This article originally appeared on Vulcan Post.
This screenshot has been circulating the Internet since last night. The photo’s caption was written by former presidential candidate Tan Kin Lian on his Facebook page, and was immediately shared by concerned Singaporeans angered by the innappropriate comment.
Facebook user Edward Choy commented with: “So casual, the racism”, while another Facebook user Anita Fam commented that the picture was “Just as scary as the 101 folks who liked his post”.
Others breathed a sigh of relief that the former presidential candidate didn’t get voted in, fearing that Singapore would be led by someone who made comments like that in such a frivolous manner.
Someone, however, pointed out a discrepancy in the allegations. Named only “Nun On A Mountain”, the user asked: “So are we anti foreigner or anti racism now?”
The Facebook post has since been removed from his Facebook page. However, since his Twitter page is linked directly to his Facebook feed, the evidence still remains there.
He has updated his Facebook page with a post about the “Internet Brigade dogs”, possibly in response to the backlash created by angry commenters.
It’s not the first time that Tan Kin Lian has been in the spotlight for his Facebook posts. In July 2013, he was noted for placing his smartphone in the fridge in an attempt to measure its temperature, to the ire and amusement of many.
The example that Mr Tan has set is simple — be careful what you say on the Internet. While his Facebook page is appealing in its open and direct critique of local issues, there are just some things that a person looking to be in the political limelight shouldn’t say.
Perhaps he should invest in a good social media manager?