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May 21, 2011
Beware of snuffing out the capable too early
THE recent calls for renewal in the PAP and the phasing out of older political office-holders to make way for young blood is nothing short of disconcerting to those who are not so young.
I am in my 40s and while I understand the need for rejuvenation within party ranks and other institutions, I cannot help but feel it is unduly premature to snuff out those who are still capable of making significant contributions to society.
Injecting new blood in order to ensure that leaders can better connect and engage with the younger generation may not necessarily be wise, given the fact that these younger leaders have not earned their spurs and may not command the same respect and gravitas as elder statesmen who have proven their mettle.
Increasingly, I have the feeling that age is viewed more as a liability than an asset. Workers seem to be stamped with a use-by date and are considered expendable once they reach their 50s, even though the retirement age is continually being extended. My concern is that companies and organisations often take the cue from the Government, and may arbitrarily institute a renewal process and sideline mature workers who may not all be dead wood.
In politics, the Government has also pledged to listen more to younger voters just because they have become a demographic force to be reckoned with. What about the opinions and concerns of older voters? Don't we matter any more?
Just because we may not be as active on social media websites does not mean we are less vocal or censorious of government policies. After all, we too pay taxes and have a stake in the kind of country we want.
This constant harping on youth ad nauseam and the concomitant marginalisation of the elderly smacks of the mindset of Singapore Inc - invariably viewing everything in cold, clinical, economic terms.
I find it downright dispiriting to have to worry that Singapore may cease to be a welcoming home once one reaches the end of one's productive shelf-life. Is there any assurance whatsoever that this country will continue to look after those who played a part in nation-building in their prime? I hope my fears can be allayed.
Marietta Koh (Mrs)
Are we becoming a nation of complaint kings?
I DISAGREE with comments that our electorate has matured. Judging from the uncultured remarks on online forums, posting boards and Facebook, Singapore's image in the world has suffered a great blow.
The older generation enjoyed much progress from an iron-fist style of government. We trusted our leaders to make the right decisions for the nation and remained positive in times of adversity. We stayed united and swallowed bitter pills for the sake of our overall good.
The younger generation has taken the success of today for granted. They are clearly rebellious, disrespectful, ungrateful and ungracious towards our respectable, world-class leaders.
Will Singapore become a nation of "complaint kings"? All I hear are negative comments about our leaders. It is easy to criticise policies, as every solution will result in winners and losers.
Do people think money drops from the sky when they want costs to be cut in every area? How could we have achieved first class status in finance, health care, transportation, housing infrastructure, education, legal system, network connectivity, environment and defence without our top ministerial brains?
The new generation thinks it is fashionable to be anti-government. They spread hate messages in cyberspace. All praises for policies are rebutted with protests.
Instead of complaining, one should think of the positive side of our policies. If one thinks a policy is unfair, explain why and suggest better alternatives. Always look at the big picture and be gracious to accept counter-arguments.
Look for opportunities to earn higher wages. Be appreciative of what we have and do not put the blame on others.
The good governance and stable economy has enabled my business to grow over the years, even when times were bad.
Having the right mindset is the first step towards a First World society - a class of understanding, tolerant and respectful citizens.
Alice Chong (Ms)
May 21, 2011
Beware of snuffing out the capable too early
THE recent calls for renewal in the PAP and the phasing out of older political office-holders to make way for young blood is nothing short of disconcerting to those who are not so young.
I am in my 40s and while I understand the need for rejuvenation within party ranks and other institutions, I cannot help but feel it is unduly premature to snuff out those who are still capable of making significant contributions to society.
Injecting new blood in order to ensure that leaders can better connect and engage with the younger generation may not necessarily be wise, given the fact that these younger leaders have not earned their spurs and may not command the same respect and gravitas as elder statesmen who have proven their mettle.
Increasingly, I have the feeling that age is viewed more as a liability than an asset. Workers seem to be stamped with a use-by date and are considered expendable once they reach their 50s, even though the retirement age is continually being extended. My concern is that companies and organisations often take the cue from the Government, and may arbitrarily institute a renewal process and sideline mature workers who may not all be dead wood.
In politics, the Government has also pledged to listen more to younger voters just because they have become a demographic force to be reckoned with. What about the opinions and concerns of older voters? Don't we matter any more?
Just because we may not be as active on social media websites does not mean we are less vocal or censorious of government policies. After all, we too pay taxes and have a stake in the kind of country we want.
This constant harping on youth ad nauseam and the concomitant marginalisation of the elderly smacks of the mindset of Singapore Inc - invariably viewing everything in cold, clinical, economic terms.
I find it downright dispiriting to have to worry that Singapore may cease to be a welcoming home once one reaches the end of one's productive shelf-life. Is there any assurance whatsoever that this country will continue to look after those who played a part in nation-building in their prime? I hope my fears can be allayed.
Marietta Koh (Mrs)
Are we becoming a nation of complaint kings?
I DISAGREE with comments that our electorate has matured. Judging from the uncultured remarks on online forums, posting boards and Facebook, Singapore's image in the world has suffered a great blow.
The older generation enjoyed much progress from an iron-fist style of government. We trusted our leaders to make the right decisions for the nation and remained positive in times of adversity. We stayed united and swallowed bitter pills for the sake of our overall good.
The younger generation has taken the success of today for granted. They are clearly rebellious, disrespectful, ungrateful and ungracious towards our respectable, world-class leaders.
Will Singapore become a nation of "complaint kings"? All I hear are negative comments about our leaders. It is easy to criticise policies, as every solution will result in winners and losers.
Do people think money drops from the sky when they want costs to be cut in every area? How could we have achieved first class status in finance, health care, transportation, housing infrastructure, education, legal system, network connectivity, environment and defence without our top ministerial brains?
The new generation thinks it is fashionable to be anti-government. They spread hate messages in cyberspace. All praises for policies are rebutted with protests.
Instead of complaining, one should think of the positive side of our policies. If one thinks a policy is unfair, explain why and suggest better alternatives. Always look at the big picture and be gracious to accept counter-arguments.
Look for opportunities to earn higher wages. Be appreciative of what we have and do not put the blame on others.
The good governance and stable economy has enabled my business to grow over the years, even when times were bad.
Having the right mindset is the first step towards a First World society - a class of understanding, tolerant and respectful citizens.
Alice Chong (Ms)
