The Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Lateline programme on 8 and 9 August 2001 made allegations that Singapore had spied on Australia. Similar allegations were also raised by the Canberra Times on 10 August 2001 in an article "An Insecure Island Nation". On 10 August, in response to earlier press queries, the MFA Spokesman had dismissed these allegations as absolutely baseless.
On 10 August and 13 August respectively, the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defence had separately met with the Australian High Commissioner and Defence Adviser to express Singapore's concerns over these allegations and to seek clarification on the Australian Government's position. In its response, the Australian Government did not indicate that it saw Singapore as a security threat. On the contrary, the Australian Government took the opportunity to reaffirm the closeness and strength of Singapore-Australia relations, including defence relations.
The Singapore Government is surprised and disappointed that Lateline on 22 and 23 August had not only repeated baseless allegations but also made further unfounded claims about the Singapore Government. There is no reason for Singapore and Australia to regard each other as threats. On the contrary, both our countries have much to gain by working together. Irresponsible reporting does a disservice to the Australian public and Singapore-Australia ties.
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
30 AUGUST 2001