ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the transformation of independently-acting registered societies into a set of associations that collectively represent 'Indian Muslim' demands to Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura. 'Race' provides the main filter through which difference is understood in the city-state. 'Race' plays a role in the allocation of parliamentary seats, and 'racial harmony' is invoked to legitimise government intervention into individual liberties. Race thus serves as a form of knowledge as well as a technology of social engineering. The Muslim food stalls were special, not only because they were the only stalls named after a religion rather than a country or region, but also, because they came with a special duty. Religion in Singapore often appears to be the twin of race, or better, a penumbra, a shadowy presence that somehow blends and overlaps with race, but imperfectly, so that the outlines seem hazy or blurred. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
