SINGAPORE: Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) leader Chee Soon Juan publicly apologised on 27 April 2025 after party candidate Gigene Wong used a racial slur during a rally speech the day before.
Speaking to a crowd near Sun Plaza, Chee addressed the issue directly, offering a heartfelt apology to the Indian community and all Singaporeans.
He stated, “The buck stops with me,” and emphasised that the party does not tolerate such behaviour, describing it as inconsistent with SDP values.
Chee said that Wong had been sternly warned and had assured him that such an incident would never recur.
Gigene Wong, who made the offensive remark during a rally speech on 26 April 2025, issued two separate public apologies through Facebook.
On stage, Wong expressed deep regret for her words, acknowledging the pain and anger they had caused.
She described the experience as a “difficult and necessary learning experience” and sought forgiveness from the public, pledging to uphold SDP’s values of equality and inclusiveness.
Ariffin Sha condemns incident and stresses seriousness of racism
Fellow candidate Ariffin Sha, who was the subject of the racial slur, also addressed the rally attendees.
He described the incident as “appalling” and stressed that racism, even when unintentional, must not be tolerated.
“It is not casual racism, because there is nothing casual about racism,” Ariffin stated, highlighting that intentions are irrelevant when addressing racist remarks.
Ariffin accepted that Wong did not act with malice but insisted that the harmful impact remained the same.
SDP reaffirms zero tolerance for racism
SDP chairman Paul Tambyah and leader Chee Soon Juan took swift action in reprimanding and counselling Wong.
The party, in a Facebook statement, apologised “unreservedly” for the hurt caused.
SDP reiterated its commitment to values of respect, inclusiveness, and equality, stating it would ensure that Wong learns from this episode and upholds party principles.
Wong explained that she had believed the term to be a neutral Hokkien expression and did not know it carried derogatory meaning.
Influencer Devika Panicker’s commentary, quoted by Ariffin, described such ignorance as a “byproduct of privilege.”
Wong admitted full responsibility for her impromptu comment, clarifying that the offensive remark was not part of her vetted speech.
She reaffirmed her remorse and commitment to personal growth.
SDP team responds collectively to the controversy
At the rally, the ten SDP candidates present stood together, taking the stage and bowing in apology.
This public display underscored the party’s collective responsibility for the incident and its commitment to rebuild trust.
SDP’s statement further pledged that measures would be taken to prevent similar incidents in future campaigns.
Gigene Wong, 59, is a business consultant contesting under SDP in Marsiling-Yew Tee Group Representation Constituency (GRC).
Ariffin Sha, 27, is a legal executive and the founder of the alternative news outlet Wake Up Singapore.
They are part of an SDP team that includes organising secretary Jufri Salim and theatre director Alec Tok.
The team faces a straight contest against the People’s Action Party (PAP) incumbents.
The PAP slate in Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC is led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
The team also includes Senior Minister of State for Defence and Manpower Zaqy Mohamad, Alex Yam, and Hany Soh.
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