The possible spread of Islamophobia here is a “serious risk”, and Singaporeans will have to guard against such intolerance towards Muslims since it can tear society apart, said Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam yesterday.

How the non-Muslim population here treats its Muslim brothers and sisters will decide what type of society Singapore is, he said yesterday in his opening address at a two-day symposium on how religion can expand common spaces, organised by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

“And if we behave with suspicion and negativity, then our Muslim population will feel isolated. The harmonious society that we have built, will be at risk,” said Mr Shanmugam, who is also the Law Minister.