PS: If you will vomit, then close your eyes when reading:
Exits weaken team
I FEEL regret, and some measure of anger, that the result of the General Election has led to the resignations of Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong ('Lee Kuan Yew steps down'; Sunday).
Granted, the election result pointed to a need for transformation within the People's Action Party (PAP). But their resignations, which come on top of the departures of Foreign Minister George Yeo and Deputy Prime Minister S. Jayakumar, do not signal a transformation.
Collectively, their departures will only weaken the team that has brought Singapore to where it is today.
When Singaporeans listened to the rhetoric of political rallies during campaigning, be it opposition or PAP, we stood in the knowledge of the security and peace around us, forged by leaders in government over many years.
Much as I, and I suspect many Singaporeans as well, like to see an alternative voice in Parliament as well as a maturing opposition, we want all these to happen within the context of nation building.
An alternative voice in Parliament must result in better and equitable policies that govern our lives. It must not weaken the Government and country.
In the next general election, Singaporeans should evaluate the role of the opposition in the context of nation building, and not only evaluate its effectiveness in providing a check and balance in Parliament.
I thank SM Goh and MM Lee for their unselfish leadership and commitment to Singapore. Without them, we will not be quibbling over the price of a plate of nasi lemak, but whether there would have been nasi lemak on our tables in the first place.
Without them, we will not be lamenting the long queue for HDB flats, but whether we would have had public housing at all.
Without them, we will not be complaining about packed trains and buses, but whether we would have had an MRT to complain about.
Singaporeans owe them a debt of gratitude and the State should ensure the two former prime ministers are given due recognition.
Lim Chuan Hock
MM, two words say it all
I WROTE a long letter expressing mixed feelings on the news of Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew's decision to step down from the Cabinet: on how the Cabinet will lose a valuable source of input as it deliberates major policies; how the decision is consistent with the need for true leadership renewal to be both actual and perceived; and how a true leader will put the larger situation before himself.
I then deleted the letter because I realised that two words would best summarise what many Singaporeans want to say to MM Lee: 'Thank you'.
Professor David Chan
Singapore Management University
SDP's remark
'Enough is enough.'
MADAM GOH SIOK NOI: 'I was appalled by the Singapore Democratic Party's comment that the posts of Minister Mentor and Senior Minister 'served no useful purpose except to drain the national budget' ('SPP, SDP criticise timing of announcement'; yesterday). Given the contributions made by MM Lee Kuan Yew and SM Goh Chok Tong, such remarks were uncalled for. I hope future opposition leaders will set an example for graciousness rather than offer disparaging remarks to spark another round of debate against the People's Action Party. The election is over, choices have been made, enough is enough.'
By-election call
'They contested as MPs, not ministers.'
MR THOMAS RICHARD PRAKASAM: 'I am shocked by the Singapore Democratic Party's (SDP) view that by-elections should be held in the Group Representation Constituencies where Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong had contested ('SPP, SDP criticise timing of announcement'; yesterday). Even lay citizens like me understand that they contested as MPs, not Cabinet ministers. If this is how the SDP interprets election rules, I would be worried if it gains power.'
MM or SM
'Run for president.'
MR HENG NGEE HAI: 'The exits of Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong have the hallmarks of purpose, graciousness and the makings of a lasting legacy. I salute them both. In fact, I wish either would run for president. With Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his new Cabinet leading us into a new era, we need a pair of experienced, steady hands on the presidential tiller.'
MM Lee
'Assume role of special envoy.'
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR HEE HWAN TAK: 'I applaud the difficult decision by Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew to relinquish a Cabinet role after 52 years. He is like a parent and, later, a grandparent, overseeing Singapore's development. But the time has come for him to cut us loose. He should relinquish his position in the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation and as MP, and assume the role of special envoy to resolve regional conflicts without arousing questions of a conflict of interest. His global experience and expertise will match this role, which will enhance Singapore's regional and international standing.'
Allow non-elected ministers
MY TEARS flowed as I read about our two respected ministers quitting the Cabinet ("Lee Kuan Yew steps down"; Sunday) .
Older Singaporeans like me, who were born before 1960, witnessed how Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew fought the communists, curbed racial riots, went through the ups and downs of our relations with Malaysia, faced the sudden withdrawal of the British forces and eventually transformed a hinterland from scratch. Thus, it saddens me to know that our founding father has decided to leave the Cabinet.
It took MM Lee many tumultuous years to lay the foundations for national stability, unity and development that have brought Singapore to what it is today.
That MM Lee, with his indomitable spirit, endangered his life to deal with the communists was a clear act of courage, and he demonstrated it again by quitting the Cabinet as an act of selflessness.
Perhaps Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong might reconsider appointing non-elected ministers, given Singapore's small leadership base, and all the more so with the departures of talented and capable ministers like Mr George Yeo and Mrs Lim Hwee Hua.
Our PM can exercise his prerogative to choose suitable, non-elected people he knows can run the ministries. It is about limited talent versus a nation's survival.
Perhaps it is also time to consider amending the Constitution to allow this, to ensure that Singapore is governed by a group of able, honest and dedicated men and women.
Francis Cheng
PAP not the only one that must take stock
YEARS ago, I was part of a tour group holidaying in Europe, and Asians like me were a minority. One Caucasian who discovered I was Singaporean told me how he wished his country had a prime minister like Mr Lee Kuan Yew running it.
I thank Minister Mentor Lee for his devotion and service to Singapore, for growing our economy and powering a small country with no natural resources into the ranks of the First World.
To my fellow countrymen, let us never forget Mr Lee and the first-generation leaders who toiled so that we never had to experience political strife, but have had a place where we can work, play and live well.
During the week leading to Polling Day, my neighbour, a foreigner, asked me why Singaporeans were complaining. Why the strongly worded comments in Internet forums? Come live in my country, she said.
With such views about Mr Lee and the puzzlement over why we are complaining, would it unfair to ask whether it is only the People's Action Party that needs to take stock and examine itself?
There is no perfect government. Some policies require tweaking, and sometimes our Government also comes up with unpopular policies. But unpopular policies do not mean they are wrong. They are drawn up with the long term in mind.
The Government has a track record in proving itself and has continued to do so all these years. Many governments in other countries that bowed to public pressure and implemented populist policies have had their economies and social fabric compromised.
Running a state is no small feat. Under the toil and sweat of our past and present leaders, we have come so far. Let us continue to support them and work together.
Myra Lee (Ms)
PAP not averse to change
IN MY view, the People's Action Party has never been averse to change ("Lee Kuan Yew steps down"; Sunday).
I am 37 years old and happy to witness a significant change to a new political situation. This change magnifies the task our young leaders face in trying to address a growing anxiety from the ground, and feelings of exclusion, resentment and despair.
In the broader context, the young team of ministers needs to work relentlessly in ascertaining ways to deliver and execute various policies in a convergence of views. Better interaction can engender a sense of community where attitudes are shared, strengthened and validated - the key to achieving true cohesion.
Lastly, I am grateful to our former prime ministers for standing by a much broader and generous vision of citizenship and a tolerant society. Thank you, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.
Felicia Ng (Ms)
Exits weaken team
I FEEL regret, and some measure of anger, that the result of the General Election has led to the resignations of Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong ('Lee Kuan Yew steps down'; Sunday).
Granted, the election result pointed to a need for transformation within the People's Action Party (PAP). But their resignations, which come on top of the departures of Foreign Minister George Yeo and Deputy Prime Minister S. Jayakumar, do not signal a transformation.
Collectively, their departures will only weaken the team that has brought Singapore to where it is today.
When Singaporeans listened to the rhetoric of political rallies during campaigning, be it opposition or PAP, we stood in the knowledge of the security and peace around us, forged by leaders in government over many years.
Much as I, and I suspect many Singaporeans as well, like to see an alternative voice in Parliament as well as a maturing opposition, we want all these to happen within the context of nation building.
An alternative voice in Parliament must result in better and equitable policies that govern our lives. It must not weaken the Government and country.
In the next general election, Singaporeans should evaluate the role of the opposition in the context of nation building, and not only evaluate its effectiveness in providing a check and balance in Parliament.
I thank SM Goh and MM Lee for their unselfish leadership and commitment to Singapore. Without them, we will not be quibbling over the price of a plate of nasi lemak, but whether there would have been nasi lemak on our tables in the first place.
Without them, we will not be lamenting the long queue for HDB flats, but whether we would have had public housing at all.
Without them, we will not be complaining about packed trains and buses, but whether we would have had an MRT to complain about.
Singaporeans owe them a debt of gratitude and the State should ensure the two former prime ministers are given due recognition.
Lim Chuan Hock
MM, two words say it all
I WROTE a long letter expressing mixed feelings on the news of Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew's decision to step down from the Cabinet: on how the Cabinet will lose a valuable source of input as it deliberates major policies; how the decision is consistent with the need for true leadership renewal to be both actual and perceived; and how a true leader will put the larger situation before himself.
I then deleted the letter because I realised that two words would best summarise what many Singaporeans want to say to MM Lee: 'Thank you'.
Professor David Chan
Singapore Management University
SDP's remark
'Enough is enough.'
MADAM GOH SIOK NOI: 'I was appalled by the Singapore Democratic Party's comment that the posts of Minister Mentor and Senior Minister 'served no useful purpose except to drain the national budget' ('SPP, SDP criticise timing of announcement'; yesterday). Given the contributions made by MM Lee Kuan Yew and SM Goh Chok Tong, such remarks were uncalled for. I hope future opposition leaders will set an example for graciousness rather than offer disparaging remarks to spark another round of debate against the People's Action Party. The election is over, choices have been made, enough is enough.'
By-election call
'They contested as MPs, not ministers.'
MR THOMAS RICHARD PRAKASAM: 'I am shocked by the Singapore Democratic Party's (SDP) view that by-elections should be held in the Group Representation Constituencies where Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong had contested ('SPP, SDP criticise timing of announcement'; yesterday). Even lay citizens like me understand that they contested as MPs, not Cabinet ministers. If this is how the SDP interprets election rules, I would be worried if it gains power.'
MM or SM
'Run for president.'
MR HENG NGEE HAI: 'The exits of Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong have the hallmarks of purpose, graciousness and the makings of a lasting legacy. I salute them both. In fact, I wish either would run for president. With Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his new Cabinet leading us into a new era, we need a pair of experienced, steady hands on the presidential tiller.'
MM Lee
'Assume role of special envoy.'
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR HEE HWAN TAK: 'I applaud the difficult decision by Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew to relinquish a Cabinet role after 52 years. He is like a parent and, later, a grandparent, overseeing Singapore's development. But the time has come for him to cut us loose. He should relinquish his position in the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation and as MP, and assume the role of special envoy to resolve regional conflicts without arousing questions of a conflict of interest. His global experience and expertise will match this role, which will enhance Singapore's regional and international standing.'
Allow non-elected ministers
MY TEARS flowed as I read about our two respected ministers quitting the Cabinet ("Lee Kuan Yew steps down"; Sunday) .
Older Singaporeans like me, who were born before 1960, witnessed how Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew fought the communists, curbed racial riots, went through the ups and downs of our relations with Malaysia, faced the sudden withdrawal of the British forces and eventually transformed a hinterland from scratch. Thus, it saddens me to know that our founding father has decided to leave the Cabinet.
It took MM Lee many tumultuous years to lay the foundations for national stability, unity and development that have brought Singapore to what it is today.
That MM Lee, with his indomitable spirit, endangered his life to deal with the communists was a clear act of courage, and he demonstrated it again by quitting the Cabinet as an act of selflessness.
Perhaps Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong might reconsider appointing non-elected ministers, given Singapore's small leadership base, and all the more so with the departures of talented and capable ministers like Mr George Yeo and Mrs Lim Hwee Hua.
Our PM can exercise his prerogative to choose suitable, non-elected people he knows can run the ministries. It is about limited talent versus a nation's survival.
Perhaps it is also time to consider amending the Constitution to allow this, to ensure that Singapore is governed by a group of able, honest and dedicated men and women.
Francis Cheng
PAP not the only one that must take stock
YEARS ago, I was part of a tour group holidaying in Europe, and Asians like me were a minority. One Caucasian who discovered I was Singaporean told me how he wished his country had a prime minister like Mr Lee Kuan Yew running it.
I thank Minister Mentor Lee for his devotion and service to Singapore, for growing our economy and powering a small country with no natural resources into the ranks of the First World.
To my fellow countrymen, let us never forget Mr Lee and the first-generation leaders who toiled so that we never had to experience political strife, but have had a place where we can work, play and live well.
During the week leading to Polling Day, my neighbour, a foreigner, asked me why Singaporeans were complaining. Why the strongly worded comments in Internet forums? Come live in my country, she said.
With such views about Mr Lee and the puzzlement over why we are complaining, would it unfair to ask whether it is only the People's Action Party that needs to take stock and examine itself?
There is no perfect government. Some policies require tweaking, and sometimes our Government also comes up with unpopular policies. But unpopular policies do not mean they are wrong. They are drawn up with the long term in mind.
The Government has a track record in proving itself and has continued to do so all these years. Many governments in other countries that bowed to public pressure and implemented populist policies have had their economies and social fabric compromised.
Running a state is no small feat. Under the toil and sweat of our past and present leaders, we have come so far. Let us continue to support them and work together.
Myra Lee (Ms)
PAP not averse to change
IN MY view, the People's Action Party has never been averse to change ("Lee Kuan Yew steps down"; Sunday).
I am 37 years old and happy to witness a significant change to a new political situation. This change magnifies the task our young leaders face in trying to address a growing anxiety from the ground, and feelings of exclusion, resentment and despair.
In the broader context, the young team of ministers needs to work relentlessly in ascertaining ways to deliver and execute various policies in a convergence of views. Better interaction can engender a sense of community where attitudes are shared, strengthened and validated - the key to achieving true cohesion.
Lastly, I am grateful to our former prime ministers for standing by a much broader and generous vision of citizenship and a tolerant society. Thank you, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.
Felicia Ng (Ms)
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