Catherine’s quote is true to a certain extent.
I believe there is a real fear for those working in govt controlled agencies or those whose jobs / business are somehow linked with the govt.

I hope Catherine has not forgotten LKY’s quote that he rather be feared otherwise he will feel irrelevant. Notice ‘respect’ is not mentioned, and only a bully will enjoy being feared.

When it comes to voting, I agree with Catherine that the people should not have fear. They must fully appreciate that the vote is a tool to neutralize the bullying ways of the govt., because anything else is not effective.

Cat is right. Sometimes it’s the easy way out for S’poreans to blame certain things on the govt, including not having freedom to speak and what not.

I think at times it’s self-inflicted. I’ve come across civil servants, teachers, housewives, and even NUS students who are afraid to speak about certain policies which they find very wrong.

This is the sort of self-inflicted, self-fulfilling prophecy that Cat is talking about.

And if you read her article in full, I agree with her when she said: So what if you’re chastised? What can they do to you? Sue you? Take your shirt from your back? Well, if that’s what they want, give it to them!

No govt which rips the shirts off the back of their citizens just because they spoke out has ever lasted long, anyway. And the way things are going for the PAP, things are going REALLY wrong. Hence, the tighter and stricter control of the media. How else do you cover up all your wrongs, right?

I like reading Cat’s style ! Hot and Spicy ~!

Osamakita

When I was in govt service, many of my letters to ST Forum were published under my own name. Many of my colleagues were aghast. I was not. Nothing happened to me. My bosses did not call me up.

To those working in GLC, TLC and private companies having dealings with the govt, don’t worry and don’t self-censor. Cat is right.