The Straits Times
06 January 2016
- RSIS
- Media Mentions
- Flare-up in Middle East Unlikely to Spark Major Friction in Singapore, Say Experts
Flare-up in Middle East Unlikely to Spark Major Friction in Singapore, Say Experts
The diplomatic crisis between Saudi Arabia and Iran is primarily a political issue, even if both nations couch it as a sectarian dispute, said Singapore-based academics and religious leaders yesterday.
The latest flare-up in the Middle East is therefore unlikely to spark major friction here, they said.
The reason: Singapore has spent decades promoting harmony between and within religions, regardless of the size of their following, said Syed Hassan Alattas, head of Ba’alwi Mosque.
… And while the Muslim community here has always been interested in discussing different theological ideas, it is far less interested in the sociopolitical elements that underpin the Saudi-Iranian conflict, said Mr Mohammad Alami Musa of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.
“Unity is of primary importance for Muslims in Singapore because we are a very small community, and we cannot afford any division.”
SRP / Online / Print
Last updated on 06/01/2016
