Govt slams Branson’s reasons for dodging debate

Reasons given by British billionaire Richard Branson (pic) for declining Singapore’s invitation for a live televised debate on the death penalty do not hold water, said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

“Pontificating from a distant mountaintop, and then avoiding a serious discussion when challenged, does not suggest any respect either for principle, nor for the people whose well-being he claims to champion,” it said.