SINGAPORE: Advocacy group Monday of Palestine Solidarity (MPS) has questioned Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP Saktiandi Supaat for what it describes as an inadequate response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The group expressed concern that Saktiandi’s approach, which primarily involves raising parliamentary questions, falls short of meaningful action.
MPS stated: “Is it enough to just raise PQs and call it a day while food is weaponised and people die? Borders remain closed and Palestinians are still starving.”
Resident Raises Gaza Concerns During MPS
On 13 May, a Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC resident, identified as E, raised concerns about the Gaza crisis during a Meet-the-People Session with MP Saktiandi Supaat.
The resident highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation, noting that for the past 70 days, no food, medicine, or infant formula had entered Gaza, and no airdrops had been carried out.
“From a humanitarian standpoint, an action has to be taken. I am really hoping you can take this to Parliament somehow to push for an increase in humanitarian aid and ensure this aid reaches them. It is a crisis, and it is scary to look at this happening—it is devastating,” said Resident E.
They also questioned Singapore’s position on arms trade with Israel and called for a possible arms embargo, expressing deep concern over the idea of paying taxes that might indirectly fund what they described as the collective punishmenSt of two million people.
In October 2024, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan declined to confirm whether Singapore would halt arms sales to Israel in cases where there were reasonable grounds to suspect their use in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
He cited the Government’s longstanding policy of not publicly disclosing defence sales for national security reasons.
His comments were in response to a parliamentary question filed by Leong Mun Wai, who sought clarification on Singapore’s commitment to a UN General Assembly resolution.
Saktiandi Highlights Past Efforts and Government Initiatives
In response, Saktiandi stressed that he had previously raised concerns in Parliament about Gaza.
He explained that he had raised the issue in 2023 and was one of 21 MPs, out of 100, who spoke up about the horrors of the humanitarian situation and called for enhancing humanitarian aid.
“I will continue to do that if the situation worsens,” he said.
He added that the Government has taken steps such as voting in a special UN meeting to grant Palestine full membership.
“That is a good step ahead, so I think your concerns are definitely in line with mine,” Saktiandi told the resident.
The MP maintained that the Government had done more compared to many countries, citing coordination with Egypt and Jordan, humanitarian airdrops, and exploring medical evacuation options.
“They are always looking for possibilities to help those affected,” he said.
On 29 July, Singapore signalled readiness in principle to recognise the State of Palestine, provided it supports progress towards peace and a negotiated two-state solution.
Singapore’s envoy Kevin Cheok conveyed this position at a high-level UN conference in New York, adding that Singapore is considering deploying a medical team to treat patients from Gaza and stands ready to aid Gaza’s reconstruction once a permanent ceasefire is achieved.
He reaffirmed Singapore’s longstanding support for a two-state solution based on relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Calls for More Action
Resident E countered that more could still be done, saying: “We can always move towards a better world. There is always more that can be done and it starts with asking all these questions.”
Saktiandi acknowledged the resident’s perspective but reiterated Singapore’s limitations.
“As a youth, you want more to be done, but Singapore is just a small country. We can have a louder voice definitely, but we still need the world and other countries to resolve this situation,” he said.
MPS challenged this argument, pointing out that Singapore ranks among the top nations in trade with Israel, surpassing larger countries like Canada, Australia, and the UAE, according to the UN Comtrade Database.
Saktiandi further allegedly commented that Palestinians themselves need to work towards a two-state solution, a statement MPS strongly criticised.
The group said Palestinians face relentless bombing, starvation, and displacement, questioning why MP Saktiandi shifts Singapore’s complicity onto them.
“The responsibility for peace should not rest on the oppressed. Expecting solutions from those enduring genocide is hypocritical at best and delusional at worst.”
Saktiandi added, “One thing I do is pray for a resolution, because it is beyond my control. My individual effort is to pray for them.”
Resident E responded respectfully, acknowledging the MP’s faith but stressing that addressing the crisis required more than praying.
They urged that those in positions of privilege and authority, including MPs, should take concrete action.
Saktiandi then repeated that he had raised several parliamentary questions on Gaza and cited Minister Vivian Balakrishnan’s responses to his queries.
MPS: Action Beyond Parliamentary Questions
MPS urged all MPs, including Saktiandi, to go beyond raising parliamentary questions, insisting that concrete steps must be taken to reduce Singapore’s complicity and hold Israel accountable for its ongoing genocide of Palestinians.
The group cited Saktiandi’s previous parliamentary questions, arguing that some merely referenced international law or passively asked what Singapore could do.
“That is not the same as naming the truth of Israel’s atrocities and advocating accountability. Stop beating around the bush,” the group said.
The group further pointed to part of Saktiandi’s speech in Parliament in November 2023, where he thanked the Cabinet and Government for supporting the UN resolution on the “Protection of Civilians and Upholding Legal Humanitarian Obligation” at the Emergency Special Session on 27 October.
“Two years on, how many more civilians have been killed as we continue to drag our feet over taking a firm stance against Israel and its genocidal actions?” the group asked.
MPS reiterated its call for decisive action, stressing that leaders must go beyond questions, thoughts, and prayers.
The group said parliamentary debates that result in no tangible outcomes should end, and Singapore must stop deflecting its complicity and responsibility onto larger nations.
It warned that Israel and those who enable its actions cannot escape accountability forever, adding that the global community and a growing number of conscientious citizens will ensure justice is pursued.
“Which side of history will Singapore be on?” the group asked.
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