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SINGAPORE — Rejecting the suggestion that religion is no longer a sensitive topic here, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong today (May 12) cautioned that increased religiosity, the rise of social media and overlapping of religious issues with social and moral questions meant that the Government has to continue to take a “watchful, prudent and hands-on approach”.
Speaking at the Inter-Religious Organisation's (IRO) 66th anniversary dinner hosted at the Istana , Mr Lee said that religious harmony has strengthened over the years to the point that some people may argue that Singapore is overly sensitive on matters of race and religion, or that the state "intervenes too much and too readily to circumscribe personal freedoms and liberty" in the name of racial and religious harmony, or that unfettered discussions or even criticisms and blasphemies should be allowed.
"These assumptions are unrealistic. ... Yes we can now speak about subjects which 20 years ago would have been hard to raise at all, especially in public. But this does not mean we don't have to be sensitive and respectful, or to worry about actions that provoke and give offense," said Mr Lee.
He cited three domestic developments that could affect the racial and religious harmony here. Firstly, Singaporeans are becoming more religious and taking their faiths more seriously. While religion can be anchors for good morals and caring communities, religious fervour can also lead to separation and mutual exclusion between different groups, he said. "So we must temper growing religiosity with greater tolerance, mutual understanding and respect," he added.
The Internet and social media is also making it easier for people to put up or be the target of provocative or offensive material, Mr Lee said. "Instead of a judicious response, it may provoke a self-righteous mob reaction and public lynching, which is even worse than the original provocation," he said.
Religious views overlapping with social and moral questions are also bound to happen in an increasingly developed and diverse society, Mr Lee said.
Citing examples of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) issues or income inequality, he said that these are contentious subjects of public or social policy where consensus is difficult to achieve.
"In such an environment, to maintain harmony in our multi-racial and multi-religious society, the Government must take a watchful, prudent and hands-on approach," he said.
He added: "We will not hesitate to act firmly when necessary because if conflict erupts, it will manage our social fabric. Our limits may be stricter than some other societies but we make no apology for that."
