A Call for Reflection Amidst Controversy

SINGAPORE – In a significant turn of events, the former vice-president of the Law Society of Singapore, Chia Boon Teck, has pledged to reflect and make changes following intense criticism for his insensitive comments regarding a rape survivor. During a meeting with Minister for Home Affairs and Law, K. Shanmugam, on April 10, Chia expressed his commitment to self-improvement.

Inappropriate Comments Spark Outrage

Chia's controversial remarks stemmed from a Facebook post discussing a High Court case in which Lev Panfilov was convicted of raping a woman he met on the dating app, Tinder. His LinkedIn post attracted outrage for phrases like 'Tinder ain’t no LinkedIn' and comments questioning the survivor’s experience during the assault. Following public backlash, his LinkedIn profile has since been disabled.

Minister Shanmugam Responds to the Fallout

In a Facebook update, Minister Shanmugam conveyed the gravity of Chia's comments, labeling them 'quite inappropriate' and urged the former vice-president to embark on a journey of deeper understanding. He emphasized the need for societal contributions that uplift rather than trigger further trauma among victims.

The Broader Impact on Victims