Goh warns against religious extremism

Goh warns against religious extremism

SINGAPORE (Agencies): Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong warned in remarks published on Tuesday that the Singapore government will "take firm action" against religious extremists and fringe groups whose actions threaten harmony in the city-state.

Citing the recent wave of church bombings in Maluku and North Maluku provinces and other parts of Indonesia, Goh said the religious strife there demonstrates how delicate this harmony is.

Goh's address on Monday to religious leaders and delegates from more than 10 countries at a Buddhist charity function, published in the local media, noted that intolerant views could be spread swiftly in the Internet era.

With the Internet and the ease with which web sites are set up, Goh noted some followers "may become bold, insensitive and reckless in expressing their views."

While he said it is better for religious leaders to restrain and admonish them, the government will not allow things to fester, Goh warned.

"If necessary, the government will take firm action against such extremists and fringe groups whose actions threaten Singapore's multiracial harmony," Goh said.

Buddhism and Taoism are the main faiths of the primarily Chinese population in Singapore, followed by Islam, Christianity and Hinduism.

"We have seen how countries have been destroyed by religious strife," Goh said. "We have no intention of allowing our delicate racial and religious balance to be disturbed by any insensitive group of whatever race of religion."

In another development, the Falungong spiritual movement said on Tuesday it was urging 15 members to accept bail in Singapore after they were detained for an illegal vigil commemorating members who died in Chinese jails.

"They were under the impression that they have already been charged. That's why they refused bail, because they believe that they have not done anything wrong," a Falungong spokesman who asked not to be named told Reuters.

"We're trying to encourage those people to bail out so that we can seek resolution together."

The group is trying to raise the S$2,000 ($1,150) in bail for each of the 15, including a pregnant woman. But as of Tuesday afternoon none had accepted bail, a police spokesman said.

Falungong is legally registered in Singapore but all organizations require a permit to assemble in a public place.

About 60 followers of the group, which is banned in China as an evil cult that brainwashes and cheats members, gathered in a park before midnight on New Year's Eve with two large placards bearing the names and photographs of dead adherents.

Police said they refused an order to break up the protest and blocked officers trying to seize the placards as evidence.

The 15 are being investigated on two charges -- obstructing police and continuing an unlawful assembly after being warned to disperse.

"The best scenario is that no charges are formerly brought against them," the Falun Gong spokesman said. "But it's very difficult to discuss things if these people are not out."

The nine men and six women included two Singaporeans, eight Chinese nationals living in the city state on work and student visas and five permanent residents. Police said they did not know the nationalities of the five permanent residents.