| |
| |
![]() |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
SINGAPORE: Where politics and religion are concerned, the rules of conduct are clear. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong stressed this in his annual address to the nation, and it was a point that resonated with many in the audience.
PM Lee called the speech "an unusually serious and sensitive" subject for the National Day Rally, but many in the audience agreed it served as a timely reminder on the importance of racial and religious harmony in Singapore, and the need for secular politics.
Still, religious leaders said on Sunday that this did not mean Singaporeans should shy away from public discussion on things which affect society.
Robert Solomon, vice-president of the National Council of Churches of Singapore, said: "Even in the PM's speech, he made it very clear that there is space for religious leaders to perform their role. But in doing that, they have to be very mindful of what the parameters are, so that whatever their articulations are, they will not affect the existing harmony.
"The simple point about Singaporeans needing to reach out to each other regardless of race or religion, to strike common friendships... I think that's a very important point, because you can't legislate that sort of thing. And that has to come from the ground up."
Some agreed it was not an easy topic to discuss.
Michael Palmer, Member of Parliament (MP) for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, said: "It was something that I was a bit apprehensive about myself, because it raises a lot of feelings in many people, no matter which race or religion you are.
It generates a lot of tension, and a lot of sensitivities... and it can go one way or the other. So I hope the public can take it in the right spirit, and see it for what it is, really a call to come together, and to be more harmonious."
Separately, Mr Lee spoke about how smaller firms can carve out a global niche for themselves through innovation. However, some industry players remain cautious, citing the lack of resources and manpower.
"At the moment because of financial crisis, a lot of SMEs are facing financial issues, so maybe for the time being, only the established companies can venture overseas," said an analyst. "The small and medium sized enterprises may have to wait for a little while."
Many described the prime minister's speech as giving a measure of hope to the future of Singapore, especially when Mr Lee recounted through photographs how Singapore has been transformed in the 50 years since self-rule.
Some also said it was a pragmatic speech, addressing firmly and squarely issues on the ground, be it religious tension, the state of the economy, or healthcare for an ageing population.
- CNA/yb
|
