The Straits Times - PM: Always be mindful of harmony
21 November 2009
Cooperation abroad fine as long as S'pore's make-up not overlooked
By Zakir Hussain, Political Correspondent
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.
Apart from opening its new building, the SBF also celebrated its 60th anniversary yesterday.
Formed in 1949, the SBF was conceived mainly to help less well-off Chinese and to promote Buddhism.
Today, it is a major umbrella body for Buddhists. It runs two schools - the Maha Bodhi School and Manjusri Secondary School, as well as a childcare centre and another student care centre.
It has won over many young followers through use of the Internet, concerts, community activities and overseas visits.
It is also active in social welfare projects like clinics and rehabilitation centres that benefit Singaporeans of all faiths.
This record of not confining aid to its own gives Mr Lee the confidence that Buddhists here will continue to contribute to Singapore and keep society harmonious, cohesive and compassionate.
'On behalf of the Government, I thank Singapore's Buddhist community, the SBF and various Buddhist groups for playing a constructive role in our society,' he said.
Mr Lee also held up the SBF for its efforts in promoting religious harmony. Its members are active in a host of forums, like the Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles in constituencies islandwide.
'I am confident the SBF and the Singapore Buddhist community will remain considerate, moderate and accommodating,' he added.
Mr Lee's call for understanding among people of different faiths was backed by the SBF president and young Buddhists.
Said Mr Cell Lim, 29, a youth manager at the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See monastery: 'When organising events like our annual Vesak Day celebrations, we make it a point to engage youth from other communities and emphasise universal values we all have in common, like compassion.'
The SBF president, Venerable Kwang Sheng, said: 'Living in a multiracial and multi-religious society, it is important for us to promote activities which foster harmony and understanding.
'It is for this reason that friends from various faiths have been invited to share our joy on this occasion.'
'Living in a multiracial and multi-religious society, it is important for us to promote activities which foster harmony and understanding. It is for this reason that friends from various faiths have been invited to share our joy on this occasion.'
Venerable Kwang Sheng, the Singapore Buddhist Federation's president.
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Lianhe Zaobao - 李总理肯定 佛教社群所作贡献
21 November 2009
Sypnosis
The Government has affirmed the active role played by the Buddhist community and the various Buddhist groups in many fields and their contributions made over the years. The fact that Buddhism has attracted many young followers also gives Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong the confidence that the local Buddhist community will remain active in future and continue to make greater contributions to the country. PM Lee said that an active Buddhist community would not only allow it to make greater contributions to the country but also bring benefit to society and the various communities, thereby making Singapore an even warmer and more cohesive society. Adding that the Singapore Buddhist Federation (SBF) had been sparing no effort in promoting religious harmony, PM Lee said that for instance, SBF was supportive of activities of the Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles, which could help maintain racial and religious harmony and played an important role in a multi-racial and multi-religious society.
