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 on Hard Living in Singapore, where he highlighted the absence of an “official poverty line” in the country.
Tan later acknowledged his erroneous behaviour and apologised to Jamus Lim, which the latter has since confirmed and accepted.
Workers’ Party’s media statement
𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
Like many Singaporeans, the Workers’ Party was disappointed when viewing the recent video highlighting an audible outburst by the Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin towards WP MP Associate Professor Jamus Lim, following the latter’s speech on Hard Living in Singapore during the Parliamentary sitting on 17 April 2023.
It is paramount that everyone has confidence that the Speaker presides over Parliamentary debates in an impartial manner. The Speaker is a referee for political debate at the highest level, maintaining order and providing guidance on Parliamentary procedures.
It is appropriate for public concerns over this issue to be addressed in Parliament.
Tan Chuan Jin’s apology
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.