Source of online post alleging criticisms of Chee by PAP volunteer to be checked: Murali

SINGAPORE — Remarks like the disparaging comments about Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chief Chee Soon Juan allegedly made by a People’s Action Party (PAP) supporter are “extremely unfortunate”, said PAP by-election candidate Murali Pillai, saying this was not something he “subscribe(d)” to.

Mr Murali, who was speaking to the media after greeting residents returning to work and school on Tuesday morning (May 3), in Bukit Batok, was asked about Facebook user Ridhuan Abdullah who claimed that a PAP volunteer had asked him why he was supporting an “unemployed” Dr Chee in the Bukit Batok by-election.

Mr Ridhuan also claimed that the volunteer said Dr Chee was “worthless”.

In response, Mr Murali said the source of such an online post has to be checked, and asked for details of the incident before commenting further.

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s something that I certainly don’t subscribe to. Let me make it clear, whatever I do I put the residents in the centre of what we do,” he added.

Mr Murali also said it was “extremely unfortunate” that something like this was going around and added that the incident did not happen under his watch.

“People say a lot of things, I guess the campaign is one of those things, you have to deal with all kinds of things,” he added.

Mr Murali also elaborated on his plans for a youth mentorship programme in the constituency, saying he had observed a very strong community spirit in the area. The programme was first unveiled in his campaign manifesto last week, along with his plans for a job placement programme and a health co-operative.

“There was a very strong commitment to help the least fortunate amongst us. So this is a great way to help the less fortunate because you are helping the children so they can come up in life and be the best they can be,” he added.

A number of voluntary welfare organisations have also offered to come on board his programme, such as the Loving Heart Multi-Service Centre and MCYC.

Mr Murali said he hopes to extend the Loving Heart’s Sports, Tuition and Mentoring Programme to the schools in Bukit Batok and also further tailor the programme for the residents in the area.

He will also rope in Sheng Hong Family Service Centre’s General Manager Sara Tan - who he had worked with while he was serving the Paya Lebar division in Aljunied GRC - to find ways to help families with difficulties.

For the younger children, their parents’ parenting skills will be strengthened, for instance. Mr Murali also hopes to develop the children’s reading habits as early as possible, such as through classes organised by the VWOs.

For the older children, more direct mentoring can come from “mentors who graduated from the school of hard knocks”, said Mr Murali. They will be able to inspire the youths, and give them life goals and aspirations to work towards, he added.