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SINGAPORE – The results of the general election show that Singaporeans by and large reject identity politics and continue to support a multiracial and multi-religious society, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
Speaking at a 3am post-election press conference on May 4, PM Wong noted that the mixing of race and religion with politics was an issue that came up during the campaign.
Midway through the hustings, on April 25, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Elections Department announced the blocking of Facebook posts by several foreigners who had attempted to influence Singapore’s elections, including by endorsing an opposition candidate.
PM Wong said the matter was not just about foreign interference, because there were many negative and even toxic comments online that encouraged people to vote along racial lines.
“I had to call it out in the middle of the campaign, because this was such an important matter,” he said.
PM Wong had on April 26 called a press conference to ask all political parties to clarify their stance on two fundamental principles: that identity politics has no place in Singapore, and that religion and politics should not mix.
WP chief Pritam Singh, for one, responded to reporters’ questions on this issue, by saying on April 26 that every candidate has to represent all Singaporeans equally and fairly in a multiracial society.
On May 4, PM Wong said the situation did improve after he had highlighted the issue publicly.
But there were still views and comments online – some quite vicious – and they will continue to circulate, he said.
“But I am heartened that all political parties made clear their stance in this campaign to reject identity politics and reaffirm their commitment to multiculturalism, and the election results show that Singaporeans by and large reject identity politics and continue to support a multiracial and multi-religious society.”
To all communities in Singapore, PM Wong said the Government will continue to look after their interests, support their aspirations, and ensure that they are able to flourish and thrive in a multiracial and multi-religious society.
“This is my commitment to every community and to every Singaporean.”
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