Straits Times: Fake Net posting: WP youth chief files police report

WORKERS' Party (WP) Youth Wing chief Perry Tong has filed a police report over a fraudulent posting made in his name on a popular Internet forum.

He said in a statement on the Youth Wing's website that someone used his e-mail address as a sign-on to the Sammyboy forum and created an account in the name of "Perry Tong". His statement included a screenshot of the post, made on the forum two weeks ago.

The post said that the WP should keep the forum posted of its activities. "Keep clear of mudslinging and personal attacks," it added.

In his statement, Mr Tong, 35, said he could not have created the post on Oct 14 as he was in Pulau Tioman, Malaysia, teaching HSBC staff about scuba diving. Staff at the dive shop would be able to verify that, he added.

"My sincerest apologies to any members of the public who may have been misled," he said.

Mr Tong, a management consultant and part of the WP team that contested unsuccessfully in East Coast GRC in the May General Election, is in the Philippines. He told The Straits Times: "I'm a political figure, ran in the recent election and have some public recognition. I don't think it is a good idea to have someone running around impersonating me."

A police spokesman confirmed yesterday that a report had been received, and said the matter was being looked into.

PEH SHING HUEI