1. Founding PM Lee Kuan Yew's remark set the tone for Singapore's society: Before asking his first question, a journalist addressed Lee as "Tuan Perdana Menteri". Lee immediately replied that the journalist could address him as "Saudara Lee", saying that he was just an ordinary citizen.

PM Lee said that this sets the tone for society in Singapore that Singapore will be equal and egalitarian.

2. Since independence, the Malay community has made enormous progress: PM Lee said that Malays are represented in every part of Singapore society.

He recounted his meeting with two such young Malays at Minister Yaacob Ibrahim’s Hari Raya get-together: Capt Muhammad Azlan Abdul Latiff, a Super Puma pilot and Capt Muhammad Iskandar Dzul Fadhli Abdul Rahman, an F5 fighter pilot.

PM Lee said that both are successful, poised, competitive, confident of holding their own, successful and handsome.

3. Among the small group of HDB dwellers who live in rental flats, the Malays are over-represented: PM Lee notes that many are young Malay families with marital and financial problems and says that he is concerned about their future, especially that of their children and that they may be trapped in poverty. The government should help these families start afresh and help them own flats again. He will speak more about this in his English speech later.

4. Strengthen the teaching of secular subjects in Madrasahs: PM Lee said that Madrasahs play an important role in nurturing religious scholars and teachers. The government will leave religious education to MUIS and help in secular subjects.

The government will work with MUIS to strengthen the teaching of secular subjects in madrasahs. The goverment will provide financial support to upgrade teachers of secular subjects and fund awards for students who do well in secular subjects.

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