On Thursday 17 February, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs reported called Singapore High commissioner Simon Wong after the country’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong claimed that Indian Parliamentarians have pending criminal cases against them.
According to the report, India has dubbed the remarks of Singaporean PM as ‘unacceptable’ and ‘uncalled for’. A source confirmed, “The remarks by the PM of Singapore were uncalled for. We are taking up the matter with the Singaporean side.”
On 15 February 2022, Lee Hsien Loong delivered a 44 minute long speech in the Singaporean Parliament, during a debate on a report by the Committee of Privileges that probed accusations of lying by members of the Opposition Workers’ Party. He also commented about the ‘ political decline’ in India, the UK, and Israel.
He also said, ” Most countries are founded and start off on the basis of high ideals and noble values. But more often than not, beyond the founding leaders and the pioneer generation, over decades and generations, gradually things change.” “Things start off with passionate intensity. The leaders, who fought for and won incidence, are often exceptional individuals of great courage, immense culture, and outstanding ability. They came through the crucible of fire and emerged as leaders of men and nations. They are the David Ben-Gurion, the Jawaharlal Nehrus, and we have our owns too,” he added.
While pondering about how Singapore can be protected from facing a decline in political probity, Lee Hsien Loong had alleged, “Nehru’s India has become one where, according to media reports, almost half the MPs in the Lok Sabha have criminal charges pending against them, including charges of rape and murder.”
His comment is incumbent wherein he insinuated that “Nehru’s India” got somehow overshadowed by criminal Parliamentarians at present has drawn. As such, the MEA summoned the Singaporean High Commissioner and expressed its displeasure.
