Singaporean DPM Calls on Countrymen to Develop Common National Identity

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, October 30, 2002

Singaporean DPM Calls on Countrymen to Develop Common National Identity

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Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has reiterated his call for Singaporeans to develop a common national identity on the back of a multi-religious and multi-racial society with diversity of cultures.

Addressing the National heritage Board's benefactors dinner Tuesday, Lee Hsien Loong called on the Singaporeans to root themselves beyond the founding of Singapore and draw on the long histories and cultures of different communities, to continue ancient heritages while building new traditions and history.

"The shared trials and tribulations of nationhood, plus the common experiences living in integrated communities, studying in national schools, and serving National Service side-by-side, will enlarge and strengthen the common ground of our people," he said.

Citing a recent heritage awareness survey commissioned by the National Heritage Board, he said over 80 percent of the respondents felt that knowing their heritage would root them to Singapore and increase their sense of belonging and the new generations of Singaporeans continue to be keenly aware of their roots.

Singapore, which was part of an indigenous Malay Empire covering Riau, Johor in early days, is a multi-racial society withmixed cultures, traditions and religions.

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