'Singapore not yet a nation,' says PM

'Singapore not yet a nation,' says PM

SINGAPORE (AP): Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said on Wednesday that Singapore is "not yet a nation", and must strive to overcome the pitfalls of a multi-ethnic society that can lead to bloodshed.

"Singapore is too small to break up into two or three separate countries. But racial riots can tear the country apart," Goh told Parliament in an usually candid speech focusing on Singapore's weaknesses.

Racial riots in the 1960s, pitting the Chinese against the local Malays, still loom large in the memory of the 33-year-old country.

Singapore's 3.2 million people are predominantly Chinese at 78 percent, with 14 percent Malays and 7 percent Indians.

"Singapore is not a nation. We do not all speak the same language. Nor do we share the same religion and customs. We have different ancestors," Goh told legislators.