Dr Chee’s Fundraising Walk Rejected by Authorities As It Might Attract Crowds

As the elections approach, political parties and members have kick-started their conventional rallying measures in earnest, in a bid to garner votes for their respective entourages.

However, unlike previous editions, candidates will now have to contend with newly-implemented measures in light of the ongoing epidemic.

And while some are fairly tolerable, other measures have caused quite a bit of trouble to aspiring candidates, who previously relied on the now-restricted activity to raise funds and support.

This notion is highlighted in a Facebook post by SDP secretary-general Chee Soon Juan, who said that his plan to conduct a three-day walkabout event (to raise funds for the party) has been turned down by the police.

Thus “further” compromising on their efforts to raise funds for the party’s political campaign.

Dr Chee’s Fundraising Walk Rejected by Authorities As It Might Attract Crowds

According to Mr Chee’s post, the Walk The Talk is a 3-day event where he would walk the entire island on foot to raise funds for the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP). It was performed back in 2015, in the last election.

However, his application to go through with the same event has been rejected this time around.

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The reason is allegedly due to the police’s concern that such a cause-based activity could potentially result in a mass gathering, and place both the public and the participants at a higher risk of infection.

In response, Mr Chee argues that the Walk The Talk is an event that’s no different from a walkabout. He also questions the timing of the election, when the authorities seem to be afraid of such crowd-gathering activities.

“But how is this different from when I go on a walkabout?” he wrote. “If the authorities are afraid of activities that might cause crowds to gather during the Covid pandemic, why call for elections now?”

“The rejection of our application further curtails our effort to raise funds for our GE campaign.”

He then implores for Singaporeans to support them by donating or buying their merchandise, including his own book Never On Bended Knees, which is purportedly Mr Chee’s personal source of income.

You can view the full post down below:

This is also one of his Facebook posts with the highest shares and engagements.

Netizens’ Reactions

Netizens have since conveyed their support for the political candidate, with some wondering whether it was a subtle ploy by the PAP to restrict the SDP’s political funding capabilities.

However, there were also those who understood where the police were coming from.

GE2020

Despite the ongoing epidemic, the 2020 elections have been given the green light to continue as Singapore gradually shifts away from the Circuit Breaker period. However, new measures will have to be implemented, in order to circumvent the virus’ potent infectious rate.

Election meetings will be disallowed, with more TV airtime granted in compensation. Walkabouts and door-to-door campaigning, while permitted, are limited to five people in a group at any one time.

Nomination day will be on 30 June, with polling day being deemed as a public holiday on 10 July.

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