Melvyn Tan is a world renowned pianist. He is a Singaprean.
When Melvyn was young, he went overseas to study. He did not return to perform his national service. His parents paid a bond of $30,000. It was a large sum of money at that time.
Many many years later, Melvyn Tan achieved world fame. He agreed to return to Singapore to perform at the Esplanade, Theatre by the Bay.
He voluntarily attended court to face the charge of failing to do his national service. He was fined $3,000.
Some Singaporeans were still not happy. They wrote strong letters to the newspapers. There was an uproar.
Finally, Melvyn Tan decided to cancel his performance at the Esplanade.
I like to ask the following questions:
- what have we achieved as a result of this uproar?
- how may times should a person be penalised for an offence?
- was the penalty of $30,000 on the bond sufficient?
- can we be a more forgiving people?
- do we want Melvyn to stay away from Singapore for a lifetime?
Whether $30,000 is nano-peanuts or not, should not be the question. The law does not punish one based on their wealth.
ReplyDeleteMelvyn Tan did not receive any special treatment. He paid his dues just like many others before him.
The amount of uproar makes it look as though Melvyn is the first person who has been fined for defaulting NS.
Would Singaporeans be making so much of noise if Melvyn Tan was not a famous pianist but, just a home painter?
Does our uproar show a rebellion with a cause of just pure envy?
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