Anton Casey's comments were 'deeply offensive and unacceptable': Shanmugam

SINGAPORE - Mr Casey's comments were "deeply offensive, wrong and unacceptable", he said in a Facebook post on Thursday. "Those who have done well in life should always be looking out for others- especially the less well-off or needy. It is basic human decency. Instead Mr Casey showed contempt. Having money and a Porsche does not automatically mean that one is superior. Character is important," he wrote. "I am glad the community has come together to condemn what he has said."

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Here is Law Minister K. Shanmugam's Facebook post in full:

I have been asked what I thought of Mr Anton Casey and his statements. Like many Singaporeans, I am terribly upset and offended by what he has posted. Deeply offensive, wrong, and unacceptable.

Those who have done well in life should always be looking out for others - especially the less well-off or needy. It is basic human decency. Instead Mr Casey showed contempt. Having money and a Porsche, does not automatically mean that one is superior. Character is important.

I am glad the community has come together to condemn what he has said.

He has attempted to apologise to Singaporeans. But some feel that the manner of his apology showed a lack of sincerity. And I think there is some basis for thinking that.

At the same time, I hope that Singaporeans will not attack or flame his family because of his actions. We, Singaporeans, can be bigger than that.

Here is the statement by Mr Casey's employer, Crossinvest Asia, that has been posted online:

Crossinvest is aware of recent comments made on social media by one of its employees which some Singaporeans have found offensive. Crossinvest does not condone the offending comments. We believe they were made in poor taste. Crossinvest has clear policies regarding the codes of conduct expected of its employees. That code of conduct extends to social media. We are currently investigating the comments made by our employee and will take appropriate action once we are in possession of all the facts.

Crossinvest is a family business that has been established in 1985 in Switzerland and in 2005 in Singapore. Our staff comes from diverse backgrounds and includes a number of Singaporean nationals, who provide wealth management services to a large base of individual clients, families and institutions. Thanks to our multicultural ties, we have been able over the years to promote a working environment that appreciates diversity and mutual understanding, allowing us to deliver a distinguished service to our local and international clients alike.

Regards,

Christophe Audergon

Managing Director

Crossinvest Asia