Beware racial and religious complacency: PM Lee

Singapore

PRIME Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday cautioned against complacency in matters of race and religion, noting that such harmony is not a natural state of affairs, and that issues have become more complicated and difficult than before.

In particular, he referred to the ongoing problem of jihadist terrorism - as reflected in the self-radicalisation of those who have aligned themselves with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) - and said that Singapore must remain on guard.

"We've made so much progress that sometimes Singaporeans may be lulled into thinking that we have arrived," said Mr Lee at a OnePeople.sg event. "I think that's being complacent, that's dangerous. Because in any society, race and religion will remain difficult issues, will remain sensitive issues." He also noted that this comes even as things are discussed more openly th…