In response to media queries on UK Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne's comment on the sentencing of British author Alan Shadrake, the MFA Spokesman said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is surprised that a British Minister has commented on the matter, which is not about freedom of expression or Singapore-UK relations, but about the integrity of Singapore's judicial system. The British Government should understand that Singapore has the right to enforce its own laws to protect the reputation of our judiciary and judicial system, as well as other key public institutions. Like the UK, Singapore attaches great importance to our bilateral relations and we look forward to Mr Browne's introductory visit to Singapore in December.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
18 NOVEMBER 2010