To address queries on social media, Ms Tin had also written a LinkedIn post on Feb 2, stating that “there is a clear and mutual understanding that my role as a Parliamentarian is distinct from my role at Grab”.
“I am absolutely clear that when I am discharging my duties in my capacity as a Member of Parliament, my constituents and Singapore come first. When I am working on behalf of Grab, I will have to ensure that Grab’s interests are safeguarded,” she said.
“As to which capacity I represent at any time: I will be transparent and above board.”
Ms Tin added that Grab has established “clear rules of engagement” to ensure that any possible conflict of interest will be “properly declared and avoided”.
Likewise, the PAP has a published set of Rules of Prudence, as well as mechanisms in place for declarations of interest and the avoidance of conflicting interests. These were last communicated through a letter from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to PAP MPs after the 2020 General Election.
PAP ISSUES STATEMENT
Following Grab’s announcement, the PAP said in a statement that when Ms Tin informed the party about her intent to take up her initial role in public affairs and policy at Grab, as well as the nature of the job, they “noted this and did not object”.
But earlier in February, following public comments about her appointment, they “discussed the matter with her again to understand better the scope of her duties”.
“It then became clear to the Party that she would be expected to engage regularly with Government ministries and agencies on public policy issues on behalf of Grab,” the Party said on Friday.
“While she would make it clear that she was engaging in her private capacity and not as a PAP MP, there could still be challenges in carrying out these responsibilities, especially under the current circumstances.”
Most PAP backbench MPs have private careers, as “this keeps them in touch with our economy and society and enables able and committed people from many professions and walks of life to serve as MPs, raising the quality of MPs in Parliament”, the PAP added in its statement.
“However, it is essential that MPs rigorously separate their public role as MPs from their professional and commercial interests in their private careers.”
“ACCEPT THE PUBLIC SCRUTINY” OF BEING MP
In a Facebook post on Friday, Ms Tin also acknowledged public comments about her initial role, and her transition in portfolio.
“I understand and have long come to accept the public scrutiny that comes with being an MP. But I would never want it to hinder my ability to serve my constituents well as MP, or to do my job at Grab effectively,” she said.
“And this would be the case if my intentions and actions in the future are always called into doubt, whether justified or not.”