Rear Admirer: I was merely trying to make JC students reflect deeply...

[makapaaa]

DPM Teo on why he asked students to ‘think’: I want them to think ‘deeply’ about their choices

Posted by temasektimes on June 8, 2012
Beleaguered Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean has stepped forward to explain his questionable performance during the Pre-University seminar held last week.
DPM Teo was accused by some participants of dodging questions posed by students and counter-asking them for solutions instead.
Many sensitive questions were raised during the seminar including the freedom of press in Singapore, the political system and the relentless influx of foreigners which appeared to be too ‘difficult’ for DPM Teo to handle.
Despite the desperate attempts by the state media to add a positive spin to the seminar to portray it as a ‘constructive dialogue’ between DPM Teo and the students, word soon got out on the internet showing otherwise.
On student from Saint Andrew Junior College Reuben Wang later blogged:
“The participants made it extremely clear they were dissatisfied with DPM Teo- and when we asked about our concerns which we do not know what can be done to solved, he will give the fucking ridiculous reply “What do you think (can be done)?”.
He was also disgusted with the answer given by DMP Teo to ‘smoke’ them and hurled vulgarities at him:
“We seek your opinion. You gave us none. And when someone manned up and replied, “I am 17 years old, I don’t know what to do”, the crowd went berserk in applause. Fxxk you, sir.”

However, in an interview with the state media, DPM Teo defended his ‘thinking’ questions:
“I had avoided simply giving students answers during the seminar as I wanted them to think deeply about the difficult choices they had to make,” he explained.
He added that he was glad Reuben realized he was ‘wrong’ without explaining why it was so:
“I am glad he has taken the time to reflect, and recognises that what he said, as well as the way he said it, were wrong.”
DPM Teo had taken the extra effort to ARRANGE for a special meeting with Reuben Wang and his parents on Thursday during which Reuben ‘apologized’ in his presence. He also said he now “understands” Mr Teo’s perspective “much more deeply now after consulting friends, teachers and netizens”.
So, after hearing what DPM Teo has to say:
WHAT DO YOU THINK?

[steffychun]

wrong? What is this? Primary school again?