Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin found himself at the center of controversy after using “unparliamentary language” during a parliamentary session that was live-streamed by the Ministry of Communications and Informaiton (MCI) in April this year.
During a parliamentary sitting in April, Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin uttered a profanity under his breath, which was overheard on the microphone that was still on at the time, and subsequently circulated online, as reported by The Straits Times and Channel NewsAsia.
Tan was heard muttering the phrase “f-g populist” at the 1:25:28 minute mark of MCI’s livestream after calling for MP Vikram Nair (PAP-Sembawang) to speak following a speech by Workers’ Party MP Jamus Lim.
The incident occurred after Jamus Lim, an Associate Professor and Workers’ Party MP, addressed the parliament during a debate on the president’s address.
In his speech, Prof. Lim expressed support for President Halimah Yacob’s call to enhance Singapore’s social compact. He also highlighted the absence of an “official poverty line” in the country, which he found puzzling and exasperating.
Recognizing the gravity of his actions, Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin promptly issued an apology for his use of what he described as unparliamentary language.
He acknowledged the inappropriateness of his choice of words and expressed regret for his behavior during the parliamentary session.
Tan Chuan Jin’s apology on Facebook
There is a recording of a Parliament sitting in April this year that has been circulating. I had to listen to the recording as I did not recall the occasion.
Based on the clip it appears that I had a reaction to a speech made in the chamber.
When I listen to speeches made, like everyone, I do form views on them. What was said were my private thoughts which I had muttered to myself and not to anyone.
However I should not have expressed them aloud or in unparliamentary language, and I apologise for that.
I have also spoken to the Member, A/P Jamus Lim, to make that apology as well; which he has kindly accepted.
Jamus Lim’s response
Commenting on Tan’s Facebook post, Lim confirmed that Tan did indeed call him and apologise for his behaviour, which Lim has accepted.
He said: “Speaker did indeed call, and I have accepted his apology.”
