THE STRAITS TIMES > NATIONAL DAY RALLY 2009 > STORY

Religious leaders show support

Aug 17, 2009

PM lee shaking hands with Mr Rustom Ghadiali, vice-president of the Inter-Religious Organisation at the Rally, while leaders of other faiths look on. -- ST PHOTO: TERENCE TAN

LEADERS of different faiths welcomed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's focus on the importance of maintaining racial and religious harmony in his National Day Rally speech yesterday.

They said it was a timely reminder of the sensitivities that Singapore faces as a multiracial and multi-religious society, and the need to maintain trust and understanding, especially when religious tension and conflict are rife in the region.

Master Lee Zhiwang, president of the Taoist Mission (Singapore), likened the harmony that Singapore enjoys now to a mirror that must not be broken. He said: 'We can't let the mirror break. Once that happens, you can't patch it back.'

Religious leaders noted, as Mr Lee did, the rising religiosity in Singapore.

But Singapore Buddhist Federation's president, Sik Kwang Sheng, also stressed that a stable and peaceful country was of first importance in order for different religious groups to practise their beliefs. He is also president of the Inter-Religious Organisation.

Anglican Archbishop John Chew, who is president of the National Council of Churches of Singapore, said the four rules of engagement that Mr Lee cited - tolerance, separation of religion and politics, secular government and preservation of common space - were values that Singapore had stuck to for many years.

'It's necessary to reinforce them because memories fade,' he added.

But he did not think there was a need to introduce further measures to underline the importance of racial and religious harmony. It was more a question of strengthening existing multi-religious platforms here for heads of different faiths to meet and talk things through, he said.

Mr Alami Musa, president of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis), said religious leaders must continue to remind their followers of the true essence of their teachings, and when necessary, step in to cool temperatures and urge them to be reasonable.

'I believe all religions preach moderation, peace and harmony. But sometimes, our flock...may not be able to appreciate the true aspects of their religious teachings.'

PM Lee's concern that the public space does not become a contesting ground for religious views resonated with Dr Robert Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church.

He noted that Mr Lee made it clear that separating religion and politics did not preclude people of faith and religious groups from taking part in public debates on policy issues. 'We will have to learn as we go along. A spirit of give-and-take would be very helpful.'