Another row at the Tanglin Club
Conrad Raj
editor-at-large
[email protected]
.
THE prestigious Tanglin Club is once again embroiled in controversy, this time over remarks made by its president, Mr Philip Beng, in the December issue of the club’s magazine.
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In an address to members under the subtitle “On the Darker Side of Things”, Mr Beng disclosed there was a split in the club’s ruling General Committee (GC).
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“It saddens me to have to convey a disappointing note that we have a minority split in the 11-member General Committee. This can no longer be contained as the drift widens.
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“It is with all intentions that GC proceedings be contained within the GC, but these GC members have given me no choice but to inform members as legal letters begin to be addressed to the Tanglin Club and to the president,” Mr Beng said without disclosing the contents of the legal notes.
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This has raised concern among some members, who told Today that they want the president to explain and/or clarify the matter.
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“We are puzzled and somewhat bewildered as to what is meant by this andwhat the intended message is,” said a group, which calls itself “Concerned TC Members.”
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“We are to some extent insulted by the unsavoury remarks made by the President about our club, which is, after all, a gentlemen’s club. Least to say we are saddened by this unfortunate happening, which has, in our view, tarnished the image of what is deemed to be a premier club,” they added in a letter to Today.
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Just a fortnight ago, the club was involved in a controversial vote to limit British nationals, who now form 12.5 per cent of total membership, to no more than 15 per cent and other foreign nationals to 5 per cent each. This motion was narrowly voted down as most members present felt it was a racist issue.
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Singaporeans are limited to 51 per cent of the total membership of about 4,000.
Conrad Raj
editor-at-large
[email protected]
.
THE prestigious Tanglin Club is once again embroiled in controversy, this time over remarks made by its president, Mr Philip Beng, in the December issue of the club’s magazine.
.
In an address to members under the subtitle “On the Darker Side of Things”, Mr Beng disclosed there was a split in the club’s ruling General Committee (GC).
.
“It saddens me to have to convey a disappointing note that we have a minority split in the 11-member General Committee. This can no longer be contained as the drift widens.
.
“It is with all intentions that GC proceedings be contained within the GC, but these GC members have given me no choice but to inform members as legal letters begin to be addressed to the Tanglin Club and to the president,” Mr Beng said without disclosing the contents of the legal notes.
.
This has raised concern among some members, who told Today that they want the president to explain and/or clarify the matter.
.
“We are puzzled and somewhat bewildered as to what is meant by this andwhat the intended message is,” said a group, which calls itself “Concerned TC Members.”
.
“We are to some extent insulted by the unsavoury remarks made by the President about our club, which is, after all, a gentlemen’s club. Least to say we are saddened by this unfortunate happening, which has, in our view, tarnished the image of what is deemed to be a premier club,” they added in a letter to Today.
.
Just a fortnight ago, the club was involved in a controversial vote to limit British nationals, who now form 12.5 per cent of total membership, to no more than 15 per cent and other foreign nationals to 5 per cent each. This motion was narrowly voted down as most members present felt it was a racist issue.
.
Singaporeans are limited to 51 per cent of the total membership of about 4,000.
