SINGAPORE: On Wednesday (May 14), the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) issued a statement calling for a public inquiry into the photographs being shared online of dinners which involved Fujian gang member Su Haijin together with Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, and National Trades Union Congress Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng.
The photos were posted late on May 5 on the Instagram account of Charles Yeo, the former chairman of the Reform Party. Shortly afterwards, Mr Ong and Mr Chee acknowledged the pictures in a joint statement, but clarified that neither of the men personally knows Su, nor have they had any “contact or dealings with him, before or since these occasions.”
Mr Ng similarly issued a statement saying that the photographs are from some years ago, from an event that has been part of his work as NTUC chief. He has not had any dealings with Su since the latter was investigated and charged.
In spite of the statements from the three officials, the SDP is calling for “a full and transparent investigation through a public and independent Commission of Inquiry.”
The party has raised several questions regarding the nature of the dinners with Su, as well as the actual dates when the dinners were held, since these occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic when specific health restrictions were in place.
SDP also asked whether or not the dinner guests were vetted for the events where the ministers were present, as this would avoid impropriety, and whether the ministers attended the dinner in their official capacities.
“Given the matter involving Mr S Iswaran’s case, the Government must be absolutely clear when it comes to ministers’ dealings with private individuals – especially wealthy ones. These and other questions must be answered. The SDP calls on PM Lawrence Wong to address the matter. Remaining silent on such an alarming development, especially one coming in the immediate aftermath of the elections, is not an option,” SDP wrote.
Judging from the comments on the party’s statement, which was published over social media, some netizens also have questions along similar lines. Others even expressed that they wished SDP chief Chee Soon Juan, who came close to winning at Sembawang West SMC in the May 3 polls, or party chair Paul Tambyah, would have gotten into Parliament so they could raise the matter there. Others agreed that it would be good for the Prime Minister to issue a statement on the issue.
Other netizens, however, have said they accept the statements issued by Mr Ong, Mr Chee and Mr Ng, even commending the two ministers for responding to the issue in a timely manner. /TISG