[FULL] PM Wong: Mixing politics with religion is unacceptable | Press conference | GE2025

Summary

In a press conference during an election campaign, Singapore's Prime Minister emphasizes the importance of unity across races and religions, condemning foreign interference in local politics. He calls on political parties to reject identity politics, stressing that politics should never be mixed with religion. The Prime Minister explains that while it's important to address community concerns, the pursuit of sectarian interests undermines national harmony. He urges all parties to affirm their commitment to a unified, non-divisive approach in the ongoing election, ensuring that Singapore's social cohesion is protected despite external and internal challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 Singapore's unity across race and religion is a foundational strength that has been built over generations of hard work.
• 😀 Foreign actors have been attempting to influence Singapore's elections by encouraging voting along religious and racial lines, which has been strongly rejected.
• 😀 The government has taken measures to block access to divisive posts and will continue to act against any such foreign interference.
• 😀 Singapore rejects identity politics, which involves advocating for a particular group based on race or religion, as it threatens societal unity.
• 😀 Identity politics can lead to increased hostilities and division between different groups, ultimately harming society as a whole.
• 😀 The government encourages political parties to affirm two key principles: rejecting identity politics and ensuring that religion is not mixed with politics.
• 😀 Singapore’s politics must remain a matter for Singaporeans alone to decide, without external influence or interference.
• 😀 Political parties are urged to categorically reject foreign endorsements or support that attempt to influence elections.
• 😀 The government is committed to continued engagement with various communities to address concerns while maintaining national cohesion.
• 😀 In response to religious or political posts that cross legal lines, the authorities will take action in accordance with Singapore’s laws, but will continue to monitor online activity.
• 😀 It is essential for political parties to balance election campaigns with respect for Singapore’s social harmony, avoiding the mixing of race, religion, and politics in order to safeguard the nation's cohesion.

Q & A

What is the primary concern expressed by the Prime Minister during the press conference?

The Prime Minister expressed concern over foreign influence in Singapore's elections and the potential for race and religion to be used to divide the population. He emphasized the importance of unity across racial and religious lines, which is the foundation of Singapore's success.

How does the Prime Minister define identity politics?

Identity politics refers to candidates or Members of Parliament who appeal to voters based on race or religion, championing the interests of a specific group over others. The Prime Minister views this as dangerous because it can create divisions and lead to hostilities between different groups.

What actions has the government taken in response to foreign interference?

The government has blocked access to certain online posts that promote foreign interference and has committed to acting firmly against any such actions to protect the integrity of Singapore's political process.

Why is mixing race and religion with politics considered unacceptable in Singapore?

Mixing race and religion with politics is seen as unacceptable because it fractures the common space shared by all Singaporeans, undermines national unity, and makes the country vulnerable to exploitation by external forces seeking to advance their own interests.

What does the Prime Minister suggest political parties do regarding foreign endorsements?

The Prime Minister calls on all political parties to reject any foreign endorsements or support for candidates, emphasizing that Singapore's elections should be decided solely by Singaporeans.

What is the government's stance on addressing the concerns of minority communities in Singapore?

The government acknowledges the challenges faced by minority groups and is committed to engaging with different communities to understand their concerns. However, it is clear that such engagements should not devolve into identity politics or lead to the division of society.

How does the Prime Minister distinguish between engaging with communities and identity politics?

Engaging with communities involves understanding and addressing their concerns while maintaining social harmony, whereas identity politics focuses on advancing the interests of one group at the expense of others, which the Prime Minister rejects.

What is the Prime Minister's position on the Workers' Party's involvement with certain individuals or groups?

The Prime Minister expressed concerns over the Workers' Party meeting with a religious teacher who held extreme views on foreign policy and religion. He stressed that such positions go against Singapore's national interest and called on all political parties to clarify their stance on such matters.

What steps will the government take against online posts that breach laws or regulations?

The government will continue to monitor online activity and take action against individuals who post content that violates the law. Authorities will apply laws fairly and without bias to ensure that online discourse does not undermine national harmony.

What does the Prime Minister say about the potential impact of this situation on Singapore's social harmony?

The Prime Minister expressed concern that incidents like this could deepen divisions and erode trust between different ethnic groups. He stressed the importance of maintaining unity and harmony, especially during election periods, and called on political parties to exercise restraint to protect Singapore's cohesion.