'Disagreement must never become division': Masagos warns against use of religion as political tool

"Disagreement must never become division", said Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli.

- Aqil Hamzah and David Sun

Although Singaporeans may have differing views on issues, especially global ones, "disagreement must never become division", said Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli.

"If we are not careful, those cracks can deepen," said Mr Masagos, who is also the Social and Family Development Minister.

"In some countries, where trust was never built, minorities struggle to worship freely, even Muslims. Mosques are opposed; even cemeteries are contested."

His comments to the media on the evening of April 26 came after the Government moved to block Facebook posts by three foreigners for attempting to interfere in Singapore's general election.

On April 25, the authorities said they had directed Meta to block access to posts by two Parti Islam Se Malaysia (PAS) politicians and a former Singaporean who was an Internal Security Act (ISA) detainee.

Flanked by members of his PAP team contesting Tampines GRC, Mr Masagos said harmony in Singapore that was built over the decades did not come easy, and must never be taken for granted.

"It takes constant effort to protect our unity and keep at it," he said, adding that Singaporeans' shared identity must always come first.

Multiracialism and mutual respect, in particular, are why Singapore has peace, stability and progress, not just ideals, said Mr Masagos.

"That is why we must never allow race or religion to be used as political tools. It is even more dangerous when foreign elements interfere during our general election and use divisive language. It chips away at the trust we have worked so hard to build," he said.

Mr Masagos said that in Singapore, the trust between communities means Singaporeans, including Muslims, can live and worship with confidence, and mosques have been built in the heartland.

He declined to take questions from the media when giving his comments in Tampines Avenue 4.