- The police have identified and interviewed five people over online comments relating to the Nepal floods and discussions surrounding Singapore Airlines's (SIA) investment in Air India.
- On Sept 9, police confirmed that the five individuals, aged between 29 and 66, were interviewed in connection with these comments.
- Senior Minister K. Shanmugam condemned the online comments on Sept 5, describing them as 'shameful, nasty and totally unacceptable'.
- On Sept 6, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong urged Singaporeans to reject hatred in response to the comments.
- Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow addressed SIA's investment in Air India on Sept 8, clarifying the financial implications.
- The police stated they will continue to investigate and identify those responsible for the online comments.
- The police take a serious view of conduct that may wound racial feelings or incite hostility and ill will between different racial groups.
- Shanmugam highlighted that the online comments included racist stereotypes related to the Nepal floods and SIA's investment.
- The Ministry of Digital Development and Information plans to ask social media platforms to remove comments that breach guidelines.
Police in Singapore have launched an investigation into online comments related to the Nepal floods and Singapore Airlines' (SIA) investment in Air India, identifying and interviewing five individuals aged between 29 and 66.2
The police confirmed on September 9 that they received reports regarding these comments, which have been described as racist and unacceptable.
Senior Minister K. Shanmugam highlighted the shameful nature of the remarks, which included derogatory stereotypes and incited hostility towards the Indian community. He stated, “We will continue to investigate and identify those responsible for these online comments.”36
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized the need for Singaporeans to reject hatred and respond with compassion, especially during tragedies like the Nepal floods, where over a thousand lives were lost.4
The police reiterated their commitment to addressing conduct that may wound racial feelings or incite ill will among different racial groups. As investigations are ongoing, they have refrained from commenting on specific cases.
The online discourse has drawn attention to the broader implications of racial tensions in Singapore, with calls from leaders for unity and solidarity among its diverse population.
Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow clarified that while SIA holds a 25.1% stake in Air India, the financial issues of the latter do not directly impact Singapore Airlines.5
The police's actions reflect a serious stance against online hate speech, as they continue to monitor and investigate the situation closely.
“The comments, which included references to snakes, curry, prata, and black magic, were condemned by Senior Minister K. Shanmugam as 'shameful, nasty and totally unacceptable'. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong also urged Singaporeans to reject hatred and stand together.”
