Public holiday for World Cup Final a hoax: President's Office

[Hasbro]

Updated: 07/14/2014 12:37 | By Channel NewsAsia

Public holiday for World Cup Final a hoax: President's Office

SINGAPORE: The President's Office on Monday (July 14) confirmed that it did not issue a letter circulating online, which claimed that President Tony Tan Keng Yam had declared a public holiday the day of the World Cup final. It added that the Ministry of Manpower is responsible for the announcements of all public holidays.

According to the hoax letter, the holiday was meant to allow all Singaporeans to have a chance to watch the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final between Germany and Argentina, and had the approval of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Government offices would be closed on Monday, the letter claimed.

However, the President's Office said in a statement on Monday: "It has come to our attention that there is a letter circulating on mobile and online platforms in the name of President Tony Tan Keng Yam declaring today (July 14) a public holiday. We would like to clarify that the President’s Office did not issue such a letter.

"Public holidays are announced by the Ministry of Manpower and can be found on their website here."

The President's Office confirmed that a police report has been filed in connection with the letter, and said it cannot comment further, as police investigations are underway. - CNA/es