SDP's Gigene Wong makes racially offensive comment during rally, apologises for 'hurtful & unacceptable' speech

Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) candidate Gigene Wong has apologised for comments made during a rally on Apr. 26 at Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC.

Snippets from Wong's speech at the rally made their rounds online after Wong was heard saying a racially insensitive phrase and also for mispronouncing fellow member Ariffin Sha's name as "elephant".

Ariffin is of Indian ethnicity and is running for election together with Wong in Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC.

Wong was formerly the chief executive of Gulf Oil China, and a candidate for the Progress Singapore Party in the 2020 General Election.

On Apr. 27, Wong posted on Facebook to apologise for the comments she made during the rally that "disrespected" Ariffin.

"I also understand that it offended the Indian community. I have been counselled by my party members about the word and now I understand it is offensive," she said.

Acknowledging that her comments were "very hurtful and unacceptable", she said that she is "fully responsible" for her actions.

Wong also clarified that her original vetted speech did not include her remarks, which was delivered "impromptu".

"There is no excuse and I am sorry for all the pain and anger that I caused."

Top image from Mothership.