Grace Fu: Inequality a ‘major cleavage’ in many societies but S’poreans must have hope for future
Inequality has emerged as one of the “major cleavages” in societies across the world, said Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu.
She specifically highlighted Hong Kong and Chile as examples, two places that have seen recent protests stemming in part from economic inequality.
Fu was speaking at the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFORB) and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) International conference on Oct. 30.
Opportunities must be accessible to all
In her speech, Fu touched upon how Singapore maintains racial and religious harmony, through laws and social policies.
However, she also said that inequality is a critical challenge faced by societies around the globe, “from Hong Kong to Chile”.
Fu added that Singapore is engaged in ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all.
She gave the example of the UPLIFT Programme set up by the Ministry of Education this year, which aims to strengthen support for students from disadvantaged families.
According to Fu, Singaporeans enjoy relatively high inter-generational social mobility.
“Nine in 10 students from the bottom 20 per cent by socio-economic background progress to post-secondary education today, compared to five in 10 students 15 years ago,” said Fu.
“We are mindful that all members of our society must have hope for the future.”
Amendments to maintenance of Religious Harmony Act
Fu also brought up the recent amendments made to the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act (MRHA).
She said that the amendments were in response to new technology such as social media, which has amplified and accelerated the impact of divisive forces.
“The amendments gave us better basis to respond swiftly and against influence from foreign powers,” said Fu.
Previously, Minister of Law and Home Affairs K. Shanmugam emphasised that while the law should not be used, it must exist as a deterrent.
Fu reiterated this point, stating that “in the nearly 30 years since we enacted the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act, I am happy to say that we have not needed to invoke it once.”
Increase in minority groups perceiving workplace discrimination
Fu then quoted a recent survey by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), which showed that more than nine out of 10 Singaporeans have positive views on the level of racial and religious harmony in Singapore.
The survey also indicated that more Singaporeans had close friends of other races, and fewer people now stereotype a person based on race.
However, the survey also revealed that there is an increase in minority groups perceiving workplace discrimination, such as when applying for jobs.
Fu explained that this could be due to greater awareness of the presence of discriminatory behaviour in the workplace, but pledged to tackle these issues.
“We will face these issues as we have for the past 54 years: openly and transparently, with respect for all parties, and working together to make Singapore a better home for everyone,” she said.
Singapore Declaration of Freedom of Religion or Belief
An estimate of 120 people attended the conference, including 70 parliamentarians from countries like Canada, Venezuela, Kosovo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The gathered parliamentarians were encouraged to support the Singapore Declaration of Freedom of Religion or Belief.
Those who agreed did so in their personal capacity, and not as a representative of their governments or political parties.
They committed to ensuring that places of worship and their congregations are protected, and to strengthen efforts to prevent violent extremism conducive to terrorism, among others.
Members of Parliament Charles Chong and Alex Yam, as well as Nominated Members of Parliament Anthea Ong and Mohamed Irshad were among the attendees at the conference.
Speaking to Mothership and referring to her recent speech in Parliament on the MRHA, Ong said that she maintained her stance that it was “absolutely critical” that Singaporeans allow for freedom of religion and belief.
However, she mentioned that one in four Singaporeans do not follow a formal religion, and that such people with a “different set of beliefs” also deserved inclusion.
Source: Mothership