This is the English version of Association of Muslim Professionals’ official response to Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew’s comments in his book – Hard Truths to Keep Singapore Going. An excerpt of this statement in Malay was published in Berita Harian today.
AMP Responds to Comments by Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew in Hard Truths to Keep Singapore Going
- The Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP) deeply regrets certain comments made by Minister Mentor (MM) Mr Lee Kuan Yew in his book Hard Truths to Keep Singapore Going. These comments are in relation to the practice of Islam by the Malay-Muslim community (MMC) where MM Lee had urged the MMC to be less strict in their practice of Islam in order to facilitate integration, and in relation to the issue of gaps between the MMC and other communities in Singapore, where MM Lee opined that the MMC will never catch up with the other communities. We note that these views of MM Lee are not new. It is not clear why MM Lee has chosen to repeat them at this point.
- However, because these views come from MM, and are repeated in print, it is important for the community to set its rejoinders. We do not agree with MM’s views. In our view, MM’s comments have hurt the community and are potentially divisive.
- Fundamentally, there is nothing wrong for any community in Singapore in being distinct, for it to carry out its religious practices, or in asserting its identity. Islam enjoins Muslims to integrate within the broader Singapore community. It is not mutually exclusive for a good Muslim to be a good Singaporean. In fact, a good Muslim is duty bound, in Islam, to be a good Singaporean.
- Many other religious communities practise their rituals. There is nothing wrong with this. Further, many ethnic communities assert their identities. Again, there is nothing wrong in this. For example, the state-promoted policy of SAP schools (where it could be argued that students do not have the same opportunity to mingle with other communities) manifests the assertion of the Chinese identity. The Speak Mandarin campaign is yet another example of the assertion of Chinese identity. The MMC has accepted these assertions of identities as part and parcel of living in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious community. Just like other Singaporeans, we celebrate diversity of beliefs and practices. It is therefore perplexing to see the Malay/Muslim community as being unfairly singled out for reasons which we cannot fathom.
- It is unusual for MM to conclude that Muslims have not integrated based on his sporadic observations of eating practices of Muslims. Many Muslims have no qualms sharing tables with their non-Muslim friends and colleagues. Muslims are obliged to observe certain dietary restrictions, inasmuch as people subscribing to other religions (e.g. Buddhists or Hindus who do not consume certain types of foods) or others having dietary restrictions (vegetarians, vegans). It is a stretch and disingenuous to suggest that Muslims are against or less likely to integrate primarily on account of our dietary restrictions or eating habits.
- Ironically, MM’s comments, which had purported to touch on integration, could be potentially divisive. MM’s comments create the misperception that the MMC is against or disinterested in integration, which is untrue and unfounded. It tends to perpetuate this misperception for younger Singaporeans in particular, who may take his views, as the first Prime Minister of Singapore, as the truth. These misperceptions could hinder integration going forward.
- Apart from the issue of the practice of Islam, MM had also commented that the Malay/Muslim community will never catch up with other communities in Singapore. Again, this is regrettable. To state this in print is effectively condemning the MMC as a lagging and marginalised community, even in the longer term.
- MM’s comments also raise questions as to whether they reflect the thinking of other political leaders. Does this thinking (relating to the misperception of Muslims being disinterested in integration, or that the MMC will never catch up with other communities) affect, directly or indirectly, other government policies? If this is not the case, then the State should clarify this. Otherwise, the perception will be that the comments expressed by MM Lee, as a core member of the Cabinet, reflects the official position of the Government.
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I don’t think it is enough to be published in a paper whose main readers are muslim themselves.
It should be published in the Straits Time at the minimum. Even better, it should be pub in the chinese papers.
Very encouraging reply from AMP. Good on them for questioning his worrying observations.
“Well, remember that when voting comes.”
There is a good cause to investigate and charge Lee Kuan Yew under the Sedition Act for this and other related uncalled-for comments against the Malay-Muslim Community.
It is due to the failure of the PAP policies that the People have had enough of the PAP, regardless of race, language, and religion. The hope that I see is that the People are finally united as a nation to decide that the PAP is NOT good enough for this country and that we need to be on the path of remedy. Do vote wisely.
MMC should teach lesson to PAP in election.
Just realised this was published only in the Malay papers. I would think racial integration is a national issue. Will ST be picking this up?
He bad mouths the muslim community, while he and his gang imports PRCs by the hordes??
It’s a sad book. It reflects poorly on how bad out of touch he is with his own people.
Book’s been published and his statements aren’t the holy grail of prophecies. Our community lives in harmony and that’s what matters.
if MM’s comments are coming from an opposition or commoner, I tell you, ISD will invite u to stay at their villa for months!!!
This is what I call DOUBLE STANDARDS!
Dear AMP,
I honestly welcome your letter. At least now I know what AMP’s position is. It is regrettable that the other MMC organisations like Mendaki, 4PM, Taman Bacaan etc have not yet announced their position.
Once again – I welcome AMP’s letter. Ultimately – to all Singaporeans and even ASEAN – we have no other choice except UNITY IN DIVERSITY.
Regards
Dr Syed Alwi
The AMP should call a spade a spade and state that the Malay-Muslim community
“strongly condemns without any reservations”
certain comments made by Minister Mentor (MM) Mr Lee Kuan Yew in his book Hard Truths to Keep Singapore Going.
The AMP “regret” view does not reflect what is happening on the ground amongst our MMC and our condemnation of this 87 year old man is without any qualification.
Im a chinese muslim but when i read the berita harian n this link, i feel sad for MM.. by stating all this, its like discreminating the MMC.. And i thought we are living in a free country whereby religious practices is allowed.. In terms of food, we MMC can eat foods being cooked by other races n religions as long as the utensils used are first hand n not being used to cook food that are non-permissible. I wonder when MM writes this book, do ISD it n take any actions? Because when it comes from anybody else especially from MMC, im sure that person will have a free stay at their undisclosed area behind old police academy..
Can lky be detained under the ISD for attempting to incite racial disharmony?? If not we dun need such duds like him in parliament.!!!
well done AMP. This needs to be in the Straits Times as well. I will email ST to ask..
MM Lee is half right. There are Chinese and non-Chinese who do not mix around with people of other races or who tend to stick to friends or people of the same race. We need more neutral common space – like a Channel 5 – where we are comfortable with one another. We should cut down on all these race-based TV channels where we perpecuate the myth that we live in a world of people who speak only Chinese, Malay or Indian. Time for the state to accentuate the common ground and discard all discrimination. And the less we emphasise on religion, the better. Religion kills. Just look at the Middle East.
Its pretty obvious what he is doing.
His current favourites are migrants from China and India. As such, he is doing everything necessary to reason out why they are more desirable and blah blah.
Its terribly disappointing that as local citizens whose ancestors have been longer than his, we have been condemned and belittled.
Look back! Have our betherens not worked hand and in hand with the early chinese/indian migrants to build Singapore? Have our betherens not served NS like everyone else? (thanks to MM’s policy, we were hardly ever considered for leadership positions)Have our betherens not tried their best to improve and keep up with the ever changing society???
Why is it then, that the GREAT MM LEE is now condemning us??? Are we not good enough to be Singaporeans? Is it his desire to replace the MMC with PRCs and Indian nationals?
Well, Im not going to sit around and wait to be disposed.
This whole episode is regrettable…. the less said by everyone the better. live and let live.
Dr Mahathir once said our MM Lee is a very big frog in a very small well, what he said recently about the Muslims are affecting other wells, like the Malaysian and Indonesian wells.
But in his very small well, he is now affecting the other smaller frogs of the muslim type.
Prosecute him under the Sedition Act?
Well, who dares.
“Many Muslims have no qualms sharing tables with their non-Muslim friends and colleagues.”
I really hope so, even if these non-Muslim friends are eating pork!
So where does that “Regardless of Race, Language or Religion” goes to????? Ive no problem seating and eating with my pork eating frens. Whats the big deal? as long i dont touch the pork, its orite. I can visit temple, church and etc. In Quran there’s a saying ” prioritize your neighbour than your own family” and so my neightbour is a taoist if they in trouble Its my duty to help them. Islam is such a simple religion but people who are ignorance make it looks difficult. Where in the world a Religions promote violence???Ive this one incident back in Melbourne when I attend Suffocation concert and this player of Suffocation told me about Sept 11 and how terrorist we (Muslims) are. I told him if Im a Terrorist, i wud not cum all the way from Singahellpore to see his band playing live and ask his autograph. He broke in tears and shakes my hand. Until today i wud not forget thia event.
AMP asks why MM raises (repeats) these issues at this point in time. Let me hazard a guess. He realises he is getting on with age and it is better to voice them out now whilst he can. I suspect, he is really troubled by perceived long-term threats for Singapore from Malaysia and Indonesia and the local Muslim community being increasingly infected with a more radical Middle-East/Saudi brand type Islam. He wants Singaporeans to be aware of them. As these issues are sensitive and provocative in nature he took upon himself to draw public attention to them.
All must accept and respect the piousness of others including that of Muslims. A Muslim’s choice as to what and how to eat his food in accordance to his religious strictures is his right and no one should object to it. However in multi-racial Singapore the majority are expected to concede their preferences and space in eating outlets in order not to involuntarily cause offense to Muslims who share tables there to eat.
Expecting spoons, forks, plates and other utensils to be washed separately for Muslims and non-Muslims involves additional costs and logistic problems for the common food-outlet operators. One way out is for Muslim staff to bring home food to office and warm it in micro-oven for eating. Alternatively they can leave a set of their own plate, fork and spoon in office and bring them out to use at food outlets they patronize and when finished wash them later there itself or (wipe them first with tissue paper) and bring them to office and wash. Another solution would be to persuade food outlets (practicing common washing) to provide Muslim patrons disposal plastic fork, spoon and plates. Either find a solution within these parameters or condition yourself to eat in the company of non-Muslims without feeling awkward or guilty.
Orang Singapura, I Lioke! Any “like” button to click? :))
There’s never an issue for any Muslims to share a table with non-Muslim friends.
Did you guys who said that, really mixed with the Malay Muslims? Even so, he or she doesn’t represent all Malay Muslims.
But it is the habit for Singaporeans that the Chinese will gang-up with Chinese, and the Malays will be more comfortable with Malays. The Indians, are either these 2. That is common sense, because they’ve more things in common. And that’s all.
Whether to share a table or not, it’s never about religion.
@devil: in Islam, we don’t believe in Buddhist God, Christian God, Hindu God or Muslim God. There no such thing as Muslim God. In Islam, God is God. So for Halal meat issue, it’s the slaughtering process that plays apart, which reads “There’s no God other than God.” and proceed with the right way of slaughtering it and not to hurt the animal.
Taken from Surahs of the Qur’an:
[5:3] Prohibited for you are dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and animals dedicated to other than GOD; that which hath been killed by strangling, or by a violent blow, or by a headlong fall, or by being gored to death; that which hath been (partly) eaten by a wild animal.
[5:5] This day are (all) things good and pure made lawful unto you. The food of the People of the Book [Jews and Christians] is lawful unto you and yours is lawful unto them.
PS: Today, it’s just Muslims, Jews and only small numbers of Christians that practices Halal diet.
In the US the Black minority and the Caucasian majority are both mainly christians.. YET THEY STILL HAVE A RACIAL ISSUE..
http://burnrallytogether.blogspot.com/2011/01/lee-kuan-yew-vs-muslims.html
Lee Kuan Yew vs The Muslims
In his recent book Lee Kuan Yew: Hard Truths to Keep Singapore Going, the self-anointed Minister Mentor of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, had this to say about the Muslims in Singapore:
“I would say today, we can integrate all religions and races except Islam.”
He goes on further to say:
“I think we were progressing very nicely until the surge of Islam came and if you asked me for my observations, the other communities have easier integration — friends, intermarriages and so on…”
He also urges Muslims to be “less strict on Islamic observerances”.
As is typical of the despotic and racist Lee, his words in the recently-published book goes to show, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that he has nursed bitter hatred towards minorities in general, and the Muslim community in particular – people who demonstrate some unwillingness to be part of his Utopian state.
As a non-Muslim – and the leader of a nation – Lee ought not to have penned such words which could inflame racial and religious tension.
What right has Lee to comment on how Muslims should conduct themselves, especially in matters of religion?
Barely a week has passed since the Thaipusam debacle, where the Hindu Endowments Board – no doubt instigated by the PAP Government under Lee Kuan Yew – had issued a blanket ban on religious music being played along the procession route. Needless to say, despite the initial strict enforcement of this ban by the Police, the Hindu devotees eventually won the day by carrying on their sacred traditions without fear of the authorities.
The Hindu devotees were victorious over the fascist state police force and their lackeys in the Hindu Endowments Board due to their moral right to practise the Hindu faith and uphold centuries of tradition – a right no government can take away without suffering the most dire consequences. Defending their right to freedom of worship will harden any man to defy the strongest opposition, even at the cost of sacrificing their lives.
Lee is clearly ignorant of the Muslim faith, in expressing those thoughts in his book. How has Islam stopped the integration of Muslim citizens into Singapore society? Muslims are instructed in the Quran to obey the authority in their land, as long as these authority figures do not hinder them from practicing Islam.
“O you believe, obey God and obey the messenger and those with authority among you”
Quran (Surah An-Nisa’) 4:59
Clearly, the Quran – which serves as the unwavering Law above all laws for Muslims – proscribes obeisance to secular authority after obeisance to God and His Messenger.
On the issue of inter-racial marriages, Lee demonstrates his faulty understanding on the matrimonial laws in Islam.
“This day are all things good and pure made lawful to you…. Lawful to you in marriage are not only chaste women who are believers, but chaste women among the People of the Book, revealed before your time, when you give them their due dowers, and desire chastity not lewdness. If any one rejects faith, fruitless is his work, and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost”
(Qur’an 5:5)
If God meant Muslims, He would have said Muslims explicitly. However, the term “People of the Book” shows that pious and chaste Christian and Jewish women can also be considered for marriage – although the best is to have uniformity in religious outlook, as religion (together with politics) are sensitive issues that can rent asunder any marriage.
Before the feminists decry this apparently one-sided rule (it applies to men marrying women of other faiths, and not vice-versa), we have to see it in the context that, even today, men are considered the head of the household and generally lead their womenfolk. Hardcore feminists may disagree, but that is entirely up to one’s viewpoint.
What about wearing head-dresses “for no rhyme or reason”?
Lee does not understand the concept of “sunnah” or following the Ways of the Prophet Muhammad. Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) wore such attire, and conservative Muslims emulate their lives based on his, down to the very clothes he wore.
Does Lee imply that integration involves wearing Western clothing exclusively?
The crux of the matter is this: What exactly are the reasons and sentiments behind such comments from Lee? They show complete ignorance of the subtle aspects of Islam and the reasons behind some of the practices. Criticizing a religion while remaining ignorant is one of the worst things a person – much less a politician – can do.
So the stage is set for LEE vs THE MUSLIMS. As a concerned Muslim Singaporean, I demand Lee explain his statements and his motives for such words. Until he comes clean, we can only assume based on the clear and present facts that Lee is Islamophobic, racist and intolerant of other faiths.
Such attributes are not the best to have for politicians of (supposedly) great stature such as the (supposedly) highly-esteemed Lee Kuan Yew.
I call for all Muslims, regardless of the level of your piety, to defend the religion against attack from this so-called ‘leader’ of our great country. As long as Death has not come for him, he will continue his attacks on the Muslim faith, and perhaps other religions as well.
We cannot let a man so base as him to remain in Parliament. Send him a clear message to show the power of the Muslim community in Singapore, that we are peace-loving and faithful citizens of Singapore who detest ‘leaders’ who espouse racial and religious hatred.
May Allah’s curse be upon you, Lee Kuan Yew!
It is an undeniable fact that religion divides as much as it unites.
Members of all faiths, not just Islam, should be less stringent about their beliefs if people are to be more closely integrated.
The ecumenical spirit of Karen Armstrong’s Charter for Compassion is a good start. Practise compassion towards all, first and foremost. Other details of your faith, whatever it is, are not as important.
Actually our muslim community should take MM’s comments with a huge pinch of salt. Just like he questioned Singaporeans at large for not having the spur in our hide and not thriving enough. PAP has been well known by Singaporean for its arrogance, and such display of insensitive and regular hammering of its people is a telling sign that they have been put in power for too long and too comfortable for them to do what they wanted to do to us. By voting them out, Singaporeans can be united again and Singapore can truly be called home again.
Double Standards – check.
Causing a big stir – check.
Touching the racial nerves – check.
Too senior to know better never to say and even worst not to write such things – check.
If he was someone else, he would’ve been sent to some St. John Island for rest of his life – check
Hth do you be less muslim, less buddhist, less christian, less hindu? is there such a thing?
Well, someone from the government better have the guts to speak up to this … I tell ya. Just use the general election to express your displeasure.
Let’s not go off at each other, we did not start this. MM did.
It would be kind of interesting to hear what our Muslim Ministers and MPs have to say about LKY adhoring them to be less muslim.
Indonesian and Malaysian minister hav sumthng to say or comment abt this sensitive issue..wat abt Spore? will they be sack or condemm if they voice out? Is Spore a place where we can voice out rather thn isd come knocking on ur door…?
I totally agree with hahaha. If all these had been uttered by any opposition or commoner, he or she would have been in Whitley Road by now – on grounds of inciting racial disharmony. Alas, this will never happen.
TOC, please note that the poster named “Robox” is not me but an imposter. You have my email address – it is, and will always be the same one – so I hope that you are somehow able to filter that poster out.
While I consider this imitation to be flattery, I also know the mischief-minded Singaporean enough to know that this poster is likely up to no good.
Not to be even more divisive but I’d like to clarify it’s not just the Malay Muslim Community that feels hurt by MM’s comments, but the Muslim community at large, made up of Malays, Indians, Chinese, Eurasians, and Others. We are contributing members of society, why are we being singled out? I feel physically revolted by this entire fiasco.
I would suggest that too many people are too sensitive about what LKY is saying. His words are actually rather innocuous and the view he is expressing is not particularly unusual.
Disagree with him? Just say so rationally, and why.
Even AMP’s reply is rather overboard and seeks to over-imply the importance of a few casual remarks.
Any neutral party who reads some of the more hysterical reactions to his words is likely to conclude that LKY was actually spot-on with his comments.
Perhaps this is the consequence of telling people for too long that religion should not be a subject for public discussion. People have become too thin-skinned about this issue.
i would say that maybe he is talking about the larger picture, looking at what is happening in our neighbouring countries, afraid that some of it would rub off onto the local muslims.
its already happening or has happened, in philipines, the muslims in the south want to be distinct and separate. in malaysia the muslim religious authorities don’t want to be part of any interfaith grouping again wanting to be distinct and separate. in indonesia muslims don’t want churches to be build near muslim communities.
will some of this “we want to be distinct and separate” attitude make its way here?
@witness, it is clear that you do not understand local politics well enough. When LKY speaks, nothing is ever casual. Practically, the whole government machinery will have to go into overdrive in response to it. I know for a fact because I have lived long enough in this country to witness it countless of times.
@b&f, your question although seem somewhat innocuous or well-intended actually is really unfounded. That assertion you have made is coming from a rather far-fetched angle without much basis. Proof of the matter is, the MMCs have lived alongside peacefully without making much fuss in the last 4 decades. We have been able to practice our religion freely and essentially that is all that we seek for. We do not wish to impose our values to others as much as how we expect others to do on us. This is because we understand and have always accepted the reality on the ground that we are always going to be a minorty in this country. So, in essence, really, the remarks of Mr Lee, is totally uncalled for and is provoking sentiments on the ground, which we seriously don’t need. Ever again.
I don’t know from where he’s getting his info, i personally don’t have any problems sitting at the same table with my friends who are eating non-halal food, and definitely don’t fear ‘contamination’ as said by lky.
he goes on to say, ‘the other communities have easier integration — friends, intermarriages and so on, Indians with Chinese, Chinese with Indians — than Muslims.’
- again, i do not know from where he’s getting his info, i personally have many friends of other races and religions as i believe other muslim as i am in singapore have.
- then he goes on about intermarriages, he goes from example from mix RACE marriages to a muslim(RELIGION)??!! There is a difference between RACE and RELIGION right? I mean most of the mix races marriages, most of the couple i believe do share the same religion/beliefs right? Question here, as a devout christian,buddhist,hindu etc, do you agree to marring someone of different religious beliefs as yours??
And finally the macdonalds,kfc pizza hut etc going halal certified is definitely not conceding to the muslim preference as some mentioned, it’s purely for profit reasons opening up to the muslim consumers…
I personally feel muslim here have no problems with any of the food business opening outlets serving non-halal food. I don’t remember muslims here demanding all this food business be halal certified..
Has Yaacon Ibrahim made any comments??
Actually what MM Lee says about the MMC being distinct and separate is quite true. One can clearly see it in most of the nation-wide advertisements here anyway. The MMC is always under-represented unless if it’s for racial harmony and national day purposes.
For example look at the current SAF adverts – Our Army. There’s not even a Malay guy represented in the print and tv ads. No Malays in the army is it? Maybe being part of the majority race, one will not notice such stuff.
And, maybe, I am making a mountain out of a molehill. But if the media is not representing the MMC in a good light like the army advert, but instead we usually hear about the social ills and lower economic&education levels of the MMC, how is this not aiding in the spreading of the idea, even if subconciously,that the MMC is really different and separate from the rest of Singapore that is progressing fast?
Maybe MM Lee can’t take it anymore that all 3 Singapore idols are Malay-Muslim guys…
Ahh… now it all make sense…
LOOKS LIKE MORE LOST VOTES
soliloquy>>>>Yaacob Ibrahim will respond by showing his set of pearlie whites again, like he always does :D
like i have been thinking about this, it’s better to leave him alone cos HE’S ALREADY LONELY THATS WHY.
words and voices going through his head now. in other words,don’t buy the book
U know, reading all the views, this would be great to have it aired in the show “singapore talking”.. Seriously.. Alots of pointers n to let the nation speak their minds, thoughts n feelings…
my nationality comes 1st, my race 2nd.
as it is in school, English is my 1st language, the language that bridges the racial gap. i see no reason for LKY to demonise any race, even if in the past he may have had unpleasant experience/s.
if there is hard truth, why demonise WikiLeaks’s version of hard truth? such a book shouldn’t be allowed to sell in S’pore, it’s really not in public’s interest.