Tan Chuan Jin hits back at immigration clearance post by WP's Png

SINGAPORE — Minister for Family and Social Development Tan Chuan Jin has charged that a Facebook post by Workers’ Party politician Png Eng Huat on the expedited clearance that Mr Tan and others with him had received at Tuas Checkpoint on Sunday was “aimed at stirring hate and anger” — not only towards him, but also his residents, volunteers and immigration officers.

On Sunday, Mr Tan had travelled to Malaysia for an official visit to Malaysia’s Deputy Home Affairs Minister’s Hari Raya Open House. The Member of Parliament for Marine Parade GRC also joined his residents on their durian trip in Johor Bahru. On the return journey, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) expedited the immigration clearance for Mr Tan, his security officers who were carrying firearms and the other passengers in his bus.

Mr Png, who had been at Tuas Checkpoint on Sunday, wrote on Facebook a day later about the incident.

Mr Png noted that while most people in the queue “probably did not mind” the privileges that come with being a minister, he took issue with Mr Tan’s “entourage of grassroots leaders and members with shopping bags in tow” who had also been allowed speedier custom clearance. He pointed to the various travellers waiting in line, “some of whom are old and tired”. 

Mr Png, who is Member of Parliament for Hougang SMC, had been on a one-day Desaru Tour with his residents. He said: “One of my residents is 89 years old and another was injured during the tour. If these two elderly residents can wait in queue patiently for their turns, so can all my volunteers and grassroots members.”

“The chaos, anger and confusion at the Tuas Immigration check point certainly made us forget how bad the durians were yesterday, and how bad the system needs to change,” he said.

Mr Png’s post garnered more than 660 shares and close to 300 comments as of Tuesday 8.10pm. Reaction was mixed with some Facebook users defending Mr Tan and the move to open a special clearance lane, while others felt the behaviour was unacceptable.

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In response, the ICA said on Tuesday it is normal practice for ministers on both sides of the Causeway, as well as members of the Malaysian royalty, to be given expedited clearance at checkpoints. “Where they travel with others in a group, ICA officers will use their judgment on the clearance process,” said the ICA. Other than Mr Tan’s bus, the other 19 buses that Mr Tan had been travelling with had to join the queue.

The ICA noted that Mr Png was at Tuas Checkpoint for about 30 minutes, according to records, and was cleared through immigration.

Mr Tan, in his Facebook post, noted that Mr Png “carefully omits to mention that he waited for all of 30 mins”. “I had the impression Mr Png waited a very long time,” said Mr Tan.

He added: “Mr Png seems to accept that it’s reasonable that our office holders get facilitated, if so, then surely the others in that bus need to be cleared as well so that the bus can leave and not add to the vehicular queues there.”

“But the purpose of his post, and that of his compatriots, was clear. It was not about the old folks. ... It’s unfortunate that he and his colleagues chose to politicise the issue,” he said, adding that any traveller who requires special assistance can approach the ICA officers on duty. 

“I believe it is more effective and real to assist our fellow Singaporeans in this way,” he said.

However, Mr Png replied to media queries on Tuesday saying that his post "wasn't about me". "It wasn't about the Minister either," he said. "It's about the treatment of grassroots leaders travelling with the Minister. I understand that is a judgment call for ICA to make, according to its statement."

Mr Png also said that "the system must be seen to be fair", adding: "I cannot control how people feel. I am also on the receiving end of hate and anger for bringing this issue out in the open. I don't have an issue with Minister Tan, personally or politically. I have an issue with inequality."