SINGAPORE - The people behind a new group lobbying for a culture of honour came together as friends, said its chairman Lim Siong Guan, downplaying their common Christian ties.

Mr Lim, who is also the group president of Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC, said: "A group of us who have known each other for many years and who all think the same way about wanting Singapore to be a place of peace and stability, decided to set up Honour Singapore."

"Honour Singapore is not a Christian or religious organisation...

"We are not an advocacy group on issues of Government or public policies," he added, in response to queries from The Straits Times.

The group which was launched last Tuesday (Aug 5), has received some criticism online. Netizens pointed out that its board of five members are all from the Full Gospel Business (FGB) organisation.

Alongside Mr Lim, the other members are Mr Jason Wong, Mr Richard Magnus, Mr Khoo Oon Theam and Mr Georgie Lee.

The office of the non-profit organisation which aims to promote the value of keeping to one's word, is also listed under the same address as the organisation.

Mr Lim, who used to head the civil service, said the same address was used so as "to start Honour Singapore as soon as possible", before this year's National Day and Singapore's 50th birthday next year.

"To achieve its object, Honour Singapore will need to collaborate with any individual or organisation, regardless of race or religion, to reach all segments of Singapore society like schools, parents, businesses, workplaces and community groups," said Mr Lim.

The group also has a panel of 10 community advisors who will help provide guidance on how to reach out to these groups.

The members include Lien Foundation chairman Laurence Lien, who was a Nominated Member of Parliament, and Haji Mohammad Alami Musa, ambassador to Algeria and the president of the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura Council.