There have being recent discussions about MM Lee's comment that the Malay community could be left out as a result of their religious beliefs. For example, the Malays cannot eat pork and consume alcohol. Therefore, when going out with colleagues of other races for a meal, the colleagues are only limited to eat at a halal restaurant and if the colleages decide otherwise, thos "staunch" Malays will have no choice but to leave the group.
The Malay communitiy should not be so rigid in what their religion says. For the scenario stated above, they could joined their colleagues at the non-halal restaurant and just do not order pork and alcohol. I do agree with the MM to a certain extent that the Malays being rigid will distant them from the society. Being in a multi-racial society, people should learn to accomodate others. For example, friends of the Malay could agree to going to the non-halal restaurant for that one occasion. However, the Malays should also do their part in "compromising" during certain times when most of the friends insist of going to the non-halal restaurant. The Malay could just join in for a chat if he feels uncomfortable ordering food at that restaurant. In this way, people of different races can come and mix together.
Racial harmony and mutual understanding is vital in Singapore's multi-racial society. Singapore, unlike Malaysia, is a communal country. In Malaysia, the Malays have "special rights" and the other races are hence "left out". In Malaysia, different races also live in different towns, and we seldom see two races living together in the same village. This has causeed a racial split between the Malays and the non-Malays. This also explains why Malaysia is not as successful as Singapore given their land size and population.
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