No need to read too much into ‘inadequate’ Facebook post, says Tan Chuan-Jin

SINGAPORE – Adding that he had a choice in accepting Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s nomination as the next Speaker, Social and Family Development Minister Tan Chuan-Jin has asked the public not to “read too much” into a Facebook post suggesting he was “inadequate”.

Shortly after the surprise announcement on Tuesday evening, Mr Tan put up a second Facebook post: “May God continue to grant me wisdom, courage and love in all that I do. However inadequate as I may be, I hope that I can fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith. And of course. My family. Words cannot express how much your continued love and support mean to me in carrying out my duties and responsibilities.”

This came after his initial post where he said he was looking forward to his new capacity, and expressed gratitude for the people whom he had worked with.

The second post has raised eyebrows, and since drawn about 6,700 reactions and over 440 comments.

In a subsequent addendum to the original post, he said there was “no need to read too much into  (it)”. “I notice some doing serious practical criticism of every word and punctuation! It's a personal post on faith and family, hence I kept it separate. It's an affirmation of what I believe and cherish, as best as I can manage. I've shared these sentiments before so relax...no need to over-interpret LOL,” he wrote.

In a series of replies to Facebook users who had commented on the post - many of whom expressed disappointment that he will be leaving the Ministry of Social and Family Development - Mr Tan thanked them for their well wishes and reiterated, among other things, that he would be  “happy to serve” in the capacity of Speaker and the social and family development portfolio “isn't taken away”.

“Serving the community can happen with or (without) the (appointment),” he said.  He added: “I do have a choice. And I am happy to support PM and serve in this capacity.”

Stressing that “we have our roles and are all glad to serve in them”, he acknowledged that “people like to read into” the announcement.

“Can't stop them from doing so and I guess it's understandable. As for me, looking forward to my new responsibilities even as I continue to champion the causes I care about in the social sector!”

In a post at about 1am on Thursday (Sep 7), he wrote: “I give up. Paiseh. I can't respond to every post! Too many... But thanks for all the What'sApp messages, FB posts, FB messages, emails. Really appreciate the effort to pen down your thoughts and sharing!”

He added: “It has always been a privilege and honour to serve and that doesn't change with the role. Will do my best. And more.”

Mr Tan’s nomination as Singapore’s tenth Speaker will be put to a vote in Parliament when it sits on Monday.