A week of significant developments in Singapore.
It’s been quite a week filled with notable decisions and controversies. From Member of Parliament (MP) Tin Pei Ling’s new position at Grab Singapore to the ongoing discussions surrounding the Keppel bribery scandal, and the more immediate concern for everyday consumers—Kopitiam’s discontinuation of its stored-value cards.
Tin Pei Ling: Balancing Dual Roles
This job announcement has sparked more debate than applause. Last week, ride-hailing giant Grab Singapore confirmed that MP Tin Pei Ling will assume a full-time role as its director of public affairs and policy, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.
As a People’s Action Party (PAP) MP, Tin is responsible for fostering partnerships and programs for Grab in public affairs while serving as a lawmaker. To her credit, Tin took to LinkedIn and Facebook, assuring the public that she would operate “transparently and above board.” However, details on how she intends to separate her dual responsibilities remain unclear.
Concerns intensified online, with many pointing to the PAP’s Rules of Prudence, which discourage MPs from exploiting their roles for personal or employer gain.
Experts are divided on the implications. Mak Yuen Teen, a professor at the National University of Singapore, noted that while the Rules of Prudence are comprehensive, the ultimate implementation depends on the MP’s judgment. He emphasized that Tin’s new role presents “even more acute” challenges, given its scope.
Others advocate a wait-and-see approach, suggesting that the true test of potential conflicts will emerge only when specific situations arise. Lawrence Loh, director of the Centre for Governance and Sustainability at NUS Business School, remarked that assessing conflicts of interest requires context.
Regardless, this unfolding situation continues to captivate public attention.
Keppel: Discontent Over Bribery Case Outcomes
The Keppel Offshore & Marine bribery case has provoked significant backlash due to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) opting to issue stern warnings rather than pursuing criminal charges against six executives involved in the US$55 million scandal.
The CPIB stated that the case was complex and transnational, citing challenges in gathering evidence from various jurisdictions. In a January statement, CPIB mentioned hurdles in obtaining documents and securing the cooperation of key witnesses located outside Singapore.
Legal professionals have expressed mixed reactions. Senior counsel Harpreet Singh Nehal criticized the CPIB’s decision as “discomforting,” while lawyer Amolat Singh argued that the warnings were expected given the circumstances.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah reiterated in Parliament that the CPIB had thoroughly investigated but lacked sufficient evidence for prosecution.
Curiously, Nehal’s commentary piece on Singapore Law Watch was subsequently removed, with the publication claiming it did not align with their editorial standards. The situation leaves many questioning why it was published in the first place.
Kopitiam: Phasing Out Stored-Value Cards
Food court chain Kopitiam is set to discontinue its stored-value cards, prompting mixed reactions from patrons. The cards, a primary payment method, will be phased out after June 30, according to FairPrice Group, which operates the chain.
To encourage transition, FairPrice Group is promoting its mobile app, allowing diners to transfer their card balance into Linkpoints, which can be used to offset Kopitiam purchases. The previously popular 10% discount for card users will also be available to app users.
For those resistant to the app, cash refunds will be offered starting March 1 for any remaining card balance.
While the centralized app may seem convenient, concerns linger regarding its impact on elderly customers and children who frequent Kopitiam. Many worry that these groups may struggle to adapt, especially if they lack smartphones.
Although cash payments remain an option at select Kopitiam outlets, diners using cash will miss out on the 10% discount. With inflation and rising costs affecting daily expenses, it’s understandable that many consumers are voicing their concerns.
