Unhappy over un-invite?

WHY PULL BACK?
Minister Lim Swee Say, People's Association (PA) deputy chairman:

"Instead of inviting all ex-advisers to grassroots organisations repeatedly for 20, 30 years or even longer, we decided to limit the list to only ex-advisers who stood down in the (2011) General Election.

It is most unfortunate that PA made the mistake of using the old list instead of the updated list.

We are sorry for the error - and (that's) why I phoned Dr Tan and the other affected invitees personally to explain the mistake - and followed up with personal e-mails to apologise again.

I was heartened that Dr Tan very graciously accepted my explanation over the phone.

So I am surprised that he now brings this up publicly as an issue."

5 QUESTIONS WITH...
DR TAN CHENG BOCK

Why post and make it public?

"Many friends have been asking me about it (whether I'll be attending the Chinese New Year garden party) recently. So I decided to put up the post (to let them know)."

How long have you been attending the CNY party at the Istana?

I'm always there. Every year, since 1980.

How did you feel when told about the un-invite?

They tell me I'm not invited, then I don't go. I was disappointed, yes.

What did you think of the reason given - that only ex-grassroots advisors who stood down in 2011 are invited?

The invitation is in the host's hands. The reason given was fair... I stood down in 2006. They tell me I cannot go, then I cannot go.

Is it ironic that this happened as we're in the midst of recognising the contributions of the pioneer generation?

(Laughs) I'm not a pioneer generation, I'm a new generation like you.

What will you be doing this Sunday?

I shall be enjoying myself playing golf. Maybe have a CNY gathering and invite you guys.

WHAT HAPPENED

Dec 27, 2013:
Dr Tan receives an invite to the CNY Istana party on Feb 9. He says he would attend as usual, with his wife.

Jan 8:
Minister Lim Swee Say calls Dr Tan and said an error had been made.

Feb 7:
Dr Tan posts the incident on social network Facebook. He said many friends had asked if he would attend the event. kohht@sph.com.sg