Netizens mock MSF’s domestic violence intervention call with Foreign Minister’s statement in Gaza

SINGAPORE: Netizens ridiculed an awareness video posted on the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s (MSF) Instagram account, which urged neighbourhood intervention in domestic violence cases to save lives.

They pointed out the irony in light of Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan’s recent remarks during the 2 July Parliamentary session.

Dr Balakrishnan described the conflict in Gaza as a complex issue, likening it to a “family quarrel in another family” and emphasizing that it is “fundamentally not our quarrel.”

In MSF’s awareness video, the ministry underscored that domestic violence is not a private matter, stressing that public intervention can significantly impact victims’ lives.

MSF encouraged communities to report and seek help from authorities if they or someone they know is in an abusive relationship through the National Anti-Violence & Sexual Harassment Helpline (NAVH) at 1800-777-0000.

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Netizens’ critique of Singapore’s stance in Gaza onflicts

However, some netizens have pointed out the contradiction between Dr Balakrishnan’s statement and MSF’s message.

They highlighted the perceived inconsistency in Singapore’s approach to intervening in conflicts, referencing Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan’s advice against involvement in what he described as “another family’s quarrel,” suggesting a policy of non-interference.

For instance, an Instagram user sarcastically mocked the Foreign Minister’s remarks:

Another netizen suggested that MSF should take down the video, pointing out its conflict with Minister Balakrishnan’s remark, unless MSF plans to educate the Minister on what constitutes a “family quarrel.”

Some criticize the Minister’s statement, suggesting that it advises against intervening even in dire humanitarian crises, such as when 15,000 children die from starvation or violence.

Some netizens are tagging the Minister, seeking clarification on his recent remark.

Dr Balakrishnan reminds Singaporeans: Conflict in Gaza “fundamentally not our quarrel”

On 2 July, Minister Balakrishnan affirmed that Singapore is ‘prepared in principle’ to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state, contingent upon it having an effective government that renounces terrorism and recognizes Israel’s right to exist.  He made this statement in response to a Parliamentary Question posed by fellow Members of Parliament (MPs).

When questioned by Mr Gerald Giam, Workers’ Party MP for Aljunied GRC, about the criteria for recognizing Palestine and whether such recognition would aid in advancing negotiations, Dr Balakrishnan emphasized the necessity of an effective Palestinian government or leadership that represents all Palestinians, exercises authority over the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and possesses the mandate to engage in negotiations with Israel.

“I would say that we are not going to lock ourselves in to a specific time or to whether or not other countries have made decisions in parallel, on the same fundamental question,” said Dr Balakrishnan.

Mr Giam then questioned whether Singapore could find itself in a catch-22 situation where it refrains from recognizing the state of Palestine due to the absence of an effective government governing the territory, yet current realities hinder the emergence of such a government.

Dr Balakrishnan responded by distinguishing between two dimensions: the existence of effective Palestinian leadership and the recognition of a formal Palestinian state.

He suggested that Singapore should maintain a principled stance of neutrality in international conflicts, refraining from engaging in contentious debates, symbolic actions, or premature statements that could potentially exacerbate tensions or misunderstandings.

“Another worthwhile reminder for all of us in Singapore is that this is fundamentally not our quarrel. This is a family quarrel, in another family. ”

“The worst thing you can do in a family quarrel is to get involved unnecessarily or with ulterior motives or to perform for an external audience, ” Dr Balakrishnan added.

“So let’s remain calm. Let’s remain united. Let’s remain constructive and helpful, and hope, even in this time of deep darkness, that peace will be given a chance in Palestine. And that our Israeli friends and their Palestinian brothers can live in peace with each other.”