Ensure diversity to keep policies, politics neutral
I refer to the letter “Politicians entitled to live consistently with their beliefs” (Oct 10). It is important to ensure that in a religiously plural society, politics must be kept religion-neutral.
We cannot escape the fact that politicians and senior civil servants persons occupy positions of power and influence.
Their views hold great weight in the formulation of public policy.
Should any policy be seen as being influenced by religious beliefs, it becomes impossible to argue that the views of one group are not being favoured over another.
Politics may then descend into religious groups voting only for those who share their beliefs.
In Singapore, where the ruling party is especially dominant, it becomes even more important to be neutral, because the views of the party’s leaders would hold even more weight.
At one level, we must ensure that policies are always discussed in religion-neutral terms, so that no group can claim to feel marginalised.
At another level, we must also ensure that policymaking is not exclusively dominated by one set of beliefs.
Therefore, it is important to ensure that there is diversity among policymakers, to ensure that all groups get a fair say, and no single group’s views hold sway over all others.
