Minister's Delayed Handshake Sparks Online Debate

Minister Apologizes for Delayed Handshake at Cultural Event A video circulating online shows Gan Siow Huang, Singapore's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade, engaging in a delayed handshake with a man during the Peck San Theng Cultural Festival on May 17th. The brief interaction, captured on video, quickly spread across social media platforms, generating a wave of public discussion and criticism. Many viewers expressed their disapproval, citing the perceived lack of respect shown by the Minister. In response to the public outcry, Gan issued a statement on June 8th, apologizing for the delayed handshake. She explained, "I sincerely apologize to the man in the red shirt for the delay in shaking hands with him." Gan further clarified that she was trying to identify the host of the event before greeting him and felt overwhelmed by the size of the group approaching her. The incident, while seemingly minor, underscores the importance of public perception and the impact of even brief interactions on a political figure's image. The incident serves as a reminder of the constant scrutiny faced by public officials and the need for careful consideration of their actions, even in informal settings. It highlights the power of social media in shaping public opinion and the importance of transparency and accountability in public life.