SINGAPORE: A spirited debate in Parliament on 5 February 2024 ignited over Non-Constituency Member of Parliament Leong Mun Wai’s remarks regarding Singapore’s multiracial policies. Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam didn’t hold back in his criticisms, arguing that Mr Leong’s statements revealed a troubling stance on the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP).
A Tense Exchange
The clash arose following Mr Leong’s comments on the Ethnic Integration Policy, a cornerstone established in 1989 to ensure racial diversity in Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats. Shanmugam stated, “Mr Leong may not put much value in our multiracial approach,” highlighting past remarks where Mr Leong described HDB living conditions unfavourably.
Mr Leong’s Economic Arguments
- Mr Leong maintains his opposition to the EIP is driven by economic considerations, asserting that it imposes costs on minorities.
- He reiterated that his party supports the EIP but seeks compensation for minorities affected.
Defence of the Multiracial Approach
Shanmugam emphasised the importance of the EIP and the CMIO (Chinese-Malay-Indian-Others) framework in ensuring social cohesion. He referred to international examples, such as France’s experience with racial policies, to stress the necessity of these frameworks in Singapore.
Citing Historical Context
During the exchange, Shanmugam referenced a prior incident from September 2021, where Mr Leong’s comments on a bilateral agreement with India were interpreted as racially insensitive, even among his peers.
Continuing the Debate on Policies
This discussion comes at a time when the Singaporean government is reviewing its social policies, including those related to marriage and parenthood, amid a decreasing total fertility rate (TFR). This topic also sparked debates within parliament, where differences of opinion continue to emerge about how best to support families.
Reflections on Future Directions
As these conversations unfold, both sides will need to navigate complex socio-economic dynamics, ensuring policies resonate with the realities of modern Singapore.