Ex-PM Lee Urges Singaporeans To Guard National Identity Amid Global Pressures

Former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong urged citizens to resist "powerful external forces" and strengthen their national identity during a forum on Tuesday. Speaking at the Kent Ridge Ministerial Forum at the National University of Singapore, Lee emphasised the need to navigate challenges from globalisation and geopolitical tensions, warning that Singapore could be pulled in different directions by events such as the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict or developments in countries like India and China.

In response to a question about threats to national identity, Lee highlighted how certain groups, such as Muslims, might feel stronger ties to global issues, while others could be influenced by their ethnic backgrounds. He stressed the importance of balancing these affiliations, stating, "Our job is to resist that and to remember, yes, I am Muslim, or I am Chinese, or I am Indian, but I am also Singaporean." Lee, who served as Singapore's third prime minister from 2004 to 2024, argued that every generation faces crises that ultimately fortify the nation's identity.

Lee asserted that Singapore's national identity has grown stronger over time but is now tested by superpower rivalries and disruptions. He described it as multi-layered, encompassing ethnic, religious, and political differences, and cautioned against fault lines that could divide society. "We are one people, but we are not all identical," he said, adding that being Singaporean might not be the most dominant aspect of one's identity but remains crucial for unity.

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The forum, attended by nearly 800 students and academics, underscored ongoing discussions about identity in a globalised world. Lee's comments reflect broader challenges faced by multicultural societies, though he did not specify concrete policy recommendations. As a senior minister, his remarks continue to influence public discourse on national cohesion in Singapore.

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