S'pore condemns New Zealand mosque shootings; PM Lee calls incidents 'horrific terrorist attacks'

SINGAPORE — The Singapore Government “strongly condemns” the mosque shootings in New Zealand that took place on Friday (March 15), with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong describing the incidents as “horrific terrorist attacks”.

At least one gunman killed 49 people and wounded more than 20 during Friday prayers at two mosques — Masjid Al-Noor and Linwood Masjid — located in the city of Christchurch in New Zealand.

As the world continues to reel in shock from the shootings, Singapore’s politicians and religious organisations strongly condemned the terrorist attacks.

“There can be no justification for such attacks against civilians at the two mosques,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and bereaved families, and wish the injured a speedy recovery.”

Mr Lee said in a Facebook post that he was “deeply shocked by the horrific terrorist attacks”, adding that he was writing to New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to “express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims”.

He pointed out that despite New Zealand being located “far away from the upheavals and turbulence of the Middle East, and far away from South-east Asia and its terrorist groups”, it still experienced such attacks.

This, he added, is a “sombre reminder that terrorism remains a serious threat across the world, and that Singapore must be constantly vigilant and prepared”.

“This heinous act is an attempt to spread fear and hatred, and create divisions within societies. We need to respond with unity, fortitude and resilience,” said Mr Lee. “Singapore stands in solidarity with the people of New Zealand to strongly condemn such vicious acts of terror.”

Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam said in a Facebook post that the attacks were “tragic and saddening”.

“Each time this happens, it is an attack on all of us, on every society that believes in diversity and tolerance. Extremism, of every stripe, has to be resisted everywhere,” he added.

Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said in a Facebook post that he was “shocked and dismayed” by the news, adding that “our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones". "Singapore stands in solidarity with New Zealand in this difficult period,” he said.

The Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) here expressed alarm over “recent murderous acts” that have occurred at holy places of worship, citing the example of the shooting last October in a synagogue in Pittsburgh, United States, where 11 people were killed.

“The IRO prays that local communities strengthen their bonds and interfaith understanding and categorically reject all hateful acts that seek to spark division and hate between people of different races and religions,” the organisation said in a statement.

“We pray for peace and harmony to be restored in affected places and around the world.”

The Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association (Pergas) denounced the shootings as a “heinous act of terror in a centre of worship and refuge”.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page, Pergas said: “The killing of an innocent soul is equivalent to an attack against humanity as mentioned in our faith. Pergas would also like to express our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers for the families of the victims as they grieve the loss of their loved ones.”

The Singapore Buddhist Federation said in a Facebook post that it is “greatly saddened” by the loss of innocent lives, adding: “We pray for the speedy recovery of the victims and restoration of peace and harmony.”

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese said in a statement that the Catholic Church in Singapore “stands together with the Muslim community here and all peace-loving people” to reject the violence in New Zealand.

“Such deeds remind us of the importance of promoting interfaith dialogues. We must also never take religious harmony for granted but always inculcate in our people the importance of being sensitive in their words and actions in our relations with people of other faiths,” the statement said.

“We must be watchful that we do not allow any organisation or social media or any form of entertainment to sow seeds of hatred, violence and rebellion,” it added.