and we should never take it for granted.
400 residents from Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC will be the first in the whole of Singapore to embark onto the newly introduced “Racial Harmony Xplorer” local tours. In this series of local tours organised by the PA’s Lifeskills and Lifestyle Division, there are eight tour choices, custom-made to meet your needs. Residents will bond closer together as you unravel cross ethnic and cross cultural experiences.
The PA and its network of grassroots organisations are always around us, serving the community, to promote community bonding and embracing racial harmony. While we are enjoying ourselves in the series of activities today, we must not forget our hardworking grassroots leaders and volunteers from the various grassroots organisations in Pasir Ris- Punggol GRC. They have worked hard to put together this event together, outside of their regular work hours. This is the community spirit that we want to inculcate in every Singaporean. If you have the time and drive, consider giving back to the community by serving in one of the many grassroots organisations.
On this note, I would like to recognise the effort made by the Organising Committee led by Mr Nurul Firman Misran, Chairman of Sengkang CC YEC and People’s Association Lifeskills and Lifestyle Division for successfully organising this event. They have worked hard to organize this event for you all.
Thank you and have an enjoyable morning!