Australian clergyman James Blundell Minchin interfered in domestic politics: MHA

The Home Affairs Ministry (MHA) has barred Australian clergyman James Blundell Minchin from entering Singapore because of his interference in domestic politics. 

He arrived at Changi Airport last Wednesday before being denied entry. 

MHA, in response to media queries, said Mr Minchin had abused the social visit pass privileges previously extended to him while he was in Singapore by interfering in domestic politics and mixing religion with politics. 

The Ministry said in August last year, he had spoken at a forum where he alleged that the rule of law was bypassed and corrupted in Singapore and questioned the independence and integrity of the judiciary. 

MHA also referred to a recent visit to Singapore, during which Mr Minchin gave a political interview in his capacity as a clergyman. 

In its statement, MHA reiterated that the separation of religion and politics is a long established principle, to safeguard the inter-religious and social harmony in Singapore's multi-religious society. 

It said this principle is applied evenly and foreigners are not exempt.