K Shanmugam on racial harmony and constitutional amendment bills

The genius of Singapore has been to create one united people from those of many races, religions and languages without erasing multiplicity, said Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam in Parliament on Tuesday (Feb 4). He explained that the country’s approach towards maintaining racial harmony has been two-fold - establishing a strong legal framework that sets clear boundaries on what is not allowed, coupled with deliberate Government policies to facilitate social mixing and strengthen cohesion. This has led to understanding, acceptance and deep bonds across racial and religious lines even as race relations have regressed in many other countries, Mr Shanmugam said. He spoke during the second reading of a Bill that aims to consolidate and strengthen the Government’s powers to maintain racial harmony. Its proposals include introducing an initiative that allows offenders to mend ties with the community they attacked instead of being charged in court, as well as safeguards against foreign influence through race-based entities.