Singapore to crack down on foreign religious influences. The Church presents its position
The Singapore government plans changes to the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act (MRHA) to "safeguard" religious groups from foreign agents that could damage harmony. “As a multi-religious society, Singapore is vulnerable,” says the Archdiocese.
Singapore (AsiaNews/Agencies) – The Government of Singapore is looking at ways to limit foreign influence over the country’s religious organisations. It proposes stricter criteria for the citizenship of religious leaders, donations and relations with foreign groups and movements.
Describing the move as "timely", the Catholic Church in the city-state has declared itself "fully supportive" of the move. In a statement released yesterday, the Archdiocese stressed that the country is vulnerable to "malicious foreign actors who may make use of religion to divide society" and that Singaporeans should not take religious harmony for granted.
Specifically, Singaporean authorities want to amend the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act (MRHA), which came into force in 1992.
Under the changes, only Singaporeans or permanent residents will be allowed to hold key positions in local religious organisations. Foreign donations and donations of more 10,000 Singapore dollars, as well as affiliations with foreigners or foreign groups in a position to “exert control" must be reported to the authorities.
Home Affairs Minister Kasiviswanathan Shanmugam said in a statement that changes to the law will “safeguard" religious groups from foreign agents that could harm harmony in Singapore.
Other amendments discussed yesterday in parliament include the immediate entry into force of government restrictions on those who issue offensive statements against religious groups. These offences cover acts that incite violence or feelings of enmity and hostility and will be punished even if committed abroad.
Religious leaders, the minister said, will be prosecuted more harshly due to their influence. According to Home Affairs Ministry data, the proposed changes will affect the leadership of about 100 of the 2,500 religious organisations operating in Singapore.
The Catholic Church in Singapore backs the government's initiative. "With the pervasiveness of the Internet and social media, hateful messages that can deepen and fracture religious harmony can spread faster and wider than before,” says the Archdiocese of Singapore in a statement. “It is therefore important that the MRHA is updated to ensure that we respond in an effective manner to any new threats that can harm religious harmony.”
"Although Singapore has enjoyed peace and stability over the years, religious harmony is not to be taken for granted. As a multi-religious society, Singapore is vulnerable to malicious foreign actors who may make use of religion to divide society. In particular, foreign actors can exert influence and control on religious organisations through aspects like donations, leadership or strong foreign affiliations.”
Finally, "We are glad that the Government of Singapore has engaged with the various religious organisations including the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore and taken on board the views and feedback, to come up with additional measures to ensure that the religious harmony in Singapore continues to be safeguarded.”
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