Archive for June 2011
Georgie Boy – what’s the rush?
I have no doubt you have the qualifications to become president of our tiny Republic, but I think it is too soon for you to run for the post.
Just over a month ago, you were rejected by the voters of Aljunied GRC. Instead of aspiring for the presidency, you ought to focus on how to wipe away the stigma of defeat and redeem your honour by selfless public service, such as pushing for reforms that will benefit the average Singaporean.
What happened? One month ago you said you were a free-spirit and not suited for that high office and then practically overnight you think you are eminently qualified for the most prestigious job in the land.
Even with the backing of the PAP government, which I am sure has already endorsed your candidacy victory is still not a certainty.
You might still smile after one defeat; two in a row might be a little traumatic.
Even if you win, the victory might not do much to salvage your reputation. Just imagine the headlines from our neighbouring press: Rejected in Aljunied, but welcome to the Istana or Defeated PAP leader becomes the next President.
This will leave a bad taste in the mouth for years.
In Singapore, with your background of years of loyal service to the PAP, how much respect do you think you will get from the average Singaporean? Do you think you have what it takes to do a better job than the late Ong Teng Cheong?
To be regarded as a People’s president – as opposed to being a PAP president – is something that you have to earn the hard way; you may need to reinvent yourself, and be brave, and prove yourself first on the reform front, before you can win the trust of all Singaporeans.
You may learn something by looking at Lee Hsien Loong: He waited patiently for 14 long years as deputy PM before assuming the top job, and when he did, he had the near unanimous support of the people. If he had been impatient, he would not have reaped such goodwill from the populace.
No doubt, if you contest for President in August as I think you will, it will be good for the PAP. But, will it be good for Singapore? More important, will it be good for you?
So George, think again. Five years down the road might be a more auspicious time for you to vie for the top job.
Ismail Kassim
8 June 2011
