Lee ready
to meet Malay groups for 'adult to adult' talks
From the Straits Times October
2, 1999
RELATED: Malay-Muslims
want clarification from Lee Kuan Yew
Malay
minister defends Lee Kuan Yew
The
Lee remarks
AT a press conference in Shanghai on Sept 30, Mr Lee
Kuan Yew said he was ready to meet Malay-Muslim groups, but it must be
"adult to adult" talk and not "baby talk", adding that
there is no once-and-for-all solution to ethnic and religious issues.
Commenting on reaction to his remarks about Malay loyalty, he said checks will be carried out before any person, even an ethic Chinese, is appointed to any sensitive job.
He said loyalty is a very personal attribute and from time to time, there will be isolated groups who hark back to their roots.
Yesterday, Mr Ja'afar Sidin, the secretary-general of Majlis Pusat the council for 38 Malay-Muslim cultural bodies said a dialogue will allow for a frank and cordial exchange of views on the issue and help Malay-Muslims understand Mr Lee's thoughts and concern for Singapore.
He expressed confidence that the participants will conduct themselves in a mature, objective and friendly manner.
"A dialogue will help to build on the current level of trust and promote a spirit of openness between the Government and the people that will ultimately augur well for all our efforts in nation-building."