Open letter to PM Lee expressing unhappiness at his pro-foreigner policy: Accountability (Part 4)
By Tan Keng Leng, Guest Columnist
We want to see true equal opportunity employment i.e. no discrimination against the disabled and anyone over 35 by all employers and an end to discriminatory practices such as reduced salaries and employer CPF contributions.
After all, if the older workers are performing the same duties as their younger counterparts, then there’s absolutely no reason why they should be paid less. Likewise, we also want to see workers receive true protection from abusive managers, specifically; we want to see a whistleblower protection and an external third party abuse investigation program implemented immediately.
We are always being told that a whistleblower protection program can be abused by disgruntled workers, but what about workers being abused by corrupted managers?
For example, an honest worker refuses to falsify incident and accident reports as ordered by his corrupted manager because this will compromise the safety of his coworkers and possibly even the public.
Without whistleblower protection, how can this worker report such abuses of authority, especially since the current practice here seems to be that such reports will always be referred back to the company where the abuses are taking place for their own internal investigation?
Without whistleblower protection, the worker will be subjected to reprisals from the corrupted manager while the manager himself gets away scot-free because he would be investigating himself; in other words, the worker will pay the price for doing the right thing while the manager gets away with his abuses unpunished.
As for the argument that disgruntled workers will abuse a whistleblower protection system, wouldn’t a thorough proper investigation reveal whether there are genuine reasons for the workers’ grievances?
In a country that prides itself for its honesty and as being under the rule of law, there is absolutely no reason not to have a whistleblower protection system, especially since the only people who would fear such a program are those who have done actually something illegal that they want kept secret.
There’s something else we’re very unhappy about. When JI leader Mas
Selamat Kestari escaped from the Whitley Road Detention Center, we ordinary locals were rebuked by several government ministers who said that we were complacent.
With all due respect, in what way were we complacent? Given the sensitivity of his post, the commander of the WRDC would be an elite scholar; the officers escorting him were Nepalese Gurkhas, foreign talent in other words. So how exactly were we ordinary locals complacent and negligent when we had absolutely nothing to do with his escape?
Furthermore, the circumstances surrounding Kestari’s escape would seem totally ludicrous had they come from the pen of a Hollywood screenwriter.
The commander of the WRDC ignored repeated warnings that the design of the washroom was dangerous as someone could easily escape from it, especially given the lack of a window grill.
The chaotic response to his escape showed a total lack of contingency planning and preparedness.
Any ordinary person would know that someone can easily climb up a reinforced concrete shelf and out through an open window that has no grill, and likewise any ordinary person knows that contingency plans and regular emergency drills are absolutely necessary to prepare for any eventuality; so why is it then that an elite scholar didn’t take these possibilities seriously?
What about the Geylang Serai food poisoning debacle? We were told that it happened because we were complacent and had forgotten the lessons of good hygiene from the SARS days.
Again, with all due respect, how exactly were we complacent, that the victims didn’t wash their hands after using the toilet? In the very first place, who eats Indian rojak with their bare hands? It’s always eaten with a fork.
Also, several stallholders at the Geylang Serai temporary market reported that there was an unannounced rat eradication program carried out a day before the incident: if this was so, then would it not be possible that the gravy or ingredients at the Rojak Geylang Serai stall was actually contaminated with rat poison as well as the Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria?
Rat poisons are usually anticoagulants; similar compounds are prescribed to patients with hypertension, such as the two fatalities in the incident; might they have actually died as a result of the combined effects of the V. parahaemolyticus bacteria and the rat poison?
This theory would certainly explain why the usually mild V. parahaemolyticus bacteria could have been so virulent in this case, and why the two fatalities died. Was this possibility actually investigated, and if it was not, why not? Surely the victims and the families of the deceased deserve answers and closure? And surely we the people deserve answers as to how these debacles could have ever happened with all the “top talents” in charge?
Finally, we also want to see full accountability from all officials, whether from MPs or from CEOs in GLCs. As the taxpayers and stakeholders of the country, we deserve to know how and why our sovereign wealth funds lost as much money as they did.
We also want to see the Group Representation Constituency abolished immediately as we want each and every individual MP to be accountable for his or her statements or actions.
For example, we want Mr. Charles Chong to explain clearly why he called us ordinary locals “lesser mortals” as though he was some sort of deity, for Mr. Wee Siew Kim to explain why his daughter demanded that we ordinary locals “should get out of (her) elite uncaring face”, and for Er. Lee Bee Wah to explain exactly what former national table-tennis coach Mr. Liu Guo Dong did wrong during his tenure that she should describe him as a “person of questionable character”.
We also want to know why MoH Mr. Khaw Boon Wan was not aware if it was true that two managers in the North-West CDC received 8 months bonus each and for what reason, since according to MND Mr. Mah Bow Tan, the constituencies’ grassroots leaders, who in this case would be Mr. Khaw, deal directly with the People’s Association, the employers of the two managers when he explained why the two opposition MPs were not the ones to announce the lift upgrading programs in their respective constituencies.
As the people that these elected representatives are supposed to serve, we deserve answers to such matters of public interests from them as these, and if their answers are not forthcoming or are unsatisfactory, then we want our right to remove them as MPs restored and not have their positions shielded by government ministers.
Mr. Prime Minister, we have said all we have to say for now. We were told that the government is moving towards greater openness and inclusiveness, and that even frank feedback would be welcome as long as it is constructive.
We were also told that that we should offer constructive solutions as well and not simply criticize.
As such, we have already spoken with our voices and offered constructive alternative solutions to official policies here, and we want to see these measures implemented before the next general elections, and not just put forward as election promises that are subjected to review.
If they are not, then perhaps we should consider electing representatives who would speak for us and implement them for us instead.
Respectfully yours,
Several concerned netizens of Singapore.
Other parts in the series:
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Sad on Fri, 20th Nov 2009 10:12 am
Several concerned netizens of Singapore : My answer to you is simple fat hope. Just ask yourself why so many FT taking over your job?. Why so many true blue Sg leave sg?( their place of birth). Why so Ministers are pay millions and there people living from foot to mouth. If I were in their position, I am laughing all the way to the bank. Have you walk with your eyes open?
Goranisovich on Fri, 20th Nov 2009 10:52 am
At the last GE, did they tell us clearly how they were going to ‘calibrate’ the influx?
If so, can i say the people ACCEPTED these policies?
If so, what is there to complain?
There is only 1 way out.
fair and square on Fri, 20th Nov 2009 10:57 am
it’ok,just be fair.
let’s put some “PRs” from the opposition into parliament.
Don’t “STOP AT TWO”(CST AND LTK),AGEING POPULATION PROBLEM
you know…we need “foreign”(opposition)talents in singapore and in the HOUSE too!
David on Fri, 20th Nov 2009 11:29 am
LKY is already so damned bloody old and still drawing millions salaries. I find such double-standard pratices in Singapore arena puzzling. Beside, we have so many old folks in parliament collectively drawing billions of salaries from taxpayers. Are youngster funding these old politicians too much? What more is shocking than having expensive government making expensive mistakes without a single word of apologies.
Sad on Fri, 20th Nov 2009 11:43 am
Several concerned netizens of Singapore : Mr. Prime Minister, we have said all we have to say for now. We were told that the government is moving towards greater openness and inclusiveness. OMG, do we know who caused the loss investment in billions?
FTKilla on Fri, 20th Nov 2009 12:23 pm
boo hoo lets just kill these foreign “talent” and wipe out the lee dynasty. note: we don’t want them around. Keep them away!
eg: The Holocaust was “bad” and “bloody” but effective. And most importantly, it united the people under a single banner!(well, most of em anyways)
you think the Lees will do anything? PLz la! foreigners bring in money for who? for Lee right? you think they wanna kill their cashcow?
Violence is not the way but it brings results. All talk and no action is what got us LKY for how-many-bloody-years? So old still wanna get million dollar salary! man, he just refuses to die doesn’t he?
That’s just what we need, an eradication of the foreign invaders and their sympathizers aka the traitors of S’poreans and their jobs aka the Lee Dynasty.
smallfly on Fri, 20th Nov 2009 12:48 pm
excuse me, after so **many parts of letters**, is the writer trying to be the transport minister lim, the second? strong critic of pap at first and end up a ’sycophantic believer/supporter’ of pap with million-dollars remuneration package, yearly, I am not trying to disparage the writer’s intention in writing to lhl, but it just letting me wondering is he trying to ’score points’ with the ’son of the litter emperor’ or genuinely, wants Singapore to be a better place for “ALL citizens” to live in with dignity, i opine that pap has weighted all pro-and-con before the implementation of all major national policies–with the “brains”/input of all very, very…. well paid “”top-civil-servants==nerds”" put together, definitely, those “already” implemented policies, will be more beneficial for them(pap not the citizens) to gain than lose, so, instead of wasting time writing to lhl, why not spend more efforts to build-up or support the opposition parties to counterbalance the ruling party.
###stand-up for your own rights in a more dignified way, my dear hero!###
jolly on Fri, 20th Nov 2009 12:51 pm
this letter is so well written and informative. i checked the the validity of these information and conclude they are indeed unbiased and is true and fair . i guess the GE is coming and the results will deal a crushing blow to the party.
Nangista on Fri, 20th Nov 2009 1:15 pm
I feel that singaporeans have accepted the Loss and did not blame the govmin.
Maybe some have forgotten and forgiven.
VOTEWISE on Fri, 20th Nov 2009 1:34 pm
DON’T PUT THE BLAME ON THE FOREIGNERS…BLAME YOUR OWN
MASTERS AND BOSSES!
BUT BLAME ANYBODY IF YOU HAVE CHOSEN AND CONTINUE TO CJOOSE
YOUR MASTERS wrongly!!!
VOTEWISE on Fri, 20th Nov 2009 1:36 pm
sorry
but don’t balme anybody if you have chosen and continue to choose your masters wrongly.
thanx
cy on Fri, 20th Nov 2009 10:45 pm
a bit of history
In late Qing dynasty, 康有为 and 梁启超 submitted a long petition with the support of many scholars to Qing rulers. Later, Kang tried to reform the dynasty into constitutional monarchy,but unfortunately he and guangxu failed. the reformers were killed.
It takes 孙中山 to lead a revolution that overthrow the Qing dynasty with the help of 袁世凯 and local warlords.
This shows that trying to ask an unrepentant regime to change its spots is 难如登天. It is easier to change the ruler instead.
As buffett says:”Should you find yourself in a chronically leaking boat, energy devoted to changing vessels is likely to be more productive than energy devoted to patching leaks”
dd on Fri, 20th Nov 2009 10:58 pm
We don’t need a total eradication of the PAP, we need a balanced government. One that does not condescend us.
But first we need to smack the arrogance off the mouths of those in power. This election is your time.
Darth Vader on Sat, 21st Nov 2009 1:31 am
Admin, now that the series is complete, can it be compiled into an online petition to be submitted to PM Lee? If it can gather say 50,000 signatures, it will send a very strong message to him of the degree of dissatisfaction with his policies among the people. The petition can also be hosted on other political blogsites to widen its reach.
Darth Vader on Sat, 21st Nov 2009 1:36 am
Smallfly, as someone who knows the writer personally, I can assure you that he has absolutely no interest in politics or becoming an MP, let alone in becoming a government minister. He is simply somebody who is so sick of the government’s discriminatory policies that he thinks that it’s about time someone voiced out what almost everybody is thinking of but doesn’t dare say openly.
christopher on Sat, 21st Nov 2009 2:32 am
this is a horrible letter. what’s the point of this. it’s just a whole string of unrelated rants against PAP. things like these only make opposition and bloggers look like complainers with no substance. if i was a PAP MP or even a rational person i’ll take one look at this ramblings and throw it away. waste of time and space.
Wayang Guppo on Sat, 21st Nov 2009 10:44 am
Its a letter that allows them time to React.
Darth Vader on Sat, 21st Nov 2009 12:06 pm
“this is a horrible letter. what’s the point of this. it’s just a whole string of unrelated rants against PAP. ”
The whole point of it is to show exactly what the government has done wrong in recent years.
“things like these only make opposition and bloggers look like complainers with no substance.”
There were alternative solutions provided in it. The letter also demolished the standard replies e.g.”welfare will create a crutch mentality among the recipients” that the government usually gives.
“if i was a PAP MP or even a rational person i’ll take one look at this ramblings and throw it away. waste of time and space.”
So can you contribute an article providing a point by point rebuttal of his letter so as to show everyone exactly what is wrong with it?
“Its a letter that allows them time to React”
That’s the whole point. Either the government works to undo the damage caused by its policies or they get voted out.
hum is as hum does on Sat, 21st Nov 2009 2:21 pm
Either We Get Changed ,
or We Change.
no 2 ways about it.
Seriously on Sat, 21st Nov 2009 4:56 pm
@ Christopher on Sat, 21st Nov 2009 2:32 am
A lot of public policies has gone badly wrong. No use denying realities that is hurting our society and undermining its economic and political future.
Omega Lee on Sun, 22nd Nov 2009 7:53 pm
“That’s just what we need, an eradication of the foreign invaders and their sympathizers aka the traitors of S’poreans and their jobs aka the Lee Dynasty.”
To Mr Straw Man propagandist, all it takes is every citizen being affected by PAP’s immigration policy being angry enough to vote for the opposition. If you are so keen on violence, you should join someone who advocated using the army against Singaporean citizens in case of a “freak election”.
By sweeping this issue under the rug, ignoring the problem and insulting citizens with their paid monkeys’ condescending propaganda, the government will feel a strong backlash come next election. Xie Xie.
Monkey on Mon, 23rd Nov 2009 5:15 pm
Singapore is akin to a BIG shopping mall. Companies come and set their “shops” here. The buyers are foreign and the sellers are foreign. where do you guys fit in?
Singapore only has a handfull of world class firms it can be proud of (SIA, temasek aside). Most people say No to FTs. This country lives off foreign money and investment. with out that singapore will die the death of dinosaurs. FTs are not a luxury, Singaporeans work for them and live off them. They feed your economy. Sure companies have amoral obligation to hire Singaporeans as they operate in their homeland but at the end of the day they are not a charity, they need good people. If they cant find any here, that too bad. Rings a bell!
Sad on Tue, 24th Nov 2009 9:35 am
Darth:He is simply somebody who is so sick of the government’s discriminatory policies that he thinks that it’s about time someone voiced out what almost everybody is thinking of but doesn’t dare say openly.
There is no need for sg people to voiced out in the internet, we all know. The fear of voicing out in the open clearly show there is a lack of courage and guts in sg people. So, make the right choice. Writing to PM is as good as throwing the white towel.