MP Tin Pei Ling’s initial role at Grab could pose some challenges 'especially under current circumstances': PAP

SINGAPORE — The People’s Action Party (PAP) on Friday (Feb 10) said it is essential that Members of Parliament (MPs) “rigorously” separate their public role from their interests in their private careers and acknowledged that Ms Tin Pei Ling’s initial appointment at Grab could pose some challenges, “especially under the current circumstances”.

In a press statement on Friday, following the announcement that Ms Tin’s role at the ride-hailing company had been changed, PAP said that it initially did not object to Ms Tin taking up the position when she first informed the party in September. 

But earlier this month, following public comments, the party said it discussed the matter with Ms Tin again to “understand better the scope of her duties”. 

"It then became clear to the party that she would be expected to engage regularly with government ministries and agencies on public policy issues on behalf of Grab.

“While she would make it clear that she was engaging in her private capacity and not as a PAP MP, there could still be challenges in carrying out these responsibilities, especially under the current circumstances,” said PAP.  

It did not elaborate on what the current circumstances are.

PAP added that Ms Tin has since discussed the matter with Grab and informed the party that her role has been changed and that her primary duties will not involve government relations. She will now be the director of corporate development at the company. 

PAP said that MPs are expected to declare potential conflicts of interest and recuse themselves as appropriate from decisions, discussions and positions where there is a risk of such a conflict arising while performing their duties. 

“Under the 'rules of prudence' issued to every PAP MP, MPs are expected to conduct themselves in their duties and responsibilities with utmost propriety, to uphold the reputation of the party and the integrity of the Singapore system. 

“In no circumstances are they to abuse their status as MPs, or their access to ministers, civil servants and government agencies, for private or commercial gain,” it added. 

Ms Tin’s initial appointment made headlines last week and prompted questions over whether it could result in a conflict of interest.

Her appointment comes amid ongoing policy debates over the welfare of platform workers here. 

An advisory committee on platform workers was also set up by the Ministry of Manpower last year to propose ways to do so.