Religious harmony remains fragile, but S’pore better placed to handle such issues: Faishal Ibrahim
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Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim said Singapore is in a relatively better position than other countries in dealing with religious incidents.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
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- Reactions from the Muslim community and other groups over the past few days have shown that social cohesion is worth protecting, says Faishal Ibrahim.
- His remarks came after a man was charged for his suspected involvement in sending out a parcel containing a piece of pork to Al-Istiqamah Mosque on Sept 24.
- Authorities and religious leaders condemned the act, emphasising the need to protect social cohesion and harmony.
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SINGAPORE - Singapore’s social fabric and religious harmony remain fragile, but the country is in a relatively better position than other countries in dealing with religious incidents, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim said on Sept 27.
“There will be people from other communities who will look out for each and every one of us. Singapore has been making efforts to develop a cohesive community over the past six decades, and we have come so far,” said Associate Professor Faishal.
His remarks came after a man was charged over his suspected involvement in sending out a parcel
The incident sparked deep concern among various religious groups,
Reactions from the Muslim community and other groups over the past few days have shown that social cohesion is worth protecting, while it remains a work in progress, said Prof Faishal, who is also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs.
Those who have reached out to express concern, support and solidarity “share the same sense of anger and rejection of such unacceptable actions”, he added.
He was speaking to the media on the sidelines of an event at the Singapore Expo aimed at helping Muslims plan their wills and transfer wealth in accordance with Islamic principles.
On the morning of Sept 27, Bill Tan Keng Hwee, 61, was charged with deliberately intending to harm the racial feelings of a person.
Court documents showed that Tan had allegedly mailed an envelope addressed to the mosque in Serangoon North, containing a piece of pork and a note which read “halal BaBi chop”.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Tan is allegedly involved in several similar cases at other mosques around Singapore.
The offence carries an imprisonment term of up to three years, a fine, or both.
The incident has shocked many, and mosques here have been reminded to keep a lookout for suspicious activities, said Prof Faishal, who urged communities to remain calm, not speculate, and allow the police to do their work.
Since the case is currently before the court, Prof Faishal was unable to reveal the number of mosques affected by similar incidents, or if other perpetrators are involved apart from Tan.
If a similar incident were to happen to other racial and religious groups, the Muslim community should step up to lend their support and stand by the affected groups, he added.
“To me, the reactions from the different religious and racial groups showed that we have developed something worthwhile to protect. While an incident like this hits us, or affects the social fabric and cohesiveness of the community, if we (react right), it will strengthen us.
“People are reflecting on why Singapore has taken a certain stance in making sure that we are very careful with talking and nuancing about disrespecting each other’s race and religion, because they have implications,” he said.
The Al-Istiqamah Mosque was evacuated on Sept 24
An employee of the mosque experienced breathlessness
The employee has since been discharged, and Prof Faishal had visited her at the hospital.
The Al-Istiqamah Mosque was evacuated on Sept 24 after the suspicious parcel was delivered at about 5.20pm.
PHOTO: ST FILE
On Sept 25, Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam spoke to the media at the mosque, revealing that similar incidents had recently happened
Saying that the act was inflammatory regardless of the parcel’s contents, the Coordinating Minister for National Security added: “Whatever the motive, this is playing with fire. We are treating this matter very seriously. We will deal firmly with anyone found responsible.”
He said such incidents are common in other countries, and can create distrust between communities by deepening divisions.
Mr Shanmugam said the police have stepped up visits to mosques and will continue to do so, but cautioned against turning places of worship into fortresses.
In a Facebook post on Sept 27, Singapore’s Mufti, Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to fellow faith leaders and communities for the outpouring of support and solidarity to protect places of worship and preserve harmony.
“An individual may have made this mistake from a place of pain and misunderstanding, and it hurts and worries us that the sacredness of our place of worship was desecrated,” said Dr Nazirudin.
Even as such acts seek to divide, the country has to remain united, and deepen the trust and friendship that have been painstakingly developed, he added.
“There is an important space in all our faith traditions for forgiveness, charity and kindness. This is especially in a time when intolerance and hate behaviours continue to rise around the world,” he said.
Religious leaders, places of worship and government bodies have condemned and raised concern over the incident.
These include the Sikh Advisory Board, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore, the Singapore Buddhist Federation, the Taoist Federation (Singapore) and Tao One, a non-profit organisation that runs a Taoist temple and other services.
In a Facebook post on Sept 25, the Singapore Buddhist Federation said it “strongly objects to this evil act of disrespect(ing) religious sensitivities”.
“The pre-independence turbulences are still fresh in our minds. Yet, there are lawbreakers trying to use race and religion to stir up hatred. These despicable acts must be severely denounced,” added the federation.
In a letter to the Mufti of Singapore, Cardinal William Goh said the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore strongly condemns the acts, which seek to create division and foster ill-will between the communities.
“This disrespect is a clear attempt to wound the sensitivities of our Muslim brothers and sisters and disturb the peace among our people in Singapore,” added the Archbishop of Singapore.
The Taoist Federation (Singapore) said in a Facebook post that it strongly condemns such harmful acts that disrespect religious beliefs and firmly opposes any attacks on places of worship.
“As a religious organisation, we believe that unity and harmony among all races and faiths are the foundation of Singapore’s multicultural society,” it said.
“Let us stand together to uphold religious harmony and community unity, respect one another, and safeguard the precious peace we all share.”
In a Facebook post on Sept 25, the Inter-Religious Organisation said: “An act against one religion is an act against all religions.”
The Islamic Legacy Planning Village on Sept 27 offered services for attendees to complete Central Provident Fund nominations, insurance nominations and advance care planning, among other things.
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) said more than 55 per cent of adult Muslims in Singapore have not completed their legacy planning.
To encourage more in the community to do so, an online guidebook called The Final Amanah – Guiding Singaporean Muslims On Loss And Legacy was launched at the event.
Muis said in a statement: “This resource covers everything from planning before death to handling affairs after someone passes away. It helps grieving families cope while serving as a useful planning guide for Muslims.”
