Old Paulians Reject Misleading Claims Made About Agm

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 The St Paul’s Institution alumni association rejects allegations of ‘courtroom drama’ and says the annual meeting proceeded smoothly and professionally.
From Steven Chan WC
We vehemently oppose and firmly reject the false and misleading statements made by Michael Soh in his letter “A Sad and Sobering Experience at My First Old Paulians AGM” (FMT April 21).
His allegations appear aimed at undermining the integrity and unity of the Old Paulians’ Association, with the apparent intention of sowing discord and discrediting our longstanding legacy.
While we initially chose not to dignify these unfounded claims with a response, preferring instead to focus on our mission of service with integrity, dedication, and pride, we have since been advised by concerned and responsible Paulians that, given the letter’s publication on a major public platform, silence is no longer an option.
If left unchallenged, these accusations risk being accepted as truth, causing irreparable damage to the reputation and harmony of the OPA. It has now been over three weeks since the letter’s publication, and the repercussions continue to threaten the unity we have worked so hard to uphold.
It is clear that Soh attended the AGM with a predetermined agenda rather than an open mind.
Prior to the meeting, following a successful and transparent OPA Town Hall session, Soh was removed from the official OPA Facebook group due to disruptive comments that undermined the association.
Despite this, he has continued to engage in conduct unbecoming of a member of our esteemed community on another Facebook platform.
Support from members
In support of the OPA during these challenging times, more than 200 members, including distinguished alumni such as board of governors chairman Dr Bob Samuel, past OPA presidents Ng Yee Tim and Hilary Sta Maria, former honorary secretary Dr SR Sen Gupta, as well as former school heads and teachers, came together to protect the legacy of our organisation, which has been built over the past 99 years.
We stand by the testimonies of the attendees, excluding only Soh and his small group of supporters, who can confirm that the AGM proceeded smoothly and professionally.
There was no “courtroom drama” or hostility, as claimed. The chairman presided effectively, ensuring all participants had the opportunity to voice their thoughts. Notably, Soh himself did not raise any questions or concerns during the meeting.
Furthermore, the election of office bearers was overseen by an independent ad hoc chairman, ensuring transparency and fairness.
After the AGM, members even took part in a collaborative clean-up effort and enjoyed an inclusive luncheon, exemplifying the true spirit of camaraderie that defines the Paulians community.
Financial management
We also take a serious view of Soh’s assertion that the OPA is under public scrutiny. To clarify: the OPA has consistently upheld the highest standards of financial integrity.
Our financial statements have been prepared professionally and presented transparently over the years, consistently receiving unanimous approval from attending members. The association has never faced sanctions, nor received any inquiries from the Registrar of Societies regarding mismanagement.
For this fiscal year, our honorary treasurer delivered a detailed, transparent report, with several chartered accountants present at the AGM to provide further assurance. When the treasurer opened the floor for questions, none were raised, not even by Soh, demonstrating the membership’s confidence in our financial stewardship.
The accounts were unanimously approved, further disproving Soh’s claims. His suggestion that the OPA is under public scrutiny is entirely unfounded.
We are actively seeking legal advice to address these allegations and to safeguard the good reputation of the OPA from being tarnished by individuals who do not embody Paulian values.
Police presence
Regarding his claim about the absence of police presence, we clarify that although the officer-in-charge of Campbell police station, Ari Khusaini Saripudin, was unable to attend due to official duties, three police officers were present throughout the AGM to ensure the event’s safety and order.
Their support was publicly acknowledged by the chairman during the meeting. We have since met with Ari to thank him for his assistance and to address any misinformation propagated by Soh.
We urge all Paulians to critically assess the information being circulated by Soh. In today’s environment, misinformation spreads rapidly and plays on emotions rather than facts, threatening the unity of our community. It is crucial that we stand together to preserve the integrity and legacy of the OPA.
We are taking Soh’s allegations seriously and will pursue legal redress, including potential expulsion, for the harm caused to the OPA.
Let us continue to foster transparent, informed, and constructive communication as we work together to strengthen our bonds and uphold the enduring legacy of the OPA. - FMT
Steven Chan WC is the president of the Old Paulians’ Association.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.

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