SINGAPORE: The Singapore government has dismissed
allegations in the Malaysian media and some online reports that it
is interfering in the country's domestic
politics.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Affairs Ministry said
such allegations are "baseless".
This follows allegations that Singapore officials
were involved in the recent Bersih 3.0 protests.
There were also reports that some youths were being trained in
Singapore as polling and counting agents for the upcoming Malaysian
general election.
In a statement, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said its officers were
present at the Bersih 3.0 rally as impartial observers.
The spokesperson added that's "part of their normal professional
diplomatic duties."
He said the officers also did not wear yellow to avoid being
mistaken as rally participants.
They avoided Merdeka Square, which had been declared out of bounds
by the Malaysian authorities.
The ministry said what its officers did were "legitimate duties of
diplomats to observe political developments in their countries of
posting".
It explained that a diplomatic officer "is expected to be updated
on the host country developments and to understand situations and
sentiments on the ground".
There is also a consular angle.
The ministry said the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur
received several queries from Singaporeans asking for advice.
And having a first hand sense of the situation helped the High
Commission offer effective consular advice and assistance.
"I reiterate that these are normal functions for a diplomat.
Indeed, other foreign diplomats in KL were also observing the
rally. Given this, it is odd that some quarters of the Malaysian
media seem to be singling out Singapore," said the ministry
spokesperson.
The ministry also rejected an allegation that Singapore contravened
the Vienna Convention.
The spokesperson added: "This is utterly untrue. 'Article 41(1) of
the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961 reads: "Without
prejudice to their privileges and immunities, it is the duty of all
persons enjoying such privileges and immunities to respect the laws
and regulations of the receiving State. They also have a duty not
to interfere in the internal affairs of that State'.
"I repeat that our officers were not interfering in Malaysian
domestic affairs. They were observing. They were careful to follow
all domestic laws and regulations. Let me say clearly that the
Singapore Government is impartial and does not interfere in any
country's domestic politics. Likewise, we expect that others will
not interfere in our domestic politics."
Separately, the Bersih group has clarified (on its Faceboook page)
that the training of Polling and Counting agents in Singapore was
an event "organised by Malaysians for Malaysians only".
Singapore authorities are checking on these claims.
The ministry spokesperson said foreigners are not allowed to engage
in political activity in Singapore.
Singapore had also rejected Bersih 3.0's application to hold a
simultaneous rally here.
"Again, we have no interest in interfering in anybody's domestic
politics. We rejected Bersih 3.0's application to hold a
simultaneous rally in Singapore. Why would we do that if we wanted
to meddle?" said the spokesperson.
It said Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman had asked to meet
Singapore's High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ong Keng Yong, on Friday
afternoon. It added that High Commissioner Ong will also clarify
Singapore's position and address "these baseless allegations to
prevent misunderstandings".
- CNA/de