In some news forums and on facebook, I sometimes notice people highlighting the religion of this or that minister. I wonder if that is wise or useful. Unless that minister was acting in his capacity as a member of that religion or bringing his religion into Parliament, otherwise, it may be prudent to not single out his or her religion in posts.
In Singapore, the state, government and politics are secular in nature. Consequently, the state, gov and politicians carry out their duties and service to the nation regardless of the religion of the citizen. This allow citizens to exercise religious freedom within their personal space without fear of discrimination.
Likewise, politicians and civil servants should be allowed to serve the nation regardless of their religious choice as long as they exercise their religious freedom within their personal space and not let it influence their judgements while carrying out their official duties. The onus is on them to be impartial and to rise above their personal religious choices while serving the people without discrimination.
Just imagine if you go to CPF, ICA or HDB and your application or enquiries are rejected because of your religion. Just imagine.
We, the citizens of Singapore,
pledge ourselves as one united people,
regardless of race, language or religion,
to build a democratic society
based on justice and equality
so as to achieve happiness, prosperity
and progress for our nation.
Remember our pledge. This is our pledge. Our solemn pledge to the flag, the state, the nation, to every single citizens of Singapore, to work together regardless of race, language or religion.
It is a not a pipe-dream. It is a reality that has allowed us to live together in harmony all these decades. Life is tough enough without such discrimination. We don’t need more discrimination.
Do it not to win some international award or to show other people. Do it because it is our pledge to one another. Do it because it is the way forward.