Opposition to Philippine independence day
event
PM Lee: Thuggish behaviour a disgrace to
S'pore
Appalled: Be
generous and welcoming or we'll have every reason to be ashamed,
says PM Lee. ST FILE PICTURE
Welcome visitors or risk lowering our
standing in the world. That was the stark message to Singaporeans
from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday.
He made the comments in a Facebook post on the
controversy surrounding a plan to celebrate Philippine independence
day at Ngee Ann City on June 8, and the way some Singaporeans have
opposed it.
He wrote that he supported Acting Manpower Minister
Tan Chuan-Jin, who had earlier called for a stand against bigotry
and "repulsive" peddlers of hate.
Mr Lee also used strong language against what he
said appeared to be the work of a "few trolls".
He wrote that he was appalled to read of those who
had harrassed the organisers of the Philippine independence day
event.
"They are a disgrace to Singapore," he wrote.
At the same time, Mr Lee was "heartened that many
sensible Singaporeans condemn this thuggish behaviour".
Like Mr Tan, he drew a parallel with the
experiences of Singaporean overseas.
"We must treat people in Singapore the way we
ourselves expect to be treated overseas. Many Singaporeans live
overseas, and are warmly welcomed in their adopted homes," Mr Lee
wrote.
"I just attended our Singapore Day in London. How
would we have felt if British netizens had spammed our website, and
abused Singaporeans living in Britain?"
The negative comments from Singaporeans had come
after the Philippie organisers posted an announcement of the event
on Facebook, many of them on a page that campaigns against "an
over-populated Singapore". The organisers were also reportedly
harassed by annonymous callers.
Mr Lee wrote: "We must show that we are generous of
spirit and welcome visitors into our midst, even as we manage the
foreign population here.
"Otherwise we will lower our standing in the eyes
of the world, and have every reason to be ashamed of
ourselves."
Snapshot, The New Paper On Sunday, 20 April 2014, Pg 6
