Award Acceptance Speech:
PM Lee Hsien Loong expresses gratitude for the Appeal of Conscience Foundation Award and its alignment with Singapore’s values of tolerance, respect, and harmony.

Diverse and Harmonious Society:
Singapore’s journey as a diverse and harmonious society, transcending racial and religious differences, is highlighted. The founding principles of equality and unity, established since independence, have fostered a sense of belonging among all citizens.

Constitutional and Legal Measures:
The Presidential Council for Minority Rights ensures that legislation does not discriminate against any race or religious community. The Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act empowers the government to prevent religious leaders from promoting hostility or using religion for political purposes.

Electoral Rules and Public Policies:
Multiracial slates in parliamentary elections discourage racial or religious politicking and guarantee minority representation in the government. Public housing policies promote ethnic diversity and prevent racial enclaves, fostering social cohesion.

Education and Media:
Schools provide a secular national curriculum, promoting understanding and respect among students of different backgrounds. Media regulations prohibit blasphemous content and encourage sensitivity towards religious beliefs.

Accommodation of Faiths:
Religious groups make compromises and adjustments to their practices, considering the sensitivities of other faiths. Mosques tone down loudspeakers for the prayer call, and the azan is broadcast on national radio. Christians exercise restraint in proselytising to people of other faiths.

Conclusion:
Singapore’s approach to race and religion, based on constitutional, legal, and policy frameworks, has successfully fostered a harmonious society. The accommodation of faiths through policies and daily interactions has contributed to the nation’s unity and progress.

Religious Leaders’ Role in Promoting Unity:
Religious leaders in Singapore promote mutual understanding and strengthen ties between different religious groups. The Inter-Religious Organisation, existing for 70 years, facilitates cooperation among religious leaders to resolve sensitive issues and prevent misunderstandings.

Growing Religiosity and Its Implications:
Society is experiencing growing religiosity across all faiths, leading to more fervent and formal beliefs. While religion provides guidance and purpose, it is important to respect other people’s faiths and avoid disrespect or exclusionary practices. Religious leaders in Singapore have declared it appropriate and praiseworthy for people of different faiths to interact as fellow citizens.

Challenges to Religious Unity:
The rise of social media and the internet has made it easier to spread misinformation and hate speech, potentially leading to religious conflicts. The increasing diversity of Singapore’s population brings together people from different religious backgrounds, requiring careful management to prevent tensions. External influences, such as regional and global conflicts, can impact religious harmony in Singapore.

Recommendations for Maintaining Religious Harmony:
Religious leaders should continue to engage in interfaith dialogues and promote mutual understanding. The government should work with religious leaders to address issues that could potentially cause religious tensions. Schools and educational institutions should play a role in teaching students about different religions and fostering respect for diversity. The media should exercise responsible reporting and avoid sensationalizing religious issues.

Common Sense and Vulnerability:
Singapore’s small size and open society make it susceptible to external influences and disputes from other lands. The government takes measures to insulate itself from these problems, including banning foreign preachers who bring foreign quarrels or promote inappropriate religious practices.

Social Media and Online Falsehoods:
Social media has enabled the spread of provocative views and toxic content, leading to tension and conflict. The government has implemented the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act to combat misinformation and falsehoods online.

Violence in the Name of Race or Religion:
Religious extremism and violence pose a real threat, as evidenced by the uncovered jihadist group in Singapore linked to Al-Qaeda after the September 11 attacks. The government strives to reinforce trust and confidence between religions by sharing intelligence, holding candid briefings, and promoting dialogue.

Religious Rehabilitation Group:
The Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG) was established to counsel and rehabilitate radicalized individuals, provide support for their families, and help them reintegrate into society. The RRG has successfully rehabilitated a majority of those picked up for radicalization, helping to keep the community together.

Preserving Harmony and Unity:
Singapore’s founding generation laid the foundation for harmonious relations between different faiths, which have been maintained and strengthened despite challenges. Future generations must cherish and strengthen this harmony, preventing religion from being weaponized or used as a front for conflicts.

Government and Responsible Voices:
Government actions alone cannot bring about religious harmony; responsible voices need to speak up and set an example of acceptance and respect. Organizations like the Appeal of Conscience Foundation have played a vital role in promoting religious harmony and understanding.

World Statesman Award:
The speaker expresses gratitude for receiving the World Statesman Award, recognizing the contributions of those who have worked towards building a harmonious society in Singapore. The award serves as an inspiration to pursue the ideal of peaceful coexistence among people of different backgrounds, religions, and languages worldwide.