Singapore’s order to Israeli embassy to remove Koran-Palestine post reflects ‘heightened sensitivity’

The case marked the first time the Singapore government had asked a foreign mission to remove a social media post, Eugene Tan, a law professor at the Singapore Management University, pointed out.

“The Singapore government’s intervention was premised on her sovereign right to ensure law and order and the maintenance of religious harmony in Singapore,” Tan said.

“This distinction has to be clear so that the basis of the Singapore government’s action is clear and aligned with international law and norms.”

The post had stated Israel was “mentioned 43 times in the Koran” while “Palestine is not mentioned even once”. It was deleted on the same day, following an order from the Singapore government.

He also described the post as an “astonishing attempt to rewrite history”. He stressed that the government stepped in because the matter might sow discord between the different communities in Singapore.

“The post is wrong at many levels,” Shanmugam said. “First, it is insensitive and inappropriate. It carries the risk of undermining our safety, security and harmony in Singapore.”

Posts of this sort could also “inflame tensions and can put the Jewish community here at risk”, he warned.

There are about 2,500 Jews among a total population of 5.7 million in the multicultural city state, according to media reports. Ethnic Chinese make up about 74 per cent of the population, while Malays and Indians comprise some 13 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively.

“It is wrong to selectively point to religious texts to make a political point,” Shanmugam also said, noting embassies might put out statements representing their sovereign countries but local authorities would intervene if these risked the “safety and security” of those in Singapore.

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