SINGAPORE - A police report has been made by the Progress Singapore Party (PSP), after posters for its team contesting Chua Chu Kang GRC were torn down on Tuesday night (June 30).
The party said it was informed by members of the public that some of its posters were "vandalised, cut into pieces and strewn on the road". Party members "worked through the night to replace the damaged posters" and a police report was made on Wednesday morning.
When asked, the police confirmed that a report was lodged and investigations are ongoing. It is an offence under the Parliamentary Elections Act for any one "to alter, remove, destroy, obliterate or deface any election posters or banners". The offence carries a fine of up to $1,000 or jail of up to 12 months.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday morning, PSP chief Tan Cheng Bock called for everyone to remain calm and respectful even as the campaign heats up.
"Last night, my team members informed me that regrettably, someone had torn down our PSP posters for the constituency of Chua Chu Kang," said Dr Tan, who also shared photos of posters that were ripped from lamp posts and found on the road and grass patches.
"In the heat of campaigning, our emotions can get carried away. But this is only day one and we still have a long way to go. Let's remember to keep cool heads," said Dr Tan.
The PSP team in Chua Chu Kang group representation constituency is led by former Republic of Singapore Air Force colonel Francis Yuen, 70. It includes academic Tan Meng Wah, 57, law undergraduate Choo Shaun Ming, 23, and fire safety engineer Abdul Rahman Mohamad, 67.
They are up against People's Action Party incumbents Gan Kim Yong, 61, and Low Yen Ling, 45, as well as two new faces - lawyer Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, 39, and banker Don Wee, 43.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Mr Gan said everyone involved, including supporters of the various parties, must "adhere to the decorum of a dignified campaign and respect all campaign materials, including posters of opposing parties".
"This is in keeping with the high standard of conduct, courtesy and mutual respect that a good campaign must have. We look forward to an honorable and respectful campaign," he said.
Dr Tan said the PSP's Chua Chu Kang GRC team is not deterred by the damage done to its posters and will "continue to strive to connect with residents and share the PSP message".
He also thanked party supporters and volunteers for their hard work.
"Let's also remember to always be calm, polite and respectful, despite a difference of opinion," he said.
