This article was first re-published from Ms Catherine Lim’s website on TOC in April 2008. We re-post it here as we feel Ms Lim’s article is just as relevant now as it was in 2008 – given recent events which have taken place.
We thank Ms Lim for allowing us to reproduce it here, do visit her website for more of her writings.
The following article, like previous ones, was turned down for publication by the Straits Times. It looks like I should stop being thick-skinned and give up sending my commentaries to them!
‘Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.’
Something could get rotten in the state of Singapore as a result of the very unfortunate Mas Selamat scandal.
Scandal it is, in terms not only of its shocking nature—the most dangerous political prisoner and terrorist operative in Singapore makes a laughably easy escape in a super efficient, technologically advanced city state—but also of the serious doubts it is raising in the public’s perception of government accountability, and the damage that these doubts could do to the government-people relationship.
Up to this point, the relationship has been fairly stable and amicable, transcending whatever conflicts that have arisen over the years when the people expressed their unhappiness about the government’s decisions on various issues, such as those related to foreign workers, ministerial salaries, the casinos, Shin Corp, etc.
In each case, public debate has followed a predictable pattern: first, the people are allowed to speak their minds freely through the permitted channels including the forum pages of newspapers, TV debates, the feedback units, and dialogues with government representatives; next, at an appropriate point, the Prime Minister himself and his ministers enter the fray with patient, sustained explanations and persuasive arguments, and finally the matter comes to a close, usually with a gentle but firm message from the Prime Minister himself that in effect says, ‘Trust us; let’s move on.’
An expansion of this simple admonition could go something like this: ‘You have consistently re-elected us, thus acknowledging that we are a competent, responsible, trustworthy government. So even if we make unpopular decisions, it is only for the good of the society. And even if we cannot answer all your questions, it is only for reasons of national confidentiality and security. Therefore trust us, and we will continue to do our job well.’
In the Mas Selamat case, the government is precisely using this approach. But this time, it falls far short of the expectations of an increasingly articulate electorate, including, in the most surprising way, members of the PAP government itself, who seem to have suddenly become more alert, discerning and courageous, voicing reservations and asking questions in Parliament about government accountability that, in the past, could only have been expressed privately. Was the apology from the Minister of Home Affairs, followed by a detailed factual account of the escape, enough? Was the promise of corrective action to prevent such incidents in the future enough? Would not the findings of a Commission of Inquiry comprising members selected by the government itself raise more questions?
The voices raised in question and doubt, both in Parliament and the media, were expectedly measured and polite, in keeping with a tradition of deference to a powerful government that does not tolerate strident dissent. But politeness may soon give way to the persistence and boldness that come from conviction. The signs are that the voices, especially of the younger generation, will become a force to be reckoned with, because they are part of a whole new culture spawned by the Internet and globalization, with all that this implies of greater knowledgeability, awareness and sophistication.
Thus, a serious disconnect between the government and the people has arisen: while the government is still operating from the old perceptual paradigm carried over from a simpler, more innocent era, the people are developing a new one in keeping with the times. They are increasingly aware of new expectations and needs in their roles as citizens in a democratic society, and will no longer respond uncritically to the government’s usual exhortations of ‘Trust us’, ‘Also trust those we have picked to work for us,’ ‘Don’t forget what we have achieved,’ ‘Look at things in perspective’, ‘Let’s move on to more important, bread-and-butter matters,’ etc.
The Mas Selamat incident could cause the two paradigms to move so far apart as to make the disconnect permanent. Thus the incident may be seen as a watershed in the history of the government-people relationship, resulting either in a strengthening and maturing of the relationship on the one hand, or irreparable damage on the other.
Clearly, what the people expect, by way of an appropriate government response, is a large public gesture commensurate with the incident which in its magnitude has no precedent. That gesture will be no less than an offer of resignation from the Minister of Home Affairs himself. Whether the offer is accepted by the Prime Minister or the people is a separate matter. The personal integrity of the Minister is not in question. But in the conduct of the public life of a society, when something of this gravity happens, the symbolism is necessary. A symbolic act in public will have high visibility and emotive power, even in a pragmatic, down-to-earth society like Singapore, and can unite a people in times of trauma, giving a sense of something very like closure. Only then will Singaporeans regain their trust in the government and their belief in the honour, dignity and accountability of high office.
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Note: Headline picture is not from Catherine Lim’s article.
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RH: My contribution to TOC today and its Discussion & Comment section is this ROBERT HO’s THEORY OF EVERYTHING :–
RH:
“LANGUAGE
IS THE COLLECTIVE WISDOM OF A PEOPLE.
THIS IS WHY LIT & LANG TYPES
ARE MORE INTELLIGENT
THAN MATH & SCIENCE TYPES.
IT IS WHY BLOGGERS ARE SMARTER
THAN MINISTERS.
AND WHY THEY CENSOR AND FEAR
THE WORD AND THE IMAGE.
IT EXPLAINS ALMOST EVERYTHING
THAT IS WRONG IN SINGAPORE
AND HOW TO PUT IT RIGHT.”
Gary Teoh
“I wrote an article about having 20 oppositions in parliament in Lam ’s blog (PAP).One writer straight away asked me stop talking abt oppositions as they are a bunch of rubbish, and not credible . Why when we are talking abt oppositions,the pap straight away say they are not credible ??”
Nothing wrong with this. This is politics and it it about political survival and interest. It is about protecting one’s position as much and as long as possible and so that your supporters will never have a single doubt about your own credibility or the (lack of) credibility of the opposition parties. Alternatively, it is also to prolong whatever doubts that people may still have on the opposition parties.
It is a natural human tendency to protect the interest of oneself and those close to oneself (e.g family members, relatives and close friends or kaki). In a lot of countries, that is the very reason why there are elections and in certain cases fixed tenure especially in very senior presidential positions so that benefits / previleged interests get circulated among different people as much as possible. It is also a deliberate system to ensure creation of future talented replacement to take over. This system itself is good but the devil is always in the actual application.
That is why people of each country must be politically aware and openess / freedom of speech creates this awareness as it gets discussed.
The above is not my speculation. It is already in the internet domain if you care to look around.
The truth is the citizens of Singapore hardly have a voice in Parliament (it’s our fault!). After all how many of you guys actually voted for the MPs, most PAP candidates are there because of walkovers or the flawed GRC system. As a result policies and bills are made and implemented without any resistance. There are some “wayang resistance” from the PAP in certain controversial topics like casino or salary increment of ministers. My point is if this is parliamentary democracy then I don’t want it.
Coming to the MSK escape, what we the public of Singapore need is closure. By giving us a fantastic story or justifying the presence of a MHA member in the COI will just mean more frustration and skepticism. Now we’ve seen a serious disconnect between the PAP government and the public.
As a member of the public all I know is that a terrorist escaped because of lapses in the system overseen by Wong Kan Seng. We didn’t see any arrests or removal from office. We didn’t hear any heartfelt apology. We just saw some fantastic evasions by MSK, WKS & LHL.
In the end the implications are great for PAP, they have to be prepared to lose seats at the next GE.
Many people like to imagine that the PAP will lose seats in the next GE, and I am one of those dreamers too.
However, the reality is that when the next GE comes along, these same people will expediently vote for the PAP albeit reluctantly. That has been a fact of life in Singapore for the last 30-40 years and that will continue to be because the Giant Tree has got its roots everywhere. It cannot die of starvation or heat deprivation.
Let us all wake up from the dream and start to face the real nightmare while still sleeping.
Dreamer’s Nightmare,
I agree with you, people will still vote for PAP because of the climate of fear, however there are some changes over the years that I’ve noticed.
-The increasingly vocal citizens.
-More educated and discerning electorate
-The internet(bloggers)
In fact I credit the bloggers for the 66.6% mandate in 2006. PAP will not be voted out entirely but they will lose seats if things continue this way.
A Dedicated Response To Chua Lee Hoon Of ST
“Reading Internet postings often makes my blood boil.”
What a shame! As a journalist, your mind should be as wide as an ocean to accommodate differing views. If you are touting that others should listen to people like you only, it’s time for you to move out rather than move on.
“Too many netizens obviously have not read the full account ………………….etc, etc.”
We believe you have not read enough of what the citizens said and meant or rather, you prefer not to reflect on their views accordingly.
“How many of those called for the resignation of Teo Chee Hean…………….etc.”
Well, this is proof that time, trend and sentiment are vastly different now. The citizens have awakened from their slumber, vowing not to be complacent anymore.
“If a fire…..If a teacher……..etc?
These are rather incoherent examples compared to the escape. You are way off the track.
“Common sense……….or there will no ministers left in no time.”
Are we expected to accept mistakes, blunders, etc, without any fair accountability and responsibility? The last thing we worry about is losing the liable minister. In fact, if there are more of them of such nature, we have to ensure that the problem is rooted out.
“But the Mas Selamat case? What loss has there been, except that of face – mostly?”
A real pity that you were not given a chance to voice this in parliament. All the work, reporting, searches, inconveniences, parliament time, lost productive time, etc, would have been expedited for something you believed is not worth the trouble. The DPM and the PM should have taken your advice to simply brush off this case as a little lost of face matter. Therefore, the COI and Ministerial Statement combined is a waste of time and taxpayers’ money.
“If you talk to businessmen………………no impact on their business decisions.”
As long as business is as usual, we do believe this escape will have no impact on business sentiments.
“After such a signature event……..there has been unprecedented transparency……..”
You are not following the Internet news nor the citizens’ discussion. More likely, you choose to dismiss them. If after reading the report and you have no doubts about it, that’s your opinion. To us, the report presented more questions than before. In fact, the whole saga has become a mystery.
“Yes, there were confusing moments……………………………….”
Well, no thanks for reminding us of this factual blunder. It adds credence to the mystery, no doubt.
“Compare Singapore’s handling………………with America’s equivalent.”
We are responsible for our own and our country’s matter. Therefore, there is no logic in drawing a comparison here unless we believe we are a part of America. Or are you advocating that we should adopt the same as what happened there? Perhaps, you should follow up with your mouthful to Bush. We’ll encourage you to take this initiative.
“If people want transparency……………………..”
Interestingly, you choose not to address the issue of the COI members, which is one of the biggest issues. All we need is an independent COI team to do the necessary.
“As far as heads to roll……………the government made a tactical mistake……………..”
A tactical mistake is your judgement. We fully agree with the DPM that disciplinary action can only be exercised after the due process. Therefore, we strongly feel that your judgment here is flawed. If your judgment is largely accepted, then it proves that the PM and the DPM have been less than competent.
“Word has it ………who has been disciplined and how………………….”
We already knew the safe position of the PM and the DPM plus the director of ISD. We can envisage what will happen to the others. Gurkha guards will be sent home, ISD woman officer dismissed and the superintendent demoted and/or posted out. Until we have the concrete evidence and independent findings, we reserve our rights to cast doubts on this sordid affairs. At the same time, we maintain our calls for transparency and accountability of the DPM in order to justify the disciplinary process.
“Meanwhile, there are many other things………they’ve got no time to think about this.”
We wonder why you would expense so much time and energy to come up with this insight then. Thinking aloud, we feel that you’re trying too hard to impress the PM and the DPM, to the point of being incoherent in certain arguments and examples cited in your article.
Singaporeans are bothered about rising costs as well as government accountability. Looking in perspective, they are closely linked.
“Lets move on……..”
We have. But that doesn’t mean this case has been rested. We just cannot be complacent anymore. We are accountable to ourselves as well.
Finally, allow us to issue this advisory for your attention. Change your mindset to be a real independent journalist. Present arguments and facts for readers’ consideration. Don’t ever attempt to infect your uninvited biased report in readers’ memory. The firewall is operating 24/7 and updated constantly. Most of all, you will lose your credibility and integrity.
Please read Grace Ng’s report on Temasek and GIC’s investment in Sunday Times, 27-4-08, on Page 28. This is what can be termed a balanced report expected of a non-partisan journalist.
Expected Analysis,
“Compare Singapore’s handling………………with America’s equivalent.”
To help you with the analysis,
do take a look at the conspiracy theory of 911,
and I suggest people take a true look of the documentary which convince me that 911 is a conspiracy because of strong evidence from expert and witness alike. In this video, we can see shot that never expose in any mainstream media.
http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_ca00XMjM3MTU3OTI=.html
In it not so much of conspiracy of 911, in fact I am impress at the level to which US government release information despite knowing that they subject to scrutiny (which though informtation not fully, but still admirable). On the ground, people is interviewed and even withness of Pentagon make truthful comment. Confidential information is released and people critically analyze those evidence.
And Chua to compare Singapore with America is arrogant and ignorance. Singapore reign with incompetency through coverup, honest mistake and propaganda. Until the government here reach the level of maturity and freedom of information similar to America, they should not even compare themselves with the latter.
I’ve never been one to bay for blood, but I’m glad that Catherine Lim wrote the article. Thanks for posting.
I think the whole incident as a whole felt strangely calm in reaction on the government’s part. I wholly agree that the lack of closure has been overlooked and highlights the government’s perceived coolness and distance from the public. I asked myself why the whole episode has felt so detached when viewed from the official point of view? Logic has prevailed over a complacent slip up, but human sentiment has not been completely appeased. That’s something the PAP will have to work on.
Although I have no doubt they are actually trying to rectify the situation – in a very strange way, their reaction feels slightly blase – again it’s the perception. Something fell short somewhere.
All I can say is: to quote an expat – “If people could give up the notion of Singapore as a democracy, but (look at it) as a corporation with a CEO, things would make more sense.” I tend to lean towards that.
The lack of dialogue could handicap Singaporeans in the long term. It’s feeling tremendously unprogressive.
“All I can say is: to quote an expat – “If people could give up the notion of Singapore as a democracy, but (look at it) as a corporation with a CEO, things would make more sense.” I tend to lean towards that.”
It is exactly people look at at it as Singapore Corporation, that it makes more sense that the CEO (Deputy PM/PM) has to resign just like in private world. This is not a trival mistake. It is a grevious mistake that affect the whole Singapore. This is tatamount to a CEO breaching his duty of trust that jeopardise his company’s reputation and competitiveness. As and when whether he will boot out of the corporation depend on the Shareholder. But he is still accountable and responsible for it overall for the mess.
It is unfair that we as citizen look at at corporation point of view, whereas the government look at governance side of view where they at same time subject themselves to business corporatization and pegged themselves to private pay and practice. The package of responsibility and accountability of thing will go haywire all goes along with it. We have been shouldering the burden of their honest mistake and instead been rebute by the coffers otherwise. They can’t get the benefit of business-man in reward with profit and absolved from responsibility as ruling government at same time. There is no such thing in the world that a first world country can do that.
There is no such thing as burden in government goes unaccounted for , as it encourage crude mentality and complacency knowing that that there is systematic and structural system in place to protect them. Even more so without the check and balance of independent third-party. By the way, do your company perform internal audit only ? I guess not, it should come with both internal and external audit.
If you think that this is politics then the system need reform. Simple as that.
I found this nice paragraph from wwww.ThinkCenter.org
It was an article about the pay hike of ministers last year.
>>>>>>>>>>>>
Letters from readers published in the mainstream press have expressed more measured skepticism. “By saying that we need to pay top dollar for top talent we are saying that certain people are indispensable. This may breed complacency,” wrote Dr Anne Chong Su Yan on April 3 in the government-linked Straits Times.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Full article: http://www.thinkcentre.org/article.cfm?ArticleID=2844
Daniel Says
Thanks. Have seen another video of this conspiracy before. From the captured footage, it showed a very consistent chain of explosion leading to the collapse of the building. I don’t think these videos were released by the US govt. Rather they were the works of other parties.
Back to Mas’ purported escape. I have a nagging feeling that no escape took place. It was a conspiracy with 2 possibilities.
1. Mas died while in detention. WKS mentioned that he was uncooperative.
2. Mas was secretly taken away in exchange for somebody important, whose life was in danger. I keep wondering why LHL was MIA during the 11 days period before he appeared and spoke after MM. Could it be a hostage crisis where JI held the bargaining power in this case?
Until the truth is known, we can engage in any speculation.
Sgcynic,
thanks for posting Dr Lam’s response. I can only conclude that the Govt and people arrive at different conclusions on various aspects of the Mas Selamat saga because of the following, quoted from Dr Lam’s reply:
“However, with the information furnished, I was able to make my own judgment, which in this case, happened to concur with the recommendations and conclusions from the COI. I supposed I had the privilege of following the findings closely and to be able to piece all the puzzles together, thereby allowing me to make my own conclusion.
From the many comments received, I observed that very often, people tend to jump to conclusion based on scanty information and / or misinformation. Strangely enough, many of the queries raised have already been discussed at length and reported in the papers. There are credible explanations for some of these perceived irregularities.”
1. with the information furnished
Does this refer to information gleaned from parliamentary seatings and briefings, not reported to the public? If so, it explains why our conclusions differ. Otherwise, it’s hard to imagine the Govt and the public seeing two contrasting pictures altogether.
2. piece all the puzzles together
So the Govt acknowledged that it’s one big puzzle. If it’s puzzling to such an extent that it takes a highly-educated MP to sit through and follow closely all parliamentary sessions and briefings, so that he can arrive at the right conclusions, couldn’t a better job have been done to help the man in the street piece the puzzles together, so that the public, as well as the Govt, see the same picture? Afterall, the public has been, and is still mobilized to look out for Mas Selamat. Wouldn’t it serve the Govt well that the public shares her understanding?
3. based on scanty information and / or misinformation
Again, the Govt acknowledged that there’s been scant information and misinformation. If so, wouldn’t it make more sense to focus on communicating the necessary information to help the misinformed public arrive at the correct conclusion?
4. credible explanations for some of these perceived irregularities
Perhaps, if the Govt can be so helpful as to compile a paper listing references to these “credible explanations” to the perceived irregularities, so that the public and the Govt will again see the same picture.
If, after all these additional measures have been taken and we still see contrasting pictures, I can only conclude that the Govt and the media needs to re-examine themselves in something as basic as communicating the right message. Communication, to most people, is about bridging the divide and bringing both sides to a common understanding, isn’t it?
Sgcynic,
thanks for posting Dr Lam’s response. I can only conclude that the Govt and people arrive at different conclusions on various aspects of the Mas Selamat saga because of the following, quoted from Dr Lam’s reply (highlights are mine):
“However, with the information furnished, I was able to make my own judgment, which in this case, happened to concur with the recommendations and conclusions from the COI. I supposed I had the privilege of following the findings closely and to be able to piece all the puzzles together, thereby allowing me to make my own conclusion.
From the many comments received, I observed that very often, people tend to jump to conclusion based on scanty information and / or misinformation. Strangely enough, many of the queries raised have already been discussed at length and reported in the papers. There are credible explanations for some of these perceived irregularities.”
1. with the information furnished
Does this refer to information gleaned from parliamentary seatings and briefings, not reported to the public? If so, it explains why our conclusions differ. Otherwise, it’s hard to imagine the Govt and the public seeing two contrasting pictures altogether.
2. piece all the puzzles together
So the Govt acknowledged that it’s one big puzzle. If it’s puzzling to such an extent that it takes a highly-educated MP to sit through and follow closely all parliamentary sessions and briefings, so that he can arrive at the right conclusions, couldn’t a better job have been done to help the man in the street piece the puzzles together, so that the public, as well as the Govt, see the same picture? Afterall, the public has been, and is still mobilized to look out for Mas Selamat. Wouldn’t it serve the Govt well that the public shares her understanding?
3. based on scanty information and / or misinformation
Again, the Govt acknowledged that there’s been scant information and misinformation. If so, wouldn’t it make more sense to focus on communicating the necessary information to help the misinformed public arrive at the correct conclusion?
4. credible explanations for some of these perceived irregularities
Perhaps, if the Govt can be so helpful as to compile a paper listing references to these “credible explanations” to the perceived irregularities, so that the public and the Govt will again see the same picture.
If, after all these additional measures have been taken and we still see contrasting pictures, I can only conclude that the Govt and the media needs to re-examine themselves in something as basic as communicating the right message. Communication, to most people, is about bridging the divide and bringing both sides to a common understanding, isn’t it?
Given singapore is so efficient, I dont think the CCTV is not working at WRDC. The governemnt dept always have QCC brain storming session, and why never put into use.I was working at Changi Airport one of the terminal upgrading project which including shifting of CCTV. The CAAS officer kept reminding me do not block the view of CCTV, and CCTV must be operational 24 hrs,even during renovation.that is the purpose of CCTV.What is the use if you put one there and not working. So something is wrong, nobody will believe MSK escaped. Until now no sign of him!!
Was Mas even guilty of anything in the first place? Was there a trial in court or just a trump up charge based on hearsay?
Since Chua sisters say it is nothing serious, it probably was nothing since she is an ex ISA agent. Just a story told by ISA that carried a life of its own. Think about it.
I was pretty upset with TODAY for playing up Low Thia Kiang non reply to PM Lee. (Understand that was the same guy who interviewed Marshall years ago? Why?) I support LTK for it is not his call or for him to answer PM’s question. He would have been led to more grilling from the 80+ MPs if he answered either way. It is for PM Lee to answer the question, and only he can answer it. And it is for the electorate now to judge what PM Lee said in support of WKS handling of matter AFTER Mas escape.
“In each case, public debate has followed a predictable pattern: first, the people are allowed to speak their minds freely through the permitted channels including the forum pages of newspapers, TV debates, the feedback units, and dialogues with government representatives; next, at an appropriate point, the Prime Minister himself and his ministers enter the fray with patient, sustained explanations and persuasive arguments, and finally the matter comes to a close, usually with a gentle but firm message from the Prime Minister himself that in effect says, ‘Trust us; let’s move on.’”
What Catherine Lim says is so true. I am justing waiting for a “Let’s move on” comment from LHL or LKY about this. Eventually it will be another incident that will be erased from everyone’s memory. I guess today’s news about the new “hand out” scheme by the gov is not helping either.
LimChuKangGRC,
Don’t have to wait until those high-paid inept cowards to say so. Obviously those indecisive cowards as usual, make use a bootlicker, this time round been formerPM-turn-Senior clown, to do the ‘move on’ part.
“While Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong acknowledged the debate’s focus for many Singaporeans has shifted from how he escaped to the issue of accountability, he believes it is time to enter a “new phase of reflection and repair” and to move on.”
Now you see it is not leaderShip that run the country but ClownShip. One clown after another trying to move on with coverup and without accountability. Even real circus clown has more sportmanship and sincerity than these fake utter useless elite.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/343852/1/.html
What handout? Haha.
Okay, I’m guilty of reading the Financial Times Weekend instead of our lovely Straits Times.
A Reply To Chua Mui Hoong of ST
CMH’s efforts in digging into history to cite examples of how other countries’ ministers put themselves up for scrutiny and accountability is much appreciated. Thanks for reminding our PM and the DPM over the Mas Selamat case.
It was our MM and PM who advocated the use of top corporate sector pay to lure top talents to the civil service. As such, Singaporeans rightly expect above board transparency, accountability and integrity in return, in order to justify taxpayers’ contribution and sacrifices for the country.
As illustrated in your examples, some ministers had no reservation in taking responsibility while some naturally fought for their political survival. The critical difference here is that since PAP came into power, had there been any minister who stood up to take responsibility for lapses, etc? Please enlighten us on this.
In Mas Selamat’s case, we feel that the DPM has to shoulder responsibility as well, having been Minister of Home Affairs for many years. The fact that he and the PM did not see it necessary, despite the findings, has become another contentious issue.
Whether the DPM should resign over this matter is debatable. Assuming responsibility does not necessary mean resign as the only course of penalty. The fact that he did not see it as his responsibility is most unacceptable and unbecoming of a minister.
dear all,
For myself whom had undergo security certification,guards are human physical barrier where they are the eye and ears of things that happened within the sorroundings.
CCTV that is a ‘must’to function 24hrs 7 days is a vital function that no humans can carry out…
the major mistake is yes the failure of guards but as WKS put out they are humans and all of us make mistake but CCTV will not make mistake..
so when the CCTV WDC fail…who’s mistake is that?
Antz,
Well said. Did WDC not pay for CCTV maintenance? No budget? Just plain complacency on their side. WKS please resign like a man! Stop hiding behind PM ‘s ass.
FG
Have it ever occurred to anyone that what they are doing to themselves is what the opposition has been trying unsuccessfully to do for the past decades?
Like the saying – give the man enough rope to hang himself with.
When we are able to qusetion the errors within WDC security lapse to be shared with everybody.
I find it puzzling that the opposition failed to use errors make and capitalise on it.
Opposition like sylvia lim and worse still Low Thia Khiang in the first place should not have seat in the opposition benches at all.
Don’t worry, even though your commentary has been left in the dumps by the official objective news reporting media.. It is not lost here in onlinecitizen.
Anyway, the target audience should be younger generations if we want to create voices that matter. Start them young and in time to come, they will be more engaged in the making of the policies.
Anyway, I will do my part by promoting onlinecitizen to anyone I can..
as the marketing guru always says… this is the age of the wisdom of the crowd …and referrals are more credible than hardsell thru’ media..
“I find it puzzling that the opposition failed to use errors make and capitalise on it.”
The question to ask is whether the opposition did raise the questions but the mainstream media did not report the full questions to avoid embarrassment of the coffers, or even undermined the questioning as non-issue to worth reporting (Remember Catherine Lim’s article where ShittyTime says that it is nothing new and therefore refuse to publish it ?). Do recognize that most of quotes used in Online Citizen is from the mainstream media that is partisan to the ruling party. Just because the mainstream stream deliberately did not report the question does not mean question is not raised.
Anybody had ask this question?
For a dangerous terrorist like him, why wasn’t he electronic-tagged in the first place?
British paliament encourage people all walk of life to be MP. A representatives of all type to give a rounded views in any debate. SinKapore is doing the opposite, only the selected few with their limited experience to represent all SinKaporean. We have hawkers, labourer e.g the lower strata of society who are presented as few of our MP and ministers had any clue how hard life is for them. An ivory tower had been constructed and more fantasy policy will come out of it. Joining back the 3rd world is on the card. Either we young SinKaporean wake up and do what we are supposed to do or just sleep walk all the way to disaster like our fore fathers. We know many things are wrong with our country and we are unhappy and angry. Are we angry enough to do something to change it? We talk and blog as a way to let off steam but behind all this we must bear in mind the greater purpose come GE day. Be prepared to offer a helping hand to the opposition and do a bit of leg work for them. They are under resource and access to the PAP controlled media is limited. Speak to our parent and friends’ parent and all who care to listen to give the opposition a change to send a clear message to LKY that he is not wanted any more after 50 years. FamiLee could pack up and take their ill gotten wealth with them to live out their life somewhere else. Maybe Zimbawee or Haiti.
The PAP regime is good in creating an image of effeciency and clean gahment but when event like this happen, it really show that it was a mirage with no substance. Our super efficient work force productivity was another issue that was raised by an Australian proffessor who did a study and came with the conclusion that Sinkapore produtivity is no different compare to our neigbour but PAP regime was better in marketing and lying. All these lies are coming back to haunt those in power. This issue of Mas Selamat escape will be the first of many to come. We all know, our cost of living is rising faster then our income and the only people will inflation prove income are those in power using our hard earned money as their personal piggy bank. The idea of public service is an universal idea accepted by those who seek public service and not in it for the money but we in SinKapore did exactly the reverse, public service is a mean to help themselves to the country wealth. We may think time is hard now but believed me, more hard time is its way. If we loose entreport status as a result of the opening of the Northen Passage through the Russian Arctic, mass unempolment will be a fact of life. We may be reduced to be just a play ground for the rich from around the world. For those who kept up to date with current events around the world should think seriously what they could do now rather to carry on (BAU) Businese As Usual. The threat is serious and although we had not read this in our beloved ST nor from our ruling regime, it does mean it will not happen. Is the PAP regime helping themselves to the country wealth in readiness to jump off the Sinking ship and leaving us to die a slow death? Is there time enough to plan an alternative economy that will keep the majority of true Singaporean employed? The day when our woman folk had to travel out of the sinking country to earn a living is not that far off. For those we could take the risk and move on to grener pastures, please do so before it is too late. I could only pity those FT/FW who had taken up Sinkapore citizenship.
It is sad that we have an incompetent govt that refuses to acknowledge this fact. Nothing is done to improve the lives of the ordinary Singaporeans. All their blatant blunders are being covered up by a compliant Press. Pictures of MM and his wife in both the front and inside pages of the ST are totally irrelevant in times where many are searching for means to survive.
I have lost complete trust in this govt to deliver the good life for Singaporeans. This country is being led down a path of ruin by the PAP govt. The sooner the people of Singapore realise this, the better. There is no future with this PAP govt. We must take our chance with a new govt or face the prospect of sinking into oblivion.
I really think it’s time that we really need more opposition MPs to put our Govt on its toes. They must have really conned us in believing that they are among the best.
We also need to pose serious questions such as :
1) What has the PAP govt really done that billions of are GIC/Temasek funds are lost ?
2) What is the reason for retaining the PM’s wife as CEO of Temasek when so many billions of our funds are lost through her management ?
3) Are PAP Ministers just being too busy enjoying their millions resulting blunder to happen after blunder ?
4) Is the Minister of Longkang appointed just because he is a Malay and has nothing to do with merit ?
PAP is now getting from bad to worse. It’s time that they get the message that we Singaporeans are continually getting fed up with them!
just ask the guy who is responsible for the big mistake to step down and everything can be solved.
but everything when there is a problem, the government just give some nonsense speech like ” its a honest mistake”.
no matter what mistake they make, they just manage to keep their million salaries job.
whether this scandal has any impact on the government people relationship or not, they dont give a damn, they know we citizens cant do anything to them. they just stay in power forever. they just move on happily with a speech and forget about it.