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Pearl Lee
The Chinese community, which makes up the majority in Singapore, has always acted in the interests of the wider society, Education Minister (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung said yesterday in Parliament.
"When necessary, the community has made important compromises to protect Singapore's values of multiculturalism and multiracialism," said Mr Ong in Mandarin, as the House entered Day Two of the debate on proposed changes to the elected presidency.
One example of the community compromising was when it agreed to have English as the state's working language, he added.
This is why he believes the community will understand the need to safeguard minority representation in the president's office.
"All races need to have the chance of being elected president. This is the only way that our president can be a symbol of multiracial Singapore," he said.
But apart from being a unifying figure who can connect with Singaporeans from all walks of life, the president must also have the financial acumen to manage the country's reserves, said Mr Ong.
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/chinese-have-always-acted-in-interests-of-wider-society