SINGAPORE — The Salt and Light, a Christian blog, had temporarily removed articles penned by Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, former Speaker of Parliament, following news of his inappropriate relationship with a fellow parliamentarian.
On Monday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong confirmed the resignation of Mr Tan and fellow People’s Action Party (PAP) MP Cheng Li Hui, in the wake of the revelations of their affair.
PM Lee also revealed that the two had persisted with the affair, which occurred before the General Election 2020, despite continued advice against it.
The announcement shocked the public and prompted significant questions about the Speaker’s impartiality.
Mr Tan, who is married and renowned for his active participation in Christian events in Singapore, has admitted his mistakes and expressed remorse for his actions.
He acknowledged the hurt he had caused his family, apologized to Singaporeans, and stepped away from politics to focus on his family life.
Amid this upheaval, Salt and Light temporarily took down articles by Mr Tan.
The removal did not go unnoticed and was met with concern by the public. The articles were later restored with an editor’s note addressing the situation.
In a statement released on 17 July, Salt and Light’s editor Edric Sng apologized for the temporary removal of the articles.
He explained that the decision was made while the team contemplated the best approach to handle the unfolding news.
“As faith-based websites, we do our best to highlight examples of people living out their faith. While these are often everyday examples, in some instances, the newsmakers are high-profile figures, including politicians,” Mr Sng wrote in the statement.
He underscored the reality of human fallibility and temptation and emphasized the importance of grace, forgiveness, and restoration.
He urged fellow believers to adopt a restorative posture and join in prayers for all those involved and the nation.
“We believe that those of us looking on as believers should adopt a restorative posture,” Mr Sng wrote. “May love guide our hearts and righteousness be our hallmark.”
Mr Tan’s articles have been reinstated, and readers are advised to view them in the appropriate context considering recent events.
