SINGAPORE
(Republic of Singapore)
Updated 26 October 2006
Government type: parliamentary republic
Independence: 9 August 1965 (from Malaysian Federation)
Chief of state: President Sellapan Rama (S. R.) Nathan (since 1 Sept. 1999)
Head of government: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (since 12 Aug. 2004); Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong (since 12 Aug. 2004); Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew (since 12 Aug. 2004)
Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president, responsible to Parliament
State Religion: None
Statistics
Population: 4,492,150 (July 2006 est.) Chinese 76.8%, Malay 13.9%, Indian 7.9%, other 1.4% (2000 census)
Religions (2000 Government Census): Buddhist 42.5%, Muslim 14.9%, Taoist 8.5%, Hindu 4%, Catholic 4.8%, other Christian 9.8%, other 0.7%, none 14.8%.
Unemployment: 3.1% (2005 est.)
Singapore, a developed nation, has the highest standard of living in Asia, and is ranked 11th in the world. It is also the 4th most densely populated country in the world.
More than 90% of Singapore's population live in housing estates constructed by the Housing Development Board and nearly half use the public transport system daily.
Political Development & Human Rights
Singapore is a parliamentary republic in which politics is dominated overwhelmingly by the People's Action Party (PAP) since 1965. Foreign political analysts and several opposition parties have argued that Singapore is a de factor one-party state.
The government generally respects the human rights of its citizens while reserving broad powers to limit citizens' rights and to impede political opposition.
· The law provides for freedom of speech and freedom of expression but permits official restrictions on these rights. Reporters without Borders ranked Singapore 146th out of 168 countries in its 2006 Worldwide Press Freedom Index.
· The government strongly influences both the print and electronic media except on international news which is relatively independent
· The government does not filter the Internet, however, website editors have very little room for maneuver. A blogger who criticised the country’s university system was forced to shut down his blog in May 2005 after official pressure.
· All public institutions of higher education and political research have limited autonomy. Academics speak and publish widely and engage in debate on social and political issues. However, they are aware that any public comments outside the classroom or in academic publications that venture into prohibited areas--criticism of political leaders or sensitive social and economic policies, or comments that could disturb ethnic or religious harmony or that appeared to advocate partisan political views—will subject them to sanctions.
Religious Freedom
The law provides for freedom of religion, and the government generally respects this right in practice so long as religious activities do not breach any other laws relating to public order, public health, or morality. Nevertheless, the government has banned some religious groups.
· All religious groups are subject to government scrutiny. They must be registered under the Societies Act.
· The Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act (MRHA) gives the government the power to restrain leaders and members of religious groups and institutions from carrying out political activities, creating "ill will" between religious groups, or carrying out subversive activities.
· The government maintains a relationship with the Muslim community through the Islamic Religious Council (MUIS), which was established under the Administration of Muslim Law Act. The MUIS advises the government on the Muslim community's concerns, maintains regulatory authority over Muslim religious matters, and oversees a fund financed by voluntary payroll deductions used for mosque-building and social and educational purposes.
· The meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses and the Unification Church are banned. However, the government does not outlaw the profession or propagation of Jehovah's Witnesses; it does not arrest members merely for being believers.
· Missionaries, with the exception of members of Jehovah's Witnesses and representatives of the Unification Church, are permitted to work, publish, and distribute religious texts.
The generally amicable relationship among religions in society contributes to religious freedom.
The Church
In a tightly-governed socio-political climate, there are fewer opportunities for the Church to play a socially active role. Local churches have nevertheless come together to voice opposition on certain social issues such homosexuality and building a casino. Many Christian ministries and congregations often come together and co-ordinate activities and good work for their communities.
One of the key challenges faced by the Church is materialism and financial security. Prosperity gospel is well-received by many. Independence and self-sufficiency have also undermined unity among the churches. They tend to focus on their own individual programs and are competing with one another. There is a need for breaking through the stronghold of pride, says a Christian leader. In general, Christianity has been viewed as religion dominated by English-speaking middle-class professionals. Such perception has driven away many who reject ‘elitism’ of Christianity.
As of 2003, for every ten marriages registered in Singapore, almost three ended in divorce. Divorce rate among the Christians is reported to be the 2nd highest in the country after the Muslims. Teenage abortion is also said to be on the rise. While confronted by the increasing divorce rate and promiscuity among the youth, the Church has yet to realize its potentials in restoring family institution.
Given the strategic location, communication networks and general climate of religious openness, Singapore is considered a key base for missionary and humanitarian activities in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. There are more than 300 para-churches in the country.
And He (Jesus) said to them, "Beware and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one does his life consist of his possessions” (Luke 12:15).
Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed (1 Timothy 2:17-19).
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do have not love, I have become noisy gong or a clanging cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1).
Now we who are strong ought to bear with the weaknesses of those who are without strength and not just to please ourselves. Each of us is to please his neighbour for his good, to his edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me" (Romans 15:1-3).
Continue to pray:
1. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and cabinet leaders for righteous leadership
2. Uphold religious freedom.
3. The Church:
o Unity among churches, against the spirit of competitiveness
o God comes before materialism and financial security; greater discernment and good stewardship; humility; return to her First Love.
o Wisdom, sensitivity & boldness for churches in outreaches
o Will rise up to true responsibility to bless other nations
o Will be significant in reaching the Asian continent and that more missionaries will commit to longer-term missions and projects.
o Many unique opportunities to reach out to the least evangelized regions of the world. [Singapore is strategically located at the crossroads of the world. It is a gateway to the 10/40 window.]
Reference:
- CIA Factbook, Oct 5, 2006.
- Country Reports on Human Rights Practices 2005, released March 2006
- International Religious Freedom Report September 2006
- Amnesty International 2006
- Human Rights Watch World Report 2006
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore
- Robbie B. H. Goh, Christianity in Southeast Asia. Singapore: ISEAS Pub., 2005.
- The 4th Southeast Asia Prayer Consultation (SEAPC), 10-14 October 2006. Batam, Indonesia.
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