India on Thursday raised strong objections to Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's comments on the criminal record of Indian parliamentarians, saying such remarks were uncalled for.
According to reports, the External Affairs Ministry summoned the Singapore envoy and conveyed its strong objection to Loong's remarks.
"The remarks by the prime minister of Singapore were uncalled for. We are taking up the matter with the Singaporean side," news agency PTI quoted sources as sayig.
During a passionate debate in Singapore Parliament on February 15, Loong had invoked India's first prime minister Jawahar Lal Nehru to argue how democracy should work in Singapore.
"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,” he said.
Loong further said: "Most countries are founded and start off on the basis of high ideals and noble values. But more often than not, beyond the founding leaders and the pioneer generation, over decades and generations, gradually things change.”
He said the leaders, who fought for and won independence, are often exceptional individuals of great courage, immense culture, and outstanding ability. “They came through the crucible of fire and emerged as leaders of men and nations. They are the David Ben-Gurions, the Jawaharlal Nehrus, and we have our own too," he said.
The remarks were made during the debate on the Committee of Privileges' report on complaints about untruths told by former Workers' Party lawmaker Raeesah Khan.
The 70-year-old prime minister said each succeeding generation must protect and build upon the system that Singapore has inherited.
With PTI inputs