First we clapped, then we sang, and now we’re knocking back the good stuff to recognize frontline workers.
Singaporean politicians including the president and prime minister have taken part in a new campaign meant to show appreciation to those sacrificing the most during the pandemic by raising a glass or mug of their preferred beverage and pretending to pass it to someone.
“This has been a tough year for all of us with COVID-19, but especially for the labor movement, the union leaders and the workers. I would like to thank all of you for all your efforts, contributions, sacrifices and for helping to keep Singapore safe,” said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in a Friday video showing off his now-iconic blue mug that gained recognition after appearing in multiple speeches and even became online merch.
Not surprisingly some have raised eyebrows with their quirky behavior, like deputy prime minister and political oddball Heng Swee Keat, who didn’t actually sip his drink.
The recent #Toast2U campaign encourages Singaporeans to toast and say a few words of thanks to those on the front lines of battling COVID-19 before “passing” their drink and nominating two others. It was initiated by labor movement NEBO and non-governmental organization Young NTUC, who pledged to donate S$2 for every hashtag to the national trade union’s community fund for low-income workers.
Heng, as well as Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing, got called out for not sipping their drinks – the biggest toasting faux pas.
“How come u never drink the tea?” Facebook user Alvin Lim asked Chan.
“Dear Mr Heng, when you cheers please take a sip and not just ‘pass the cup’,” Vernon Lim commented yesterday on Heng’s Sunday video. Neither minister responded to the comments.
Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan Jin, however, decided to instead take his time to finish his coffee before virtually passing it on.
“I noticed a lot of people getting the cups and then passing on, but I plan to drink my drink,” he said while holding a meowing kitten struggling to break free.
Other politicians such as Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung and Manpower Minister Josephine Teo have also joined the campaign.
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