Singapore rapper Subhas Nair charged with sowing division over racism comments

Outspoken rapper Subhas Nair was charged over a 2019 rap video and social media comments aimed at the city state’s ethnic Chinese majority
He is accused of suggesting that ethnic Chinese citizens receive preferential treatment from Singapore’s law enforcement agencies

Singapore

Agence France-Pressein Singapore

Published: 5:23pm, 1 Nov 2021

Why you can trust SCMP

A controversial Singaporean rapper of Indian descent who has accused authorities of racism may face jail after being charged on Monday with sowing divisions between the city state’s different ethnic and religious groups.

Singapore’s government has long sought to promote racial harmony among its diverse population of 5.5 million, but some still complain that the ethnic Chinese majority enjoy greater privileges.

Outspoken rapper Subhas Nair faced four counts when he appeared in court on Monday over offences that allegedly occurred between 2019 and this year.

Subhas Nair arrives at court with his influencer sister Preetipls in Singapore on Monday. Photo: AFP

According to charge sheets, the 29-year-old made comments on social media appearing to suggest an ethnic Chinese man involved in the death of an Indian received lenient treatment from authorities because of his race.

He allegedly posted further remarks on Instagram suggesting Chinese Christians are treated more leniently than Muslims over hate speech.

Singapore’s ‘brownface’ saga sparks race debate as Preetipls rap video condemned

And he was charged over a 2019 rap video that criticised a local Chinese actor who darkened his skin to portray an Indian in an advert.

Police had already issued a warning over the video to Nair and his sister Preetipls – a well-known local comedian, who rapped alongside him.

Singapore, home to Muslim Malay and ethnic Indian minorities alongside the ethnic Chinese majority, has strict laws against sowing racial and religious tensions.

Nair faces up to three years in prison, a hefty fine or both, for each charge if convicted.

Singapore’s majority-Chinese population should do more to address racism: minister

Ahead of Monday’s court appearance, police said allegations that “law enforcement agencies accord differential treatment based on religion or race are baseless and have the potential to damage religious and racial harmony in Singapore”.

Nair appeared in court with his sister and was wearing a T-shirt bearing a picture of a Malaysian man convicted of drug trafficking in Singapore, who is set to be executed soon.