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.