From Citizendium - Reading time: 3 min
| Chan Chun Sing | |
|---|---|
| Other names | 陈振声 |
| Born | 9 October 1969 Singapore |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Political party | People's Action Party |
Chan Chun Sing is a Singaporean politician, and People's Action Party member.
An audio leak from a closed-door meeting between Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) members and minister Chan Chun Sing on 18 February 2020 revealed that Chan had used the derogatory hokkien term "sia suay" (English definition embarrassment) to describe Singaporeans who were panic buying.[1]
The second audio leak happened two days before the 2020 general election, The Online Citizen published an article along with an audio clip of a speech made by Chan. In the audio clip, Chan mentioned the PAP's results during elections and the restricting space access north of Seletar Airport. Chan later wrote on Facebook that the speech took place in 2019 at a closed-door conversation held after Malaysia imposing a restricted flying zone north of Seletar Airport. He claimed that the audio clip was leaked and circulated for "ill-intent".[2][3][4]
On 14 October 2024 parliamentary session, Chan stated that students who witness bullying incidents are reminded not to record and share the incidents online to avoid further hurting those involved. and “circulating such materials, trying to dox the student perpetrators, or calling for them to be ostracized could isolate them even more, drive them to extremes, and make it harder for them to mend their ways.” He also claimed that "We want to steer clear of actions that might hinder or deny a perpetrator's chance for rehabilitation, such as counterproductive social media behaviours."[5]
Chan's statement resulted in public responses pointed out that if the video of the bullying had not been circulated, it is unlikely any action would have been taken, while some questioned for justice for the victims of bullying. Some had criticized Singapore's Ministry of Education’s (MOE) approach of emphasizing rehabilitation for bullies, warning that such individuals could potentially become members of secret societies, abusers, or even criminals in the future, and argued that punishment for bullying should be harsher.[6]
On 4 February 2025, Chan said in the parliament that parents are understandably anxious when their children are involved in fighting or bullying, but they should let schools and the authorities handle these cases without speculating or stepping in to complicate matters.[7]
Chan's remark draws public criticism and commented that if schools and the Ministry of Education (MOE) had properly addressed bullying, vigilantism would not have emerged in the first place. Some stated that parents have every right to protect their children, and expressed concern about the risk of cover-ups if leaving it solely to the school and MOE. Some also called for harsher punishments for bullies, and arguing that the current measures were inadequate.[8]