15/10/2025
Today, Coordinating Minister K Shanmugam Sc delivered a ministerial statement in Parliament on the fundamentals of Singapore’s approach to race, language, and religion.
Singapore enjoys racial and religious harmony today — but we are not immune to the dangers of identity politics. We’ve seen, even in recent years and past elections, attempts to bring race and religion into the political arena.
There will always be areas where faith and public issues intersect, and the Government recognises this complexity. Everyone is free to practise their faith and express their views on national matters. But the public and political debate must be conducted and decided on a secular basis.
All political parties must be clear: race and religion must never be exploited for political gain, or used in election campaigns. Once that line is crossed, we risk a destructive competition for influence among different groups — and Singapore will become deeply divided, as we have seen in many other countries.
I’m glad there was a shared understanding in Parliament today that we must handle issues of race and religion with care, responsibility, and respect — and continue to uphold the integrity of Singapore’s secular, multi-racial politics. This is how we keep faith with the ideals of our Pledge and remain as one united people, regardless of race, language or religion.
