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SINGAPORE : The Minister for Law and Second Home Affairs Minister, K Shanmugam said it is important for Singapore to have as large a secular space as possible for people be able to interact with each other.
He was speaking to reporters at a Hindu temple consecration on Sunday.
"If you put forward that argument as to why society should be governed in a certain way - underpinned by or supported by - what you say is your religious practice, it is difficult for someone else to accept it. But if you put that argument on the basis that it's in the best interests of community and you put forward on a logical secular basis, then people can accept it."
Mr Shanmugam added: "Increasing religiosity is a trend that you see throughout the world. We are not an exception. What is important is that it remains a personal space and we create as large a secular space as possible for us to be able to interact with each other.
"While internally we are informed by our religious values, when we deal with each other in society, it has to be based on secular values."
Meanwhile, the Yishun Sri Maha Mariamman Temple was unveiled in a consecration ceremony after an elaborate makeover at the cost of $2 million.
The ceremony started at 8.30am, an auspicious time according to the Hindus.
This was the second consecration ceremony for the temple after it moved from Mandai in 1996.
About 15,000 devotees witnessed the event.
Mr Shanmugam took part in the consecration followed by the special prayers. - CNA /ls
He was speaking to reporters at a Hindu temple consecration on Sunday.
"If you put forward that argument as to why society should be governed in a certain way - underpinned by or supported by - what you say is your religious practice, it is difficult for someone else to accept it. But if you put that argument on the basis that it's in the best interests of community and you put forward on a logical secular basis, then people can accept it."
Mr Shanmugam added: "Increasing religiosity is a trend that you see throughout the world. We are not an exception. What is important is that it remains a personal space and we create as large a secular space as possible for us to be able to interact with each other.
"While internally we are informed by our religious values, when we deal with each other in society, it has to be based on secular values."
Meanwhile, the Yishun Sri Maha Mariamman Temple was unveiled in a consecration ceremony after an elaborate makeover at the cost of $2 million.
The ceremony started at 8.30am, an auspicious time according to the Hindus.
This was the second consecration ceremony for the temple after it moved from Mandai in 1996.
About 15,000 devotees witnessed the event.
Mr Shanmugam took part in the consecration followed by the special prayers. - CNA /ls
