Singapore: Singapore authorities have launched an investigation into racist and xenophobic social media comments targeting people of Indian origin, which emerged following the August 26 flash floods in Nepal and Tibet and controversy over Singapore Airlines’ investment in Air India.
Senior Minister K Shanmugam called the remarks “shameful, nasty and totally unacceptable,” saying police are investigating posts that included racial slurs and stereotypes.
Authorities have also ordered social media platforms to restrict access to 14 posts allegedly portraying Indians as “taking over” Singapore.
Around 20 other racist comments were highlighted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, including references to “CECA faces,” linked to the Singapore-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong warned that prejudice must never become normalised, saying legitimate debate should not be used to fuel hostility towards communities or foreigners.
Former prime minister Lee Hsien Loong also condemned the remarks, urging compassion and solidarity after nine Singaporeans went missing in the Nepal-Tibet disaster.
The controversy also involved Temasek CEO Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, who faced online attacks over Singapore Airlines’ 25.1% stake in Tata-owned Air India, with claims that his Indian origin could influence investment decisions.
Singapore, where Indians comprise about 9% of a population exceeding six million, has faced similar racial and anti-foreigner tensions during the COVID-19 pandemic, the CECA debate and the 2025 general election.
Authorities said unchecked hate speech could deepen mistrust and harm social harmony.
