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http://www.tremeritus.com/2015/08/21/a-malaysian’s-encounter-with-a-singapore-minister/
[h=2]A Malaysian’s encounter with a Minister Chan[/h]
August 21st, 2015 |
Author: Online
Press
(20 Aug) – 8 years ago, I came to Singapore to pursue my undergraduate
studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS), a decision that would
later lead me to continue working —and more importantly, living — in
Singapore.
During my time at NUS, all undergraduates had to take up Singapore Studies, a
compulsory module for students to gain a deeper understanding
of Singapore’s history, as well as her nation building efforts. It was through
this module that I first came to know about the political background of
Singapore, its governing structure, the concept of gerrymandering, and of
course, the elections.
Like many of my peers, I am somewhat apolitical: we read what the media
says about certain ministers, and we allow the media to shape our perceptions of
ministers in Singapore. Most of us will probably never get the chance to meet
any ministers up close anyway.
So when NTUC invited me to an intimate media session with labour chief and
NTUC’s Secretary-General Chan Chun Sing, there was no reason for me to say no.
It was probably the only time that I would get to meet with a minister in a
relaxed setting, I figured.
As soon as Minister Chan entered the room, the chatter faded; he went around
introducing himself to each of us, and assured us that this would be similar to
his regular meet-the-people sessions. All of us were free to voice our concerns
and to ask him work-related or personal questions.
While I came prepared with some casual questions, the tone of the
conversation was geared towards a more intellectual discussion about the various
policies that had been implemented by the government over the past few years. I
did not manage to ask the minister anything (“What was the hardest decision you
had to make?”), but I did listen attentively to how Minister Chan responded to
the various questions raised by other media representatives.
It dawned on me, then, just how much more fortunate and blessed Singapore
(and Singaporeans) were in comparison to my fellow Malaysians.
….
It was through the session that I realised that Singaporeans and Singapore is
blessed with great talents in the Cabinet who truly put the interests of
Singaporeans above all else. Most of us do not follow Parliamentary debates
or dwell on how policies are made; we often complain about policies only after
they have been introduced. However, the conversation with Minister Chan
convinced me that policies in Singapore have all been properly thought through,
and we can be assured that the government has got the backs of all Singaporeans
— no one will be left out.
….
And as I walked out of the building where we met Minister Chan, I couldn’t
help but mumble to myself, “Singaporeans are so much more fortunate than
Malaysians.” Pretty sure a lot of my fellow Malaysians feel the same
too.
[h=2]A Malaysian’s encounter with a Minister Chan[/h]
August 21st, 2015 |
Author: Online
Press
(20 Aug) – 8 years ago, I came to Singapore to pursue my undergraduate
studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS), a decision that would
later lead me to continue working —and more importantly, living — in
Singapore.
During my time at NUS, all undergraduates had to take up Singapore Studies, a
compulsory module for students to gain a deeper understanding
of Singapore’s history, as well as her nation building efforts. It was through
this module that I first came to know about the political background of
Singapore, its governing structure, the concept of gerrymandering, and of
course, the elections.
Like many of my peers, I am somewhat apolitical: we read what the media
says about certain ministers, and we allow the media to shape our perceptions of
ministers in Singapore. Most of us will probably never get the chance to meet
any ministers up close anyway.
So when NTUC invited me to an intimate media session with labour chief and
NTUC’s Secretary-General Chan Chun Sing, there was no reason for me to say no.
It was probably the only time that I would get to meet with a minister in a
relaxed setting, I figured.
As soon as Minister Chan entered the room, the chatter faded; he went around
introducing himself to each of us, and assured us that this would be similar to
his regular meet-the-people sessions. All of us were free to voice our concerns
and to ask him work-related or personal questions.
While I came prepared with some casual questions, the tone of the
conversation was geared towards a more intellectual discussion about the various
policies that had been implemented by the government over the past few years. I
did not manage to ask the minister anything (“What was the hardest decision you
had to make?”), but I did listen attentively to how Minister Chan responded to
the various questions raised by other media representatives.
It dawned on me, then, just how much more fortunate and blessed Singapore
(and Singaporeans) were in comparison to my fellow Malaysians.
….
It was through the session that I realised that Singaporeans and Singapore is
blessed with great talents in the Cabinet who truly put the interests of
Singaporeans above all else. Most of us do not follow Parliamentary debates
or dwell on how policies are made; we often complain about policies only after
they have been introduced. However, the conversation with Minister Chan
convinced me that policies in Singapore have all been properly thought through,
and we can be assured that the government has got the backs of all Singaporeans
— no one will be left out.
….
And as I walked out of the building where we met Minister Chan, I couldn’t
help but mumble to myself, “Singaporeans are so much more fortunate than
Malaysians.” Pretty sure a lot of my fellow Malaysians feel the same
too.
