Bloomberg News
Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said those responsible for a riot involving about 400 people in an ethnic Indian quarter of the city state last night would face 'the full force of the law.'
'Whatever events may have sparked the rioting, there is no excuse for such violent, destructive, and criminal behavior,' Lee wrote on his Facebook page. 'We will spare no effort to identify the culprits and deal with them.' He urged Singaporeans to 'stay calm.'
Singapore's police force arrested 27 people after the riot, which broke out in the Little India district after a traffic accident. Police officers were injured and vehicles damaged, with about 300 officers deployed to contain the situation, Commissioner of Police Ng Joo Hee said at a briefing last night. More arrests will be made, Ng said.
Large-scale demonstrations have been almost unknown in Singapore since race riots in 1964 killed 36 people and contributed to the island's ouster from the federation with Malaysia. Singapore and Malaysia were united from 1963 to 1965 in a federation that was marked by clashes between the Chinese and Malay communities. After the violence of the 1960s the Singapore government imposed curbs on public assembly.
Singapore is persisting with a four-year campaign to reduce its reliance on foreign workers, after years of open immigration policy led to voter discontent over increased competition for housing, jobs and education. The move has led to a labor shortage and pushed up wages, prompting some companies to seek cheaper locations.
'Very Grave'
In November last year, Singapore authorities charged four Chinese nationals over their involvement in an illegal strike that led to a disruption in some bus services, an unusual public display of labor discord. Singapore is currently hosting ministers from 12 nations such as the U.S. and Australia for the final round of talks this year on the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade accord.
'The Little India riot last night was a very grave incident,' Lee wrote on his Facebook page. 'Several police officers were injured, and vehicles damaged or destroyed. The situation is now under control, and investigations are underway.'
The violence began after a bus ran over and killed a 33-year-old Indian worker, Police Commissioner Ng said.
Eighteen people, including four Singapore Civil Defence Force officers, were taken to hospital for treatment, with 10 police officers hurt, Ng said. Nine SCDF vehicles were damaged in the riot, with five vehicles burnt, including three police cars, the SCDF said in a posting on its Facebook page.
The government 'will not tolerate' such acts, deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said at a briefing last night. Those involved will be dealt with 'firmly, fairly, strictly, according to the law,' said Teo.
To contact the reporters on this story: Glenys Sim in Singapore at gsim4@bloomberg.net; Weiyi Lim in Singapore at wlim26@bloomberg.net
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Rosalind Mathieson at rmathieson3@bloomberg.net
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