13 February 2012
Editor
Straits Times
Forum Page
I refer to Ms Christine Lim's letter in response to my statement about
the alleged affair of Yaw Sin Leong. It was not necessary for her
to pass her hasty judgement on me as a "former Presidential candidate".
As she has done so, I feel compelled to give this reply.
Yaw Sin Leong has resigned as Treasurer of the Workers Party. Ms Lim
already said that this tantamounts to an admission of guilt. Most people
would read it in this way.
There is no need for Singaporeans to press this issue to the extreme and
insist on a "transparent" statement. I wish to point out that two families are
involved and their privacy of the innocent family members have to be
respected.
The best person to judge Mr. Yaw is his own wife. I am encouraged by
her support of her husband in this difficult issue.
The other people affected are the constituents of Hougang. They will
judge Mr. Yaw at the next general election.
I know that many Singaporeans yearn for a better alternative to our
current system of governance. I hope that they will be realistic in
their expectation of future political leaders.
I also agree with the approach taken by the leadership of the Worker's
Party in handling this difficult issue. I have described it as
"exemplary". Some people may disagree with this description, and they have
the right to express their view, but they should refrain from attacking me
personally.
May I politely point out that they is a past rumor of an extra marital affair
involving another political leader, more powerful than Mr. Yaw, but the
rumor did not surface in the mainstream media.
Tan Kin Lian
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_766220.html
The Straits Times published my letter in their Online Forum, but remove the last paragraph about "the other rumor".
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_766220.html
The Straits Times published my letter in their Online Forum, but remove the last paragraph about "the other rumor".
16 comments:
WP ask for transparency thru out the entire election, only to hide behind a veil when there is problems at their front door. I think people should practice what they preach.
to winston,
transparency and accountability is a must when it comes to matters of public office and in discharging the public duties of the office.
asking for transparency over what a person does in the privacy of his home and his personal affairs is an invasion of privacy.
speculating on rumours and even publishing it in order to sensationalise and sell stories and hoping to politicise the matter is not only gross invasion of privacy but also highly unethical.
清官难断家务事
Well said.
Voted WP.. But next election most likely voting PAP due to the way this difficult issue is being handled.. Full respect for Mrs Yaw.. Even if Yaw openly admits, it would be same effect on Mrs yaw.. Don't preach accountability n transparency if u don't practice it..
@ "May I politely point out that they is a past rumor of an extra marital affair involving another political leader, more powerful than Mr. Yaw, but the rumor did not surface in the mainstream media."
I read with interest letters in ST Forum with arguments coming from both ends. E.g. letters by Wong Choy Siong & Benjamin Chow with reference to your earlier letter and also your comment as above.
It is strange some of these writers although regulars at ST Forum would partake in forum at selected timing just to attack from their "loyal" side to hit the opposition parties. It is well known that letters published are edited as you noted above.
Of more concern is the way these writers take side against the opposition and how a press like ST would also take side. By taking away the above sentence, is it taking side? Are they liable to be sued? Certainly not. It is your letter.
Why had these other writers chosen to keep quiet and not eagerly written to the press and argued with zest when earlier CPIB probes against top civil servants were announced and rather slowly. Such actions speak for itself. As one writer fairly said, "don't practise double standards". Is this very much our political culture? I am afraid it is.
Its not personal. Christine is free to air her views just as you are Kin Lian.
I agree with ANON:February 14, 2012 7:45 AM call for transparency.
Let's start with cost of HDB flats.
11:31 am. Christine Lim is not airing her views, but making a personal attack and passing jugment. Who is she to judge other people?
By accusing Christine Lim of making a personal attack and passing judgment, are you yourself attacking personally and passing judgment, Mr TKL.
I think you need to buy a mirror.
Please note that my recommendation to buy a mirror is merely a proposal and should not be construed as a personal attack or judgment on your character or proclivities.
Bee Ting,
Are you able to tell the difference between what Christine Lim said about me and my character, and what I said about her "being judgmental"?
If you cannot tell the difference, I worry about what our education system in Singapore is producing.
I wish also to tell the difference between making a judgment of a person (which is more complex and should be avoided) or expressing an opinion on an issue or public interest.
Can you also tell the difference between making a judgement of other people (which Christine Lim had done), and replying to that personal attack (which I did)? Do you think that they are the same?
it is interesting to read all these comments. all i know is that human are human; no one can say i am perfectly honest and never in my lifetime ever lied to others. i think it should be ok if it does not casuse harm to people. then , let them make the judgement. we somtimes also tell lies to our children. is it funny ?. what the hack. enjoy now wnen u can and not to worry much about this world ! already so much problems at home.
"former Presidential candidate" refers to you, it is not a judgement it is a FACT.
Seriously, if she don't mention you as a "former Presidential candidate", I doubt the general public remembers who you are. Now that's my opinion.
TKL, and who are you to judge other people and/or pass judgment?
@5:15 pm. I do not judge other people. It is disappointing that you cannot tell the difference between passing judgement (and criticism) of a specific people, which is quite a trait among many people in Singapore and a general observation of the trait of a people, which is what I do. It reflects poorly on the maturity of our people.
@ 2:23 pm. Did you read the actual statement made by Christine Lim about the presidential candidate? I do not wish to repeat her defamatory remarks but you can search for them yourself. You can then tell me if she is factual or defamatory.
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