Grab changes MP Pei Ling’s role in the company amidst debate on her appointment

The MP was earlier appointed as Grab’s Director of Public Affairs & Policy. 

Grab has given parliament member (MP), Tin Pei Ling, a new role in the company following the debate that surrounded her appointment as the company’s Director of Public Affairs & Policy.

A Grab spokesperson said that upon mutual agreement with Tin, the MP will “transition to a corporate development role” at the company.

“Her duties will include realising synergies across our investments and acquisitions, as well as supporting strategy development,” the spokesperson said.

“In her new role, Pei Ling will not be involved in public affairs and policy work in Singapore, nor will she represent Grab in public policy discussions with Singapore government officials. She will be expected to continue abiding by the rules of engagement we have put in place to declare and avoid any possible conflicts of interest and operate in the same manner as other MPs holding private sector roles,” the spokesperson added.
 
Tin’s party, People’s Action Party (PAP), also spoke on the matter, saying that the MP’s primary duties as Director of Corporate Development will no longer involve government relations in Singapore.

“The PAP holds itself and its Members of Parliament to high standards of propriety and integrity. Most PAP backbench MPs have private careers. This keeps them in touch with our economy and society and enables able and committed people from many professions and walks of life to serve as MPs, raising the quality of MPs in Parliament. However, it is essential that MPs rigorously separate their public role as MPs from their professional and commercial interests in their private careers,” the party said.

“Under the ‘Rules of Prudence’ issued to every PAP MP, MPs are expected to conduct themselves in their duties and responsibilities with the utmost propriety, to uphold the reputation of the Party and the integrity of the Singapore system. In no circumstances are they to abuse their status as MPs, or their access to ministers, civil servants, and government agencies, for private or commercial gain. While performing their MP duties, they are expected to declare potential conflicts of interest and recuse themselves as appropriate from decisions, discussions and positions where there is a risk of such a
conflict arising,” the part added.