Singapore PM calls harassment of PHL Independence Day organizers a disgrace

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong over the weekend voiced dismay over the reported harassment of Filipinos organizing a Philippine Independence Day event there.


Lee, in a post on his Facebook page dated Saturday morning, branded as "a disgrace to Singapore" those who harassed the organizers by spamming their Facebook page.

"I was appalled to read about those who harassed the organizers of the Philippine Independence Day celebrations, and spammed their Facebook page. They are a disgrace to Singapore ... Fortunately this appears to be the work of few trolls. (I am heartened) that many sensible Singaporeans condemn this thuggish behavior, and support (acting manpower minister and Member of Parliament) Tan Chuan-Jin’s stand on this issue," he said.

The prime minister maintained Singaporeans must treat people in Singapore "the way we ourselves expect to be treated overseas."

He added many Singaporeans live overseas, and are warmly welcomed in their adopted homes.

"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?" he said.

"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," he added.

Tan, meanwhile, said he was startled by the April 17 article on the Straits Times regarding the online harassment of Filipino organizers.

He said his brows were raised over the reported 26,000 "likes" for the page that "is against the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day here" that raised my brows.

But as it turned out, he said the reporting was inaccurate as it was actually the post against the activity itself that garnered several hundred "likes."

"Encouragingly, there have been many decent Singaporeans who have come forward to condemn the actions of these netizens... Many of us have celebrated Singapore's national day in other countries and cannot imagine what it would be like if attacked in this way," he said.

Earlier, Tan said he met with Philippine Ambassador Minda Cruz during her farewell call, and discussed the experiences of Filipinos who live and work in Singapore.

"Notwithstanding the occasional negative issues, she was thankful for the kindness and hospitality that Singaporeans extended to her compatriots. Singapore was a safe place because of how Singaporeans treated others," he said.

"These actions by those who peddle hate are not acceptable, repulsive even. We should make a stand to say no to such bigotry. They do not reflect who we are as a people and as a nation," he added. — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News

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