Congratulations to NCCS President Bishop Philip Lim who was appointed to the new Presidential Council for Racial and Religious Harmony (PCRRH) which began its inaugural three-year term on 15 September. The PCRRH replaced the previous Presidential Council for Religious Harmony and comprises 12 representatives from Singapore’s major racial and religious communities who have distinguished themselves in public service or community relations.
The PCCRH was established by the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Act which came into operation on 15 September. It consolidates existing statutes to preserve racial and religious harmony while providing additional safeguards. Under the new law, the PCRRH must also review all Retraining Orders (ROs) issued against individuals who have committed or attempted to commit acts prejudicial to racial harmony. The Act also introduces a new community remedial initiative in lieu of prosecution. The existing Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act remains in effect.