National Archives Library 24 FEB 1992 92- YCT - 2

Release No: 28/JAN 04-1/92/01/26

ADDRESSBY MR CHEOWTONG, MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND COMMUNITYDEVELOPMENT, AT THE LAUNCH OF THE VIDEO DOCU-DRAMAON CHINESE CUSTOMSAND FESTIVALS ON SUNDAY, 26 JANUARY 1992 AT 7.45 PM AT VICTORIA THEATRE

I am happy to be here this evening to launch the video docu-drama on "Chinese Customs and Festivals" which has been produced by my Ministry with the guidance and assistance of the Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA). This video docu-drama introduces some of the major Chinese customs and festivals to Singaporeans, especially the non-Chinese. Two other similar video docu-dramas are also being produced on major Malay and Indian customs and festivals. They will be launched later this year.

Singapore is a multi-racial and multi-cultural society. This is our natural heritage. But we are not unique in being multi-racial and multi-cultural. What is unique is that whereas many of the countries find their multi-racial mix an explosive one, our different communities have managed to live together peacefully and harmoniously.

The question is where do we go from here? Some people, including the Leader of the Opposition, Mr , have suggested that we work towards Singapore being a melting pot of all races. Is this feasible and wise? Will a melting pot make us stronger? Or will we end up being disoriented and uprooted by the strong winds of change, instead of being safely anchored by our deep cultural roots and values?

A melting pot means that each ethnic group will have to give up some of its culture and tradition, and adopt that of another ethnic group. Is this realistic?

The events in Eastern Europe with the collapse of communism is a good lesson for us. Despite decades of existence as the Soviet Union, the different Soviet Republics have not forgetten their ethnic differences. And even within some of the Republics, and in countries like Yugoslavia, historical communal differences have erupted into open strife once the restraining l walls of communism were dismantled. The answer is therefore obvious. Our different ethnic groups all come from societies with rich cultural values and traditions. These are values which have withstood the test of time. They are also strongly embedded into each of our psyche. To ask that our different ethnic groups give up their cultural roots in a Singapore melting pot is unrealistic. In fact, it will be a recipe for disaster.

What is important is that while recognising that we are different, we should find more ways to enable each community to have a better awareness and appreciation of the other a communities' customs and cultural traditions. This greater mutual understanding will help preserve as well as strengthen racial harmony and social cohesion.

The 3 video docu-dramas are part of our effort to generate greater public interest in our multi-cultural heritage, and promote inter-ethnic understanding. To achieve this, we need the active participation of the major ethnic and grassroots organisations. I would therefore like to commend both the SFCCA and the National

Community Organisations Council for taking the initiative to organise this function. 5 I am especially happy that they have invited many of our Malay and Indian friends. They will not only have a preview of this video docu-drama, but will also be able to join in the Chinese New Year festivities along the Singapore River later this evening. We should continue to encourage Singaporeans to actively participate in each other's cultural celebrations. This will certainly enhance mutual understanding and respect.

With that, it is my great pleasure to launch the Chinese video docu-drama. l

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MCD/Mjan26.'92 From: INFORMATIONS (8812:GVT224) Subject: [viedo] Delivered: Wed 19-February-92 13:20 SING (51 lines) SINGAPORE GOVERNMENT PRESS RELEASES

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