In response, Zaobao hoped readers would see the June 9 editorial in its entirety, saying the piece analyses the problem from three different aspects, and tries to explain that the pandemic, the role of social media, and popular ideological trends from abroad have all exacerbated racial tensions.

It also noted the different interpretations of the concept in academic circles, saying: "One should not easily dismiss the critique of CRT by serious scholars as a 'far-right American perspective'."

"We strongly believe that when discussing the issue of race in Singapore, we should not be applying foreign ideas and concepts without adapting them to local conditions," Zaobao added.