Leader of the Opposition (LO) Pritam Singh from the Workers’ Party (WP) announced on 28 July that he will be donating half of his salary increase as LO to his party’s community programmes, low-income residents, and charity causes.
While netizens have generally reacted to this announcement positively, it is noteworthy that CEO of Temasek and wife of the Prime Minister, Ho Ching, has implied that Mr Singh may have had nefarious intents by making his intentions public.
Another People’s Action Party (PAP) affiliate, Calvin Cheng, who is also a former Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP), has also waded into this establishment-created drama by implying that Mr Singh is trying to politicise his donation and family.
Following these unwarranted implications towards a seemingly gracious deed by Mr Singh, Progress Singapore Party (PSP) secretary-general Dr Tan Cheng Bock took to his Facebook last Thursday (30 July) to defend the LO.
“It is sad and unbecoming, that some people have chosen instead, to cast aspersions on his intentions,” said Dr Tan.
He noted that people from both sides of the political divide make donations all the time, be it publicly or privately.
“It is far better to be gracious and welcome the gesture, then to continue to try to score political points. This is very disappointing,” Dr Tan added.
According to him, Mr Singh’s act is a “wonderful and generous gesture” – one that “sets a good example for Singaporeans to emulate”.
Dr Tan concluded his post saying, “In these difficult times, it is good to think of others and actively and intentionally help with what we have. This then, is truly #SGUNITED.”
