India objects to PM Lee’s comments about the country’s parliamentarians
Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has claimed that “almost half” of the parliamentarians in India’s lower house of parliament (Lok Sabha) have criminal charges against them.
Addressing Singapore’s Parliament earlier this week about a lying scandal involving a former lawmaker, PM Lee said: “While Nehru’s India has become one where, according to media reports, almost half the MPs in the Lok Sabha have criminal charges pending against them, including charges of rape and murder. Though it is also said that many of these allegations are politically motivated.”
Mr Hsien Loong said it was important to “prevent Singapore from going down the same road”.
The comments stirred a rare instance of friction between the Asian countries.
India issued a diplomatic protest with Singapore over PM Lee Hsien Loong’s remarks about the number of Indian lawmakers facing criminal charges.
Indian media reported that Singapore’s ambassador had been summoned to the foreign ministry to explain. The Indian foreign ministry declined to comment but an official criticised what the Singapore leader said.