PRESS RELEASE
It is tragedy that the Government has turned away 40 people who were picked up by a ship off the coast of Myanmar who, from media reports, are Muslim Rohingya. They were seeking refuge in Singapore.
These persons, many of them women and children, are fleeing persecution from the authorities in their own country which observers warn could lead to a genocide campaign.
They have been denied recognition of their citizenship, prevented from procreating, and experienced censorship of their historical roots in their country.
Through the years, many of the victims have fled their homeland out of fear and desperation. The 40 whom were on board the vessel turned away by the Government were reported to be fleeing the persecution, seeking safety and refuge from the violence.
They were reported to have been adrift at sea for 30 hours before they were rescued by a ship and brought to Singapore.
It was wrong to turn them away as they were in need of food and medical help. The right thing to do would be to afford them temporary shelter and to ensure their physical safety. The refugees can then be repatriated at a later time.
Singaporeans are a compassionate people and the Government representing us should not be cold and cruel, one that calculates everything in material terms.
The PAP can also hardly claim that the turning away of these helpless victims of war is based on national security reasons. It is already knee deep in its policy of indiscriminately bringing in millions of foreigners, a policy that threatens national security in Singapore. Providing temporary shelter for 40 helpless women and children is hardly comparable.
Chee Soon Juan
Secretary-General
Singapore Democratic Party
Source: http://theonlinecitizen.com/2012/12/government-wrong-to-turn-away-rohingya-refugees/