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Adherence to the rule of law has been the fundamental basis for peace and stability for the last half century in Asia and indeed the world. It enables countries, both large and small, to build trust and confidence in one another, cooperate and prosper together. Under ASEAN’s Treaty of Amity and Co-operation, signatories pledge “to promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law”.
Today I informed Parliament that the Singapore Government had asserted our sovereign rights over the Terrexes and other equipment now held by Hong Kong Customs. Under international law and Hong Kong law, these equipment were immune for any measures of constraint abroad and therefore must be returned to Singapore immediately.
PM Lee Hsien Loong had also written to Chief Executive C. Y. Leung to reiterate. Hong Kong Government responded that they needed time to complete investigations and that the matter would be handled in accordance to their law. We welcome their response and hope this matter will be resolved satisfactorily with our Terrexes returned in accordance to law.
The Singapore Army