IN SINGAPORE'S multi-racial and multi-religious society, it is 'potentially dangerous' for religion to 'descend into the fray of petty politics', warned the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports on Sunday.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan made it clear it is not a good idea to mix religion and what he calls the hurly-burly of politicking on the ground.

He gave this piece of advice on Sunday to the two groups at loggerheads in the ongoing Aware saga.

Speaking after a ministerial visit to Nee Soon South, Dr Balakrishnan prefaced his remarks by stressing the Government would not be getting involved 'at this point in time'.

Saying the dispute is 'not a national problem', he added: 'This is a problem they (Aware) have to solve themselves. Let me state categorically that at this point in time, the Government has no intention of intervening.

'Let them settle this democratically, according to their own rules, abiding with their constitution.'

But what he would do is to offer three pieces of advice - to not just Aware, but all Singaporeans.

ONE: religion should be kept above the fray of petty politics.

TWO: do not let one issue hijack the agenda and polarise Singapore.

THREE: A rainbow coalition is vital for any group here to make meaningful change.

Read the full story in Monday's edition of The Straits Times.