Individuals, communities have to make conscious choice to integrate: DPM Teo

SINGAPORE — New immigrants need to understand and embrace racial and religious harmony in Singapore, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said today (Jan 23).

Speaking to reporters after a visit with residents to Al-Islah Mosque in Punggol West, he noted that Singapore is the "most religiously diverse country in the world". "It is quite remarkable that we maintain social harmony and peace because every community has decided to live together.  If we've lived separately, then we'll be a very different kind of society and we will grow in a very different way," said Mr Teo, who is also coordinating minister for national security. "It is important that new immigrants in Singapore who may come from a different racial or religious mix also understand this and then live (with) the Singapore spirit and in the Singapore way," he added. 

Mr Teo's comments came after authorities arrested 27 Bangladeshi construction workers who were found to be contemplating armed jihad overseas and in their home country. 

He reiterated that in Singapore's multi-racial and multi-religious society, it is imperative to focus on the commonalities instead of "(becoming) obsessed with the differences between us". 

Earlier this week, Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam had said that some among the Muslim community were distancing themselves. On this, Mr Teo said that every individual and group has to make a choice to integrate with the community. He cited how Singapore has progressed over the last 50 years - from a situation where different racial groups lived apart in different areas to one where different races and religions interact and live close to one another. "It is the choice we made whether as communities or as individuals, we decide that we live together and integrate (or) we decide to separate and live apart...that will shape the Singapore of the future," he said.

Mr Teo and Punggol West grassroots advisor Sun Xueling pointed to how Al-Islah mosque — which opened last June — tries to promote inter-faith understanding through its open concept, which includes offering guided tours and shared facilities such as a roof top garden. 

Al-Islah mosque chairman Wan Rizal Wan Zakariah told TODAY that Pakistani and Indian Muslims living nearby have registered with the mosque to indicate their interest to take part in its activities. The mosque will try and connect with these residents and keep them up to date on activities.

He added that the mosque is also open to the public and they can approach the information office on the necessary protocol . And to ensure security in the mosque , CCTVs have also been installed, said Mr Wan Rizal. 

Addressing feedback from residents living nearby about the loud prayer calls from the mosque, Ms Sun said there has been dialogue between the mosque management and residents on this issue, and the mosque has attempted to resolve by reducing the number of speakers being used and changing their positions. Both sides are trying to come up with common solutions, she added.

Ms Siti Zahrah, 31, who lives beside the mosque, said the prayer calls from the mosque were more audible in the past. "I cannot even hear (the prayer calls) today but I don't think it should be louder as I also understand that I have other neighbours around", she said.  Another resident, Ms Napaphet Vetlansi, 37, felt the volume could be lowered further. "It can be softer but I will just go into my room, close the windows and switch on the air-con."