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Singapore — Finance Minister Lawrence Wong tackled the question of identity in society on Tuesday (Nov 23), saying that the concerns different groups have should be heard and not dismissed.

In his keynote speech at a conference on identity organised by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) and the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Mr Wong noted that the tribalism and identity politics that have arisen in the west could also do so in Singapore.

No one can ignore “identities and tribes” nor pretend that differences exist, he said.

“Instead, as a starting point, we must recognise that the pull of identity politics arises from real differences in lived realities. Different segments of our population will have their own real and valid concerns and anxieties,” Mr Wong added.

He gave such examples as women, who still bear disproportionate work at home; those who are differently-able, who cannot participate in the same way as most people; and the LGBTQ community, who feel that “society does not accept them.”

The Minister underlined that their concerns are “important… for if we are to live up to the founding ethos of Singapore, every Singaporean deserves a place in our society,” regardless of background status, or racial or cultural identity.

Denying the rights of different groups to organise in order to avoid the dangers of identity politics runs against “what a fair and just society must mean,” he added.

However, he also pointed out the exclusionary nature of tribalism, as it is “based on mutual hate: ‘us’ versus ‘them’, ‘friend’ versus ‘foe’.”

The answer to this is to build, instead of tribes, “community,“ which he said is all “about inclusive connections, and it’s based on mutual affection.”

The challenge, Mr Wong added, is to acknowledge and do our best to address the legitimate concerns of every tribe, without allowing our politics to be based exclusively on identities or tribal allegiances.”

He also reiterated the government’s commitment to “do our utmost to recognise the challenges and needs of different groups, decide on the appropriate policy, and convince the rest of society that this is a fair way to move forward.” /TISG

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Lawrence Wong: Social gathering & dining in group size upped from 2 to 5 persons from 22 Nov