Letter to the Editor | Racism and the ugliness of human nature still remains a critical challenge for every race

Dear Editor,

I refer to the report, “TODAY goes live: Getting to the root of racism.” (June 25)

I’m glad to learn that TODAY will be hosting a live webinar session on Instagram on 29 June to discuss the touchy but vital issue of racism in Singapore. It is in partnership with the National Youth Council.

Undeniably, racism exists in any part of the world for centuries. The seriousness of racism and its frequency of occurrences vary with latitude and depth or differ from country to country.

An undoubted fact remains, neither any race nor any culture on this planet is perfect, and it is because the ugliness of human nature still remains a critical challenge for every race.

In view of this vital fact, we must recognise our own weaknesses and strengths. Most importantly, we should always do introspection on our shortcomings, and we should be very mindful of our words used in the daily conversation, discussion or written communication with our multiracial colleagues, schoolmates, school teachers and in other events.

Thus, it is of utmost significance to safeguard our national fabric of multiracialism at all times and at any price.

Singapore started as an immigrant society in 1819. Its four main races namely Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian have been contributing all their efforts and sacrifices to the nation’s building, national defence and economic prosperity.

There is a Chinese proverb, “Do not do to others for what you don’t want to be done to you.” Hence, we should respect and help other minority races to progress and bond together.

In short, our multiracial, multi-religious and multicultural society should firmly condemn any sensitive, inflammatory, toxic and racist online remarks and place a strong emphasis on achieving a fair, equitable, transparent, coherent, harmonious and inclusive Singapore.

Teo Kueh Liang

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of The Independent Singapore.