Faith-based website apologises for temporarily removing old articles about Tan Chuan-Jin

Faith-based website Salt & Light has apologised for temporarily removing articles about Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin following news of his resignation after his affair with MP Cheng Li Hui on Monday (July 17).

The most recent article, headlined "Thank you Pastors for the work you do': Tan Chuan Jin's surprise message at Christian Mental Health Conference", was published on July 17, 2021.

Another article, "I learn more from my failures and inadequacies': Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin on what it means to be a leader", was published on June 27, 2020.

Such articles about Mr Tan on the website now come with a note from the editor, Eric Sng.

The note said: "We apologise that the articles with Mr Tan Chuan-Jin were temporarily offline while we took in the news developments and contemplated how best to approach them.

"These articles were published before any allegations came to light, and so we trust these articles will now be read in the appropriate context.

"As faith-based websites, we do our best to highlight examples of people living out their faith. While these are often everyday, everyman examples, in some instances, the newsmakers are high-profile figures, including politicians.

"But while we all aspire to be blameless (Daniel 6:3-5, 1 Peter 2:12), the sad reality is that we are all aware of the fallenness of all man and the reality that no one is exempt from temptation and sin.

"We believe that while missteps may be made, lessons can be learnt. We believe that where repentance is shown, grace and forgiveness can follow. We strongly believe that our heart should never be to tear people down, always to build people up (Ephesians 4:29).

"We believe that those of us looking on as believers should adopt a restorative posture. Do join us in praying for the people involved, and for this nation. May love guide our hearts and righteousness be our hallmark."

At a press conference on Monday afternoon following Mr Tan’s and Ms Cheng’s resignations from the People's Action Party, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said: “I think it’s simply inappropriate to have a Speaker having a relationship with one of the MPs... it is not appropriate, it’s not acceptable.”