SINGAPORE: Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, refuted allegations made by Progress Singapore Party (PSP) members, who claimed they were harassed by purported supporters of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) during a door-to-door outreach walkabout in Choa Chu Kang GRC on 4 January.
Low, a Member of Parliament for Chua Chu Kang GRC, accused the PSP of having “twisted the truth” and presenting an inaccurate account of the events.
Earlier, PSP member S Nallakaruppan and volunteer Stella Stan Lee had alleged harassment by purported PAP supporters during the walkabout, with Lee claiming she was followed and filmed at close range.
Ms Low’s Account of the Alleged Harassment Incident
In a Facebook post on Wednesday (8 January) Ms Low, who is also Chairperson of the Mayors’ Committee and Mayor of South West District, presented her version of events from Bukit Gombak that day.
According to her, a team of PAP volunteers was conducting regular outreach efforts at Goodview Gardens estate when they encountered PSP members.
She alleged that one male PAP volunteer, referred to as Male Volunteer 1, was physically and verbally harassed by PSP members.
“One of our PAP volunteers, whom I will call Male Volunteer 1, was getting out of the lift to join his team. He was held back by PSP member.”
“That PSP member was joined by another two male PSP members who stepped into the lift. One of them then went on to intimidate Male Volunteer 1 and slapped his face twice – once in the lift and another time in the corridor. And all this while, my Male Volunteer 1 was also being insulted with the use of derogatory terms, ” Ms Low alleged.
Low Claims Another Volunteer Was Allegedly Taunted by PSP Member
That afternoon, another member of the team, referred to as “Male Volunteer 2,” was allegedly taunted by the same PSP member who had reportedly attacked and insulted Male Volunteer 1 earlier, according to Low.
Ms Low stated that Male Volunteer 2 recorded the PSP member’s actions and insults but was later confronted by two PSP members. One of them allegedly grabbed him by his shirt and forcibly took a selfie and video with him.
Around the same time, female PAP volunteers observed PSP members recording their movements while engaging with residents. In response, the female volunteers began recording the PSP members as well.
Low further alleged that at approximately 5:30 PM, PAP volunteers encountered PSP members again at a sheltered walkway near a coffeeshop.
According to her, the PSP members allegedly shouted, taunted them, and took photographs of the volunteers.
Low said these photos have since been posted online by PSP members, “Some female PAP volunteers who appeared in these wefies have fallen victim to doxxing. Some are currently undergoing counselling and extra care to protect them from such online harm.”
Low added that while they had considered filing a police report, they ultimately chose not to proceed with it.
“We hoped that PSP will not repeat such conduct in future. We now see that despite the conduct above, it is PSP which has chosen to make allegations and file a police report. ”
“We look forward to a full police investigation, and for the whole truth to become public, Ms Low said.
Low concluded with emhasising the importance of mutual respect in community service, acknowledging the dedication and passion of volunteers.
She reiterated the commitment of the PAP Bukit Gombak team to prioritise the needs of residents and focus on outreach efforts aimed at uplifting and supporting the Bukit Gombak community.
Low’s Allegations Contradicted by PSP’s Video Evidence
However, Low did not share any photos or videos in her Facebook post to substantiate her allegations of harassment. Additionally, her claims are inconsistent with the events depicted in the videos shared by the PSP.
Accordibng to S Nallakaruppan, he described incidents where individuals, allegedly PAP supporters, followed his team closely, took photographs, and behaved unprofessionally, claiming the area as “their territory.”
Despite requests from PSP to conduct outreach at separate blocks, these individuals continued distributing flyers to residents approached by PSP.
He further alleged that they followed PSP members to the car park and possibly photographed their vehicles, warning that such actions could constitute harassment and be reported to the police.
While Stella Stan Lee who participated in the walkabout posted a photograph showing an individual filming her at close range, stating, “No woman would feel safe with any man filming her in such tight proximity.”
She has also since filed a police report on 5 January against the actions of the individuals.
Footage and photos taken on that day shows phones shoved in PSP volunteers’ faces as individuals persistently followed them, despite being asked to stop.
Dr Tan Cheng Bock Condemns Alleged Harassment and Pledges Solidarity with PSP Volunteers
Separately, Dr Tan Cheng Bock, Chairman of the PSP, condemned the alleged harassment faced by his fellow PSP members in a Facebook post, emphasising that political disagreements are inevitable but should always be addressed with civility.
“Everyone should have a chance to put their case forward so that Singaporeans can consider their options. However, to physically bully and intimidate someone you disagree with – this is totally unacceptable.”
He also expressed his solidarity with the affected volunteers, announcing his visit to Choa Chu Kang GRC with them this weekend.
“We will continue to stand up against bullies in whatever size or form. This shameful behaviour cannot be tolerated, ” he added.
