Tan Siew Sin 1957

Kenyataan Tan Siew Sin dalam perbahasan Federation of Malaya Legislative Council Debates July 10, 1957 ketika membalas hujah dari S.M. Yong mengenai Malay privileges

Malay privileges had been part of Federation of Malaya Agreement. "The Malays, therefore, cannot be expected to give up what they already have in the same way that they do not expect the other communities to give up their existing rights. Far more important however is the indisputable fact that as a race the Malays are economically backward and well behind the other races in field... It has also been asked why it has not been explicitly stated that this provision is only temporary. I would remain our critics that the Malays are a proud and sensitive race. They are also an intelligent race and I know that they appreciate the significance and implications of his provision far better than most people realize. I have no doubt in my mind whatsoever that when the time comes, the Malays themselves will ask for its abolition, but this is a matter which we must obviously leave to them to decide".