My fellow citizens,

I share the dream of the Malay leaders to make your community a "Community of Excellence".

In the present economic situation, some of you may ask: is this vision achievable?

I believe so, if you take a long-term view, and address the following issues, amongst others.

First is the bond between the new Malay leaders and the community. Like their predecessors, they will have to secure the trust and confidence of the community through their vision, deeds and service. Both of you, the leaders and your community, must work together to achieve your community vision, like the saying, "berat sama dipikul, ringan sama dijinjing" ("shoulder heavy and carry light loads together").

Second, the Malay/Muslim community faces the same challenges as the other communities - the threat of international terrorism, SARS and job loss. We are in the same boat. Use this opportunity to reach out to them and build lasting ties. Forge a national identity that transcends race and religion.

I was heartened by the way all the communities had worked together in fighting SARS. Continue to interact with the other communities in the mainstream. You will benefit from doing so. Do not isolate yourselves and end up being a less important tributary. If you do, your development will be slower. You also risk being misunderstood by other Singaporeans.

Third: make a big effort to reduce the number of dysfunctional families. Dysfunctional families often result in problems of low academic achievement, school dropout, juvenile delinquency and drug addiction. They get caught in a vicious cycle of broken homes, social problems and poverty. This situation weighs your community down.

I shall be introducing a HOPE or Home Ownership Plus Education programme to help young parents with low educational qualifications break out of this poverty trap. The programme will build up their self-reliance. To benefit, the parents will have to go for training and have a small family.

Encourage such parents to take advantage of the programme. It is a practical way to improve the overall performance of your community.

Your community has become stronger as a result of competing in a meritocracy. Many of you are doing well in mainstream Singapore. With your abilities, we shall soon see more Malays/Muslims holding higher responsibilities in the public and private sectors. I am confident of this.

Finally, thank you for helping me deal with the many challenges I faced as Prime Minister. I ask for your continued support as I ready a new team to look after the interests of your community and of Singapore.

Thank you.

..............