Singapore’s Diverse Population

Northern Advocate, 19 November 1941, Page 10

Singapore’s Diverse Population

A journalist with the Australian Forces at Singapore says: One of the amazing features of Singapore—and of Malaya as a whole —is the harmony in which peoples of such diverse race and religion exist. According to the last census, from a total population of nearly 4.5 millions, there are just under 2 million Malays.. 1.7 million Chinese, 624,000 Indians, 17,000 Europeans, 16,000 Eurasians, and 56,000 others. The Malays are orthodox Moslems, and as many as possible make the pilgrimage to Mecca. The Chinese are Buddhists and the Indians mainly Hindus, yet there has never been any racial or religious discord between them. Chinese and Indian shops exist side by side with no animosity between the shopkeepers. This remarkable racial and religious tolerance is commented on by all who visit Malaya. The general opinion here is that it is because the Malays, as the largest group, are such a peaceful, courteous and lovable people. They have set an example of tolerance, and have made welcome all those who have come to stay in their country—something which the Australian troops have quickly appreciated.