Several Members of Parliament (MPs) debated and made speeches during the second reading of the Maintenance of Religious Harmony (Amendment) Bill (MRHA) on Oct. 7.

One of the MPs that spoke on MRHA was the Workers' Party (WP) secretary-general Pritam Singh, who gave his support to the proposed amendments.

Showing respect to various religions as a way of life

Pritam later shared on Facebook that he was reminded of a gesture that former WP's chief Low Thia Kiang made at his marriage ceremony back in 2012.

Low, who is a Buddhist, respectfully followed the Sikh custom of bowing before the holy book out of respect during Pritam and his wife's wedding ceremony.

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While it is not compulsory for non-Sikhs to do so, Pritam said he and his wife were appreciative of Low's gesture.

Pritam wrote:

"Did you see the way Mr Low bowed and put his hands together before the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh Holy Book)? It was so respectful." So said my wife to me when she watched the video of our marriage ceremony some years ago, which was attended by Mr Low and the WP MPs."

Pritam ended off the post by recognising that many Singaporeans are showing respect to various religions in different ways, "regardless of political persuasion".

Drawing line between politics and religions

While the Workers' Party is supportive of the amendments mooted in the bill, Pritam also raised a few concerns in Parliament.

With the proposed changes, Pritam said that ministers and the Cabinet will have significant powers under the act, and therefore, the clarity in how the act is applied and the impartiality shown by the government is paramount in both words and actions.

He cautioned that the general public may acknowledge the more visible appearance of religious leaders alongside politicians, which may potentially create and ferment tension within the religious group between congregants of different political persuasions.

He also highlighted that all political leaders should be mindful of how their involvement in religious events, such as large-scale prayer events or any gatherings may have signalling effects, especially during the run-up to the general election.

Pritam added that the state has to ensure it can remain as a neutral arbiter in matters on faith.

He said:

"As we enter the 4G era, this house must ensure that the public space continues to be secular and safe space for all Singaporeans regardless of creed."

MRHA amended for the first time in 27 years

This is the first time in 27 years that changes have been made to the Act since it came into force in 1992.

The proposed amendments are meant to strengthen the government’s ability to deal with threats to Singapore’s religious harmony in light of social media and the Internet.

Top photo collage from screenshot of CNA video and photo from Pritam Singh's Facebook.