Update as of 7.51pm:

In a Facebook post on Wednesday (Sept 15) evening, Mr Balakrishnan shared that he apologised to Mr Leong for his comments.

NCMP Leong Mun Wai of the Progress Singapore Party also said: “I received a call from minister Vivian today and he has conveyed his apology and what was said on a hot mike. I accepted his apology. Let’s put our time to better use for Singapore and Singaporeans.

Though I am also curious to know who are the other persons who were involved in the conversation and the reason why they held the institution that I attended in contempt”.

Singapore — Some ministers were caught chit-chatting in Parliament, with their personal conversations picked up by the microphone.

During Tuesday’s (Sept 14) Parliamentary session, the ministers, presumably Vivian Balakrishnan, Tan See Leng were heard saying:

Minister A: “He’s illiterate. Seriously, how did he get into RI?”

Minister B: “Must have been a lousy school. I’m from Monk’s Hill.”

The comments came after Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) Leong Mun Wai
spoke about the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Singapore and India, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (Ceca).

RI refers to Raffles Institution, where Mr Leong studied in the 1970s, while Dr Tan studied at Monk’s Hill Secondary School. Dr Balakrishnan received his early education at Anglo-Chinese School.

The ministers were speaking amongst themselves, but the comments were picked up by the mic.

Secretary-General of the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) said: “It is shocking to listen to such remarks coming from a minister and a diplomat representing Singapore. His disdain for a fellow parliamentarian and disrespect for a very renowned school is disappointing to say the least”.

Responding, Central Executive Committee (CEC) member Harish Pillay also said: “Ad hominem statements are never OK. Disappointing to hear a cabinet minister say what he said & in Parliament no less. Respect & trust takes time to build but lost in seconds”.

Ad hominem statements are never OK. Disappointing to hear a cabinet minister say what he said & in Parliament no less. Respect & trust takes time to build but lost in seconds. Original: https://t.co/tczNCsFmfx between 9:47:55-9:48:05 & 9:49:15-9:49:25 pic.twitter.com/Zx5phTpBGI

— harish (@harishpillay) September 15, 2021

Videos and audio clips of the incident were circulated on social media, forum pages and on TikTok on Wednesday (Sept 15), with netizens calling out the ministers for their behaviour and lack of professionalism.