Pritam Singh apologises for Workers' Party not sending representative to Channel 8 political debate

The proficiency required to participate in a live debate is a 'higher order'.

Tanya Ong | July 02, 2020, 12:00 PM

On July 1, two live GE political debates were aired on TV in English and Mandarin.

The representatives for the Mandarin debate on July 1 were: Ong Ye Kung (PAP), Leong Mun Wai (PSP) and Bryan Lim (SDP).

WP was invited to the debate but did not send a representative.

Proficiency required is of "higher order"

Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh addressed the media at a doorstop in Kovan Market and Food Centre in Hougang on July 2, regarding why the party did not send a representative to the political debate in Mandarin.

He apologised for not sending a representative to the Channel 8 debate.

Pritam explained that they have individuals in the party who can make speeches and communicate effectively with residents in Mandarin.

In fact, a number of WP candidates - Sylvia Lim, He Ting Ru, Ron Tan - spoke in Mandarin during their thank you speeches on Nomination Day.

However, Pritam said that the proficiency required to participate in a live debate is of a "higher order".

Nevertheless, the WP chief said that they would continue to try and attract Singaporeans who can participate in such debates.

WP chairman Lim later repeated the apology in Mandarin.

Grateful for support

Pritam said that he is "very grateful" for the support of those who can only speak Mandarin.

He also said that he has not experienced "real difficulty" in reaching out to the Mandarin-only-speaking population in Aljunied.

In fact, he clarified that they have been very "encouraging" towards individuals like himself who only have a rudimentary proficiency of the language.

He added that a representative would be sent for the Lianhe Zaobao dialogue session today (July 2).

Top photo by Syahindah Ishak.