SINGAPORE: Ethnic and religious harmony is “not just a defensive issue” for Singapore – it is at its heart “an ideal and cherished vision for our nation”, said Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

Speaking on Wednesday night (Aug 19) at an award ceremony to recognise achievers in the Malay-Muslim community, Mr Tharman touched on the globalisation of sectarian and religious conflicts. He noted how some neighbouring countries’ citizens have joined ISIS, and “a few Singaporeans had gone over too”.

But emphasising harmony is not just a defensive matter for the Republic.

… At the award ceremony, two people were recognised for their work to strengthen the ties between the Malay-Muslim community and other faiths: Mr Mohammad Alami Musa, President of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), and former Mufti Shaikh Syed Isa Semait.