“We’ve Never Adopted That Approach”: Lawrence Wong on PAP’s Stance Towards Personal Conduct Issues and Extramarital Affairs

Deputy Secretary-General of the People’s Action Party (PAP), Lawrence Wong, clarified that the ruling party does not maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards extramarital affairs. In an interview with BBC Newsday, Wong, who is also Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, emphasized that “every case is different” when it comes to matters of personal conduct.

He stated, “We have to look at the circumstances of the case, the individuals concerned, and consider the parties involved, including many innocent parties.” Wong explained that the party addresses cases of improper conduct with compassion and sensitivity while striving to uphold the trust of Singaporeans.

The interview touched on recent controversies, including the affair involving former Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin and PAP Member of Parliament Cheng Li Hui, as well as the ongoing investigation into Transport Minister S Iswaran by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB).

Wong clarified that the PAP does not “police the private lives of all our MPs,” stating that the handling of such cases requires judgment, particularly when distinguishing between issues of corruption and personal conduct. He noted, “To be clear, we set high standards for propriety and personal conduct, but in dealing with such cases—cases of human frailties—we are also very cognizant of the impact that our actions have on innocent parties, including families, especially spouses and their children. We have to find the right balance between exercising compassion and sensitivity while upholding the fundamental requirement of our responsibilities and trust with Singaporeans.”

When asked why it took Prime Minister Lee so long to disclose Tan and Cheng’s affair, Wong reiterated that the PAP does not intrude into the personal lives of its MPs. He recounted that Tan and Cheng began their relationship after the 2020 General Election and were counseled, but the relationship continued.

Regarding Iswaran’s CPIB investigation, Wong acknowledged public concern about transparency, but emphasized that operational considerations govern the timing and nature of such disclosures. He affirmed that the CPIB operates independently and has the authority to manage its investigations.

Wong also expressed his commitment to maintaining the trust between the government and Singaporeans, stating, “I am determined to make sure we continue to uphold this trust.” He added that if he has the opportunity to lead in the future, it will be imperative to earn the confidence of the public.