Religious leaders deeply concerned over suspicious parcel at mosque

IRO slams actions that threaten safety of places of worship or undermine harmony

- Zaihan Mohamed Yusof Senior Correspondent

Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam with community leaders at Al-Istiqamah Mosque on Sept 25. He said the police have stepped up visits to mosques, but warned against turning places of worship into fortresses. PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN

(BERITA HARIAN)

The Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) has said it is deeply concerned over an incident involving a suspicious parcel that was received at Al-Istiqamah Mosque.

The parcel, which was found to contain meat believed to be pork, led to the evacuation on Sept 24 of the mosque in Serangoon North.

In a Facebook post on Sept 25, the IRO said it takes a strong stand against any actions that threaten the peace and safety of places of worship or that undermine religious harmony in Singapore.

“An act against one religion is an act against all religions,” added the nongovernmental organisation, which was founded by leaders from the Hindu, Jewish, Zoroastrian, Buddhist, Taoist, Jain, Christian, Muslim, Sikh and Baha’i religions.

The IRO said Singapore's mosques, temples, churches and other places of worship must continue to be safe, peaceful spaces for all who seek solace, reflection and communal worship.

“We stand in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters and pray for continued peace and harmony in our multicultural society,” added the IRO.