SINGAPORE - Daily global developments are a reminder that it is a dangerous world, and the only people who can protect Singapore and advance its interests are Singaporeans themselves, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on March 16, as he called for people to stay strong and united.
“There is no other country you can find in this world where people of different faiths, different beliefs can come together, can break fast together, (and) can live in peace and harmony together as one family,” said PM Wong.
“This is very precious, and this is something we must always cherish and protect here in Singapore.”
He was speaking at Iftar Utara, a mass iftar or fast-breaking meal, attended by around 7,000 residents and guests at Marsiling Mega Sports Park. The event was organised by the Marsiling Citizens Consultative Committee, the Indian Muslim Social Service Association, and Masjid An-Nur.
He noted how the world is undergoing profound changes, with things changing quickly in places from the United States and China to Europe.
“And everyday we are worried there are things that will impact Singapore.”
He added: “The only people who can help us are Singaporeans ourselves. We are the only ones who can come together to defend Singapore, to protect Singapore, to advance Singapore’s interest in this troubled and volatile world.”
This was a sentiment mirrored by Senior Minister of State for Defence and Manpower Zaqy Mohamad, who said: “Conflicts and tensions in various parts of the world serve as stark reminders that our harmony here in Singapore cannot be taken for granted.”
Mr Zaqy, who like PM Wong is an MP for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, was at the annual event alongside the constituency’s other MPs, Mr Alex Yam and Ms Hany Soh.
He said: “There are not many places in the world that we all sit together to break fast in peace, and certainly not across different faiths and religions, different faiths and races.”
“This privilege is not by chance, but it is the result of our forefathers and founding generation of leaders, who recognise that harmony can only come about if you have racial and religious understanding.”
As Singapore celebrates its 60 years of independence this year, Mr Zaqy stressed the shared responsibility to protect what has been built over the last 60 years.
This year, Iftar Utara introduced a collaboration with Youth Leaders @ Harmony Circle to engage youth in interfaith dialogue and promote religious harmony through conversations and sharing sessions.
Residents at the Iftar Utara 2025 - Break of Fast @ Marsiling at Marsiling Mega Sports Park on March 16.ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
“The prevalence of misinformation and radical views means that we must engage our younger generation of today,” he said noting that in today’s interconnected world, youth face complex challenges in navigating digital spaces.
“We must protect ourselves, whether it’s misinformation, divisive ideologies, or extremism that seeks to sow discord among all of us,” he said, adding that initiatives such as youth interfaith dialogues are crucial.
“By investing in our youth, we equip them with the knowledge, values and confidence to counter narratives that threaten our social cohesion here in Singapore.”
PM Wong renewed the call for Singaporeans to stay strong and united, and - whatever their differences - to always have Singapore at heart.
“Always think about how we can make Singapore better for ourselves, but also for our children, our grandchildren and for the next generation, so that whatever we have here in Singapore...this tiny, little red dot made-in-Singapore miracle, we want this to keep on going for as long as we can.
“I’m sure we can all look forward to a better Singapore, not just for the next 60 years, but for many, many more years to come.”
Join [ST's WhatsApp Channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VZzIPtoFXUuS8frj520t) and get the latest news and must-reads.