Inter-religious harmony requires constant effort

Respected Religious and Community Leaders,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. Good afternoon. I'm very happy to be part of the Harmony Games 2017.

2. I'm especially glad to see so many of us, from different ages, races and beliefs, coming together to enjoy the games and activities.

3. Each year, the religious bodies in the National Steering Committee on Racial and Religious Harmony take turns to organise the Harmony Games. This year, which is also our 10th anniversary, MUIS through its Harmony Centre is taking the lead. As a centre for promoting greater understanding among different faiths, the Harmony Centre speaks volumes of the Muslim community's commitment towards forging peace and harmony in Singapore.
   

Stronger inter-religious relations today

4. The Harmony Games embodies what Singapore stands for, and what Singapore must continue to be – a nation where people of different beliefs and backgrounds come together, sharing a common space and celebrating our diversity.

5. In a world where there are still many conflicts along racial and religious fault-lines, we are fortunate to enjoy religious harmony in Singapore. We cannot take this for granted. Inter-religious harmony requires constant effort because it is constantly being challenged by events in and outside Singapore. Through many national and community engagements, such as the recent Hari Raya Reception hosted by the Mufti, our senior faith leaders continue to build strong relations and understanding.

6. These community bonds are integral to averting conflicts and crises. After the recent arrest of self-radicalised young Muslims, I was moved by the words of solidarity and assurances by leaders of other faiths. Our faith leaders and communities have indeed fostered strong ties and a deep sense of trust among themselves.

Passing the baton of inter-religious harmony to youth

7. This did not happen by chance. Our religious and community leaders have worked hard over many years to foster mutual understanding.

8. And we must continue to provide opportunities to bring diverse groups together, to build trust and understanding of one another. Only then can we bridge our differences and stay united, for this generation and future to come.

9. The Government is a strong supporter of these community efforts. Through the BRIDGE initiative launched this year, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth will partner the community to provide more safe spaces and opportunities to discuss sensitive issues and deepen shared religious understanding among Singaporeans. I invite members of the community to actively participate in BRIDGE.

10. For the youths here today, I hope you will readily take up the baton from your elders to champion peace and harmony. Making friends with people who practise different faiths is an important start. The Harmony Games today provides a platform to forge these friendships. I hope your new-found friendships can blossom into opportunities for even more meaningful collaboration and longer-lasting solidarity.

Conclusion

11. Finally, I thank the Harmony Centre and MUIS for having worked hard to make the Games enjoyable for everyone. Next year, the Buddhist community will be taking over, and we can look forward to many more games and opportunities to interact.

12. Thank you once again for being here, and enjoy the rest of the weekend!