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SINGAPORE: Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam said Friday ethnic and religious diversity poses some challenges to social order as different groups pursue their interests enthusiastically and passionately.
Speaking in Parliament during the Home Affairs Ministry's Budget debate, he said Singapore's approach towards resolving such disagreements is through mediation, or at the ground level through common sense.
Other means include moral persuasion using the collective efforts of the community, grassroots and religious leaders.
However, Mr Shanmugam noted that there may be times when such efforts are not enough.
"In such instances, the authorities will step in to deal with the problem," he said.
On suggestions by an MP that a stronger and clearer signal be sent out for every breach of the law, Mr Shanmugam felt that ideally, such action by the authorities should be few and far between.
He said the long-term solution to religious disputes must come from the mutual understanding and trust among the different groups and their leaders.
Mr Shanmugam stressed that the Internet cannot be a realm where the law is suspended and does not apply.
He said everyone must be accountable for their actions when they break the law, even if these were done in cyberspace.
- CNA/yb
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