Ex-scholarship holder in opposition? No big deal

[Janet]

27884.1
Jan 30, 2010
Ex-scholarship holder in opposition? No big deal

http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/STIStory_484046.html

I REFER to the report on a former government scholarship holder joining an opposition party ('Ex-Admin Service officer joins Reform', Jan 20).

While some have hailed this as a significant plus for the opposition, I view it as a non-event.

First, many talented graduates have joined the ranks of the opposition in recent years, but many of them have opted to keep out of the spotlight, preferring to build a credible profile first. For example, Workers' Party secretary-general and Member of Parliament for Hougang, Mr Low Thia Khiang, mentioned recently that his party has been recruiting new members, many of whom are probably academically well qualified.

Second, I agree with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's assessment that we should not judge political candidates based on their paper credentials, but on what they can do for society. Using Mr Lee's yardstick, I judge many opposition candidates favourably as they provide an alternative voice for the people, regardless of their qualifications. In fact, good grades are irrelevant to being a good politician, as the work of serving the community requires the heart more than the head.

It is time we look past superficial measures of success like academic credentials, and pay more attention to an individual's track record at work and in community service, which are more accurate indicators of his calibre.

Ng E-Jay

 

[QXD]

 

[Janet]

??????????

 

[Tiu Kwang Yew]

no lah, last time they say wear slippers sure no good for voters .

but now, when people wear shoes oredi, and have some papers, they say not important oredi.

remember Chiam see tong case---GCE o level compare to mah pok tan.

now elections can have taxi driver and hawker to join , ah Loong tell voters that vote for a good heart---hawker , whore, taxi driver also can---heart good ok oredi.

this is what ah jay try to say....right?

 

[popdod]

remember Chiam see tong case---GCE o level compare to mah pok tan.
this is what ah jay try to say....right?

What he said ish benefiting to the oppositions.


:p

 

[Ah Guan]

I agree with the email. If voters make their choices due to candidates' credentials, then sinkapore will still be run the same.

The scholar-politician model had stopped working after George Yeo and Teo Chee Hian.