Religions in Singapore
Foreword from the Minister of MCDS
The Singapore Government and its people have worked hard to achieve the social, political and economic stability that it has today. Ensuring racial and religious harmony is an integral part of Singapore's nation-building efforts.

The social cohesiveness Singapore has enjoyed all these years I should never be taken for granted. Every emphasis is placed on constantly forging greater understanding amongst the different religious groups. I am pleased to see that many different religious groups have collaborated to promote understanding and to organise activities that benefit others from different religions.

International events have shown us how religion can easily be misused as an excuse, or a weapon to hurt and to destroy. If a society is not unified and people are intolerant of others, then religious views can easily be manipulated to negative use. Our stand against the misuse of religion to show discord is strong and unequivocal: Singaporeans are free to practise their beliefs, as long as they do not impinge on other faiths, or pose a threat to our national security.

I am happy to see that the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) has been actively promoting inter-religious understanding in Singapore. The IRO should be lauded for running into its third print of the "Religions in Singapore" book. The fact that its previous publications have been so popular both locally and overseas, shows that many are indeed keen to understand beliefs other than their own. I hope that the IRO will continue to promote peace and harmony in Singapore and around the region. I commend the IRO for its good work and wish it all the best.

ABDULLAH TARMUGI
Minister for Community Development and Sports, Singapore