Keep religion out of politics, Singaporeans say
One in four open to extremists sharing views online or at events, finds IPS report
By Linette Lai, Political Correspondent, The Straits Times, 29 Mar 2019
Most Singaporeans are religious, but still frown on religious behaviour that could influence politics or disrupt social harmony, a new report by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) has found.
They also feel that having different religious views is no barrier to getting along when living in close proximity.
But the researchers noted that a sizeable proportion of people have no qualms about letting religious extremists publish their views online, or hold public meetings to talk about them.
When surveyed, one in four people said putting such views online is acceptable as long as they do not instigate harm against others, and younger respondents were even more likely to think so - possibly because of more liberal attitudes towards free speech among the young, the researchers said.
But the overwhelming consensus across all age groups is that it is unacceptable for religious leaders to incite hatred or violence against other religions.
The working paper's authors, however, noted there is a fine line between espousing extremist views that consider other faiths as enemies and making hate speech.
"How the Government navigates the desire by this significant segment of the population for freedom of speech pertaining to extremist views in future will be of interest,'' they added.
The findings on people's attitudes towards religion were part of an international study involving multiple countries. It was written by IPS senior research fellow Mathew Mathews, research associate Leonard Lim and research assistant Shanthini Selvarajan.
"Religion is an influential and powerful force, and seeps into multiple domains of public and private life," the authors said.
"Tracking the expansive reach and influence of religion is thus crucial in maintaining inter-religious harmony and surveying public sentiment in public policy."
A total of 1,800 Singapore residents aged 18 and older were surveyed for the local component of the international study.
Face-to-face interviews were carried out between August and December last year by market research company ML Research Consultants.
Participants were asked about their religious beliefs and how these influence their views on issues such as public policy, religious harmony and infidelity.
Although 80 per cent have religious beliefs, only 40 per cent said they would consider themselves to be a "spiritual person". Buddhists, Taoists and Hindus were more likely to have religious beliefs but not identify as spiritual.
Most also had at least some level of belief in life after death, heaven, hell and religious miracles.
On religious harmony, seven in 10 people said they feel people from different religious backgrounds can get along when living close together.
Even so, around 15 per cent of them said they found Muslims at least somewhat threatening. This was higher than for any other religious group.
When asked about religion and politics, most agreed religious leaders should not try to influence voting at elections or make remarks about politicians' characters.
Three-quarters also agreed the country's laws should not be based on a particular religion.
Religion was also found to influence people's views on moral issues such as infidelity, abortion and homosexual sex.
The younger and better educated respondents, as well as those with no religion, tend to have more liberal attitudes.
One in four open to extremists sharing views online or at events, finds IPS report
By Linette Lai, Political Correspondent, The Straits Times, 29 Mar 2019
They also feel that having different religious views is no barrier to getting along when living in close proximity.
But the researchers noted that a sizeable proportion of people have no qualms about letting religious extremists publish their views online, or hold public meetings to talk about them.
When surveyed, one in four people said putting such views online is acceptable as long as they do not instigate harm against others, and younger respondents were even more likely to think so - possibly because of more liberal attitudes towards free speech among the young, the researchers said.
But the overwhelming consensus across all age groups is that it is unacceptable for religious leaders to incite hatred or violence against other religions.
The working paper's authors, however, noted there is a fine line between espousing extremist views that consider other faiths as enemies and making hate speech.
"How the Government navigates the desire by this significant segment of the population for freedom of speech pertaining to extremist views in future will be of interest,'' they added.
The findings on people's attitudes towards religion were part of an international study involving multiple countries. It was written by IPS senior research fellow Mathew Mathews, research associate Leonard Lim and research assistant Shanthini Selvarajan.
"Religion is an influential and powerful force, and seeps into multiple domains of public and private life," the authors said.
"Tracking the expansive reach and influence of religion is thus crucial in maintaining inter-religious harmony and surveying public sentiment in public policy."
A total of 1,800 Singapore residents aged 18 and older were surveyed for the local component of the international study.
Face-to-face interviews were carried out between August and December last year by market research company ML Research Consultants.
Participants were asked about their religious beliefs and how these influence their views on issues such as public policy, religious harmony and infidelity.
Although 80 per cent have religious beliefs, only 40 per cent said they would consider themselves to be a "spiritual person". Buddhists, Taoists and Hindus were more likely to have religious beliefs but not identify as spiritual.
Most also had at least some level of belief in life after death, heaven, hell and religious miracles.
On religious harmony, seven in 10 people said they feel people from different religious backgrounds can get along when living close together.
Even so, around 15 per cent of them said they found Muslims at least somewhat threatening. This was higher than for any other religious group.
When asked about religion and politics, most agreed religious leaders should not try to influence voting at elections or make remarks about politicians' characters.
Three-quarters also agreed the country's laws should not be based on a particular religion.
Religion was also found to influence people's views on moral issues such as infidelity, abortion and homosexual sex.
The younger and better educated respondents, as well as those with no religion, tend to have more liberal attitudes.
Eight in 10 say it's not acceptable for faith leaders to sway voters
But report finds they are divided on whether such leaders should have close ties with politicians
By Linette Lai, Political Correspondent, The Straits Times, 29 Mar 2019
When it comes to religion and politics, Singaporeans mostly agree that religious leaders should not influence voting at elections.
But they are divided on other issues such as whether religious leaders should have close ties with politicians, and what individuals should do in the hypothetical situation of a new law contradicting their religious teachings.
These were among the key findings in a new report by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) on religious beliefs and the role of religion in the private and public spheres.
The findings were based on a survey of 1,800 Singapore residents, and are part of a larger study of religion involving multiple countries.
The IPS paper said 81.9 per cent of people agreed that religious leaders should not influence voting behaviour, with 86.9 per cent saying it is not acceptable for such leaders to remark on politicians' characters.
It was more difficult for them to come to a consensus on other issues.
When asked if it was acceptable for religious leaders to have close ties to government officials, 55 per cent disagreed, while 44.9 per cent felt that this was fine.
If a new law contradicted their religious teachings, about 48 per cent said that they would definitely follow it, or would at least be likely to do so. Meanwhile, just over a third said they would most likely adhere to their religious teachings.
Three groups - Christians, Muslims and Catholics - had a larger proportion of people who said that they would follow their religious principles instead of the law.
Six in 10 agreed that the Government should not interfere with attempts by a religion to spread its faith, although those with no religion tended to oppose this view.
When asked about moral issues like abortion, infidelity and homosexual sex, researchers also found that a person's religious views tended to shape their answers.
Better educated and younger respondents, as well as those with no religion, tended to have more liberal attitudes towards these issues.
A total of 82.4 per cent believed that infidelity was always wrong, but only 67.9 per cent felt the same way about homosexual sex.
Just 38.3 per cent said that abortion was always wrong, even if the family has a very low income.
Muslims tended to have the most conservative attitudes towards homosexual sex, with nearly 85 per cent believing that it was always wrong. Nearly 80 per cent of Hindus and Christians, however, held the same view.
In comparison, only half the respondents with no religion said that homosexual sex was always wrong.
But researchers noted that even among Christians and Muslims, younger members of these groups were less likely to see homosexual sex as always wrong.
Similar trends were seen for abortion, although the researchers noted that education made a significant difference.
When it came to abortion, about 66 per cent of Muslims and nearly 60 per cent of Christians with no more than a secondary school level of education felt it was always wrong.
But among those with at least a bachelor's degree, these figures dropped to around 40 per cent for both Muslims and Christians.
But report finds they are divided on whether such leaders should have close ties with politicians
By Linette Lai, Political Correspondent, The Straits Times, 29 Mar 2019
When it comes to religion and politics, Singaporeans mostly agree that religious leaders should not influence voting at elections.
But they are divided on other issues such as whether religious leaders should have close ties with politicians, and what individuals should do in the hypothetical situation of a new law contradicting their religious teachings.
These were among the key findings in a new report by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) on religious beliefs and the role of religion in the private and public spheres.
The findings were based on a survey of 1,800 Singapore residents, and are part of a larger study of religion involving multiple countries.
The IPS paper said 81.9 per cent of people agreed that religious leaders should not influence voting behaviour, with 86.9 per cent saying it is not acceptable for such leaders to remark on politicians' characters.
It was more difficult for them to come to a consensus on other issues.
When asked if it was acceptable for religious leaders to have close ties to government officials, 55 per cent disagreed, while 44.9 per cent felt that this was fine.
If a new law contradicted their religious teachings, about 48 per cent said that they would definitely follow it, or would at least be likely to do so. Meanwhile, just over a third said they would most likely adhere to their religious teachings.
Three groups - Christians, Muslims and Catholics - had a larger proportion of people who said that they would follow their religious principles instead of the law.
Six in 10 agreed that the Government should not interfere with attempts by a religion to spread its faith, although those with no religion tended to oppose this view.
When asked about moral issues like abortion, infidelity and homosexual sex, researchers also found that a person's religious views tended to shape their answers.
Better educated and younger respondents, as well as those with no religion, tended to have more liberal attitudes towards these issues.
A total of 82.4 per cent believed that infidelity was always wrong, but only 67.9 per cent felt the same way about homosexual sex.
Just 38.3 per cent said that abortion was always wrong, even if the family has a very low income.
Muslims tended to have the most conservative attitudes towards homosexual sex, with nearly 85 per cent believing that it was always wrong. Nearly 80 per cent of Hindus and Christians, however, held the same view.
In comparison, only half the respondents with no religion said that homosexual sex was always wrong.
But researchers noted that even among Christians and Muslims, younger members of these groups were less likely to see homosexual sex as always wrong.
Similar trends were seen for abortion, although the researchers noted that education made a significant difference.
When it came to abortion, about 66 per cent of Muslims and nearly 60 per cent of Christians with no more than a secondary school level of education felt it was always wrong.
But among those with at least a bachelor's degree, these figures dropped to around 40 per cent for both Muslims and Christians.
KEY FINDINGS
The Straits Times, 29 Mar 2019
3 in 4 Singaporeans say they follow a religion.
72.7% feel that people of different religious backgrounds can get along when living close together.
97.2% per cent feel that it is not acceptable for religious leaders to incite hatred or violence against other faiths. But 26.8% are open to religious extremists publishing their views on the Internet or social media. Younger people are more open, with 46% per cent of those aged 18 to 25 saying they would allow publication.
76.1% agree that a country's laws should not be based on religion. But about 48% would follow a law that contradicts their religious principles.
The Straits Times, 29 Mar 2019
3 in 4 Singaporeans say they follow a religion.
72.7% feel that people of different religious backgrounds can get along when living close together.
97.2% per cent feel that it is not acceptable for religious leaders to incite hatred or violence against other faiths. But 26.8% are open to religious extremists publishing their views on the Internet or social media. Younger people are more open, with 46% per cent of those aged 18 to 25 saying they would allow publication.
76.1% agree that a country's laws should not be based on religion. But about 48% would follow a law that contradicts their religious principles.
15% of respondents find Muslims threatening: IPS report
By Rahimah Rashith, The Straits Times, 29 Mar 2019
More than 70 per cent of Singaporeans feel that people of different faiths can get along when living close together, but some 15 per cent find Muslims threatening, a report on religion in Singapore has found.
Researchers found that those who dwell in private housing were more likely to think that Muslims are threats, compared with those who dwell in Housing Board flats.
Muslims were viewed most positively by Buddhists and Hindus, but about one in five Catholics, Christians and those with no religion said that Muslims were either very or somewhat threatening.
"There is little question that global terror and how it has often been associated with Muslims has fed into the minds of a small group of Singaporeans, who thus feel that Muslims are threatening," Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) senior research fellow Mathew Mathews told The Straits Times. "The lack of exposure to and opportunities for learning about Muslims might have left some of their fears unchallenged."
The findings from the survey, part of a global study, were captured in a report published yesterday by IPS, part of the National University of Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. It was written by Dr Mathews, research associate Leonard Lim and research assistant Shanthini Selvarajan.
A random sample of 1,800 residents were asked a range of questions, including whether they considered those from six groups - Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, as well as atheists and non-believers - threatening or not.
Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, and atheists and non-believers were viewed as the least threatening.
Christians were found threatening by 6.5 per cent of respondents. Around 10 per cent of those with no religion and 8.9 per cent of Buddhists thought so, compared with 5.4 per cent of Catholics and 3.4 per cent of Muslims.
The report said: "The majority of respondents from each religious group viewed those from other communities positively and not as a threat. However, our results suggest there may be possible tensions between some people from specific communities."
It added that while there is a base of religious harmony, there are challenges and threats emerging.
Nominated MP Mohamed Irshad, who founded inter-religious group Roses of Peace, felt the 15 per cent minority who found Muslims threatening "is still a significant number".
"It is big enough to rile up anti-Muslim sentiments. We need to figure out how we can improve social mixing," he said.
Dr Mathews noted that Islamophobia can lead to varying levels of hatred, which can be explosive.
Islamophobic material online radicalised a 28-year-old Australian, who this month carried out a terror attack on two mosques in Christchurch that killed 50 people and injured 42.
Mr Mohamed Irshad said schools and workplaces can create spaces for meaningful dialogue on religion. "Actively preventing violent extremism is as important as countering it. Getting to know each other's faith beyond the surface can be a first step."
Madam Riza Yacob of local group Creative Malay Arts and Culture was sad to learn that some still see Muslims as threatening. "The 15 per cent should be a motivating factor for Muslims and non-Muslims to reach out and promote an inclusive mindset," she said.
An instance of such inclusivity was seen when New Zealanders here visited mosques following the Christchurch attack in a show of solidarity. Many other faith groups also condemned the attack and reached out to Muslim leaders here.
Madam Riza's group will hold a three-day event at Geylang Serai from today for people to pen condolence messages to New Zealand and, among other things, remind Singaporeans of the need to stand united against all forms of extremism.
The four types of Singaporeans
By Linette Lai, Political Correspondent, The Straits Times, 29 Mar 2019
SACRED SECULARS
People in this group are religious and morally conservative, but they also desire greater separation between religion and politics.
They have complete confidence in state institutions and are open to people of other faiths.
This group has the highest proportion of Hindus, and also a significant proportion of Buddhists and Taoists. In terms of socio-economic status, its members are middle class.
Researchers said the group aligns well with Singapore's narrative of maintaining religiosity without compromising on secularism and inter-religious harmony.
SCEPTIC SCRAPPERS
These people are less religious and morally liberal. They desire some separation between religion and politics, and are ambivalent towards those of other faiths. They also tend to have great confidence in state institutions.
About half the cluster consists of people with no religion. Sceptic scrappers are also the youngest, most educated and most well-to-do.
Researchers suggest the cluster, which represents the "perennial segment of less religious people in society", may encourage contestations over issues pertinent to religion and the law.
TEPID TRADITIONALS
They are somewhat religious, morally conservative, and desire some separation between religion and politics.
They have some confidence in state institutions and are ambivalent towards those of other faiths.
This group has a high proportion of elderly people. Its members also tend to be the least educated and least well-off.
Researchers said the group's lack of positive perceptions of people of other religions may require greater community intervention.
FRIENDLY FAITHFULS
People in this group are more religious and want less separation between the state and religion.
They are morally conservative but warm towards those of other faiths, and tend to be very confident of state institutions.
This group has the highest proportion of religious respondents, and also the highest proportion of Muslims and Christians. They are middle class.
Researchers say some may worry the group will increasingly demand the integration of religion in the political space. They, however, noted that the group will not want to undermine social cohesion.
By Linette Lai, Political Correspondent, The Straits Times, 29 Mar 2019
SACRED SECULARS
People in this group are religious and morally conservative, but they also desire greater separation between religion and politics.
They have complete confidence in state institutions and are open to people of other faiths.
This group has the highest proportion of Hindus, and also a significant proportion of Buddhists and Taoists. In terms of socio-economic status, its members are middle class.
Researchers said the group aligns well with Singapore's narrative of maintaining religiosity without compromising on secularism and inter-religious harmony.
SCEPTIC SCRAPPERS
These people are less religious and morally liberal. They desire some separation between religion and politics, and are ambivalent towards those of other faiths. They also tend to have great confidence in state institutions.
About half the cluster consists of people with no religion. Sceptic scrappers are also the youngest, most educated and most well-to-do.
Researchers suggest the cluster, which represents the "perennial segment of less religious people in society", may encourage contestations over issues pertinent to religion and the law.
TEPID TRADITIONALS
They are somewhat religious, morally conservative, and desire some separation between religion and politics.
They have some confidence in state institutions and are ambivalent towards those of other faiths.
This group has a high proportion of elderly people. Its members also tend to be the least educated and least well-off.
Researchers said the group's lack of positive perceptions of people of other religions may require greater community intervention.
FRIENDLY FAITHFULS
People in this group are more religious and want less separation between the state and religion.
They are morally conservative but warm towards those of other faiths, and tend to be very confident of state institutions.
This group has the highest proportion of religious respondents, and also the highest proportion of Muslims and Christians. They are middle class.
Researchers say some may worry the group will increasingly demand the integration of religion in the political space. They, however, noted that the group will not want to undermine social cohesion.
New Zealand attacks show Singapore cannot take harmony for granted: Grace Fu
Radicalisation can be present in any race or religion, says minister
By Yuen Sin, The Sunday Times, 31 Mar 2019
As Singaporeans held a vigil yesterday for the 50 victims shot and killed in the March 15 attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu said the attacks were a stark reminder of how Singapore's social harmony should never be taken for granted.
It is a shared responsibility, especially with the rise of identity politics and online threats, she said in a keynote speech at a youth forum organised by interfaith group Roses of Peace, where she also expressed concern about the results of a recent survey that found young Singaporeans to be comfortable with extremist views being posted online.
Radicalisation can be present in any race or religion, says minister
By Yuen Sin, The Sunday Times, 31 Mar 2019
It is a shared responsibility, especially with the rise of identity politics and online threats, she said in a keynote speech at a youth forum organised by interfaith group Roses of Peace, where she also expressed concern about the results of a recent survey that found young Singaporeans to be comfortable with extremist views being posted online.
The vigil, held afterwards at The Red Box in Somerset Road, drew more than 50 attendees including Ms Jo Tyndall, the New Zealand High Commissioner to Singapore.
The fact that the perpetrator of the Christchurch mosque attacks was influenced by far-right white supremacist beliefs demonstrates how radicalisation can be present in any race or religion, Ms Fu said at the forum, at the OnePeople.sg office in Toa Payoh.
As more people identify themselves along narrow ethnic, cultural and religious lines, there is a risk that groups will try to maximise their space and influence at the expense of others, she noted.
This has led to conflict and discord in other territories, and must not be the path for Singapore, she cautioned, where the Government wishes for every Singaporean the right and freedom to practise his or her belief of choice.
"Every person or group has to be accommodating. It may mean giving up a bit of one's own space and comfort for others, but in return other groups do the same for the practice of our own beliefs."
She said the findings of a recent Institute of Policy Studies survey, which showed that nearly one in two young Singaporeans would allow religious extremists to publish their views online, are "worrying".
This is because extreme online sentiments can affect real-world relationships and perceptions.
"Frequent posting of extreme views, if left unchecked, will normalise such views and, over time, make them mainstream. Singaporeans must hence be discerning about messages that propagate prejudice relating to race and religion and take a stand against such hatred and prejudices," said Ms Fu, as she urged young people to think about how to leverage online space to strengthen Singapore's social cohesion.
Citing the example of a video of New Zealand students performing a haka, a ceremonial Maori dance, in tribute to the Christchurch victims, Ms Fu said the Internet and social media can instead be used to build relationships and foster respectful exchanges of viewpoints.
In a digital age, the impact of terrorism is also amplified, said Ms Fu, pointing to how the Christchurch attacker had published his views online before the killings and even live-streamed the attacks.
"Online disinformation and falsehoods are insidious to our multiracial, multi-religious society. When we see or hear news on disputes relating to religious and racial prejudice... we should actively check the accuracy of the sources, and seek clarification from religious or community leaders," she said.
Mr Divian Nair, who heads the We Are Majulah team, said the vigil was organised as the group wanted a space where the Muslim community and everybody in Singapore could come together to reflect.
"The funny thing about pain is that it has a large propensity to turn into fear, into anger, and it can cause divisive lines in societies that we live in. At the end of the day, what we believe... is that pain also can be converted into empathy."
Yesterday, President Halimah Yacob also announced that the first international conference in Singapore on social cohesion and interfaith harmony will take place from June 19 to 21 at the Raffles City Convention Centre.
The International Conference on Cohesive Societies will bring together local and international thought leaders across academia, government, religious groups and the civic sector to share their experiences and ideas, as well as collaborate and encourage people to rally their own communities to develop social cohesion, she said.
"(The conference aims to) ensure that we strengthen trust among the communities and this is important because we saw what happened in Christchurch, therefore we cannot overemphasise the importance of cohesion and harmony," said Madam Halimah, speaking on the sidelines of her visit to the Chinese Development Assistance Council at Tampines.
No comments:
Post a Comment