The Straits Times
12 October 2012
There are two pertinent points related to the episode involving sacked NTUC executive Amy Cheong?s racially negative remarks about Malays (?Firing exec was difficult but necessary: NTUC chief?; Wednesday).
First, many Singaporeans have yet to fully internalise the meaning of a multicultural society.
While many have little difficulty in declaring?support?for the more valuable credo of multiculturalism, some have failed to distinguish it from multiracialism.
Ms Cheong?s vitriol against the Malays? peculiar wedding celebration suggests that she is in this wrong category; she does not understand what it means to live in a multicultural society.
The difference between multiracialism and multiculturalism is more than nuanced.
While multiracialism regards differences and peculiarities in a plural society as negative liabilities in nation-building, multiculturalism views such a heterogeneity as an asset that should be tolerated, if not accommodated.
So, if we wish to buttress our commitment towards multiculturalism, building an inclusive society whereby ethno-religious differences are welcomed, not ridiculed, is the way to go.
Second, because we have committed to live by this pluralistic and diverse multicultural society, extremism of any form and by anyone should be disallowed.
It is here that while Malays/Muslims have all the right to be angry and have acted so, they too, like all others, must accept that a multicultural society has no place for excessive reactions, and put this into practice, however painful it is for them to swallow.
Thus far, their responses have been measured and reasonable ? and this is to be commended.
This episode should also tell us that not only do race and religious issues remain sensitive in common spaces, more must be done by all stakeholders to foster a multicultural society.
This is the only solution to ensure the continuing stability and prosperity of our young nation.
The continuing concerns by Singaporeans about immigration and population policies make it even more important for us to?exercise greater care and understanding when dealing with these issues.
A/P Hussin Mutalib
Department of Political Science
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