At the press conference unveiling the team running for Ang Mo Kio GRC, PM Lee responded to a question about the handling of allegations that were made against Ivan Lim on social media.

On June 27, Ivan Lim formally announced his withdrawal from the 2020 General Election, saying that while he has a clear conscience he is choosing to withdraw from the party in the interest of his family and party.

This was following allegations on some Facebook posts and comments.

Several PAP leaders have since come forward to address the issue of candidate screening which arose from this incident including DPM Heng Swee Keat and Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong.

Lee: If we look for perfect candidates, we will lose many good men and women

In his response, Lee said: “In the case of Ivan Lim, unfortunately, there was not enough time to deal with all the issues that came up, in a short period of time.”

“I think Ivan did the right thing in deciding to withdraw to not have this election distracted by this case, but I don’t think that should be the end of the matter.”

Lee reaffirmed comments made in his reply to Lim about the need for “fair and deliberate consideration of these allegations.”

He said in the press conference:

“We can’t let such serious things be said about somebody and have somebody leave with a cloud permanently hanging over him and a question mark. I think it’d be very unfair to Ivan, and set a very damaging precedent, that you can condemn somebody and write him off on the basis of an internet campaign.”

Lee also said that he has confidence in the party’s process of assessing candidates, and in the candidate line-up the party has presented this election.

He compared this saga to the controversies Member of Parliament for Macpherson Tin Pei Ling faced in 2011. He said: “When we fielded her, there was enormous controversy and she had a very tough time...for a young woman going into public life, to start off like that, it is not an easy matter.”

Lee said: “No process is perfect, no candidate is perfect. We are putting together a team of men and women with varied backgrounds and experiences.”

“I think if we look for the perfect candidate, we will lose many good men and women. And if we encourage a culture of trial by internet, then we will not find anybody willing to stand, and put themselves and their families through this ordeal even if at the end of it, they are able to clear themselves.”

Top image via PAP