Minister for Communications and Information Yaacob Ibrahim (second from left) during prayers at Masjid Al-Mukminin. (Photo: MUIS)
SINGAPORE: Singaporeans should not be easily swayed by online influences, reiterated Minister for Communications and Information Yaacob Ibrahim on Sunday (Jun 25), after attending the Eidulfitri prayers.
In a press release by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), Dr Yaacob, who is also Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, also said that the Eidulfitri sermon, titled "Islam respects local culture", is appropriate to the times in reinforcing the message that whatever is practised in Singapore is in accordance to Islam.
The minister called on the Malay-Muslim community to continue to be an active supporter of the wider community and said, despite the challenges, Muslims here must preserve social cohesion at all times, the press release added.
SINGAPORE’S SOCIAL COHESION "PRECIOUS", YET "FRAGILE"
Speaking to the media on Sunday, Dr Yaacob noted that "a vast majority" of Singaporeans recgonise that the country's social cohesion was not achieved “through some miracle, but by the hard work by pioneers and the current leadership".
“They recognise that we have something good going in Singapore, and we don’t want to destroy that,” he said. “That we respect one another, we understand one another and we work with each other.
“So today is Hari Raya, our houses and mosques are open to all our friends, be it Muslims or non-Muslims. They recognise that what we have achieved is so precious, yet fragile, and it can come asunder with just a simple comment; a simple act.”
He added that it is important for everyone to remain vigilant and work hard, so that Islamophobia does not take root in Singapore.
“We have to work doubly hard – not just the Muslim leaders but also the non-Muslims,” he said. “You never know what is being uttered in corridors, in dinner table gatherings.
"So if you come across something which is wrong, someone there must speak up to say that is not the right thing to do or say.”
Full story at http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singaporeans-should-not-be-easily-swayed-by-online-influences-8976920