Law minister says people like MRT bully are 'sick in their mind'

SINGAPORE - Law Minister K Shanmugam has commented on news of a man threatening a teenager in the MRT, calling the behaviour "unacceptable bullying conduct".

Mr Shanmugam, who is also the Minister for Foreign Affairs, said via his Facebook page on Tuesday that he had seen the video footage taken by Stomp contributor Nabilah.

"People like this are sick in their mind. And try and take it out on others," Mr Shanmugam said.

He also urged for the man's employers to take note of his unruly behaviour. "I hope his employer will take some action against him - he brings his organisation into disrepute," Mr Shanmugam said.

Nabilah told citizen journalism site Stomp that a commuter by the name of Elfy stood up for the teenager by telling the man to get off the train.

She later revealed that the man alighted and approached some uniformed officers to complain about what the teen was wearing. He was apparently angry that the teen was wearing a shirt with the words "I'm F--king Special" on it.

"When we tried to show what actually happened as proof, (the officers) refused to watch. They allowed the angry old man to take the same train together with us," she said.

Elfy also voiced his opinion online after the video went viral, saying that he felt disappointed that the man was allowed to walk away after taunting a helpless commuter. He said on his Facebook page that he believed Singaporeans should respect one another, and not resort to attacking others based on race.

"Singapore gets to grow when (its people are) good...Whoever is in trouble, we come and help. Whoever is successful, we come and applaud. So this is how we live, love amongst each other," he said.

Minister Shanmugam praised Elfy for standing up to the bully, and for having an encouraging message to share with others.

"Good to see someone, in this case Elfy standing up to this bully. His comments on the incident, that we are a multiracial society that should respect each other, are wise," he said.

ljessica@sph.com.sg

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