Mr Ariffin said that Dr Wong had apologised to him in private, in addition to apologising publicly.
“Gigene explained to me that she did not think that the term was derogatory. As soon as she learnt it, she was remorseful,” he said.
“She laboured under the impression that it was a neutral term that Hokkien speakers use to refer to Indians.
“She genuinely did not know, but as the influencer, Ms Devika (Panicker) said eloquently, this ignorance is a byproduct of privilege,” he added.
Dr Wong and Dr Tambyah also took the stage to issue apologies.
“I’m deeply sorry for what I have said, the pain and the anger that I have caused,” said Dr Wong, adding that she had gone through a “difficult and necessary learning experience”.
“I humbly seek your forgiveness on this matter and hope to be given another chance to make amends. The SDP has always been a party of equality and inclusiveness.
“I have learnt an important lesson from this and from now, I will do my best to keep learning and uphold those values in my everyday life.”
The 10 SDP candidates who were present then took the stage and bowed.
