While Gaza Palestine and Israeli are killing each other, our Minster is just happy that Muslims here don't create problems.
Heng man... he commented;
The Minister—in—charge of Muslim Affairs Dr Yaacob Ibrahim has said Singapore is concerned about the ongoing Middle East conflict and supports the United Nations resolution for an immediate ceasefire.
He was responding to questions from Muslims here about Singapore’s stand on the issue, at a dialogue session on Sunday.
Protests against the Israeli bombardment of the Hamas—run Palestinian territory have taken place in Singapore’s neighbouring countries.
Some have also condemned the Israeli action and a Singaporean wanted to know why the Republic was not doing the same.
Dr Yaacob, who is also Environment and Water Resources Minister, said: "Condemning it does not solve the problem. But supporting what we think is constructive, like the UN Resolution, is the right way to go.
"Israel is a state, we have to recognise it as a state and we are recognising it as a state. Hamas is ruling Gaza, they are rightfully elected but they are in conflict. So our position is that we take a very serious view of what is happening in the Middle East, and the best solution is for both sides to have an immediate ceasefire and come together and talk."
Singapore recently supported the United Nations Resolution announced on January 8 to call for an immediate ceasefire, and the Singapore government hopes that the Resolution will pave the way for dialogue between the two parties.
Dr Yaacob added that the response of the Singapore Muslim community to the conflict has been very rational.
Prayers for peace are taking place in mosques here, and the Islamic Religious Council is also coordinating a fund—raising effort in aid of Gaza’s affected victims.
As for boycotting American companies like Starbucks and McDonald’s, Dr Yaacob said it is not sensible, and does not help the situation.
— CNA
Heng man... he commented;
The Minister—in—charge of Muslim Affairs Dr Yaacob Ibrahim has said Singapore is concerned about the ongoing Middle East conflict and supports the United Nations resolution for an immediate ceasefire.
He was responding to questions from Muslims here about Singapore’s stand on the issue, at a dialogue session on Sunday.
Protests against the Israeli bombardment of the Hamas—run Palestinian territory have taken place in Singapore’s neighbouring countries.
Some have also condemned the Israeli action and a Singaporean wanted to know why the Republic was not doing the same.
Dr Yaacob, who is also Environment and Water Resources Minister, said: "Condemning it does not solve the problem. But supporting what we think is constructive, like the UN Resolution, is the right way to go.
"Israel is a state, we have to recognise it as a state and we are recognising it as a state. Hamas is ruling Gaza, they are rightfully elected but they are in conflict. So our position is that we take a very serious view of what is happening in the Middle East, and the best solution is for both sides to have an immediate ceasefire and come together and talk."
Singapore recently supported the United Nations Resolution announced on January 8 to call for an immediate ceasefire, and the Singapore government hopes that the Resolution will pave the way for dialogue between the two parties.
Dr Yaacob added that the response of the Singapore Muslim community to the conflict has been very rational.
Prayers for peace are taking place in mosques here, and the Islamic Religious Council is also coordinating a fund—raising effort in aid of Gaza’s affected victims.
As for boycotting American companies like Starbucks and McDonald’s, Dr Yaacob said it is not sensible, and does not help the situation.
— CNA
