SINGAPORE — While the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas is evoking strong and divisive views across the world, including in Southeast Asia, Singaporeans must not let these external events affect our “precious peace” and destabilise us, Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam said.
He was speaking on Thursday (Oct 12) to the media during a doorstop and was referring to the Oct 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s declaration of war the next day.
Last Saturday’s attack — reported to be the worst in Israel’s 75-year history — has seen a total of 1,200 people killed, according to Israeli forces. In Gaza, officials reported that more than 1,000 people had been killed in Israel’s sustained strikes on the Palestinian enclave since then.
Mr Shanmugam noted that around the world, there are deep divides in how people are reacting and as the conflict unfolds, these divides are inevitably going to become deeper, as there will be a “severe reaction” from Israel with its “full might”.
In this situation, he said, Singapore must be clear about its stance.
“We condemn all acts of terrorism and wanton violence, but we must not let these events happening externally affect the internal situation within Singapore,” he added.
“We must, in Singapore, maintain our racial and religious peace. We have to stay vigilant. Terrorist groups will exploit such conflicts; they have already issued calls for followers to join in a wider jihad against Israel.”
There have also been reports of anti-semitic attacks overseas, he noted.
“Our position has been made very clear over the years: We act against anyone who promotes or espouses extremism and violence.”
He added that it is possible to deplore how Palestinians have been treated over the years while still, unequivocally, condemning the terrorist attacks by Hamas in Israel over the weekend.
“The kidnapping and unjustified murder of children — the acts of cruelty are shocking and horrifying. And this extreme violence must be condemned in clear, unequivocal terms.”
IMPACT ON SECURITY MEASURES, SOCIAL COHESION
Mr Shanmugam pointed out that the Government has detained Singaporeans under the Internal Security Act because they “fell for the pro-Hamas narrative and wanted to fight”, and also detained Singaporeans who intended to attack Muslim targets in Singapore.
Asked if increased security measures would be introduced at sensitive places such as mosques and synagogues, Mr Shanmugam said that the government’s security agencies were watching the situation closely.
He was unable to share the exact plans due to “operational reasons”, but said that patrols would be stepped up at some events and places.
“Emergency forces are always on alert to respond to incidents. Places that are possible targets have had their security re-assessed. And for places that are of higher risk, we are increasing security, and ICA (Immigration and Checkpoints Authority) has also stepped up measures.”
He also said that this would be a period where “everyone has to be more alert and careful”, given that Singapore is an “attractive target”.
On how the ongoing conflict might affect social cohesion here, Mr Shanmugam said that Singapore has to be “very careful” as such issues could “polarise societies, cause divisions and create suspicions”.
“As I mentioned earlier, the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the conflict is a very emotive one. But in terms of our own religious harmony and understanding, we are in a fairly good position. We have open and frank conversations. There is a lot of mutual respect and trust between religious and racial groups, and Singaporeans strongly value our racial and religious diversity and harmony.”
He cited the example of a recent study, which found that Singaporeans had a high level of tolerance for different faiths, and attributed this to a combination of factors — including the country’s legal framework and government policies.
“What we have built over the years and what we now have is precious and extremely remarkable, and we must do our best to protect it.”