Ghani did not committ offence: Singapore lets ex-MB off but warns against campaign t-shirts

SINGAPORE - The Singapore authorities have clarified there was no offence on the part of former Johor menteri besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman when he visited the republic during the campaigning period for Malaysia's 13th General Election (GE13).

In response to media queries and a police report on Abdul Ghani allegedly canvassing for votes in Singapore on May 2, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs issued the following statement:

“The Singapore Police Force confirms that a report was lodged regarding Mr Ghani's visit to Singapore on May 2, 2013. The police’s assessment is that no offence is disclosed from this report. "The acts referred to in the report such as arriving in Singapore, having breakfast or speaking to reporters do not constitute an offence.

"In the case of Mr Ghani, it would appear that there was no campaigning, although some members of his team were wearing campaign shirts.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has registered with the Malaysian High Commission in Singapore that campaigning activities by foreigners are not allowed in Singapore.

"In particular, the wearing of campaign shirts by some of Mr Ghani’s team in Singapore during the Malaysian General Election period could be misconstrued and such cases should not recur.”

Abdul Ghani, a Barisan Nasional candidate was contesting against DAP veteran politician Lim Kit Siang in Gelang Patah during the GE13 on May 5. Lim, who is DAP adviser, defeated Johor Barisan Nasional chief Abdul Ghani with a majority of 14,762 votes. -- Bernama