RELIGION AND POLITICS IN SECULAR STATE : A CASE STUDY OF SINGAPORE

Abstract

The concept of the secular state assumed increased significance in Singapore politics with several political events in the 1980s. The uncovering of the Marxist Conspiracy in May 1987 first brought the Singapore government's attention to the attempted use of religious institutions for political purposes as well as the involvement of religious leaders in politics. Coupled with this is the emergence of revivalist movements amongst the different religious groups in Singapore. In view of the concern which this has caused among the public, the Singapore government felt the necessity to clarify its stand regarding the role of religion in the state. The fact that Singapore is and would continue to remain as a secular state has become the theme of several government public statements. However, no specific definition of a secular state has been provided by the government. As such, an attempt shall be made to analyse this particular concept as it has applied to the Singapore government (13 744 words)