Chee Soon Juan criticises seating in groups of 5 at Bloomberg conference: “The logic escapes me”

Singapore — Opposition leader Chee Soon Juan voiced out his opinion on the seating rules at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum, held this week at the Capella Hotel in Sentosa.

It is the first major international forum in Singapore since the Covid-19 pandemic began, with 300 delegates from 51 countries.

Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong announced in October that given the importance of NEF in helping Singapore maintain its hub city status, groups of up to five delegates would be allowed to dine together at forum venues and designated restaurants in the city.

“We will need to ensure that they have space to be able to interact with one another so that they can network and meet their business associates to talk business with one another,” said Mr Gan, noting the facilitation of business networking as a key objective of the forum.

Many were unhappy with the announcement and asked questions about the decision.

“Five same family can’t dine in. Five from different countries can? Lol. Since the decision went ahead without public knowledge. Just amend the rules to make it flow better. Like VTL (vaccinated travel lane) to countries that they come from?” asked Facebook user Kenny Quek.

“By splitting up families from the same household to dine in different parts of the restaurant, aren’t we are increasing the chance of each group catching the virus from outsiders?” added Facebook user Chen-Pang Wong.

Dr Chee, who heads the Singapore Democratic Party, echoed this in a Facebook post on Nov 18.

He called the forum “a meeting of the opulent and famous from overseas.

And they are here to wine and dine, too.

But here’s the rub: They can do so in groups of 5 whereas locals can only do so in 2s (unless you’re from the same household). The logic escapes me.”

He seems to hold the ruling party responsible, alleging that they adjust rules to suit their purposes.

“The PAP will, as usual, justify its actions however amazing these may be. I guess if you can justify changing the rules to restrict the presidency to a Malay and then field an Indian and say that she is Malay, then you can justify anything.”

He then encouraged “intelligent S’poreans” who may “not possess billions in our bank accounts” to refuse to be “discriminated against” and to use their votes well.

“Don’t let the PAP talk down to us, my friends, make them reason with us,” added Dr Chee.

His post has since gotten widely shared and commented on, with many netizens agreeing with him. /TISG

Read also: Not ‘practical’ to extend 5-person dining in rule to S’poreans: Gan Kim Yong on Bloomberg Forum

Not ‘practical’ to extend 5-person dining in rule to S’poreans: Gan Kim Yong on Bloomberg Forum