SDP candidates bow & apologise 'unreservedly' at rally for Gigene Wong's racially offensive comment

The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) has released a statement saying it apologises "unreservedly" for the use of a phrase by Gigene Wong, one of its candidates for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC.

Wong was heard uttering a racially insensitive phrase and also for mispronouncing fellow member Ariffin Sha's name as "elephant" during a rally on Apr. 26 at Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC.

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

The SDP said:

"We are very sorry for what Gigene said.

While she genuinely did not know that the term carried negative connotations, the fact remains that its usage - which was not part of her original vetted speech - was highly offensive to both Gigene’s fellow candidate, Ariffin, and the Indian community. We recognise the pain this episode has caused, and are profoundly sorry."

Wong has been "counselled"

The SDP added that it has addressed this matter at the start of its Apr. 27 rally at the field beside Sun Plaza.

Apologies were issued by its Secretary-General, Chee Soon Juan, the party chairman, Paul Tambyah, and Wong herself, alongside a speech delivered by Ariffin.

The SDP also pointed out that Wong has been counselled and she now understands that her use of the phrase was "hurtful, disrespectful, and completely unacceptable".

The party said:

"She is deeply sorry for all the pain and anger that (she) caused and takes full accountability for her comments. The party, likewise, takes responsibility for the guidance we are providing on this matter."

The SDP then added that it does stand for actions that either cause or inflame divisions and tensions along the lines of race and religion.

Their statement concluded:

As a party guided also by compassion, we will ensure that Gigene learns from her mistakes and does her utmost to uphold party values in all her words and actions.

We will do our utmost to ensure that an incident of this nature does not happen again."

Top image via Lianhe Zaobao