India Protests Against Singapore PM’s Comment; What Did He Say?

New Delhi: India has taken exception to Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s remarks that almost half the members of the Lok Sabha have criminal charges pending against them, describing the comments as “uncalled for”.

The Indian side took up the matter by calling in Singapore high commissioner Simon Wong to the external affairs ministry, people familiar with the matter said.

“The remarks by the prime minister of Singapore were uncalled for. We have taken up the matter with the Singaporean side,” one of the people cited above said.

Lee referred to India’s first PM Jawaharlal Nehru and members of Lok Sabha while participating in a debate in Singapore’s Parliament on Tuesday on a former lawmaker found guilty of abuse of privilege for lying in the House twice last year.

“Things start off with passionate intensity. The leaders, who fought for and won independence, 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-Gurions, the Jawaharlal Nehrus, and we have our own too,” Lee referred to first Prime Ministers of Israel and India.

“But beyond that initial fervour, succeeding generations often find it hard to sustain this momentum and drive.”

Lee went on to say in the case of India, “While 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. Though it is also said that many of these allegations are politically motivated.”