SINGAPORE: Marking one year since the Israeli assault on Palestine that claimed over 42,000 lives, on 7 October 2024, pro-Palestinian supporters from Punggol West gathered at a Meet-the-People Session to discuss sanctions against Israel with MP Sun Xueling.

Ms Sun highlighted Singapore’s humanitarian efforts, noting that over S$17 million (approximately US$13 million) had been directed to the region. She called the crisis a “huge human catastrophe” and advocated for an immediate ceasefire.

However, residents questioned the feasibility of a ceasefire given Singapore’s ongoing arms trade with Israel, citing the purchase of Blue Spear missiles for the Navy and the display of Israeli weapons at the Singapore Air Show.  They also pointed out that Israeli defense company Elbit Systems operates in Singapore.

Although Ms Sun was not involved in arms discussions, she promised to raise these concerns with the relevant ministries.

On 2 July 2024, Mr Leong Mun Wai, Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) from the Progress Singapore Party, asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether Singapore had sold any defence materials to Israel since the conflict began on 7 October 2023.

Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan responded that Singapore strictly adheres to international arms sales obligations and submits regular reports to the UN, but does not disclose specifics due to national security reasons. It should be noted that there is no embargo on arms sales to Israel.

On 18 September 2024, Singapore voted in favour of UN General Assembly Resolution A/ES-10/L.31, which called for a halt to imports from Israeli settlements and arms provisions to Israel in situations where they might be used in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Following this, NCMP Leong filed a question regarding whether Singapore would implement the resolution’s steps.

The session shifted to concerns about a broader conflict, with residents referencing Israel’s ground invasion of Lebanon and Syria and questioning whether sanctions were being considered.

Ms Sun acknowledged their fears and affirmed that the crisis in Gaza was unacceptable.

When asked about sanctions, she explained that the Israel-Palestine conflict is more complex than other international issues, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, but assured residents she would relay their concerns to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

Residents pressed further, questioning whether Israel’s invasion of Lebanon justified sanctions and expressing frustration about a perceived double standard in how invasions in the Middle East are treated compared to those involving predominantly white countries.

Ms Sun noted that Singapore had previously imposed sanctions in other contexts, such as during the US invasion of Grenada and Vietnam’s incursion into Cambodia, emphasizing that sanctions are not determined by ethnicity.

They also pointed out the inconsistency in Singapore’s approach, highlighting that the country only established diplomatic ties with South Africa after the end of apartheid.

Ms Sun admitted her limited knowledge of this history but promised to raise these examples with the MFA.

The session concluded with residents submitting a petition urging the government to impose sanctions on Israel.

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Netizens criticize Singapore’s stance on Israel

Under a post by Monday of Palestine Solidarity on Instagram, netizens voiced their opinions on the recent dialogue between Punggol West residents and MP Sun Xueling regarding Singapore’s stance on Israel.

One user questioned Ms Sun’s knowledge of the situation in Palestine, asking, “Is she even aware of what’s happening at all?”

They argued that while Ms Sun claimed the scale of the conflict was different from the Russia-Ukraine war, the situation in Palestine is actually far worse.

The user criticized her for not using accurate terms to describe the crisis, suggesting she was avoiding terms like “mass murder,” “apartheid,” “genocide,” and “ethnic extermination.”

The commenter also pointed out historical context, referencing a New York Times article from June 20, 1899, titled “Conference of Zionists in Baltimore: Will Colonize Palestine,” to emphasize the long-standing nature of the issue.

They concluded by stating, “Humanitarian aid does NOT stop the killing,” highlighting the need for stronger action.

Another user expressed frustration, calling the government’s response “absolutely unacceptable.”

They criticized Singapore for being one of the top exporters of weapons, which are “being used and tested on Palestinians,” while only offering humanitarian aid and failing to take meaningful action against Israel.

One commenter highlighted the disparity in Singapore’s response, noting that the government had immediately sanctioned Russia when the war in Ukraine began, yet after a year of violence in Palestine, no similar action had been taken against Israel.

Another user challenged the common narrative that the Israel-Palestine conflict is an ancient issue that spans thousands of years, calling it a “lazy excuse for inaction.”

They stressed that Israel has been in violation of international law since its illegal occupation of Palestine and the establishment of apartheid in 1967.

Some users expressed skepticism about Singapore’s ability to take a stronger stance. One commenter argued that Singapore depends on its Zionist allies for security, stating that any action against Israel could jeopardize the country’s safety.

They pointed to the historical ties between Singapore and Israel, particularly in building Singapore’s military, and concluded that speaking out against Israel would endanger Singapore’s security and stability.

SINGAPORE: Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2), an advocacy group for migrant workers, has launched a fundraising campaign to support those facing difficulties, including work injuries, termination for requesting rightful salaries, or financial hardship due to disputes over underpayment.

The campaign, hosted on the Give.asia platform, aims to raise S$36,000 to provide a lifeline for these workers during their darkest hours.

The group stated that the funds will offer support to low-wage migrant workers in distress through various means, including meal assistance, phone top-ups, travel allowances, emergency shelter, and more.

TWC2 highlighted five types of workers in distress. For example, one cook was forced to perform unpaid work late into the night and was coerced into signing blank payslips.

He received less than half of his official salary, with his employer creating false timecards and payslips.

TWC2 specified the resources needed to assist migrant workers facing financial challenges over six months, including S$1,322 per month for an online helpdesk, S$876 for meal support, S$120 for phone top-ups, and S$80 for EZ-Link credit to attend Ministry of Manpower (MOM) appointments.

Worker Left Vulnerable After Company Closure: Loss of Housing and Belongings Leads to Months of Hardship

Another worker is struggling after his company closed down, leaving him without coverage for his injury.

Furthermore, his employer allegedly failed to pay his housing rent, resulting in the worker losing all his belongings, including his passport, cash, and clothes. He was left to beg and borrow clothes for nearly a month.

TWC2 stated that the funds will help him replace his passport, which costs around S$200, as well as cover S$2,228 for his monthly rent at the TWC2 shelter, S$480 for EZ-Link credit for travel to hospital appointments, and S$240 for phone top-ups.

The third case involves a migrant worker who was denied necessary surgery after suffering a finger injury from heavy machinery. Instead of being taken to the hospital immediately, he was brought to a small clinic, leading to an infection in his open fracture.

He was also pressured to return to his home country for treatment. Urgent surgery was delayed for 33 days because his employer withheld the necessary documents.

TWC2 is appealing for S$1,322 per month for online helpdesk support for this worker, S$1,898 for meal support, S$240 for phone top-ups, and S$480 for EZ-Link credit for travel to hospital appointments.

The fourth case involves a worker who was underpaid for overtime and rest day work.

He was fired after discussing information related to the Employment Act with his colleagues. His employer later contacted a potential future employer to disparage him.

This worker will require S$1,073 monthly to fund online information campaigns, S$120 for phone top-ups, and S$80 for EZ-Link credit to attend MOM appointments.

The fifth case concerns a worker who injured his back while lifting 50kg of cement. Although he was granted 300 days of medical leave, his employer did not report the incident to MOM, and the insurance company took over a year to investigate and accept his claim. The doctor instructed him to avoid catered food for health reasons.

TWC2 is seeking S$160 monthly for his groceries, S$120 for phone top-ups, and S$80 for EZ-Link credit to attend MOM appointments.

Part of this annual fundraising campaign commemorates International Migrants Day in December, which includes a luncheon, “Lunch With Heart,” for migrant workers to thank them for their contributions to Singapore.

TWC2 Highlights Ongoing Exploitation: Employers Bypass Laws to Undermine Workers’ Earnings

TWC2 noted that, according to Singapore’s Employment Act (Section 96), all workers should receive payslips detailing how their salaries are calculated and paid.

However, some employers still find ways to circumvent these laws, cheating workers out of their already low salaries. In 2023 alone, salary disputes rose by 55% according to MOM’s Employment Standards Report.

TWC2 emphasized that migrant workers who experience workplace accidents can be denied treatment by unscrupulous employers, despite being covered under the Work Injury Compensation Act. Even with medical insurance, they often lack access to it and may be sent back home with untreated injuries. The recovery process can be long and isolating, contributing to significant stress and mental health challenges for injured workers.

For these workers, a significant source of daily stress is financial insecurity.

“They are constantly thinking about providing for their family back home, ensuring loans are paid and sick family members have money for medical treatment. Essentially they are like us in every way.”

TWC2 highlighted that workers often take on overtime and forgo days off, even on public holidays, to earn higher wages. They should not be deprived of the wages they have rightfully earned or left with untreated injuries.

“We are appealing to you to offer a helping hand to these filial sons, devoted husbands, responsible mothers and dedicated workers, in their hour of dire need. ”

“We sincerely hope you can chip in so that these workers can have a lifeline in their darkest hours.”