Singaporeans urged to stay united against any challenge

SINGAPORE, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday called on the nation to stay united to meet all challenges the country may face.

According to Channel NewsAsia reports on Sunday night, speaking at the opening of a local sports and recreation center and a National Day carnival, Lee said that Singaporeans cannot just bondonce a year on National Day and around this period. They have to build good relations with one another through their daily contacts, ordinary lives and friendships and working relationships.

"It is important to have shared facilities and facilities where we can interact with one another, regardless of race and religion, where we can mingle, and be comfortable with one another and gain confidence in each other," he said.

Lee said that National Day enforces the common identity of Singaporeans, and such community celebrations help strengthen bonds and remind citizens of their shared future.

Singapore gained its independence from Malaysia in 1965, and the country has since earlier this month been preparing to celebrate its National Day, which will fall on August 9.