Pay attention to new fault lines between old and new citizens : PM Lee

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has cautioned Singaporeans to pay attention to new fault lines that have appeared between new and old citizens. 

Mr Lee said new citizens may be ethnically similar, but the fault lines develop as they have different norms, habits and attitude. 

So he said Singaporeans must watch out for social friction, especially online. 

Speaking at his Teck Ghee ward's racial harmony celebrations, Mr Lee said citizens must work together to ensure that the differences do not affect social stability here. 

He added that new citizens should embrace Singapore values and norms as part of their identity. 

And that Singaporeans should help the new citizens fit in. 

He pointed out that race and religion are still divisive here and abroad. 

The ease of joining online communities with radical or narrow interests also amplifies intolerant views. 

And as the population becomes more diverse, Singaporeans will have to work harder at keeping social cohesion.