RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN SINGAPORE AFTER MALAYSIA (Statement by the Prime Minister)

2.47 p.m.

The Prime Minister: Mr Speaker, Sir, whilst I was in London I was approached by the British Council of Churches about the question of religious freedom in Singapore after Malaysia. It would appear that there was some misunderstanding and not unnatural concern regarding religious liberty after Malaysia. I therefore undertook to make a declaration on religious freedom on my return to Singapore in this Assembly. It has always been the policy of the Government of Singapore to allow freedom of all religions in Singapore, and I gladly give the assurance that we will continue the policy of religious toleration.

Members of other religions than the Muslims will appreciate that the Singapore (Constitution) Order in Council, 1958, makes it the responsibility of the Government of Singapore to protect, safeguard, support, foster, and promote the political, educational, religious, economic, social and cultural interests of the Malays. This responsibility will remain after Malaysia Day, as it will be included in the Singapore Constitution. However, the over-riding safeguard for religious freedom is contained in Article 11 of the Federal Constitution, which provides that every person has the right to profess and practise his religion, it is the policy of the Singapore Government to maintain the status quo in all matters of religious freedom, in other words, there will be no change after Malaysia. Article 11(4) of the Federal Constitution does give power to the State to control or restrict the propagation of any religious doctrine or belief amongst persons professing the Muslim religion. And Article 11(1) of the Constitution provides that the right to propagate the religion shall be subject to this power. The power will be exercised by the State Government and the provisions of the Federal Constitution in this matter cannot be amended without the consent of the Singapore Government.

Sir, it is not possible for me to bind all future governments in Singapore, but I give the assurance that it is not the intention of my Government to introduce legislation to control or restrict the propagation of any religious doctrine or belief, and the present position in all matters of religious liberty will continue.