Singapore Armed Forces investigate racial slur incident involving servicemen

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is currently conducting an investigation following the circulation of a photograph on social media depicting servicemen during training, accompanied by a racial slur.

The photo shared on Instagram Stories on 13 March, depicted six soldiers adorned with camouflage paint on their faces, posing with rifles in a forested area.

Shockingly, the accompanying caption contained a racial slur targeting black individuals.

The Instagram account responsible for the post has since been made private, with its profile picture removed, after gaining attention for its offensive content.

A screenshot of the Instagram Story was reshared on X.

The caption read "chiong sua (Hokkien for "rush up a hill") [N-word]".

According to the Cambridge dictionary, the N-word is "a very offensive word for a black person.".

The Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) is actively investigating the photo, as reported by Singapore's state media The Straits Times.

MINDEF emphasized the SAF's unwavering commitment to upholding high standards of discipline and integrity among its personnel.

It reiterated existing policies and regulations concerning unauthorized photography in restricted areas such as SAF camps and training grounds.

Furthermore, it emphasized that the SAF unequivocally condemns the use of derogatory or abusive language.

According to MINDEF, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken against individuals found to have violated regulations or engaged in misconduct.

This incident underscores the seriousness with which the SAF addresses breaches of discipline and offensive behaviour.

In a written parliamentary reply in 2014, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen highlighted the strict protocols surrounding unauthorized photography, with penalties determined on a case-by-case basis.

Repeat offenders and those contributing to security breaches typically face more severe consequences.