by Dr Chee Soon Juan/

The YPAP incident where one of its members, Jason Neo, had put up a racially offensive post is not only unfortunate but very troubling. It would be tragic if this is a derivation from some of the tragic comments that the PAP, in particular Mr Lee Kuan Yew, has uttered about the Malay-Muslim community.

As far as the SDP(Singapore Democratic Party) is concerned we have made it abundantly clear that we need to build a multicultural society where we do not only show tolerance but, indeed, acceptance of our fellow citizens regardless of their backgrounds. The diversity of our party membership is not window-dressing, it is a reflection of the core value of pluralism that the Singapore Democrats hold dear.

To this end, we expect our members to know exactly where we stand on this matter and that we do not even have to tell them to avoid posting such offensive and bigoted remarks. Comments like those expressed by Jason Neo has no place in the SDP.

On the broader subject of online activity, we encourage our members and associates to participate in the new media. Society is that much more robust and transparent with a free flow of information and debate. We do expect, however, that they conduct themselves with decorum and civility in discussions that they engage in, and not resort to hateful speech.

Diversity, multiculturalism and pluralism are merely buzz words that we use to promote Racial Harmony Day in our schools when we continue to have our housing, military and social welfare policies based on skin colour. As long as we retain such attitudes in our public policy we cannot hope to eradicate racism and racialism, and inculcate in our youths the notion of Singaporean-ness.

We take this opportunity to reiterate the SDP’s stand that we are committed to building a democratic society which is the only way that we can achieve a more equal and more just Singapore.

Dr Chee is the Secretary General of SDP