RC apologises for charging S'poreans $3 and 'new citizens' $1 for tickets to open-house event

The Residents' Committee (RC) for MacPherson Zone B apologised yesterday (Aug 3) for charging Singaporeans three times more than newly naturalised citizens for tickets to an open-house event on Sunday (Jul 30).

Singaporeans paid $3 while "new citizens" paid just $1 for the event that included arts and crafts activities, rides, dance performances and lunch.

A photo of the poster advertising the event started circulating online.

Several Singaporeans and netizens criticised the controversial pricing, labelling it as "discrimination".

In a Facebook post, the RC apologised and explained what had happened.

"The event on Sunday was intended to bring residents of MacPherson Zone B together, to catch up with neighbours and to promote greater cohesion and integration. 

"As such, one of our objectives was to encourage new citizens to join community events where we have seen friendships forged over the years. 

"We thought that a lower ticket price will encourage more new citizens to come forward. In doing so, we have neglected the feelings of the majority of our residents. 

"It was a once-off decision by our committee to charge differently and definitely not a policy of the MacPherson grassroots. 

"We have absolutely no ill intent but we recognise that it was an unwise decision.

"As fellow residents, we have never harboured any intent of discriminating fellow citizens. 

"It is our mission to bring people together and we cherish the opportunity to volunteer and serve our community. 

"This episode is an honest error in judgement on our part. 

"We are truly humbled by this and thank everyone for pointing out how we had erred. We have learnt from this episode.

"We are always grateful for the support that our residents have given us. 

"We endeavour to continue improving ourselves and serve as best as we can.

"Thank you for your understanding and generosity."