Instead of being emotional about the charge that Malays -- from Malaysia -- had instigated the 1964 racial riots which left 23 dead, they said Malays should be rational and look at the facts.

In a report published in The Sunday Times yesterday, several Malay community leaders defended the book in the face of criticisms from Malaysia.

But 13 of the 22 Malay Singaporeans interviewed in a straw poll said they had not read the book or kept up with news reports in detail.

Though they were aware that the book had stirred controversy in Malaysia, they said they were not moved to find out more. "It's got nothing to do with me," said a housewife in her early 40s, who declined to be named.

All nine who gave their opinions -- who had read the book or followed news reports -- said it was right for SM Lee to write about that controversial chapter in Singapore's history.

Singaporeans, they said, had the right to know.

They noted that what was written was based not just on Mr Lee's recollection, but on research and hard facts backed by historical documents.

Taxi driver Shahar Najiman, 36, said he was aware that there were Malaysian reactions. But, he said: "This is not an issue with us anymore, because we don't see ourselves as Malay, Chinese or Indian, but as Singaporeans. But it may still be sensitive with others."

Business development manager Sa-at Ismail, 28, said: "Nobody likes to be accused of starting riots or bribing people. The truth hurts. But it is, after all, the truth."

Mrs Harlinah Jumadi, 26, a clerk who is midway through the book now, said: "I feel ashamed as a Malay that the riots, all the racial tensions took place.

"But I just take it, learn from it and hope it won't happen again."

The interviewees also felt that the issue was a historical, and not a racial one, which could divide Singapore now.

Mr Amin Othman, 36, an executive in a television production house, said: "I see it more as a national issue between Malaysia and Singapore. I think Singaporeans will now band together more behind our government, because it's a matter of national pride."

All nine said they were proud that Singapore had succeeded as a harmonious multi-racial society.

Engineer Mohammad Faizal, 36, said: "Even though we are Malay and have our own culture and tradition, we're Singaporeans. And we're proud that no matter what ethnic group we are, we have equal opportunities."

Production supervisor Amran Mohamad Haji, 35, said SM Lee's book was a timely reminder to maintain racial unity: "At this time when the economy is bad and people are thinking of keeping their own rice bowls, tensions may rise and neighbours could turn on each other and become enemies.

"It's good to remind us that when we work together, whether we are Indians, Malays or Chinese, we can get through this as Singaporeans."