Daily Lessons from Life 17 August 2012 - Guard against terrorism as race & religion are still exploited globally

"Guard against terrorism as race & religion are still exploited globally: DPM Teo - CNA 17 August 2012

SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean has urged Singaporeans to continue to guard against the threat of terrorism.

He said race and religion are still being exploited as divisive factors in many parts of the world and that the deliberate misinterpretation and misuse of religious teachings is particularly dangerous.

Mr Teo said: "That is why we have continually invested in efforts to promote inter-faith harmony and relations. We must all work together to ensure that our society will be resilient enough to withstand the trauma, should an attack take place in Singapore in spite of our best efforts."

He made this point at a break fast or "iftar" session at Khadijah Mosque on Friday evening. He commended the Religious Rehabilitation Group for its efforts in helps Jemaah Islamiyah detainees and self-radicalised individuals rehabilitate. The group hosted the annual breaking of fast at the mosque. About 100 guests from various races joined them."

The notes of significant impact for me are: About 100 guests from VARIOUS RACES joined them.

Lessons for me are:

1. if human being behaves rationally, they is no reason for them to be killing each other over races and religions. If they kill each other over lack of food and drink that threaten their survival, it is easier to comprehend rationally!;

2. yet human being has repeatedly kill each others due to race and religion as it involves emotion rather than rationality! The THOUGHT of the 'race being insulted' or the 'religion not respected or what not' can send a perfectly rational human being into an uncontrollable emotional wreck who will kill with no second thought! (Well, he or she could not think anyway at that stage of emotional trauma/stress!!);

3. on the races part, it still has very much to do with the material well being. Not the high end ones but the basic needs. These must be met. The respect by the rich given to the not-so-rich is important. On the religious front, mutual respect of being having to 'convey' the other sides is critical. Unless life is threaten or laws are broken, there is really no need to comment about how other conducts their religious affairs!

Thank you to the Inter-religious Council for the continuous hard and smart work. Mutual respect for each other's beliefs are KEY to peace and harmony and progress for our People!