Andrew Loh
Yes, we are all appalled. In fact, we are more appalled than the Home Affairs Minister.
Appalled at the “lapses” (if ever there was a euphemism for a screwup, this is it), appalled at the “complacency”, appalled at how our security personnel are so lackadaisical about their jobs.
But most of all, we are appalled that the Home Affairs Minister still has a job.
Responsibility, responsibility, responsibility!
Where is it? Where did it go to? How is it that it can be avoided, side-stepped, blamed on someone else – not once, not twice, but three times!
Mas Selamat Kastari – the number one alleged terrorist in Singapore – the man who escaped from the Whitley Road Detention Centre (WRDC) and is still at large.
Double escape attempts at the Subordinate Courts by two men facing charges for “robbery with hurt”. That is, two dangerous men.
A 61-year old man passes through all checkpoints at the Budget Terminal and gets on a plane — with his son’s passport. One wonders about the consequences if he was not an ordinary man.
All this within a span of 4 months – the last two after Mas Selamat gave the guards at the WRDC the slip in February this year.
Responsibility so far has been laid squarely and conclusively on the shoulders of those “on the ground”, leaving the man at the very top of the security department unscathed, unpunished, and un-disciplined.
Yes, leadership responsibility has been explained away with euphemism, semantics, play of logic and lame excuses about how the lower rungs have not or did not follow operational procedures.
A convenient cop-out by the minister
This is a convenient cop-out, a finger-pointing exercise to save one’s own hide.
Leadership responsibility does not end at operational procedures. It starts with respect that subordinates have for the leader (or not) and ends with the leader having the moral authority to lead (or not).
One question which all these so-called “lapses” raises is this: Does the leader of the department not command such respect and moral authority which would lead to subordinates taking their jobs seriously enough to prevent such “lapses”?
In other words: Are the subordinates’ lack of seriousness due to the lack of moral authority which they, the subordinates, see in their leader?
And if this is so, the leader is no longer fit to lead and must be relieved of his duties and position. This is even more so when the leader, or minister, is in charge of national security, where any lapses have the potential to result in the loss of lives, as in two of the three cases above.
Responsibility, responsibility, responsibility!
It is shameful indeed that when subordinates do their job well, the leader of the department is praised and accolades heaped on his head. Yet, when subordinates fail in their jobs, the same leader or minister lays the blame squarely on them.
Where is the responsibility?
Where is the leadership?
Where is the accountability when one is paid one of the highest salaries on the entire planet as a public servant?
In a statement released to the media on the latest slip-up at Changi airport, Minister Wong said:
Any lapse by any department in the Home Team is a failure which all in the Home Team family must bear. (link)
Honestly and in all seriousness, I do not know what that statement means at all – as far as ministerial responsibility is concerned. I, and I suspect many others as well, wonder what the minister would “bear” for any failures, and how he would do so. The last time I checked, the minister still has his job and in all probability would also receive a substantial bonus for the year, together with his world-class salary.
Real root of complacency
Nah, the complacency is not with the ground troops. The truth is that complacency has its roots with the men at the very top of Government. 42 years of being in absolute control of power has caused this complacency.
We had hoped that we have men in Government who would not shy away from taking responsibility for failures. Instead, we are faced with a situation where accountability has become non-existent because of absolute power.
Singaporeans will call for Minister Wong’s resignation. The media will defend him, for sure, as they did during the Mas Selamat fiasco. The Prime Minister will also defend his minister.
The only people who lose will be Singaporeans, and Singapore, because should someone like Mas Selamat come back for a “return hit” (as Lee Kuan Yew called it), it is ordinary Singaporeans’ lives which will be lost, along with disastrous consequences for the country’s economy.
As for Government responsibility, we are beginning to realize what absolute power can do. The question I’d like to ask is: Will the Prime Minister ask for Minister Wong’s resignation only if or when lives are lost due to such lapses? Is that the bottomline? If it is so, then the Prime Minister should say so. Otherwise, such blatant disregard for taking responsibility can and will only do further damage to the Government’s claim that it is a government of integrity.
As was said in a TOC editorial, at the end of the day, Wong’s recalcitrance is bad for the PAP, but worse for the country.
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For the record, courtesy of “Copyman” who posted this on TOC:
Some of MHA’s achievements:
2004 – Huang Na’s killer escaped on toilet break under police custody.
2006 – Tan Chor Jin (One-Eyed Dragon) escaped to Malaysia, allegedly on a fake passport.
2006 – NKF Richard Yong managed to flee to Hong Kong.
2008 – Mas Selamat Kastari – toilet break again.
2008 – Two detainees’ attempted escape frorm Subordinate Court.
2008 – Ng Ting Hwa, the employee who siphoned almost S$2m from his company, fled to Malaysia when he’s under investigation.
2008 – Gurkhas’ scuffle over salary.
2008 – A retiree unintentionally bypassed Changi Airport’s security using his son’s passport.
—————
Wong Kan Seng’s elections record
First elections – 1984
Kuo Chuan – 64.55%
Second elections – 1988
Toa Payoh GRC (3 men)
Uncontested
Third elections – 1991
Thomson GRC (4 men)
Uncontested
Fourth elections – 1997
Bishan – Toa Payoh (5 men)
Uncontested
Fifth elections – 2001
Bishan – Toa Payoh (5 men)
Uncontested
Sixth elections – 2006
Bishan – Toa Payoh (5 men)
Uncontested
A span of 24 years, 6 elections.
Contested in only one – 24 years ago
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“The 4th university is built for 2500 intakes?”
I will not be surprised if it is meant for foreigner ! Remember the NSW Asian campus ? What is the ratio of foreigners study there ? Don’t forget that it is the same fee as the NSW in Australia.
“Why suddenly estate duty is removed? Coz some big FART ’s wife going to a far far away place and all her assets under her name cannot be make public. Removing the estate duty helps to remove scrutiny of her assets for taxation. People must understand our gahmen make policy changes not for the betterment of the nation but themselves only. I wonder how much shares she has under her name in various GLC and private companies. Her assets must be valued at around a billion SG?”
Can we ask all the opposition party to do the investigation ? My sentiment tells me what the statement stated is very true. Business-man make use of rule and loophole to place their wealth somewhere else so this statement definitely make sense especially given that this pathetic and despondent LKY and his coffers family feels that the whole Singaporeans are indebted to him in one way or another and that he can make any rules he liked and wished. When one feel someone is indebted to him, he will do whatever right or wrong to reclaim what he thinks belong to him.
Can anyone in the world help monitor the flow of assets by the LCY ? My instinct tell me that we have a great Ferdinand Marcos in Singapore and history will repeat itself. No wonder the coffers perpetuate law to prevent investigation of ministers and political figures.
Don’t anyone think the following sound familar ? Taken from wiki of Ferdinand Marcos . Well, he doesn’t even hold a candle to LKY in term of wealth and regime.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferdinand_Marcos
“His supporters claim Marcos was a good president gone bad and that he was a man of rare gifts — a brilliant lawyer, a shrewd politician and keen legal analyst with a ruthless streak and a flair for leadership. Having been in power for more than 20 years, Marcos also had the very rare opportunity to lead the Philippines toward prosperity, with massive infrastructure he put in place as well as an economy on the rise.
However, he put these talents to work by building a regime that he apparently intended to perpetuate as a dynasty. A former aide of Marcos said that “Nobody will ever know what a remarkable president he could have made. That’s the saddest part”. Among the many documents he left behind in the Palace, after he fled in 1986, was one appointing his wife as his successor.”
Let’s supposed that a Marcos or the likes of him are found in Singapore alive or dead. What would Singaporeans do? What will the International Community do? Will anyone goes to the Court to seek justice?
As far as we can see, little or nothing had happened to the Marcos Family and their descendants’ opulences. And on top of that, famous or infamous, they are as popular as ever.
If the Local Law stipulates that no investigations and probes can be made on ministers, does it means they are immuned from been prosecuted? And if indeed they are, how can justice prevail?
patriot.
patriot ,
that the paradox of Singapore. The coffers in questions are the one who set the and change law as they pleased and yet their character and integrity are also in question. But what actually expose Marcos is that the people revolt which means that unless Singaporean revolt, there are virtually nothing that is going to change at all. And if the coffers are been exposed and convicted, the same law that they set protected them well in their own country and internationally. That now explain why all modern dictators are acquitted of all crimes and treason. Hmmm, something for a thought.
It is more ironic given that the behaviour of our emperor is uncanny similar to Marcos. Well, look like we are in for a long long ride and may not see any radical change in my lifetime.
The problem is that they hold themselves above the (their) law, and no one or no-body exists (or allowed) to question them.
We might as well ignore whatever WKS says after each and every lapses from now on.. it will be the same side-stepping and blaming someone else or Singaporeans.
World Class, aren’t they?
Daniel;
Now, that’s the REASON WHY HUMANS CREATED HELL, because justice does not prevail in Human Society!
patriot.
Complacency because of no electoral challenge for 24 years.
Wong Kan Seng
First elections – 1984
Kuo Chuan – 64.55%
Second elections – 1988
Toa Payoh GRC (3 men)
Uncontested
Third elections – 1991
Thomson GRC (4 men)
Uncontested
Fourth elections – 1997
Bishan – Toa Payoh (5 men)
Uncontested
Fifth elections – 2001
Bishan – Toa Payoh (5 men)
Uncontested
Sixth elections – 2006
Bishan – Toa Payoh (5 men)
Uncontested
A span of 24 years, 6 elections.
Contested in only one – 24 years ago
7th election 2011
Bishan – Toa Payoh ( 5 men )
PAP v SDP
Likely outcome :
SDP (50.2%)
PAP (49.8%)
Hooray …. Wong Kan Seng out you go
We are appalled that the MHA has the cheek to be ‘appalled’ when such appalling incidents of security lapses continue to happen at such an appalling rate.
By saying that WKS is in fact DISTANCING himself for any responsibility for the latest cockup. Of course, we know by now what will happen next – some frontline MHA/Immigration rank and file will become the sacrificial goats to whose blood will be scattered to appease the angry public, to protect the top man and his immediate coterie of retainers.
Andrew , You are spot on with the elections data concerning WKS.
There is no doubt about his complacency. But I believe WKS is incompetent in the first place, not minister material by a long shot.
How about some ‘elections data’ on his colleagues ? I think it is a good time to come up with a table on each of them. It can be informative and a useful reference for the readers.
The general public must accept responsibility for giving the PAP government the mandate for the past 40 years.
We have yet to see a true leader step up to the plate and take responsibility.
This government is complacent and has been taking the people for granted. The people must decide whether it is prudent to continue to give them the mandate.
We can not be complacent when we deal with a government that is complacent
uncontested !!! read about ST to day what old man say . y all r already so wasted what can be worst somemore . i am willing to try or give other a chance . if tat kind of money we pay all . i am CONFIDENT other can do better for lesser cause we love and really care abt singapore
SINGAPORE is not a company . …
obviously, he is incompetent. If he is good, he will be in trade or finance or transport ministry.
I had a smile on my face after reading about the LKY article in todays ST. Why, because its shows a fear never displayed before. Here is a man who took on the odds, the democratic way (with some help) and proved that he is a worthy leader and has established his credentials. Now sadly, instead of preaching his follows to take the same path and prove their worth, he is fiding faulth with the very demoratic system which provided the avenue for good leaders. I disagree, 5 years will not ruin Singapore but will get rid on incompetent leaders. Leaders who are dispensable now due the a to a lot of reasons. Nepotism being not one of them.
Does the old man think WKS will be re-elected in a single seat election. The old man has effectively denied Singaporeans the chance to vote for leaders like himself who are held responsible to the electorate and have worked tirelessly to prove their mandate.
Now we have back door self proclaimed leaders who the people have no avenue to get rid off. We need another LKY and a true single seat will produce one. Please get the true leaders, not driven by greed lead the country..not incompetent leaders who ride the party backwagon…
Oh! I forget to mentioned. Met my ex army mate (regular) and he said that he got charged as the duty officer beause his men screwed up. But he accepted it for he considered that he failed as a leader to lead and guide his men. When million dollar earning, unproven leaders skive their responsibility.. I spit on their face..shameless..money minded faggots..
The article on the front page of ST clearly show one thing… MR Lee is very frighten now… he know PAP will lose power if there is a snap election right now.. How about this heading for ST
“PAP in ruins after snap election”
Some heads should roll !!!! Bloody (**()(#@$&^*(&
The only way to save PAP from sliding down is not by giving more money to the people but by getting rid of incompetent leaders fast. What we need are People Leaders who are commited to help, guide and show the way for all to progress socially, economically and financially. on a more equal platform. The failed policies are a good reflection of the current crop of HIGHLY Talented ministers who mostly came through backdoor and are paid obscene salaries. Old FART is afraid but the system is now so deeply rooted he himself cant do much. As imcomptent leaders are not only just a few but more than a handful. So how do you get rid of them fast. No Way it can endangered his loyal supporters who might turn against old fart himself. Instead, Old FART will play the same old song that without PAP, all sinkies will do is to sink deeper into hell.
I am not a gambler, but if given a chance i would rather gamble the 5 years without PAP in control. Singapore already not much better and i dont think in the future it will be better more.
FG
” HIGHLY Talented ministers ”
I do not deny that we have highly talented ministers running the country but what kind of talent ? To be more specific, We have ministers whose world class talent lies in taking advantage of government position to conceive plan and scheme to reap money off the pleasant and using it to enrich themselves, and eat Mee Siam Mai Hum. Don’t believe ? Just look at the position and power they holding in GLC and related company running as business-man and at same time a government offical ! LKY is senior advisor to Citigroup (How much is he pay per year on top of his position as MM ?).
WTF ! No wonder citizen get reap off by these greedy business coffers.
For these manipulative talents alone, they are worth millions. Period.
When one is good, we show thumb up otherwise thumb down.
So let show our support for ‘best’ government in the world by design them their next logo.
PAP = bVb
The logo is the upside down word of the ruling party
During election, wear the shirt that show PAP wording upside down to show our disapproval and disappointment with the dynasty regime.
Long live the Lee Dynasty, 万水万水万万水!
Freaking expensive clowns still think they can hogwash Singaporean again.
real and solid leader wont cry foul… old man have a heart … it time ..
why now so many ppl hate this old man, 10 years ago, seldom hear ppl ask him die. Is it there is a change of wind ? He should step down immediately if not more and more ppl will cast no confidence vote against him in the next GE. If you notice, he always repeats himself, he got nothing to say anymore.
I would like to propose a new word: Whenever there is a security lapse and that the resulting blame (as always the case ) lies with the folks at the bottom, let’s coin the phrase ” we’ve been Wongkansenged”.
“we’ve been Wongkansenged”.
or
“we’ve been WronglykenaScapegoated”.
The Singapore opposition would ruin the wealthy city-state’s achievements in five years if they ever gained power, the country’s founding father Lee Kuan Yew said. ( I don’t think so, that is yr narrow perception. Is it only you who know how to rule & run the country and the rest are idiot ? )
Lee, 84, warned Singapore voters against putting the opposition at the helm of government “in a moment of fickleness or just sheer madness” when they get “bored” at some point in the future. ( we have been tormented for 40 plus yrs, not in moment of fickleness. But becos of the ways & policies you treat Singaporean )
Should this happen, “I think all bets are off because in five years they (opposition) can ruin this place,” he told delegates at an international forum late Wednesday. ( yah, so those parliament in the rest of the world with 2 or more opposition parties are ruin right. Is that your case? )
He stressed that, unlike many other countries, Singapore did not have natural resources such as oil, gas, forests, timber and aluminium. ( No, Singapore has a very good & intelligent nature resources that you do not know how to cherish – that is SINGAPOREAN. And they with brains will never take orders without substances from top down regime. That shows how 3rd world leader you are when you treat 1st world workers)
“When you are Singapore and your existence depends on performance — extraordinary performance, better than your competitors — but that performance disappears because the system on which it is based is eroded, then you’ve lost everything.” ( Performance on squeezing out every drop from Singaporean & cocking up big time overseas with money losing gambling punt on money losing investment. By the way those are singaporean’s money, not yours!!! )
Lee, widely credited for shepherding the underdeveloped port into one of Asia’s wealthiest nations in one generation, said younger Singaporeans often tell him he is “playing the same old record” when he delivers his message. ( pls lah you thought parliament only you alone, the rest transparent is it. Move on in life lah. Don’t be an obstacles to others )
Street protests are rare and public gatherings of five people or more are banned without a police permit. ( where is the freedom of speech & assembly as stated in our constitution , for show only )
Lee has maintained that Western-style liberal democracy is not the right model for Singapore. ( yah, only you know best till Singaporean all leave this country in great numbers continually without you knowing why. How 1st world are you even you know what is wrong but just wouldn’t reverse the trend. By not wanting to be held ransom by Singaporean who don’t buy yr ideas, you have foreign import to solve yr problem. But these import also got brains, they take Singapore as just a jumping platform.)
He said one ingredient for a country’s success is putting able leaders in government. This could be difficult under a more freewheeling US-style democracy in which “you are judged in accordance with your persuasive powers,” he said. ( yah, wong can’t sing is one. some more untouchable & unaccountable for. Please send all yr able leaders (80 plus of them in parliament)out to the world as salesman to earn some commission to send back to mother Singapore rather than act as parrot doing nothing but echoing someones speech, competing with the local business operator in local mkt)
Since the big bucks payout to the President down, the moral high ground of the policy makers seem to be slipping with many unfortunate incidents attributed to human errors lapses………….and passing the buck down to the last man
A case of S$ = Complacency!
“persuasive powers” – meaning just words and claims, like
‘we have not got richer, Singapore has’.
I do not believe it, show us the prove. Make every government member declare his assets and net worth. Better still make make the declaration compulsary before contesting an election. Then we will know now much money the person has made over the years and how much money he/she earned while in office. Transparent, fair and honest system.
No need for words and claims
Singapore has, but the majority singaporeans have not become richer. Yes, we hear of billions in reserve, invested by GIC and Temasek but do we really know. All we have its words. Do we have a equivalent of a federal reserve and bank to independently manage and account for our reserves. From what we see in terms of the structure ,only a few people control our reserves. Just words again.
Able men in charge
Just because you hand pick and choose them based on their academic record or what ever connection does not able men. That’s just words, know we are seeing with actual prove how able these men are. Very able in making honest mistakes, blaming others and running away from responsibility. Words again.
If the SAF, which is part of the overall system, only deemed Wong Kan Seng fit for the rank of a corporal during his NS days, then he is only fit to be a section leader, not even a platoon commander. How can he be subsequently, just like the old man who slips past the Changi Airport security personnel, slipped up the ladder to the highest post of a Deputy Prime Minister?
That is quite a great achievement for one who can’t even make it to become a commissioned officer, a 2nd Lieutenant, in the first place!
Can one imagine a NS Rservist Corporal telling a Full-Time Regular Police Sergeant what to do?
Isn’t that the real reason for all the slip-ups, slip-shots and screw-ups?
Lack of Leadership Qualities!
I don’t think SDP could do better than dis…….I hope Mr Wong,PM-in-waiting,together wif the possible newcomer Sitoh Yih Pin may do the best to defend the GRC from Dr Chee and his gang with around 70 plus%….Dis may definitely be the very first contest in my place…..PAP shall rule,together wif Potong Pasir in which Bishan-Toa Payoh TC may take up should the PAP win back after about 24 years…….And after dis,SDA may take in for 2015 and either walkover,SDA again,SDP again,WP or DRP should go in for future contests for the GRC…….Then Potong Pasir may join the GRC as well in the future….Go to hell,SDP!!!!!!!!!