MP Raeesah Khan Issues Public Apology After Controversial Leaked Story
On Monday (Nov 1) the Workers’ Party Member of Parliament, Raeesah Khan, took a rare stumble in the House of Representatives, openly admitting she was wrong about a “sexual assault” claim that sparked a national stir.
Key Points of the Apology
- She did not actually escort the alleged victim to the police station, contrary to what she earlier portrayed.
- She confessed that she had shared the victim’s story without getting explicit consent from the survivor.
- Raeesah emphasised that the story was circulated within an anonymous women’s support group but she was too embarrassed to mention it earlier.
- She also vocalised her own experience as a sexual assault survivor, adding an extra layer of context to the controversy.
The Timeline That Sparked the Drama
It all began on Aug 3 during a debate about empowering women. Raeesah claimed a 25‑year‑old rape victim was with her as she got taken to the police station. She further accused the officer of making humiliating remarks about the victim’s attire and her drinking habit.
This dramatic “tale” went viral when the MP repeatedly refused to provide more detail. The police later repeated that they could not corroborate the incident, “no confirm that such an incident actually took place,” they said.
In the Moment – The MP’s Own Struggle
Turning the spotlight inward, Raeesah revealed that she had been sexually assaulted at 18 while studying overseas. The incident has haunted her, as she told the House, “The fear and shame accompanying sexual assault are extreme and long‑lasting.”
Though she didn’t yet have the courage to report her own assault, she urged other survivors to come forward, emphasising the importance of speaking up and sharing experiences.
What’s Happening Next
- Police are still investigating the claimed incident, but have yet to pin down the details.
- In a prior email, the Criminal Investigation Department’s Serious Sexual Crime Branch had requested an interview with the MP by Oct 14.
- Minister K Shanmugam called for “more details” on the alleged assault to clarify facts.
Apology Extended To
- The quoted survivor
- The Singapore Police Force
- Parliament, constituents, Workers’ Party members and volunteers
- Her family and parents
As the dust settles, one can’t help but wonder: will the MP rise from the rubble or fall back into the same political pothole? Only time (and future apologies) will tell.
