"It's not fruitful to continue going over grounds we have gone over already," the Straits Times quoted Lee as telling a community forum on Tuesday night, less than two weeks after he announced two casinos would be built in Singapore.

"Beyond a point, this can be counter-productive because the risk is we may harden views for and against, and polarise our multi-racial, multi-religious society.

"And I think that is something we should avoid at all costs."

The announcement on April 18 to allow Singapore's first two casinos to be built by 2009 led to a rare display of criticism against the government from many sections of society, including religious leaders.

The critics have warned that 24-hour casinos would spawn more gambling addicts, ruin families and taint Singapore's image as a wholesome destination.

The People's Action Party, which has ruled Singapore since the nation's independence in 1965, keeps a tight grip on dissent, with the media instructed to report in the "national interests" and public protests rarely allowed.

Lee, the son of the nation's first prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, assumed the premiership in August last year. The People's Action Party holds 82 of the 84 elected seats in parliament.

                                                      Home