Lastly, just because a person has done great things does not mean he is infallible or continue to be great.

I am but a small fry in the grand scheme of things. Perhaps even more insignificant than Aaron here. I am an ordinary Singaporean. Trying to make ends meet. Happy to put food on the table and have a roof over my head. My PSLE results couldn’t even get me into the worst class in RI. The closest I’ve got to an elite school was when taking a bus along Bukit Timah Road.

My comments here (and elsewhere) are to prod minds which are brighter, smarter and more astute into doing something that can ultimately lead to change. Just look at Aaron’s credentials alone, he would be a suitable election candidate, at least in the eyes of Singaporeans. Look at how many younger Singaporeans — like him — are expressing their opinions on the Internet. They have the brains and the capabilities. However, they need to be challenged to delve deeper into the issues or to take a step back to see the bigger picture or to trawl through the annuals of history, just so that their discussions and rhetoric can lead to something more constructive for the sake of the next generation.

The mentality and all that the ruling party espouses are too entrenched in the minds of generations before Aaron’s. If we want to see change for the good of Singapore, it must start somewhere. So why not Aaron’s generation? My generation did not have the benefits of the Internet to air our views, challenge each other’s arguments and galvanise thoughts. Aaron’s and generations after his have this useful tool. Sources of views contrary to those official ones for my generation were scant. Today, we not only have wikipedia but many bright minds who have taken upon themselves to opine. I want them to go beyond just offering opinions. I want them to engage and challenge each other just in hope that they can come up with a blueprint for our future with or without the PAP.

Is that too much to ask, coming from a simple man who still remembers the struggles and efforts made by Goh Keng Swee, S. Rajaratnam, David Marshall, Lim Chin Siong, Chia Thye Poh and most of all, Lee Kuan Yew back when Singapore was struggling to become an entity on the world stage?

It is up to you or MM or his ministers to heed the signal. I have tried to throw some light on how else they can win back lost confidence besides using money. Money cannot solve all problems, especially intangible ones. They may choose to ignore feedback and continue patting themselves on the back or wise up before it is too late.

By the way, using money to solve problems is not a difficult skill that requires scholarly talent. Even I or my next door neighbour can do it. Excellent problems solvers will be able to come up with solutions other than money. These are the ones who deserve the accolades.

Same applies to politics with and without ethics. There is no glory in winning through dirty politics. The one who does so with a conscience wins the vote, at least mine.

Have a good day.

Since when am I not prepared for criticisms? If I am not prepared, your comments would have never got published. As for challenging arguments, that is fine by me but I do not like people who challenge without offering their own stand. Why should I let you challenge me when you don’t offer your own stand to let me challenge you back? Why is it so difficult for you to even state what is your own position? If you think I am wrong, then say it and back things up with evidence. Stop beating around the bush and get to the point. Until you have a point of your own to make, I’m will not engage you further. I believe in a discussion, not a Q n A session.

Why are you getting your knickers in a twist? If you dare to publish your views online, you have to be prepared to comments, or worse (or better, depending on your perspective) criticisms. As much as you like to express your opinions, others can also express their views about your opinions as well. There is nothing to like or dislike about another person’s opinions. I’m simply challenging your arguments here, in hope that you’ll examine issues a little deeper and you craft your arguments in such a way that it will invite constructive discussions.

For example, you talk about having aced history during your secondary school days. This claim doesn’t really hold for me because Singapore’s post-World War II history up to our Independence in 1965 was murky about the David Marshall and Lim Yew Hock governments. Can anyone say that the text was truly objective about achievements of the early administrations? Was there a re-telling of stories from the perspectives of the students in Chinese schools who were sympathetic to the cause of the bus workers during the Hock Lee Bus riots? This is simply only the tip of the iceberg.

Opine all you want. I don’t really care how surprised you are or whatever other things you want to say. This blog is for me to write down my thoughts and what I write is conditioned by numerous factors at the time of writing. Depending on what happens, I may or may not change my views. I’ve said earlier, and I will say it again. If you don’t like what I am writing, or you think I’m a joke, don’t waste your time reading my blog. There are many more blogs out there worthy of your time. If you have too much time on your hands, find another outlet to let steam off, please. Your comments may be a piece of exquisite art to you but I sure don’t know how to appreciate them so please go somewhere else where you will be appreciated.

“And, I’ve aced history most of the time back in secondary school so I know quite abit about Singapore history.”

Crikey. Who oversaw / produced / wrote the history textbooks for our secondary schools?

“My point is, we should not liken ourselves to sportsman if we do not practice sportsmanship.”

Many Singaporeans know what it means to be courteous and gracious, having been taught in school and after countless campaigns. But do many of us practise if in our lives?

“I wish the government would really reflect on why they are losing that respect. Unless of course respect is secondary to them.”

I’ll draw your attention to this:

“Between being loved and being feared, I have always believed Machiavelli was right. If nobody is afraid of me, I’m meaningless.” – Lee Kuan Yew, 6.10.1997

“I’m perfectly happy being the armchair critic I am now because I’ve not decided whether Singapore is the place I want to eventually call home.”

I’m extremely surprised by this comment of yours, given the copious amounts of your opinions that you have published on the socio-political issues that you have on Singapore. Taking also into consideration, your entry on the women table tennis team’s silver win.

“It’s obvious that if you want change, you need to step up and challenge the PAP in reality by contesting elections. Unfortunately, I have no plans to do that yet.”

Have I suggested to you anywhere that you should step forward to contest the elections? Have I not expressed my views in one of your earlier entries about how to bring about change?

Not one political party in Singapore as of now is capable enough to challenge the PAP in the elections. Not even for the next fifty years if no one does anything NOW.

Olympics may be politics, but sportsmanship definitely isn’t. The Olympics games was originally a celebration of sportsmanship and friendship, but sadly, as you have pointed out, human beings have defiled its noble intentions.

My point is, we should not liken ourselves to sportsman if we do not practice sportsmanship. That is dishonesty and people who can discern it will lose respect the the one who claim to be like a sportsman when he is not.

I used to respect the MM and PAP ministers, and I wish the government would really reflect on why they are losing that respect. Unless of course respect is secondary to them.