Singapore has avoided toxic US-style politics, but signs of identity rifts are showing, says home minister
SINGAPORE, Sept 13 — Singapore’s home affairs minister has cautioned against the creeping use of identity politics in the city-state, warning it could corrode society if politicians pursue support along racial or religious lines.
Speaking at a charity event in Singapore yesterday, K Shanmugam said there were “worrying signs” that some were playing politics with identity.
“We have seen that, and in every country there is political profit in doing that,” he told reporters, according to CNA.
“If we go down that route, well, ultimately Singapore will suffer.”
The Singapore-based media organisation said he was responding to questions about whether Singapore might follow the US into polarised, fractious politics.
Shanmugam drew a sharp contrast between the two countries, saying Singapore’s ability to avoid identity politics despite being one of the most religiously diverse societies in the world was a “key difference”.
“And I hope Singaporeans will continue to eschew identity politics … the moment we go down the route and we encourage politicians who play identity politics, then that’s highly corrosive for society,” he reportedly said.
The minister’s comments came amid renewed debate in the US following the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, a close ally of Donald Trump. Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at an outdoor event in Utah on Wednesday. Trump, who condemned the killing, described Kirk as “an advocate of non-violence” and urged supporters to respond peacefully.
Shanmugam said Singapore was in a “calmer situation” compared to countries where polarisation had turned violent.
“In Singapore, our situation is so far we have avoided some of the things that you are seeing in other countries,” he said, as cited by CNA.
He emphasised the role of law and order in preserving democratic discourse.
“If people are shooting at each other, it’s difficult to have a proper discourse,” he said, pointing to Singapore’s tough stance on gun violence, drug trafficking, hate speech and incitement.
Discharging a firearm or trafficking drugs can attract the death penalty in Singapore, while those who incite violence or promote hate speech face “severe punishments”.
“If you encourage violence against any racial or religious group or any group of persons, you will face punishment,” he said.
“In the US, you can because it’s free speech. In Singapore, you’ll go to jail.”
Reflecting on the US, Shanmugam said the divisions there were worsening.
He cited toxic political language, the prevalence of weapons, rising crime and drug problems, and the targeting of political activists.
“Charlie Kirk is a victim of this,” he said.
