An open letter to WP Yaw Shin Leong on alleged extramartial affair

[RonRon]

http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/STIStory_761553.html


Yaw rumours: It should be 'yes' or 'no', not mum's the word



I am disturbed by Workers' Party MP Yaw Shin Leong's reported response to an alleged extramarital affair.


His response to a journalist from Shin Min Daily, which was reported in The Sunday Times ('MP Yaw staying mum on rumours'), was as follows: 'I have said it before, if these are rumours, then there is nothing for me to say.'


What does Mr Yaw mean by 'if these are rumours'? If the claim is untrue, he should refute it. If it is true, he should admit it. As an MP, Mr Yaw should not be evasive but be absolute in his answer, at least to the Singaporeans who have entrusted their estate to him and his party to run.


The reply should be either 'yes' or 'no', because there are ethical issues involved such as integrity and accountability. It is unfortunate that Mr Yaw is facing such allegations, but it is even more unfortunate that he has not chosen to be transparent when the situation calls for it. Choosing to keep silent and not clarify the claims can only fuel mistrust and suspicion.


Mr Yaw has every right to keep mum. However, a leader's response to a crisis is crucial because it speaks volumes about his moral courage and integrity.


Myra Lee (Ms)

 

[RonRon]

http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/STIStory_761546.html


'The WP has preferred to stick to 'no comment'. By contrast, the PAP was swift to replace a candidate over allegations of 'personal misconduct'.'


MR GOH KAY CHUAN: 'The manner in which the Workers' Party (WP) and its MP, Mr Yaw Shin Leong, reacted to claims of the latter's personal misconduct ('MP Yaw staying mum on rumours'; Sunday) contrasts sharply with the way the People's Action Party (PAP) handled a similar allegation against one of its presumptive candidates for last May's general election. Thus far, the WP and Mr Yaw have not been transparent in their disingenuous allusion to Mr Yaw's alleged extramarital affair. The WP leadership has preferred to stick largely to two words - 'no comment', ostensibly because the allegation is a rumour. By contrast, the PAP was swift to replace Mr Steve Tan as a candidate for Tampines GRC over allegations of 'personal misconduct'.'

 

[Clone]

 

[Fook Seng]

Is it an advice to him to sweep things under the carpet?

 

[wendychan]

i also very disturbed re rumous surrounding foo mee har since before the last election, so i have been disturbed for a long time. i am disturbed by her ZERO response to those allegations.
i am disturbed by the fact the the straits times didn't do any proper investigative journalism re those allegations....