GE2020: For Every PAP’s Ivan Lim, there’s a Decent Desmond With Testimonials of Kindness & Humility

You know the old adage: bad press travels fast, but bad press on social media travels even faster.

Such is the case with PAP’s newest face, Ivan Lim who has had nothing but bad reviews on his character, leadership, and general human traits, left my ex-colleagues, former soldiers under his charge, and even a neighbour. Ivan, 42, is a general manager overseeing specialised vessels at Keppel Offshore & Marine—Singapore’s largest oil rig builder that was involved in an international corruption scandal in 2018.

Keppel Offshore & Marine was found to have “knowingly and willfully conspired” to pay bribes as part of a “decade-long scheme” to win 13 contracts with Petrobas and Sete Brasil.

Responding to criticism of Ivan, People’s Action Party vice-chairman Masagos Zulkifli said that “it is important for the candidates who may have been alleged to be something or other to also prove themselves.”

“This is also an opportunity for them if they have done something in the past, to redeem themselves, because we have seen qualities in all our candidates that make them what we think are good leaders who will serve our people well,” he added.

Deputy Prime Minister, Heng Swee Keat, however, sang a different tune, asking Ivan Lim to clarify comments on his conduct, emphasising that “character and integrity are important in our candidates, and if there are any complaints, it should be properly verified.”

The kerfuffle has lead to a 6 points non-statement by Ivan Lim, issued by PAP on his behalf, which says a lot but in reality, clarifies absolutely nothing.

Enter Desmond Tan, another new face of PAP

While netizens online are watching with glee as PAP struggles to address the bad press, on Singapore Reddit, a post about another new face of PAP, one 50-year old Desmond Tan, is quietly gathering steam. Similar to Ivan Lim, Desmond Tan is also being reviewed, but mainly by former soldiers who had worked with him during his tenure as Commanding Officer and National Day Exco Chairman. Have a read.

“Hands-on, empathetic, and kind”

“You can still remember my name after all these years.”

“Humble, smart, capable, and driven.”

“Down-to-earth personality, humility, and smile”

“Very few people that I am inspired by, let alone peg as a role model. Desmond is both.”

“He will remember you no matter what position or rank you are”

See, Ivan Lim. It’s not that hard to be a good human being. Desmond Tan, this publication gives you a 4 out of 5 stars.