PM Lee leads by example

Quzy,

Political gains, I certainly don’t doubt it. But whether it is a politically motivated move, nobody knows. I’m just applying the rule that we should presume innocence unless proven guilty. Once again, like I mentioned, it’s not that I do not have my doubts but I don’t intend to crucify anyone in the absence of further concrete proof that his action isn’t altruistic. We have circumstantial evidence now, but is that enough to convict, I’m not confident.

isens,

I totally share your observations and sentiments. However, as I explained earlier, I’m look at things from PM Lee the individual, and not the politician. If you are able to disassociate the two, you will see my point much more clearly. I can agree with your observations, but that doesn’t preclude me from thinking that it’s a nice PERSONAL gesture from the PM.

Francis,

I too am not aware of of the disclosures that you mentioned. It will be good if someone can point out the relevant laws that govern public disclosure of civil servant’s state of finances.

Piper,

Fair enough. Then where else is he going to draw his salary from, if not from taxpayers?

James,

I’m seeing it on it’s own from a PERSONAL perspective, as I mentioned to insens. From a public perspective, there are certainly doubts whether it’s a shrewd/belated/dumb political move in the grand scheme of things. I’m not saying that the move exonerated PM Lee, but I think at least he seems to be doing the right thing at a personal level.

boyying,

Once again, I’ll just say that by me thinking that it’s a nice gesture from the PM doesn’t make me a supporter of the PAP. I think we should not be so quick to jump to conclusions that not being for a certain position equates being against the position. I’ve written many critical entries of the government because I saw a need to, but now I see a need to give that little accolade as I think it’s fair. I’m not even commending, the PAP; I’m just noting that it’s a nice personal gesture. The two are not the same.

And, I’ve no intention to join the PAP, at least not anytime soon. I’ve mentioned before that I rather be an independent than to be beholden to any political party, PAP or otherwise. I’ve my own principles that I adhere to, and you can be assured that I’m not being a sycophant for petty things such as gaining entry into YPAP exco or something.

IrCTP,

You’re still here? You are another one who cannot keep his word, just like Whybegay. Say that don’t want to comment but still come back. Sigh.

Anyway, since you replied, I’m going to return the courtesy. You yourself said in another person’s blog that good people in Singapore will not be crucified by vile ministers, but Singaporeans. You are a prime example of that.

Instead of offering ideas for debate, as usual, you go out to accuse people at a personal level. First, you accuse me of being “hot air”, next you accuse me of being “non critical”, and you pour disdain at the local education system. Hardly makes you any better, as I mentioned earlier.

In anycase, I wonder where is your critical thinking cap if you cannot even see the difference between a personal decision and a public decision. Not being able to disengage the two is so critical eh?

By the way, I’m aware of Molly’s entry. She has her perspective, I have mine. I respect her, but I respectfully disagree, which I why I have refrained from commenting on her blog. Unlike you, I don’t go around trolling people’s blog.

And, condemning me now doesn’t improve your credibility as a PAPanon. Nice try, but people who read all your comments on all blogs (other than mine) know who’s the real PAP spy. And, I hope you can at least keep your word. I have low respect for people who say they wil not do something but go ahead and do it anyway.

Fearfully Opinionated,

I’m not afraid of getting flak. As far as I’m concerned, I have my reasons for appreciating the PM’s gesture, and I’ll stand by that. It’s just funny that no one seems to remember how much I oppose the rationale for the increase in ministerial salary, but when I commend the PM at a personal level, everyone jumps on the ship and start accusing me of being pro-PAP. The best part is that some smarty-pants even took the liberty to call me “non-critical” and “crutch mentality”. I also don’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Anyway, I’m glad the exchange has been very civil, with the exception of a couple of people who insist on personal attacks. And I’m not even referring to Seow Ching. She (I presume it’s a her) has debated very nicely, and that I chose to use the word bigoted was merely a blunt response to her blunt reply. Subsequently, the exchange was very nice and civil, and I enjoyed it. I accord my response to the way I receive it.

IrCTP,

Go ahead and comment all you want. I’m not in the least perturbed. It’s entertaining to read the kinds of things you write anyway. Thanks for contributing your bit to my blog publicity.

If you want me to treat you as a gentleman, behave like one.

Gentleman is everything that you’re currently not.

And for certain things, it’s either you have it or you don’t. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

You draw such quick causal relations with such confidence that I’m very impressed.

good samaritan,

I doubt he’s from the brotherhood. The brotherhood does not resort to his kind of methods. His tone may resemble, but there’s no substitute for the real thing.

And, I’ve been taught by IS how to recognize who’s from the brotherhood and who’s not. This person clearly isn’t.

funky,

It’s true that GCT has tried it before. However, the thing is that Singaporeans apparently think that it’s ok, judging from the results of the recent elections (or maybe they forgot). I don’t doubt GCT’s gesture as well, but apparently many people do. But, what puzzles me is that at the end of the day, despite all the nay saying and doubts, we only put back two non-PAP representatives into Parliament. There’s a disconnect I don’t understand.

As much as we say that leader should be moral blah blah, as MM Lee says, we are operating in reality. And reality dictates that we should not be expecting altruism in a pragmatic society. Only true action counts, i.e. put a few more opposition MPs into parliament.

sam,

It’s always a pleasure to read your replies. I’m just very concerned with Singaporeans being caught in the trap and danger of the “enframement” that Heidegger talked about. Of course, being a mere mortal, I too am caught in the trap of enframing, but I do hope that I’m sufficiently aware of the dangers to see other forms of revealing.

Seow Ching,

I’m just asking where do you think a government leader should draw his salary from if not from taxes. I fail to see the connect between that question and “robbing” people. I don’t think you should do a bait and switch in order to attack me personally.

Agagooga,

It is a counterfeit generosity that is contingent upon unchecked power.

Well said. I would now like to pose to you the question of who let the power grow unchecked?

funky,

Yes I agree that the GRC system is bad for political participation. And, the threat of lawsuits is a dampener. However, as you said, we need to press on. Unlike some people who think that talking is mere “moaning and whining”, I think that even talking is dangerous in Singapore, especially if your identity is known. I have lots of friends who think that one day I’m just going to disappear and end up in Moon Crescent.

I think that in Singapore, perhaps the only place that’s safe to speak is in Parliament because that’s about the only sanctury where one can speak without fear of retribution. Maybe I’ll consider running for office someday. For now, I’ll do as you suggest: press on and keep my fingers crossed.