"I reiterate that there is no evidence of wrongdoing. However, the issue of conflict of interest concerns does not require actual wrongdoing, it is a safeguard to prevent any hint of potential wrongdoing." — Ghui, OPINION
While Ms Tin may possess the skills to perform this role, the issue is whether there is a conflict of interest. As an MP, Ms Tin could potentially influence the shape of policy, which could benefit Grab Singapore in a way that a non-MP would not be able to. This would mean that Grab Singapore could reap benefits it would not otherwise have had if it did not have Ms Tin as a director.
Ms Tin’s appointment, potentially being one where a conflict of interest arises, is not an isolated one. When the Covid-19 pandemic was raging, another PAP heavyweight,, also faced public backlash when there was speculation that Mrs Teo was involved in the Government’s decision to commission Surbana Jurong Pte Ltd to develop COVID care facilities as her husband, Teo Eng Cheong, was the CEO of the firm at that time.
While there is no evidence of any overt wrongdoing on the parts of either Ms Tin or Mrs Teo, the fact remains that those in power need to be seen to be above board in their activities. Any hint of any potential conflict of interest should perhaps be managed better.