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Dr Yaacob lauds S’pore Muslims’ rational response to Mideast conflict
Channel NewsAsia - 39 minutes ago
SINGAPORE : The Minister—in—charge of Muslim Affairs Dr Yaacob Ibrahim has said Singapore is concerned about the ongoing Middle East conflict and supports the United Nations resolution for an immediate ceasefire.
He was responding to questions from Muslims here about Singapore’s stand on the issue, at a dialogue session on Sunday.
Protests against the Israeli bombardment of the Hamas—run Palestinian territory have taken place in Singapore’s neighbouring countries.
Some have also condemned the Israeli action and a Singaporean wanted to know why the Republic was not doing the same.
Dr Yaacob, who is also Environment and Water Resources Minister, said: "Condemning it does not solve the problem. But supporting what we think is constructive, like the UN Resolution, is the right way to go.
"Israel is a state, we have to recognise it as a state and we are recognising it as a state. Hamas is ruling Gaza, they are rightfully elected but they are in conflict. So our position is that we take a very serious view of what is happening in the Middle East, and the best solution is for both sides to have an immediate ceasefire and come together and talk."
Singapore recently supported the United Nations Resolution announced on January 8 to call for an immediate ceasefire, and the Singapore government hopes that the Resolution will pave the way for dialogue between the two parties.
Dr Yaacob added that the response of the Singapore Muslim community to the conflict has been very rational.
Prayers for peace are taking place in mosques here, and the Islamic Religious Council is also coordinating a fund—raising effort in aid of Gaza’s affected victims.
As for boycotting American companies like Starbucks and McDonald’s, Dr Yaacob said it is not sensible, and does not help the situation.
The current economic crisis and meeting costs of living were other issues raised by residents during the dialogue.
Dr Yaacob said that the government will be announcing more help for Singaporeans in the upcoming Budget, but he also called on grassroots leaders to work harder to identify those who are struggling and match them to the relevant national programmes.
During the dialogue session, one resident from Punggol East asked why his PUB bill was increasing every month.
Dr Yaacob replied that as oil prices are down now, electricity bills will also come down.
But he added that what is more important is to get Singaporeans to be energy efficient, because the island—state will always be subjected to oil price fluctuations due to its lack of natural resources.
Dr Yaacob elaborated: "This is the best time for us to instil these energy—saving habits in our households and make it a lifestyle. Japan is an energy—efficient nation.You know what they did? (During) the oil crisis of 1973... oil prices were very high. Then after the oil crisis, they did not lower oil prices, they kept it very high, they forced the Japanese people to be efficient. Today they are an energy—efficient nation. We must think along the same line."
Singapore has a masterplan for energy efficiency which is being implemented. Programmes are also being rolled out at the constituency level to help Singaporeans cut back on energy use. — CNA/ms
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