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The Singapore government has taken a strict stance on the matter. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Home Minister K. Shanmugam has condemned such comments. Police have also been instructed to investigate the matter and the government has clearly said that online hatred cannot be ignored.

Did the controversy start after Nepal flood?

After the devastating floods in Nepal, many people lost their lives and many people went missing. Nine Singapore citizens are also included in these. Meanwhile, some people made racist comments on social media about the victims and the Indian community. Home Minister K. Shanmugam called such comments shameful and completely unacceptable. He said that the police have been instructed to investigate the matter. Media organizations also had to remove many objectionable comments.

Why did racism erupt?

The other end of the controversy is to Air India. After the news of Air India raising new capital from shareholders, online discussion started regarding investment in Singapore Airlines. In this debate, some users used racial slurs and objectionable words against Indians. Shanmugam said that in some posts, racial connotations like snake, curry, paratha and black magic were used to target Indians. He also said that some people targeted the Indian-origin CEO of Temasek on the basis of his caste identity.

Why did PM Lawrence warn?

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said that there is nothing wrong in debating openly, but spreading hatred against any community under the guise of any issue cannot be accepted. He warned that ignoring such thinking online could make racial discrimination seem normal and increase distrust in society. Lee Hsien Loong said – This is very worrying. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong also termed the comments targeting the Indian community as extremely worrying. He said that at the time of disaster, people’s reaction should be of sympathy and solidarity, not hatred. He appealed to the people to rise above race, language and religion and stand with each other.

What is the Indian population in Singapore?

Singapore is a multi-ethnic country with a population of more than six million. About 75 percent of the population here is of Chinese origin, 15 percent is from the Malay community and about 9 percent is from the Indian community. In such a situation, it is very important for the government to maintain racial harmony. The Singapore government has a clear message that it would not be right to leave online hatred only as a matter of social media. If action is not taken in time, such comments can create a deep rift in the society.