The latest development in the saga of Rui En VS The World, the Channel 8 darling (well, maybe not that darling now) has spoken out directly about the now infamous incident.
By now, everyone should know what transpired in the carpark at Clementi on Tuesday afternoon. She was seen knocking down a motorbike with her black BMW, and seemingly tried to drive away — until the motorbike owner himself Bahrom Sarmiten chasing after the car to stop her. He rejected her offer of $2,000 as compensation, the police was called in and she was brought to the police station after taking a breathalyser test.
With so many folks raging about how she seemed like a typical self-entitled celebrity (Bahrom claimed that she yelled “Do you know who I am?” when he stopped her), Rui En had to address that contentious conversation she had with him.
We’re reproducing her written statement in full below, which was sent out to the media.
I refer to the recent media reports regarding my involvement in the incident that took place on 12 Apr 2016.
There are various interpretations as to the conversation that took place between the motorcycle owner and myself. To address the context of that conversation, I would like to share what I can without causing any interference to the ongoing investigation.
Tuesday, 12 Apr 2016. I was about to reach home. Upon driving into the open-air car park where I usually park, I misjudged a turn and accidentally knocked over a stationary motorcycle parked directly in front of a kerb. No other driver was involved during the incident.
I was very disappointed with myself for knocking down the motorcycle. My initial intention was to move my car to a traffic-free spot before addressing the matter.
I was subsequently stopped by a man. He continuously knocked on my car window while I was attempting to move my car. I later discovered that the man was the owner of the motorcycle.
I tried to signal to him to allow me to move my car first but he persistently hit my screen and gradually, his knocks got louder.
I got out of my car. I attempted to explain that I would take full responsibility. He probably had the impression that I looked like someone that would run away from the scene.
In my state of anxiety, I told him “Do you know who I am, I live upstairs and won’t run”
He appeared to be very angry. I was unsure what I said came out sounding entirely different from what I meant. I was simply trying to convey that I live here, people would know and recognise me if I ran away. On hindsight, my choice of words used were inappropriate and I agree that it
caused unnecessary misunderstandings.
What was said next was a process similar to most traffic incidents.
I offered to compensate for the damages.
I offered him monetary compensation in the form of cash. He was not satisfied with the amount offered and asked for more.
By this time the police has been called in.
I would like to reiterate that it was a judgmental error on my part, there is absolutely no excuse on my careless driving and more importantly, I truly regretted it.
I will also like to take this opportunity to apologise to him for the inconveniences and distress caused.
Looking back I wished I handled the situation with more tact.
I sincerely apologise for the unnecessary inconveniences caused and I thank everyone again for your care and concern.
Sincere or just a load of baloney? One thing to note is the fact that this her second traffic accident this year. According to a Lianhe Zaobao reader, the actress allegedly hit someone else’s car and drove away — it was only when the owner of the hit car put up her license plate on social media that she reached out and made a private settlement. Rui En’s manager confirmed it to be true.
