Singaporeans call out ex-PAP MP for dressing as a delivery rider for Halloween street party
SINGAPORE: While Halloween activities are supposed to be fun and lighthearted, some individuals online did not take too kindly to the costume chosen by former People’s Action Party Member of Parliament (PAP MP) Amrin Amin, who dressed as a foodpanda delivery rider.
In an Oct 31 (Saturday) post, Mr Amrin, who also had stints as Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Health as well as Home Affairs, posted a photo on social media of himself in a pink and grey shirt with the foodpanda logo, a bicycle helmet, and dark blue pants, along with other pictures of that day’s festivities.
In the caption, he quipped, “I came as a foodpanda delivery rider for the Chip Bee Gardens Halloween street party. Might switch to Grab if the benefits are better. Are they? Still waiting for my delivery backpack, so I'm clearly just playing the part.”
He added, however, that he has “much respect” for “the real riders keep our orders coming, through heat, rain or haze,” and advised others to “go easy on the ratings if they're running a little late.”
Nevertheless, this did not prevent some commenters from expressing their feelings about his choice of costume.
“People's livelihood is not your costume, Amrin,” one wrote.
Another added, “Making a mockery out of people’s uniforms.”
“Lol, he takes the delivery riders’ job as a joke; all the poor uncles work so hard, for him, cosplay,” a Facebook user chimed in.
“Treating a working-class uniform that people grind in through rain and scorching sun as a party costume is peak out-of-touch behaviour,” a commenter wrote.
“Imo... They are doing an honest job trying to put food on the table & pay bills for their loved ones. But to dress like them for Halloween is just not right & not funny,” added another.
“It may appear to be fun, but from your status and dressing as them, it seems that you’re mocking them,” a netizen pointed out.
Another commenter pointed out, “Mr Amrin, I think many of the comments here are a bit overreacting, but seriously, the choice of wearing a foodpanda delivery rider is rather off. The general theme for Halloween is something scary or creepy….”
“Experience the reality of living on a low income in Singapore, and you will understand the associated hardships,” a Facebook user pointed out.
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Others, however, defended the former MP, writing that it was all in good fun and that Mr Amrin’s costume should not be taken so seriously.
A Facebook user added, “The only reason why some people deliberately find offence in a food delivery rider’s uniform being used as a costume is that they themselves have formed and attached a certain stereotype with the job itself, one that associates food delivery with being lowly or not an ideal career. Having that sort of stigma is the problem. Not the borrowing of the uniform.” /TISG