Singapore’s Home Affairs Minister reacted to remarks made by Islamic preacher Noor Deros during the GE2025 campaign and comments from politicians of Malaysia’s Islamist party, the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS). In a press briefing on Thursday, he said the Workers’ Party (WP) took too long to respond and that its reply was “ambiguous.”
The Minister began by summarising the statements from Noor Deros, who urged Singaporeans to “stand together in faith” and criticised perceived sectarian divides. PAS leaders echoed similar concerns, saying Singapore’s political landscape was becoming more fragmented.
He pointed out that the Workers’ Party, which had called on the government to address rising religious tensions, had not acknowledged the preacher’s comments promptly. “A delayed response leaves room for misunderstanding,” the Minister said. He warned that mixed messages from political parties could fuel mistrust among minority communities.
The Home Affairs Minister also highlighted the importance of clear communication in a multicultural society. “Our goal is to maintain social cohesion,” he added. He urged political parties, including the WP, to address sensitive topics openly and swiftly to avoid confusion.
The comments arrive amid growing debate over Singapore’s approach to religious diversity and political engagement. The GE2025 campaign has been marked by a mix of policy proposals and cultural issues, and the Minister’s remarks underscore the need for all parties to handle religious commentary responsibly.
In the days ahead, the Workers’ Party is expected to publish a statement clarifying its position on Noor Deros’s statements and PAS’s points. The Minister may appear on radio or television to discuss the importance of timely responses to religious and political statements in shaping public sentiment.
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