DPM Teo: Government will not tolerate such lawless behaviour

SINGAPORE - In response to the riot in Little India, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Teo Chee Hean made the following comments:

"This is a serious incident. It started from a fatal traffic accident involving a private bus and a pedestrian. A crowd reacted to the accident and started a riot. Police and SCDF responded to the incident. Several Police and SCDF officers were injured, and a number of Police and SCDF vehicles were burnt, and others were damaged.

Minister Iswaran and I visited the incident scene earlier, and have established that the situation is under control. I would like to urge the members of public to stay calm and not react to speculation, and let the facts be ascertained.

The Government will not tolerate such lawless behaviour. I have asked Police to deal with all aspects of the incident, including the traffic accident, what happened immediately after the traffic accident, and all ensuing incidents. Police will investigate the matter thoroughly and deal with all the persons involved strictly, firmly, and fairly according to our laws."

spanaech@sph.com.sg