Really?
Let's hear what Goh Chok Tong said about her, in an anology:
"Dear Yvonne Chia,
Think of this analogy. I was given a recruit who was assessed to have the potential to be a good soldier. The platoon had to capture a hill. The recruit came under a hail of bullets. As platoon leader, I had to protect him, even at the risk of my own life.
Am I being stubborn or deaf? Or did I not do the honorable thing expected of a platoon leader?
That the recruit could have been better prepared for the mission or be an older, more experienced recruit is a separate point. I am aware of the widespread unhappiness at sending this recruit to the platoon. But I would say, now that the recruit has survived the ordeal of battle, let him prove that he can be a good soldier…"
Is it complimentary or otherwise? You be the judge.