Public–policy discourses on selected significant issues of cultural and religious diversity in Singapore

Abstract

Singapore's multiculturalism is highly complex in terms of both cultural and religious diversity in traditions and relations, by virtue of its important geographical location in different eras of world history and in today's context of globalization. Singapore's multicultural history and society have resulted in a richness of cultures that are constantly evolving. Significant cultural and religious trends and issues have come to the fore in recent years in rapidly changing social contexts. Their public–policy discourses reflect changing views, expectations and modes of social–political engagement by individuals, various stakeholder groups and the government, and present varied responses and challenges to the management of ever-growing cultural and religious diversity. Singapore's legal and institutional framework is firmly rooted in multiculturalism and secularism based on equality, for management of cultural and religious diversity. The State's particular model of secularism in governing Singapore's multireligious society is also reflected in the Constitution's guarantee of religious freedom, right and interest, and in its provisions for religious autonomy.