Redditors criticize PAP Sengkang team for distasteful condolence banner with party logo

SINGAPORE: The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) team in the opposition-led Sengkang Group Representation Constituency (GRC) recently faced criticism from netizens for allegedly placing a condolence banner featuring a large PAP logo and their names prominently at the funeral of a Sengkang resident.

The image of the banner was shared on Reddit on July 24, with a user commenting, “PAP Sengkang GRC Marcus Loh sent a huge condolence banner to the wake.”

Mr Loh was introduced last year as the new branch chair for the PAP in Sengkang GRC, aiming to strengthen the party’s presence in the area.

The banner sparked a debate on Reddit, with some users criticizing the PAP team “has zero political instincts.”

They questioned whether it was appropriate to display the PAP logo prominently when expressing condolences to a grieving family.

One Reddit user, who has since deleted his post, claimed to have attended the wake of a relative in Sengkang and noted that Mr Loh sent the banner on the second day of the wake.

The banner was reportedly collected after a few days, possibly for reuse.

WP MP He Ting Ru attends wake respectfully

The user also highlighted that incumbent Sengkang MP He Ting Ru from the Workers’ Party attended the wake as well.

Unlike the PAP team, Ms He engaged directly with the family besides offering condolence money.

Additionally, the Workers’ Party sent a sympathy blanket to the family, which the Reddit user claimed is still in their possession.

The user remarked, “I’m not a Sengkang resident so I don’t vote, but this is my perspective as an outsider.”

Redditors: PAP’s party logo banner was unnecessary and inappropriate

In the comment section, some users argued that to genuinely pay respect to a grieving family, one should visit in plain clothes without any fanfare. They felt that displaying a banner with a party’s logo was unnecessary and inappropriate.

Criticism was directed at the PAP Sengkang team for seemingly using the funeral as a platform for political advertising.

One user reflected on past practices, noting that ministers would often attend funerals in plain clothes, focusing solely on offering condolences rather than drawing attention with photo or video crews.

“Sincerity, if you cant come down and you want to provide a banner/wreath sure. But party logo and colours is weird and distasteful. ”

Other discussions centred on how Workers’ Party (WP) leaders have shown respect.

For instance, one user recalled that in 2017, WP Secretary-General Pritam Singh attended a grandmother’s wake at 1 a.m., arriving alone.

Another user mentioned Mr Singh attending his grandfather’s funeral around 10 p.m.

“He apologised for the late hour, but he didn’t want to come during the peak period so that we could attend to our own family and friends.”

Other users highlighted that PAP ministers have historically paid respects in a more low-profile and respectful manner, suggesting that Mr Loh’s approach was seen as inappropriate in comparison.

In GE2020, the PAP candidates led by former minister Ng Chee Meng, included former Senior Minister of State Lam Pin Min, Senior Parliamentary Secretary Amrin Amin, and Raymond Lye contested in the Sengkang GRC.

The Workers’ Party team won the GRC and secured 52.13% of the votes, while the PAP received 47.87%.

Last year, Mr Loh was unveiled as taking over the Sengkang East division from Mr Ling Weihong, who was introduced in March 2022 along with two other fresh faces in the PAP’s new-look slate.

However, Mr Loh’s approach to addressing issues in Sengkang has faced criticism from the online community, with some netizens accusing him of ‘cherrypicking’ issues.

Some Sengkang residents have expressed doubt about the PAP’s chances of reclaiming the GRC, as they remain generally satisfied with the hard work of the WP MPs on the ground.

Given the PAP’s history of strategic candidate deployment, it remains to be seen whether Mr Loh will represent the party in the next election or if another candidate will be fielded—particularly in what some might view as a challenging contest against the WP.