SINGAPORE — Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he was appalled to read about those who harassed the organisers of the Philippine Independence Day celebrations in Singapore. In a post on Facebook today (April 19), Mr Lee said these people are a “disgrace to Singapore.”

The Prime Minister posted the comments after recent reports about Filipinos being targeted online for planning to celebrate their Independence Day in Singapore.

Acting Minister for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin had also posted on Facebook yesterday, calling for Singaporeans to take a stand against bigotry.

Mr Lee said in his post that it was fortunate the harassment appeared to be the work of a “few trolls”, and he was heartened to see that “many sensible Singaporeans condemn this thuggish behaviour”.

He also said that Singaporeans “must treat people in Singapore the way we ourselves expect to be treated overseas”.

“Many Singaporeans live overseas, and are warmly welcomed in their adopted homes,” he added.

Mr Lee recently attended the Singapore Day in London. He said in his Facebook post: “How would we have felt if British netizens had spammed our website, and abused Singaporeans living in Britain?”

He encouraged Singaporeans to show that “we are generous of spirit and welcome visitors into our midst, even as we manage the foreign population here”.

“Otherwise we will lower our standing in the eyes of the world, and have every reason to be ashamed of ourselves,” the Prime Minister added. CHANNEL NEWSASIA