PAP’s Ivan Lim Withdrew from Contesting in GE2020 & Allegedly Said He Has a ‘Clear Conscience’

We’re still a few days away from Nomination Day, and the first drama in the upcoming election has already started and ended.

42-year-old Ivan Lim, a PAP candidate who’s been criticized online for being elitist by people who have worked or studied with him, has reportedly withdrawn from contesting in the election.

He was one of the first group of candidates to have been introduced by his party.

But why, you ask. Especially when he’s just posted a statement earlier today to defend himself?

Is it because of the online petition that requested to remove him from contesting?

Is it because he realised he just got called up for reservist during election season?

Or is it because he’s doing it for the good of the party?

The latter is reportedly the reason.

Image: quickmeme

Attacks by Netizens Would Hinder Party’s Progress

The general manager in Keppel Offshore and Marine said that despite having a clear conscience, he didn’t want to hinder the party’s progress.

And yes, don’t take a double-take, you judgmental non-elite uncaring face: that was indeed the reason cited for his withdrawal.

According to Zaobao, the ruling party understood his reasons and has accepted his resignation. They also hope that Singaporeans could give him some space after this incident.

So, how did it come to this?

Allegations About his “Elitist” and “Condescending” Behaviour

Since he was thrust into the spotlight, people left right centre have been bashing him online for his behaviour towards others.

Just earlier today, he released a statement via his party to address some of the allegations.

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Regarding the first allegation, whereby he was alleged to have been involved in some bribery case in Brazil, he said that is “completely baseless and untrue”.

The second allegation he addressed was how he had treated his NS men during ICT. He said, “As to the stories about the army incidents, people can have different perspectives of the same incident.”

He then moved on to the allegation about his work attitude in Keppel. Erm, not much new info is mentioned lah except that the “shipyard industry is a tough and exacting one.”

Interestingly enough, there’s an allegation about him not smiling at his neighbour. He responded, “Regarding the post about not smiling at my neighbour, I do not recall a specific incident. However, like many others who live in apartments, I know some neighbours better than others and interact with some more than others.”

What’s interesting is that in the statement, he had said that he is “determined to stay the course and to serve if I am elected.”

Oh, wells. A few hours is still considered staying on course. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

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