Inter-Faith Dialogue - Can We Learn From Singapore?

Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo stressed the importance of open communication between religious groups, especially in a country like Singapore. The government wants to make it a "habit" for these groups to get together, through meetings like the inter-faith dialogue he was speaking at.

He said this would build up a culture of communication and mutual understanding, among the religions.

Mr Yeo said differences will continue to exist even within religions. But what is important is to seek out the common ideas that bind their believers and use them as a basis for open dialogue with other communities.

Being a small, open country with a largely immigrant population means Singapore will continue to be affected by religious and political tensions in other societies. "This is inherent in our existence because we are multi-ethnic. And we still maintain those links, and those links are what sustain us economically. But those links bring their own problems and we must have the ability, the software, to overcome those problems," said the Foreign Minister.

Speakers at the forum felt that with the resurgence of religion in Singapore, this has to be managed delicately by both the government and the people.

Simon Tay, Chairman, Singapore Institute of International Affairs, said: "The challenge to governments is how we find the right platforms for dialogue, and how within each religion and between religions, we can have proper dialogue.

"The issue of government controlling the religion is not a harsh hand but rather, an even-handed understanding approach. I think governments have to live with the idea of religiosity. In fact, they should promise freedom of religion, they should encourage more strongly inter-faith dialogue and intra-faith dialogue."

Several inter-faith dialogues have been held all over Singapore in recent months to help community leaders understand the different faiths. The ultimate aim is to make sure that the country holds together in the event of a crisis or terror attack. (Channel Newsasia)

***** Which is a better solution? Malaysia's "the time is not right for open dialogue and all 'sensitive' matters should be discussed behind closed doors by BN component parties" or Singapore's encouragement of the right platforms for inter-faith communication? Let's get your views on this.

Related posts to compare and contrast:
1) Malaysia: Ban On Raising Sensitive Issues For Racial Harmony, Says PM.
2) Across the causeway: Singapore Calls For More Interfaith Dialogue. But Why Is It Taboo In Malaysia?
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