Singapore PM Condemns Anti-Indian Racism Over Air India Debate

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has strongly condemned racist and anti-Indian comments that emerged online amid discussions over Singapore Airlines (SIA) investment in Air India, warning that such prejudice must not be allowed to become normalised in the multiracial city-state. 

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Wong said Singapore's identity must remain “open and inclusive” and stressed that legitimate public debate should never be used as a cover for hostility



towards any community or foreigners.

Wong was referring to racist comments made about Singaporeans who remain missing following devastating floods in Nepal, as well as anti-Indian abuse that accompanied online discussions over SIA's investment in Air India. 

“We can and should have robust debates. But we should never use seemingly legitimate arguments as a cover to fuel prejudice against any community or hostility towards foreigners,” Wong said.