Daily Lessons from Life 03 October 2017 - No to hate speech n extremist teachings

"Government to tighten rules against hate speech, extremist teachings: Shanmugam

SINGAPORE: Authorities will be reviewing legislation and studying ways to counter the threat of hate speech and extremist teachings, Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam said in Parliament on Tuesday (Oct 3).

Mr Shanmugam, who is also Law Minister, said that authorities will be reviewing the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act to deal with “segregationist teachings”.

“Religion can be and has been a source of strength to our society, but we must also watch for exclusivist, intolerant practices because these can deepen fault lines and weaken our entire society,” Mr Shanmugam said.

He shared that the Ministry of Home Affairs is looking at tightening restrictions on foreign preachers who do not share Singapore's values of religious harmony and making sure they do not come to Singapore to preach."

In Sgp we advocate responsible freedom of speech n not the total freedom of speech embraced by some so-called liberal societies that would prepared to bear the sometimes deadly consequences. e.g. the French insistent claim that a comic magazine can publish anything n on any personality in satirical manner. e.g. the USA allowing the burning of holy books other religion felt offensive. 

It is for the particular society to decide if they want to pay the price for such full freedom of expression.

For Sgp, it is very clear, at least for me, that responsible freedom of speech is the right way to go.

Regardless of race, language n religion as one united people. 

One can say all the good things abt one's religion. No issue. In fact, encouraged. At the same time NEVER talk down n/or talk bad abt other's religion.

This is one small n sure way to prevent conflict between the races n religions. 

The same goes for hate speeches. 

Peace n harmony to Sgp so that everyone can focus on building prosperity n pursue happiness too.