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Singaporeans should adopt open approach to inter-religious interactions: DPM Teo

SINGAPORE — Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean on Wednesday (June 6) called on Singaporeans to "reject views that limit our interactions and divide us as communities" in his speech at an annual iftar, or fast-breaking meal, hosted by the Religious Rehabilitation Group at the Khadijah Mosque in Geylang.

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean called on Singaporeans to “reject views that limit our interactions and divide us as communities” in his speech at an annual iftar, or fast-breaking meal, hosted by the Religious Rehabilitation Group at the Khadijah Mosque in Geylang.

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean called on Singaporeans to “reject views that limit our interactions and divide us as communities” in his speech at an annual iftar, or fast-breaking meal, hosted by the Religious Rehabilitation Group at the Khadijah Mosque in Geylang.

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SINGAPORE — Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean on Wednesday (June 6) called on Singaporeans to "reject views that limit our interactions and divide us as communities" in his speech at an annual iftar, or fast-breaking meal, hosted by the Religious Rehabilitation Group at the Khadijah Mosque in Geylang.

Recalling his meeting with Dr Ahmed Al Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of Egypt's renowned Al-Azhar University, last month, Mr Teo called on Singaporean Malay/Muslims to take a leaf from Dr Ahmed's "open approach to inter-religious interactions".

In November 2017, Dr Ahmed was named the world's most influential Muslim for the second year running by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre based in Jordan. He was in Singapore for a three-day visit in May, where he met Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Mr Teo. He also took part in discussions with members of the Malay-Muslim community on religious life.

Noting the 72-year-old's calls for Muslims to "live and thrive in a multi-religious environment", Mr Teo said in Malay: "(Dr Ahmed) drew from experiences in Egypt and also lessons from history, that the interaction between Muslims and other communities could take place in a practical way.

"This included shaking hands, greeting members of other religions on religious holidays and daily dressing. For example, he always made it a point to greet Christians on Christian festivals."

Dr Ahmed's explanations were "most enlightening and beneficial" for a multi-religious society like Singapore, where all communities can have meals together, visit one another, and share their joys and sorrows with one another, said Mr Teo, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security.

Mr Teo added that he was heartened by the involvement of non-Muslim youths in the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore's Touch of Ramadan campaign, which aims to encourage the Muslim community to strengthen their families, care for society, and show concern for the environment.

"This shows that people of all faiths can work together to promote common, positive messages that benefit everyone," he said.

However, the threat of terrorism and radicalisation remains in the region, said Mr Teo, as he noted that neighbouring country Indonesia was hit by a series of bombings a few weeks ago. Singapore also continues to detect radicalised individuals, with parking warden Mohamed Faishal Mohd Razali — a 27-year-old Singaporean who was radicalised — detained under the Internal Security Act in April.

Mr Teo said: "We must remain vigilant at all times, and enhance our community resilience. Let us continue the important work that the Religious Rehabilitation Group and various community groups are doing to help save individuals from doing harm to their families and their loved ones."

 

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