He acknowledged that there is a strong need and desire in the community to do something, but there are ways to do this constructively and by making Singapore’s position known internationally.
He also added that people are entitled to express their views online, but they must not cross into incitement or hate speech against other religions and other races.
Asked about posts by the Israeli embassy that could be advocating for a cause, Mr Shanmugam said: “We don’t take lightly any foreign interference in our domestic policies. We expect any ambassador or embassy to respect the way things are done in Singapore.”
LOCAL HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS
Mr Shanmugam told the media that Humanity Matter’s relief supplies packing session on Sunday was the second humanitarian event that he has attended in two days.
The first was the launch of a month-long campaign in Nee Soon to collect supplies and donations to help people in Gaza.
Mr Shanmugam said that seeing over 100 volunteers on Sunday come together regardless of race, language or religion showed a strong desire in the community to help.
“This is unique about Singapore. Everyone comes together to help even though they know most of the help goes towards Muslims in Gaza. They need help, we do what we can,” he said.
The relief supplies packed on Sunday included 10,000 packs of intravenous fluids and infusion sets, 5,000 collapsible jerry cans, painkillers and vitamins.
The relief cargo, with a value of S$215,000, is scheduled to be airlifted on Oct 31 to Cairo, Egypt, and later transferred via land to Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip.
This article was originally published in TODAY.