A foreign woman used words like 'moronic' and 'incompetent' to describe Singaporeans when she commented on MP Penny Low's Facebook page, after the latter apologised for using her iPhone when the Anthem was being sung during the National Day Parade.
She even implied that Singaporeans are cowardly, saying that "they are ready to pack up and run" if a war were to break out.
The comments were made when the foreign woman was apparently trying to show her support for the MP, saying that she should ignore the comments made by some Singaporeans, often implying that they are too ignorant and unqualified to criticise her.
STOMPer Jean, who came across the postings online, was enraged by the foreigner's comments.
She wrote to STOMP:
"I chanced upon some outrageous comments made by Ms Rachelle Ann Beguia who is one of the many netizens who commented on Ms Penny Low's Facebook.
"The discussion took off when MP Ms Low was apologising for being caught using her iPhone when the National Anthem was being played at the recent NDP. In the midst of heated discussion, Ms Beguia made a few insulting and hurtful remarks about Singaporeans.
"She said: 'These moronic 'Singaporeans', their code, their morals, their 'loyalty' and 'patriotism'... all dropped at the first sign of trouble... just ask any of them if they want to be excused from serving NS and they will be the first to raise their hands... Require any of them to serve an extra month of NS and they will riot in Singapore... Ask them to fight a war, almost all will declare they are ready to pack up and run.'
"Is she trying to say all our NSMEN are cowards? On what grounds was she making such accusations?
"She further explained the followings to one of the Facebook users: 'But when foreigners like Bangladeshi, Thais and Indians come and provide labour for building flats and roads, you didn't seem to have complained about it...if tomorrow the government decides to hire foreigners to become soldiers and no more serving of NS for all men let's see if you will make the same comment...By the way, if foreigners can come and snatch your jobs and flats it only shows one thing.... how incompetent you are.'
"I strongly believe she owes Singaporeans and our NSMEN an apology. She insults our soldiers, their commitment to the nation and the lives lost for the safe protection of her and her family to grow up in Singapore.
"These insults are totally uncalled for."
According to STOMPer Stephanie, Ms Beguia has apologised for her comments. In her latest Facebook posting, she said:
"I am very sorry for the insensitive comments I have posted earlier. It was a lack of judgement. For those who have been hurt by those comments. I am very sorry once again."