It was a good deal.
Let's say if you can gamble with other peoples' money,
1)if win you get the credit, get a cut of the profit.
2)If lose, non of your business, can quit and say no regret, still get an award, no need to answer to anyone.
Actually putting feelings and prejudices aside, Ho Ching as the wife of the PM is in a lose-lose-lose or no win-win-win situation.
As the wife of the PM, if she were to make billions, everyone will say that naturally she makes money because she is the wife of the PM, has first-hand advice and intimate information when she gets home and during bedtime chitchat. The billions that she had made, the money will not get to her - even as an employee because there is a cap in salary in govt linked company or ministerial post. May be she will just get a bigger Performance Bonus, but even then, there is a cap. So she is not seen as a capable in her own right, and not adequately rewarded.
If she were to lose a few millions, the public and tax-payers are unlikely to forgive her because with all the silver and goldern spoons that she is born to or married to, she cannot be seen to lose a cent of the country's reserve. She is the wife of the PM. What's the cost? The cost is the PM's credibility - through no fault of him actually, because on his own, he is doing just fine and his electorates adore him.
So what should she do? She should have quitted long long ago. Even if the country needs her brain, she should have worked for Temasek and get only $1 per month, or if she must be paid, the salary should go to some charitable organisations of her choice - like what her father-in-law used to do with the all money won through court cases. Her prestige and image would have improved and complemented that of the PM.
It is through no fault of her that she was the CEO of Temasek. Remember, it was Dhanabalan the DPM who suggested the post, even when LHL felt uncomfortable about it? I am sure she doesn't feel happy about losing the billions of hardearned money; neither would the PM.
Ho Ching could have been a Princess Masako - the talented Harvard-Oxford educated and Empress-in-waiting - who gave up what she likes for her husband, her country and her Japanese tradition and culture. Ho Ching could have been much beloved by every forummer in this anti-PAP forum. She could have been a legend. Even the most anti PAP guys would have added their votes to the husband.
So what to do now? Quitting Temasek was a good move - never mind what ever reasons - or excuses - Temasek or she may give. Not all Sporeans are unthinking people. She could be quietly by the side of the PM during his walkabout every Sunday, officiate functions like kindergarten graduation ceremony or baby show, be a patron of some children or women organisations - but keep a pole-distance of AWARE. She has a good model to emulate - her mother-in-law - capable but always quietly a strong force by the side of her husband.
Ho Ching would then be remembered by our future generations - not for losing billions of dollars of the people's savings - but as a smart, self-sacrificing wife of the PM.
wrong!
