SINGAPORE, April 11 -- Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong yesterday urged its citizens to continue safeguarding racial and religious harmony amid global uncertainties, while criticising a remark by former Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Calvin Cheng.

Reflecting on Singapore's past, Wong recalled that during the period when Singapore was part of Malaysia, some in the Malaysian community had labelled local Chinese as "pendatang" or immigrants, which left many feeling like second-class citizens.

"When Singapore became independent, we resolved never to treat our minorities like that," he posted on Facebook.

He added that Singapore today is a diverse yet harmonious society where all races and religions are respected and have "their...