US ambassador to Singapore’s ‘substantially larger gifts’ call to mark July 4 rankles
In light of recent US actions, Anjani Sinha’s call could be deemed as the embassy trying to ‘shake down businesses’, an analyst says
Observers told This Week in Asia that while soliciting businesses for contributions was not new, it was the language used by the ambassador that drew disbelief amid Washington’s more transactional foreign policy.
In a letter circulating online that was signed by Sinha, an orthopaedic surgeon, the ambassador invited business partners to support festivities as America prepares to commemorate 250 years of independence on July 4. In April, Singapore and the US will also celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties.
He called celebrating the 250-year milestone “a major White House priority and Singapore’s celebration is part of that broader effort”, and that the celebration would depend on the generosity of American and Singaporean businesses.
“Your partnership and financial contributions will help us honour the history we are proud to share and inspire us to look to future opportunities. Given the unique historical significance of this year, we are encouraging our partners to consider substantially larger gifts than in previous years in support of our 250th anniversary,” Sinha wrote.