PAP's Ivan Lim withdraws from GE2020
Vernon Lee
Senior Editor
Yahoo News Singapore 27 June 2020
SINGAPORE – Ivan Lim, a new candidate introduced by the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) last Wednesday (24 June), has decided to withdraw from the 10 July General Election.
The party’s Central Executive Committee has accepted his decision.
Lim has been the subject of intense allegations about his past unsavoury behaviour in recent days. Multiple online posts, purportedly from former colleagues, people who have served under him in National Service, and acquaintances have accused him of being arrogant, elitist and lacking compassion.
In his letter addressed to PAP Secretary-General Lee Hsien Loong, Lim outlined his reason for his withdrawal as a candidate this GE.
“In recent days, there have been various allegations made about my conduct and behaviour. Following my clarifications this morning, further allegations have emerged against me. These new allegations are baseless.
“I appreciate the support the Party has given to me throughout this period. I have consulted and discussed the matter with the Party leadership. I recognise that the controversy over my candidacy has eclipsed the core issues of what this election should be about - Singapore’s future and the difficult steps we have to take to recover from COVID-19.
“The controversy has also caused intense pain and stress for my family. I cannot put my family through this,” Lim said.
In response, Lim, 42, said earlier Saturday that
he is “determined to stay the course and to serve if I am elected”.
Lim expressed his decision to PAP on Saturday, insisting that while he has no regrets over his past behaviour, he does not want to distract PAP's election campaign.
A petition calling for Lim to be removed as a GE candidate has gained more than 20,000 signatures in less than a day since it started.
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/pa-ps-ivan-lim-withdraws-from-ge-2020-report-135102051.html