I am a political science graduate, though I thank my lucky stars that I wasn’t subjected to the corrupted and toxic, made-for-Singapore-by-the PAP version of the discipline that I hear my poor Singapore-educated colleagues have to endure. In POLI 201 – “Introduction to Political Science” – the very first prerequisite for all other political science courses, we were introduced to the academic definition of “public”, a very fundamental concept in political science since political science is also a study of everything that is in the public interest. It would seem that my Singapore-educated peers have not got that far even after three years of a political science education. Suffice it to say, I’m not surprised.

The reason that I bring the above up is that we seem to have forgotten, a peculiarly Singapore habit I might add, that the NUS, including the organizers of the forum NUS PS Department and Office of Alumni Relation, is a public institution funded by all Singapore taxpayers. As such the interests of ALL Singaporeans must be served, if not at any one event organized under the auspices of the NUS, then over the course of its existence as an institution. Those interests – if we are talking about political interests – can only be served by including the entire spectrum that exists in Singapore. The Opposition is not one party but several; all of them should be represented at one time or another for the chief reason that they represent the political interests not only of the student body but the Singapore electorate at large. The tuition fees that Singaporeans have contracted to subsidize the students with is an insurance that those same students will use their education to serve the ENTIRE Singapore public upon their graduation without favour.

Both the sponsors and the organizers, NUSPSS have been negligent on each and every count.

Just what were the organizers thinking when they initially created a platform only for PAP MPs – as if the PAP is hurting so badly from a severe lack of a platform for itself after having muscled out all others who are not in perfect allignment with their fascist ideology – and then included three academics but only as an afterthought?

If as treasurer of NUSPSS Julian Ho says, that this experience has put off the society from organizing any future forum, then I say that this is indeed music to my ears.

If “organizing” forums is an exercise in partisanship towards the PAP only at all times, then we might just be better off with no political forums at all; I’m sure the traditional media will pick up on any slack.

No PAP. No members of The Opposition. That sounds far more like the level playing field that we – taxpayers whose interests have been in a state of permanent neglect – have been clamouring for.

That’s equality.

Your threat to Shihan is taken very seriously and we will act accordingly.

Andrew Loh

All the above nicks have the same IP addresses and all of the comments by them are directed at Shihan in a very personal manner – including bringing her personal life into the comments.

This is utterly disgraceful. And if whoever you are is a student of NUS or a member of the NUSPSS, you should be utterly ashamed of yourself.

Andrew Loh

I also attended the society’s PS Luncheon that was organised prior to forum. The exco was introduced during the luncheon. Abner is not a part of the executive committee and Kimberly is the society’s Vice-President. Pls get your facts right before you guys talk.

Is there a reason why you chose my nick and decided to post an apology?Why would I want to apologise to Kimberly and the organisers? Stop twisting and putting words in my mouth.

My questions have not been answered.Could it be possible that the 2 YPAP members in the Exco together with YPAP members Kimberly Trump and Abner Koh put pressure on the President to host this event?

Was the Men in White book sold at the event?Why were the MPs offering their autographs when the 2 of them are in Parliament because of a WALKOVER.Even the YPAP Chairman got into parliament through the GRC.What have these P65 MPs contributed of significance to the PAP?

Nice try 107)Straight Talker.Maybe you should go into the fake goods business.But when you get caught, don’t bother apologizing.

You have every right to make these accusations, though being anonymous does diminish your integrity somewhat. Similarly, I have every right to dispute these allegations because whatever you said simply isn’t true.

Firstly, I did consult the people in the department regarding the event. How else do you think I found out that it was initially sponsored by the Young PAP? Dr. Nardin, as you can see in his statement, has backed up this statement. The only thing worse than defending a deceitful act (since the event was marketed as a non-partisan event, but with 3 PAP MPs. Do you really think we’re stupid?) is conducting a smear campaign on a report that has published nothing but the truth.

Secondly, I did not mention the PSAA anywhere in this article. You may want to re-read it. I also didn’t mention that KRMF was organised by PSSOC. I doubt the organisers, organising a big event for the first time (as they have admitted) would be up for the task anyway.

Thirdly, I still stand by my stance that without the last minute inclusion of the PS professors, the event was heavily partisan. I don’t know why you are trying to argue against something that is so blatantly obvious.

Fourthly, I am not in WP, or any opposition party at that. Some readers have also accused me of being a member of Reform Party. As a writer of TOC, I have to maintain a non-partisan stance and I will only report on the facts as I see it.

Lastly, I am not anti-PAP, nor pro-PAP. I report on politics which encompasses a plurality of parties and views. You may want to re-read the article again because I do regard the young PAP favourably. And if you do not know, I am a big fan of our foreign affairs ministry and I think they have done a terrific job over the years. Unfortunately this has also led to others accusing me of being pro-PAP.

I leave it up to the readers to decide what’s ethical and what’s not.

I am writing this as a fellow Singaporean and not as a NUS student or the President of a Society.

My thoughts were in no way a reflection of PSSOC. I am not one who believes in listening to just the ‘good stuff’. In fact, I welcome all your criticisms. Arent Singaporeans suppose to be nice and supportive of one another? Here (in this discussion forum), however, Singaporeans have been unreasonably attacking a student group that is innocent and has just started taking baby steps. Using inappropriate terms such as stupid and dumb is not acceptable and is offensive. A foreigner who sees these will certainly not have a good impression of our society. How then can a proud Singaporean remain proud?

Despite this incident, I am still proud to be a Singaporean. But one thing that I have realised is that some Singaporeans do not make use of opportunities given to them (in this the forum that we organised). Instead, it seems that they take every opportunity to demoralise people. It would have been better if you guys had instead tried to voice out your unhappiness regarding the political structure to the appropriate authorities. You would have at least made a change!

No point asking anymore as I know I would not get an aswer. I take back what I said and sincerely apologize to you if I have offended the society or yourself. Like I said, it is a good experience and you will grow stronger. But my apologies. However, I reserved my right to ask these questions. Looking back at my messages, i would also apologize to Kimberely and the organizers. However, i standby what I wrote. Sorry to all.

Shashikalah is the President of NUS Political Science Society and haas forgotten that she must also toe the line so long as she is a student of NUS, besides President of NUS Political Science Society, unlike universities in HK, Macau, Australia, New Zealand. PerhAPS she has awaken from her sleep.

Regards
Andrew

I think you are going a bit too far for personally attacking the young lady.She is the President yes, but she is the Deputy Director of the event.She may be unduly influenced by her Exco members.

Is the YPAP member Kimberly Trump the Director of the Event?Who is the person who mooted the ideain the first place?

If you look at the facebook event page there is also a Abner Koh who is another member of YPAP.These two YPAP members organise events for YPAP.Don’t forget that the PSS Exco has two YPAP members.

Could it be possible that the 2 YPAP members in the Exco together with Kimberly Trump and Abner Koh put pressure on the President to host this event?

The President was probably an unwilling participant.It is not easy to turn down an event where you manage to get 3 MPs attending on your maiden event.That is very commendable.

All these guys are young.They have never worked.The adults in this charade, the Academics and the Panelists should have known better.

The problem is the YPAP members in the Exco and the Academics who oversee the club.They are doing a great disservice to the students.

The President, I repeat, is being made a scapegoat.So please lay off her.She already stated that she is not a member of YPAP and she already has clarified that she will not join YPAP.That says a lot especially in Singapore.

By not aligning with the YPAP, she has already lost opportunities.She is bringing balance into the community.So we have to respect her for that.

So Shashikalah, if you are reading this, don’t be disheartened.I may have posed some very difficult questions but they were towards the organisers who are refusing to take responsibility and also your teachers whom refuse to acknowledge them as lecturers or professors.They are treating Singaporeans like Secondary School students.This is a forum held at an Institute of Higher Learning, not a social studies lecture catered for 13-14 year olds.

So PSS Exco, don’t let your President down in future events.It’s a big responsibility and I believe she has carried herself very well here despite the criticism.

All the best Shashikalah.You can only grow stronger from this.

“I have always been proud to be a Singaporean but now, I am rethinking.”

And this is the President of the National university of Singapore Political Science Society talking.

In the face of criticisms (and not invalid ones), she might no longer be proud of being a Singaporean. I guess she must like that commercial very much, that one which says, “Hear only the good stuff.”

So sad.

this is a maiden event organised by a student society that just got its bearings after taking office, let’s give them the benefit of the doubt and not judge by this one event. can we blame our youth for being politically apathetic when we’re going to throw stones like this everytime they stand up and voice out?

And she also said: “Also, questions regarding the planning, the people involved etc is certainly rather personal.”

With that, the door is shut. Questions regarding planning is “personal”?? You mean the “answers” are personal. Tsk tsk tsk. I expect better english from the president of a political society.

So, with that, we do not know if the question of inviting opposition parties were ever raised – BECAUSE IT IS PERSONAL AND SHASHIKALAH CANNOT DUVULGE THIS!

And we do not know why, if the question was raised, it was decided that no opposition would be invited – BECAUSE IT IS PERSONAL AND SHASHIKALAH CANNOT DIVULGE THIS!

If ever there was something which would qualify as ridiculous, this would be it.

I shudder to think if ever the day comes when you become an MP or a minister.

Your behaviour reminds us all of one named Ho Ching and Temasek.

Hi JW-Noted your posting #30. I don’t play the racial card and as I said, we who are posting our two cents worth, are the “barking” minority and the silent majority are the ones who will play the racial cards especially the majority Singaporean Chinese. The conviction of the Christian couple is justified as they failed to respect the religious belief of other races and all religions teace us good things regards of Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hindusim, Taoisim etc. A very good example is my former only brother whom I cut all ties, is a member of international drugs syndicate who made millions and donating millions to his church yearly and to me this is bullshit and two days ago, I blasted both my parents who -,justified his action and my dad who is also a Christian pastor said Jesus Christ has forgiven him (yet he continues what he is doing).Another good example is former Singapore Methodist Bishop who was overpaid and I wonder whether he refunded this over payment. I am all for a good,credibe, strong and constructive Opposition in our Parliament.

We as Ordinary Singaporean citizens must know how to respect fellow citizens and their religious beliefs as all regions teach us good things.

Unfortunately, that’s the kind of response which we would expect from the PAP – “This is my view, I have been through a lot, and I am answered all questions and will not entertain further questions.”

In short, a cop-out.

You have not answered any of my questions at all.

Sad to see PAP-type behaviour from tertiary students. SIGH. S.I.G.H.

Also, I would urge readers not to condemn NUS or the political science students in general as there are numerous other societies doing good work.

Let’s look forward to the next event organised by the society. Who knows, they might make it an all-opposition + NMP event. ;-)

I have always been proud to be a Singaporean but now, I am rethinking. If you were to look at the topic, it reflects the interest of the common people- people like you and I. Is Singapore=PAP? was chosen as many including I feel that PAP’s hegemony is overwhelming. We had an open discussion to allow the public and student mass to question the MPs and challenge them. You guys were to serve as the oppositions. Instead, we have been criticised with no concrete evidences and were even talked badly. All these type of comments are disgusting and stressful.

This is the last comment from the Society. We will not entertain anymore more criticisms and comments.