GE: PAP questions Wijeysingha's political agenda in light of video
By Hoe Yeen Nie | Posted: 25 April 2011 2159 hrs
SINGAPORE: The People's Action Party (PAP) team contesting in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC has called on Dr Vincent Wijeysingha of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) to be upfront about his political motives.
The call was made in a joint statement issued by Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Mr Liang Eng Hwa, Mr Christopher de Souza and Ms Sim Ann.
The PAP team is referring to a YouTube video allegedly showing Dr Wijeysingha at a forum to discuss the repeal of Section 377A of the Penal Code that criminalises sex between men.
The quality of the video is not clear, but according to the statement, the discussion touched on sex with boys and whether the age of consent should be 14.
The statement said Dr Wijeysingha was introduced in the video as being from the SDP and quoted him saying the gay community could consider how it can address "the 377 issue" and other issues of gay rights.
In the statement, the PAP team said candidates must be upfront about their political agenda so that voters can make an informed choice.
It said Dr Wijeysingha's sexual orientation is not the issue, but the video raises the question if he will pursue the gay cause in the political arena.
The team also wants SDP to state its position on the matter.
When contacted, SDP's Dr James Gomez said the party is aware of the statement and will be responding to what it calls "PAP's smear tactics of discrimination and divisiveness".
- CNA/ir
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