Debated in Parliament on 9 Jan 2024.
Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) what regulatory supervision is being exercised over the Singapore Palestine Film Festival scheduled to take place from 12 to 21 January 2024; (b) what are the permissible limits for holding events that touch on the presently hostile conflict; and (c) how is the balance struck between allowing Singaporeans to gain an increased understanding of the situation and preserving the racial and religious harmony that is enjoyed in Singapore.
Films that are proposed to be screened at film festivals, like the upcoming Palestine Film Festival and the Israel Film Festival back in October, have first to be classified by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). IMDA, in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has assessed that the films proposed for the Palestine Film Festival later this month do not promote violence or enmity against any group and can be screened with the appropriate age ratings.
Beyond these, the Government's position is that permits will not be given for public events and assemblies on the Israel-Hamas conflict. This is due to safety and security concerns. The developments relating to the Israel-Hamas conflict are emotive and contentious, and tensions are high.
We recognise that there is a strong desire among some Singaporeans to express their views and do something on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
There have been several public dialogues and forums on the conflict, which provide spaces for Singaporeans of all races and faiths to express their views and concerns. Academic institutions, such as our universities and think tanks, have also organised discussions on the conflict, such as the “2023 SR Nathan Distinguished Lecture” featuring prominent statesmen, scholars and public intellectuals organised by the NUS Institute of South Asian Studies and Middle East Institute.
Singaporeans want to do something constructive. The Government supports that. The Government has supported several public fundraising events organised by charities, such as the Singapore Red Cross Society and the Rahmatan Lil Alamin (Blessings to All) Foundation, and Singaporeans have contributed generously. As of November 2023, Singaporeans have contributed a total of more than $7 million in cash and in-kind donations to support relief efforts in Gaza. Such donation drives done with the relevant permits will be a good way of helping those who are suffering. The donations should be for humanitarian purposes, to help civilians affected by the conflict and not for military or terror use.
PAPERCUTS