Singapore’s Minister for Home Affairs, K Shanmugam, emphasized the importance of maintaining racial and religious harmony in the country during an address on October 12, 2023. His remarks come amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, highlighting the need for vigilance against potential threats from extremist groups that may seek to exploit these events.

Shanmugam stated, “We have to stay vigilant. Terrorist groups will try and exploit such conflicts.” He noted an increase in anti-Semitic incidents worldwide and reiterated Singapore’s long-standing position against extremism and violence.

In response to these external tensions, the Singaporean government has implemented additional security measures, as the country is viewed as an attractive target for potential threats. Emergency forces remain on high alert, with heightened patrols at events and reassessments of security at vulnerable locations. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority has also strengthened its protocols.

Despite these challenges, Shanmugam expressed confidence in Singapore’s current state of religious harmony. He remarked that open dialogues, mutual respect, and a shared appreciation for diversity contribute to the nation’s stability. The minister acknowledged that individuals can hold strong opinions about the conflict while still condemning acts of terrorism, advocating for a balanced perspective on the situation.

He reiterated Singapore’s support for a two-state solution, aligning with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s condemnation of violence in a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In this letter, dated October 8, Lee condemned the recent attacks on civilians, stating, “Such acts cannot be justified by any rationale whatsoever.”

Shanmugam affirmed that while Singapore does not dictate Israel’s response to the conflict, any actions taken must align with international law and the rules of warfare.