Netizens question why no POFMA order issued to Israel Embassy over insensitive FB post

On Monday (25 March), the Singapore government strongly condemned a Facebook post by the Israeli embassy, deeming it “completely unacceptable,” according to Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam.

However, many netizens have raised questions regarding whether the government will pursue further action against the embassy.

They wonder why no correction direction under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) was issued to the embassy, considering the post disseminated misinformation potentially harmful to Singapore’s social harmony.

The controversial post, published on Sunday, drew comparisons between mentions of Israel and Palestine in the Quran. It stated, “Israel is mentioned 43 times in the Quran.”

“On the other hand, Palestine is not mentioned even once. Each and every archeological evidence – maps, documents, coins, link the land of Israel to the Jewish people as the indigenous people of the land.”

The post was deleted later that day.

Addressing the media on Monday, Minister Shanmugam revealed his immediate reaction upon discovering the post. “I was very upset,” he confessed, outlining the steps taken by the Home Affairs Ministry to communicate their concerns to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, which in turn demanded the immediate removal of the post by the Israeli embassy.

Mr Shanmugam criticized the post for being “insensitive and inappropriate,” highlighting the potential risks it posed to Singapore’s safety, security, and harmony.

He emphasized Singapore’s commitment to protecting all its residents, including Jewish and Muslim communities, and cautioned against actions that could “inflame tensions” and jeopardize the safety of the Jewish community in Singapore.

Netizens question lack of further action against the Israel embassy

However, after observing the reactions of netizens on Singaporean social media platforms such as ‘Wake Up, Singapore,’ state media outlets like CNA and The Straits Times Facebook page, it is evident that many are questioning why no further action has been taken against the Israeli Embassy regarding the insensitive post.

Some are calling for an official apology, citing concerns about its potential harm to social harmony in Singapore.

Others are even suggesting issuing a POFMA correction direction to address the misinformation and its undermining effect on local harmony.

POFMA aims to protect the Singapore public from online harm by addressing the spread of falsehoods.

Some perceive the controversial post as indicative of a lack of respect or understanding of religious and racial harmony in Singapore, urging for accountability and transparency in addressing such issues.

One netizen expressed shock at the Israeli Embassy’s decision to make such a post, particularly considering the presence of Muslims within the Singaporean community.

Some Muslim brothers also pointed out the misleading interpretation in the embassy’s original post. They clarified that in the Quran, the term “Israel” refers to the people of Prophet Yakub, also known as “Jacob,” and not the modern-day country as implied.

Another netizen speculated that the recent development could be a desperate attempt by the Israeli embassy to shift the narrative, as they are starting to perceive that Singaporeans and our government are not aligning with their interests despite maintaining diplomatic relations with them.

Netizen highlights offence under the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act

One comment even emphasized that under Section 17F of the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act (MRHA), it constitutes an offence to incite hostility, ill-will, or hatred between local religious groups, as well as to insult or wound the religious feelings of others, if it poses a threat to public peace or order in Singapore.

The punishment for such offences can include a fine, imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both.

A netizen raised the question of what would happen if an individual, rather than the Israeli embassy, were to make such a post, “would it also be as simple as requesting the person to take the post down, or would it result in an arrest and charge?”

Meanwhile, some question why no POFMA was issued to the Israel Embassy, as some believed that the controversial post could undermine Singapore’s multiracial policies