Saturday, May 16, 2009

DPM Wong Kan Seng on pushing civil society limits

DPM Wong Kan Seng on pushing civil society limits
Express views, but be mindful of sensitivities
DEPUTY Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng has spoken up on several issues arising from the recent tussle over women's advocacy group Aware.
16 May 2009

DEPUTY Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng has spoken up on several issues arising from the recent tussle over women's advocacy group Aware.

He responded yesterday to questions fielded by The Straits Times, on issues including homosexuality, government intervention and pushing boundaries.

Here are excerpts of his replies:

On homosexuality

'They (homosexuals) have a place in our society and are entitled to their private lives.

'This is the way the majority of Singaporeans want it to be - a stable society with traditional, heterosexual family values but with space for homosexuals to live their private lives and contribute to society.'

On pushing boundaries

'Our society will not reach consensus on this issue (homosexuality) for a very long time to come.

'The way for homosexuals to have space in our society is to accept the informal limits which reflect the point of balance that our society can accept, and not to assert themselves stridently as gay groups do in the West.'

On government intervention and public perception

'The Government has been very careful in its comments, especially before the EGM, as it did not want to be misunderstood as taking sides...

'However, the Government was worried about the disquieting public perception that a group of conservative Christians, all attending the same church, which held strong views on homosexuality, had moved in and taken over Aware because they disapproved of what Aware had been doing...'

'I was grateful therefore that Dr John Chew of the National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) issued a clear statement that the NCCS does not condone churches getting involved in the Aware dispute.'

On rules of engagement for religious groups

'Religious individuals have the same rights as any citizen to express their views on issues in the public space, as guided by their teachings and personal conscience.

'However, like every citizen, they should always be mindful of the sensitivities of living in a multi-religious society...

'If religious groups start to campaign to change certain government policies, or use the pulpit to mobilise their followers to pressure the Government, or push aggressively to gain ground at the expense of other groups, this must lead to trouble.

'Keeping religion and politics separate is a key rule of political engagement.'

On need for political arena to be secular

'Our political arena must always be a secular one. Our laws and policies do not derive from religious authority, but reflect the judgments and decisions of the secular government and Parliament to serve the national interest and collective good.

'These laws and public policies apply equally to all, regardless of one's race, religion or social status.

'This gives confidence that the system will give equal treatment and protection for all, regardless of which group one happens to belong to.'

On Aware saga's impact on civil society

'Many different communities share this tiny island. If our diversity is not to become a source of weakness, we must manage such disagreements in a responsible and balanced manner...

'The Government has to maintain order, and hold the ring impartially.

'It encourages the development of civic society, and gradual widening of the OB markers.

'But it will not stand by and watch when intemperate activism threatens our social fabric.'

On observing balance and moderation

'On the whole, our religious communities have played a positive role in our society.

'The maturity of our religious leaders and the restraint and sense of responsibility of their followers have helped to make this a communally peaceful society. We must keep it that way by observing the rules of engagement.

'This applies also to the media. The media plays an important role reporting on the issues, the groups and the personalities involved. They need to do so dispassionately and impartially...'


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