Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song (Aljunied): Thank you, Mr Speaker. Given that the Minister has said that Singapore has access to many of the parties on all sides of the conflict, does Singapore have any plans to play some role to bring together the different sides, even in some small way?
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: Mr Gerald Giam accompanied me on my trip in March. So, you will know that, yes, we do have access and yes, they do listen politely to us, because we have got long-standing relations and they know we do not grandstand and we do not engage in point-seeking and we are not engaged in a publicity exercise. But I think you would also agree, from your trip with me, that there is a very, very limited role for us. It is not a question of a venue for meeting or even offering good advice. They are not short of advice and they are not actually short of venues to meet or avenues of communication.
But until the top leaders in the two warring tribes can arrive at a conclusion that violence is not the answer and that concessions are essential, and that these two related people have to learn to live with each other. Both peoples occupying contested land are not going to leave and they will be a reality for each other till the end of time. It is that realisation and that change in spirit and perspective that will be necessary.
So, I think as far as Singapore is concerned, we stay united, we help where we can, we uphold principles and we insist on adherence to international law on all sides.
I think our excess is also because they know we are fair-minded people and that we are prepared to help wherever we can help. But let us not overstep ourselves or assume that we have got a greater role than we can actually play. At the end, this is one little red dot, a shiny red dot, but we are still far away and many steps removed from them.
I would also remind you when we went and there were discussions about one state and two states. And you will recall the conversation which I had with some senior people to say, “Well, if you want a one-state solution, your delegation must look like mine: multi-religious, multiracial and completely united, even across political boundaries”. But I think you would have also got a sense from that trip that is very far removed from the reality in the Middle East, at least for now.
So, again, I think this spirit of humility and consistency and upholding what is right, whilst maintaining the unity amidst our great diversity – I think that alone, is our contribution to show the world that it is possible to live in peace with your neighbour, with your brother.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
7 August 2024
https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=oral-answer-3611
Office of the Leader of the Opposition 