Racist comments targeting Indians ‘shameful’ and cross the line, police looking into them: Shanmugam

On September 5, Senior Minister K. Shanmugam addressed racist and xenophobic comments on social media related to the Nepal floods and Singapore Airlines' investment in Air India. These remarks, which included references to snakes, curry, prata, black magic, and other stereotypes, were described as "shameful, nasty and totally unacceptable" by Shanmugam. He emphasized that such behavior not only degrades public discourse but also undermines social harmony.

The Coordinating Minister for National Security urged the unmasking and punishment of individuals making these offensive comments, rather than allowing them to hide behind online anonymity. The Ministry of Digital Development and Information pledged to take action against such content, stating it violated guidelines. Shanmugam highlighted instances of xenophobic comments directed at Singaporeans missing in the Nepal floods, as well as derogatory remarks targeting Indians, such as comparing them to snakes and claiming they all look alike.

Additionally, Shanmugam criticized the online attacks on Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, CEO of Temasek Holdings, and the investment giant's senior management following reports of Air India seeking over US$1.5 billion in investment. These attacks included accusations of favoritism due to Sandrasegara's Indian ethnicity. The Ministry of Home Affairs released a list of 20 examples of racist comments found on local news outlets' social media feeds, mostly employing slurs referring to people of Indian origin, including the term "CECA faces."

SPH Media, which publishes The Straits Times and other newspapers, pledged to cooperate with authorities to ensure compliance on its platforms. The company affirmed its commitment to responsible discourse and denounced inflammatory and demeaning remarks that contradict national core values. Shanmugam stressed the importance of Singapore not allowing a minority to "poison the entire well" of community relations, expressing concern over the rise of such racist comments, particularly against Indians, both locally and overseas.

He warned that if unchecked, this behavior could normalize prejudice, potentially spilling into public discourse and political debates.