The Workers’ Party (WP) should state its stand on its candidate Raeesah Khan’s comments on social media which allegedly promoted “enmity between different groups on grounds of religion or race”, said the People’s Action Party (PAP) on Monday (6 July).
Earlier on Sunday (5 July), two reports were lodged against the WP’s candidate for Sengkang GRC, with regard to comments allegedly made by her on social media.
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) said that Ms Raeesah allegedly commented that Singapore law enforcement authorities discriminated against citizens, and that compared to other groups, rich Chinese and white people were treated differently under the law.
A screenshot of such comments was shared online and apparently made on 2 Feb 2018, citing an article published by Yahoo on 1 Feb 2018.
“In the context of a news article on the City Harvest Church ruling, Raeesah Khan allegedly commented that Singapore jailed minorities mercilessly, harassed mosque leaders but let corrupt church leaders who stole S$50 million walk free, and questioned who had been paid,” said SPF.
Shortly after the police statement, Ms Raeesah explained that her “intention was never to cause any social division but to raise awareness” on minority concerns. She also apologised to those who may have been hurt by her “insensitive” remarks on social media.
“I apologise to any racial group or community who have been hurt by my comments. My remarks were insensitive, and I regret making them,” Ms Raeesah told reporters on Sunday (5 July).
Following that, the PAP released a statement today urging the WP to state its stand on Ms Raeesah’s posts. The Party also questioned why she is “worthy of consideration” as a Member of Parliament (MP).
“In fairness to voters, both in Sengkang and elsewhere, the WP should state its stand on Ms Raeesah’s posts, since she has admitted to making highly derogatory statements about Chinese and Christians. Why does the WP still consider her worthy of consideration as an MP?” it stated.
The PAP also noted that the WP should ask Ms Raeesah to “make public” her other posts – which the PAP claimed were “previously public” – and review those as well.
“This will allow voters to make a clear assessment of her views, and her suitability to be elected into Parliament,” it added. “The WP should not ask voters to write it a blank cheque in Sengkang or anywhere else it contests.”
