In 2003, Singapore deployed servicemen, ships and aircraft to the Persian Gulf in support of the Iraq war, as part of a mission to “maintain security” and to see Iraq achieve self-government through a political transition.
Singapore was officially part of the Multinational Force — Iraq (MNF-I) from then until 2008, with the Defence Ministry describing it as supporting “reconstruction efforts” in Iraq.
The Government publicly showed its support for the US-led invasion of Iraq, in what is perceived as it acting without the mandate of the United Nations Security Council. On March 14, 2003, in response to questions raised by Members of Parliament, then Foreign Minister, Professor S Jayakumar, asserted that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction.
Former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and President Tony Tan (then Defence Minister) issued similar statements asserting the legitimacy of the invasion of Iraq.
Earlier this month, on July 6, the Report of the Iraq Inquiry was published by the United Kingdom and it seriously questioned any purported justifications for the invasion. The report unanimously concluded that peaceful options for disarmament had not been exhausted and therefore, military action was not a last resort.
Significantly, the report also concluded that “(t)here was no imminent threat from Saddam Hussein”.
The effects of the illegal invasion of Iraq were devastating, and continue to be so. Between March and April 2003 alone, 6,882 civilian deaths were caused by US-led forces. Even today, Iraq may be viewed as entering a phase that could prove every bit as destabilising — perhaps even more so — than the war against the Islamic State.
But the report also raises important questions for Singapore: Was the Government independently satisfied of the factual and legal basis for invading Iraq, or did it take the US’ word for it, as the UK did?
Did the Government feel compelled, as Tony Blair did, to stand together with an important ally? How does our involvement square with our oft-stated principle of acting according to the rule of international law?
The answer is important not only because it goes to the heart of our foreign and defence policy, but also because Singaporean lives were put on the line. Singaporean assets deployed to support the illegal invasion of Iraq were withdrawn only in March 2005.
With respect to the democratic values of accountability and transparency in government, and for the rule of law, I appeal to the Singapore Government to address these issues in Parliament.
As our elected representatives, the decisions made by our Government reflect our entire nation. As a member of the global community, the devastation of the Iraq invasion is a responsibility borne by us all.
Source: TODAYOnline
