India on Thursday slammed Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's comments on the criminal record of Indian parliamentarians, saying such remarks were uncalled for.
Quoting sources, NDTV reported that the External Affairs Ministry has summoned the Singapore envoy and conveyed its strong objection to Loong's remarks.
During a debate in Parliament on the Committee of Privileges' report on complaints about untruths told by former Workers' Party lawmaker Raeesah Khan, Loong had 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.”
While arguing how democracy should work in Singapore, Loong 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 70-year-old prime minister said each succeeding generation must protect and build upon the system that Singapore has inherited.
With PTI inputs
