SINGAPORE: Singapore's religious harmony is not something that came about by chance. It is the result of continuous efforts to nurture a harmonious society.

Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said this at a tree-planting event to mark Racial Harmony Month in Singapore at the Stamford Green, Fort Canning Park on Saturday.

Religious leaders from various faiths came together to plant eight Kayu Arang trees at the event, helping to turn the Stamford Green into a permanent landscape symbolising religious harmony.

Senior Minister Goh said that planting the Kayu Arang trees - known for its sturdiness - may be a simple act, but it has a deeper meaning in multi-racial and multi-religious Singapore.

Mr Goh said it is also symbolic of Singapore's commitment to harmony between religions.

He said: "These trees, planted close to one another, reaffirm that all of us, whatever religions, have a place in Singapore. Like religious harmony, these trees will require delicate care and constant nurturing."

Mr Goh said when mature, the trees will be an enduring symbol of Singapore's peaceful co-existence and a tribute to religious harmony.

He added that Singaporeans may not wonder much about the country's multi-racial, multi-religious make-up, but to a foreign visitor, it is often a surprise and even admiration, at how well Singaporeans have integrated.

Mr Goh said: "How did we achieve this? The primary reason is a fair and just government. We treat all religions with respect. We do not allow the majority to overwhelm the minority. We ensure that no one is discriminated against or disadvantaged because of his race, language or religion."

And to help promote inter-faith understanding, the country formed Inter-Religious Harmony Circles to bring together different religions through universal shared values.

In the evening, Senior Minister Goh was at his Marine Parade constituency to celebrate racial harmony with residents there.

The celebrations saw residents joining their MPs and members of Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles in a reaffirmation of racial harmony in Singapore.

There was also a talk on the importance of building friendship and trust in peacetime.

In Singapore, Racial Harmony Day is observed on July 21 to remember the racial riots of 1964.


- CNA/ir