SINGAPORE : Community engagement in Singapore is going into
cyberspace, with the launch of a web portal called Singapore
United.
It was launched by Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng at the
National Seminar on the Community Engagement Programme (CEP) on
Saturday.
Recent surveys have shown that Singaporeans respect each other's
faiths, beliefs and practices.
But Mr Wong said this was not static or permanent.
Addressing religious leaders and representatives from the media,
businesses, schools and grassroots organisations, Mr Wong
reiterated the need to guard against terrorist threats.
One way was to keep everyone informed and connected.
Hence, the launch of , a platform to share ideas and check out a
host of community engagement activities.
Mr Wong said that the name Singapore United was inspired by
comments and suggestions from members of the media.
The website may also serve as an avenue to disseminate information
in times of crisis or to educate the young.
Abdul Mutalif Hashim, Chairman, Inter-Racial Confidence Circle,
Choa Chua Kang RC, said, "The young, they like to surf. A lot of
these websites, there's no limitation, there's a lot of negative
element in these websites. So if you have this portal, we try to
portray the positive side, balance their thinking."
Mr Wong noted that many people have volunteered to help since the
CEP was launched a year ago.
Although he was heartened by what has been achieved, he stressed
that maintaining good communal relations was always a work in
progress.
Mr Wong said that on the whole, Singaporeans of all races and
religions behaved responsibly and acted with restraint, ensuring
that conflicts outside of Singapore do not trigger insensitive
actions here.
While it is not possible to isolate the community from such
conflicts, Mr Wong emphasised that there is a line that must not be
crossed.
He added, "And the line is simple - our priority is to our own
society and the safety and security of Singaporeans, regardless of
their race and religion. We may offer aid or comfort to the victims
of violence. We could do so openly and through responsible channels
so that our efforts will not be subverted. We must not cross the
line to support radical organisations preaching religious hatred of
others or participate in terrorist acts of violence against
others."
The priority, Mr Wong said, must be the safety and security of
Singaporeans
But the people must recognise that the city-state could be hit by
terrorists - and this was why they must be prepared to prevent
reckless behaviour on the ground.
Sebastian Chua, Chairman, Inter-Racial Confidence Circle, Punggol
South RC, said, "We could have more community-bonding activities.
At the same time, we are planning to fulfil our role basically as
an ambassador or counsellor in the event of any tension. Of course
this inter-faith platform will also go a long way to diffuse any
crisis."
At a closed door dialogue later, participants agreed that
grassroots leaders needed to be more pro-active, and work with
schools to reach out to the young. -
http://www.cep.org.sg/