"3 challenges for S'pore to tackle: Refreshing efforts to maintain harmony for a new generation"
The Straits Times | by Grace Ho
QUOTE:
Mr Leonard Sim, the general secretary of advocacy group hash.peace, says it is important to keep an open mind on policy frameworks and approaches such as CMIO as the country is much more diverse compared to its early years of independence.
"We should gear towards a more open understanding of what 'Singapore' and 'Singaporean' means," he said.
Ms Nazhath Faheema, founder and president of hash.peace, says deeper conversations among different communities can take place in neighbourhood estates, and it is the depth and strength of such relations that can make or break social harmony. "I am more inclined to say that systems like EIP may benefit our racial harmony. However, we must evaluate its efficacy... and pay more attention to the grievances of minorities in the purchase and sales of their flats," she said.
This is where civil society can play a part in partnership with the Government - hash.peace, for example, aims to start a care group for those who need an outlet to speak and be heard.