P Ramasamy
Published: Apr 27, 2025 3:34 PM
Updated: 5:51 PM
COMMENT | Just as the ink was hardly dry on my advice to Selangor PAS Youth chief Sukri Omar not to interfere in Singapore’s internal affairs, a particular development across the Causeway has made me rethink my position.
The recent actions of Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) candidate Gigene Wong have cast a troubling light on the calibre and quality of political candidates in Singapore.
In an appalling move during her party campaign, Gigene used a racial slur against her own GRC teammate, Ariffin Sha.
She first referred to him using the slur “keling kia” - a derogatory term targeting people of Indian descent - and later compounded the insult by calling him an “elephant”.
Whether due to an inability to pronounce Ariffin’s name correctly or through deliberate intent, resorting to such racially charged terms is both unacceptable and damaging, especially in Singapore’s carefully managed multi-ethnic society.
Unbecoming behaviour
Wong later admitted she was unaware that “keling” was derogatory and issued an apology for using both slurs. However, her excuse of ignorance raises deeper concerns about the preparedness and sensitivity of opposition politicians in Singapore.
I have always held deep admiration for Singaporean leadership, from the statesmanship of Lee Kuan Yew to the current prime minister, Lawrence Wong. The country’s political leaders have typically been polished, educated, and acutely aware of the need to protect the delicate racial and religious balance of their society.
Published: Apr 27, 2025 3:34 PM
Updated: 5:51 PM
COMMENT | Just as the ink was hardly dry on my advice to Selangor PAS Youth chief Sukri Omar not to interfere in Singapore’s internal affairs, a particular development across the Causeway has made me rethink my position.
The recent actions of Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) candidate Gigene Wong have cast a troubling light on the calibre and quality of political candidates in Singapore.
In an appalling move during her party campaign, Gigene used a racial slur against her own GRC teammate, Ariffin Sha.
She first referred to him using the slur “keling kia” - a derogatory term targeting people of Indian descent - and later compounded the insult by calling him an “elephant”.
Whether due to an inability to pronounce Ariffin’s name correctly or through deliberate intent, resorting to such racially charged terms is both unacceptable and damaging, especially in Singapore’s carefully managed multi-ethnic society.
Unbecoming behaviour
Wong later admitted she was unaware that “keling” was derogatory and issued an apology for using both slurs. However, her excuse of ignorance raises deeper concerns about the preparedness and sensitivity of opposition politicians in Singapore.
I have always held deep admiration for Singaporean leadership, from the statesmanship of Lee Kuan Yew to the current prime minister, Lawrence Wong. The country’s political leaders have typically been polished, educated, and acutely aware of the need to protect the delicate racial and religious balance of their society.
Thus, to witness a politician - even from the opposition - displaying such crudeness and ignorance is profoundly disappointing.
Ignorance, whether genuine or feigned, cannot and should not be an excuse for such behaviour, particularly for those seeking public office in a multiracial society.
Gigene’s actions provide ammunition for critics of Singapore’s treatment of its ethnic minorities, particularly Malays and Indians, and allow groups like PAS in Malaysia to interfere or comment unfavourably on Singapore’s racial politics.
I urge the Singaporean authorities to take appropriate legal action against Gigene for her racial insensitivity. In a society that prides itself on harmony and respect for all ethnicities, there must be accountability, particularly when racial slurs are used publicly. Whether borne of ignorance or otherwise, such actions must not be left unaddressed.
Singapore must continue to hold its politicians, whether from the ruling party or the opposition, to the highest standards of integrity, sensitivity, and competence.
P RAMASAMY is former Penang deputy chief minister II and Urimai chief.
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