Teo say must watch fault lines

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Said unrest in France and Sweden caused by immigration and different social values led to riots.


We must watch the fault lines: DPM Teo

By Xue Jianyue

SINGAPORE — In addition to race and religion, other possible fault lines such as “citizenship, sexual orientation and social values” — amplified by the ubiquity of social media — have emerged in Singapore, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said today (Sept 24).

Opposing views over various issues have also surfaced among the 50,000 participants of Our Singapore Conversation, but Mr Teo said he hopes that Singaporeans can work together for the common good, even if the Government cannot cater to all individual preferences.

Speaking at the opening of the 11th National Security Seminar today, Mr Teo said that Singapore “needs to be mindful of tensions in our society”, and should harness diverse views and channel the energies of different groups for the “greater good” of the country.

Citing the unrest in France and Sweden — where tensions caused by immigration and different social values have led to riots — the Deputy Prime Minister said that even though Singapore has enjoyed social harmony for many decades, it may not be immune to social changes in other countries which could be imported into the country.

He cited social media as a possible contributing factor. “Social media can help those with a common interest come together, but it can also reinforce and entrench polarising views,” he said. XUE JIANYUE


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