Minister takes SDP to task for saying character does not matter

SINGAPORE — The Singapore Democratic Party’s (SDP) statement that a person is not defined by his or her actions or words has to be “one of the most astounding statements ever made in the history of Singapore politics” and brings into question their credibility and accountability, said Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat on Sunday (May 1)

“This means a person can lie, cheat or betray someone with impunity,” wrote Mr Heng on his Facebook page.

He was weighing in on the response from SDP central executive committee member Paul Tambyah to criticism levelled against the party’s chief Dr Chee Soon Juan on Saturday by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

During a walkabout earlier that day, Mr Lee, who is also the PAP’s secretary general, said Dr Chee was “completely hypocritical” for saying he would not attack former Bukit Batok Member of Parliament David Ong, when his fellow SDP members had in fact already taken turns to criticise Mr Ong sharply at a political rally on Friday.

Mr Lee also noted that even though Dr Chee presented himself as a changed man, he remained the same person who was not contrite about his past antics.

Professor Tambyah read out a statement on Facebook in response, saying that the criticisms of the character of Dr Chee Soon Juan, the SDP’s candidate in the Bukit Batok by-election, were “uncalled” for.

He added: “We believe that it is fair to ask what happened to the plans that Mr David Ong promised. But it is not right to question his character. Similarly, it is ok to criticise Dr Chee for asking PM Goh about Singapore’s promise to President Suharto 15 years ago but attacking his character is uncalled for. A person is not defined by his or her actions or words.”

On Sunday, Mr Heng said Prof Tambyah’s statement claims that “character doesn’t matter, a person’s words are irrelevant, and we should ignore their actions”.

The minister added: “They believe they should be allowed to do or say anything and not be held responsible for their actions or words. How are voters to believe what such politicians say, or hold them accountable for their actions if they were running a town council?”