Tharman Explains Why He Includes Ivan Lim in Jurong GRC Victory Speech Even When He Wasn’t a Candidate


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GE2020 is over but that doesn’t mean that people are going to stop discussing it the moment the clock strikes 12mn on 11 Jul 2020.

And one such issue that’s making its rounds on social media is Ivan Lim.

During the victory speech of Jurong GRC, Ivan Lim made a guest appearance where Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam thanked him for his hard work.

After seeing this iconic speech where there were six men in white instead of five, netizens were wondering if that was an appropriate move.

SM Tharman Explains Why He Got Ivan Lim Onto The Video

On 12 Jul, SM Tharman himself took to Facebook to respond to the unorthodox move of including Ivan Lim in his victory speech.

Image: Facebook (Tharman Shanmugaratnam)

He explained that as a prospective candidate, Ivan Lim had worked very hard on the ground before he stepped aside shortly before Nomination Day.

He is not part of the team of MPs, SM Tharman clarified, but he wanted to acknowledge the contribution that Lim has made.

That and to give Lim an opportunity to thank the residents.

He stands by his decision and hopes the residents (and the rest of the internet) will understand his “approach on such matters”.


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In the original “Thank You” Facebook post by the newly-elected MPs, Lim was not part of the contingent that went out to thank residents.

Or, at least, he wasn’t featured in the album.

Netizens’ Reactions

Just like any other issues on the internet, netizens are divided on his response.

Many felt that it was a good and gentlemanly move on SM Tharman’s part to give credit where credit is due:

Image: Facebook (Tharman Shanmugaratnam)
Image: Facebook (Tharman Shanmugaratnam)
Image: Facebook (Tharman Shanmugaratnam)

There are some who felt that it’s still an inappropriate move, regardless of motivation

Image: Facebook (Tharman Shanmugaratnam)
Image: Facebook (Tharman Shanmugaratnam)

While others said that he shouldn’t have spoken:

Image: Facebook (Tharman Shanmugaratnam)
Image: Facebook (Tharman Shanmugaratnam)

But whichever it is, one thing’s clear: this is probably the exact reason why SM Tharman is such a popular politician.

Image: Facebook (Tharman Shanmugaratnam)

And on a side note, politicians have been talking about NCMP (Non-Constituency Member of Parliament) in recent days. So, what’s an NCMP? Do you know that it’s just like an MP but the allowance is much lower? Watch this video to find out more:


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