ASIA/SINGAPORE - A missionary: "Lee Kuan Yew, a man of dialogue and religious harmony"

Tuesday, 24 March 2015

Singapore (Agenzia Fides) - "Lee Kuan Yew managed to create a country that is a model of peaceful coexistence among religions, in which there was genuine religious freedom. After the race riots in 1969, harmony among ethnic groups and religions was the leitmotif of his national policy": is what Fr. Joseph de Dinechin, MEP, French missionary in Singapore says to Fides, recalling the founder of the modern city-state Lee Kuan Yew, who died on March 23, 2015. Lee Kuan Yew, an almost legendary figure, transformed the small fishing village into one of the richest and most cosmopolitan cities in the world. He was Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore from 1959 to 1990.
Fr. Dinechin says to Fides: "Lee Kuan Yew was a pragmatic man: he noted that religious aspiration is an integral part of humanity and that religion offers a positive contribution to society. In his view, different religions can have full freedom to develop".
This idea found application in the housing policy of the buildings built by the House Development Board (HDB), based on the composition of social and religious diversity: "Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Taoists and Buddhists coexist in true friendship. In Singapore, the government is part of the inter-religious dialogue, which promotes and coordinates", the missionary said.
About 6% of the population belong to the Catholic Church in Singapore, but "has a strong influence in the educational and social field. Lee Kuan Yew’s children, one of whom is current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, were educated in Catholic schools. The Church continues to evangelize freely and passionately", refers Fr. Dinechin, adding: "If sometimes there were disagreements between the Catholic Church and the government of Lee Kuan Yew’s People's Action Party – one recalls the question of limiting births in 1970 or the issue regarding migrant workers in 1980 - one should note that dialogue was always frank, direct and respectful. The government regularly had meetings with religious leaders, including the Archbishop".
The MEP missionary concludes: "In a time when many countries are facing strong tensions, the model of religious harmony at the service of the common good established by Lee Kuan Yew in Singapore could be valuable for many". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 24/03/2015)


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