PRIME Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday underlined the need for religious groups to remain mindful of Singapore's multi-religious society even as they increase collaboration with international groups.
Speaking at the official opening of the Singapore Buddhist Federation's (SBF's) new building in Geylang, he noted that Buddhism is growing worldwide, including in Singapore, and this has led to more frequent exchanges between Buddhists all over the world.
'Cross-border religious cooperation has great significance and enhances our spiritual wealth,' he noted.
But at the same time, he said, 'we should not overlook the fact that we are a multi-religious society even as we participate in such projects.'
'We should not take racial and religious harmony for granted,' he stressed, reminding his audience that he had discussed the issue at length during his National Day Rally address in August.
In that address, he emphasised four principles that Singaporeans - of all religions - should observe to maintain peace and harmony here: exercise tolerance and restraint; keep religion separate from politics; uphold a secular government; and maintain common spaces.
The high profile reminder to religious groups came in the wake of the leadership tussle at the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware), in which a group of people mostly from one religious group were seen as mounting a takeover of the advocacy group.
Mr Lee made no reference to Aware yesterday, but reminded his audience that the four principles 'help to maintain peace in society and strengthen Singaporeans' sense of identity'.
He also noted that the various races and faiths here have been living in harmony for more than 40 years.
'Buddhists and Taoists are among the largest religious groups in Singapore. They have always shown tolerance, setting the basic tone for our society and the general mood of tolerance and understanding among the different communities.
'This has helped to maintain our racial and religious harmony,' he said.
'In fact, Buddhism is about equality, tolerance and compassion,' he added.
Mr Lee spoke in both Mandarin and English in his address to 500 guests, including leaders of other faiths and many Chinese-speaking monks, nuns and devotees.
