SINGAPORE (AFP) - Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong has lent his stamp of approval to a more fun-loving lifestyle in Singapore, but warned his countrymen to do something about their boorish image abroad, especially when visiting neighouring Malaysia.

In a televised speech late yesterday spelling out his vision for the next decade, Goh said the republic's rapid rise from an economic backwater to Southeast Asia's richest nation may be to blame for the negative image.

"I think our less than gracious behaviour is because we have become affluent too quickly. Our social graces have not kept pace with our material progress," he said.

"Let us be humble, courteous, and gracious in our behaviour and attitude," he added.

Goh cited in particular the way his people behave in the neighbouring Malaysian state of Johor, where Singaporeans do their weekend shopping, golfing and nightclubbing to take advantage of lower prices.

He said ethnic Chinese Singaporeans, who constitute nearly 80 percent of the city-state's population, are known as "hao lian" or "show-offs" among the people of Johor, connected by a causeway and a bridge to Singapore.

"They claim that Singaporeans love to speed and beat traffic lights when in Malaysia, behave as if they are 'ABC' or 'American-born Chinese' and love to shout 'very cheap, very cheap!' while shopping," he said.

No harm in merry-making

On the home front, Goh reiterated his dream of an arts-loving, fun-seeking and cosmopolitan place.

"New Singapore will be one of the world's finest, most liveable cities. Arts, theatres, museums, music and sports will flourish. Singapore will be a lively and exciting place, with plenty to do and experience. Our city will not only have depth, but also the richness of diversity," he said.

Goh, an economist and former shipping executive who took over from the stern patrician leader Lee Kuan Yew in 1990, said he would not mind seeing more of the controversial "foam parties" thrown by some Singapore night spots - but within limits.

There had been some complaints about such parties, which involve skimpily dressed, soaking wet customers dancing and drinking the night away.

"I thought foam parties were for children, but I saw pictures of adults enjoying themselves too. That is all right, so long as the merry-makers prance around with the lights and their clothes on," Goh quipped, drawing laughter from his audience.