Looks like our AMK MP Inderjit Singh has a bee in his bonnet over the release of his email exchange over the Seng Han Thong Debacle. Two points to note - one, SBF is read by many and this has not been disputed shortly after it emerged. So lets move on to point 2 - transparency but I will start with a little background.
When I was provided with the email exchange, I immediately noticed Inderjit's request not to release it to the "social media". I realised that "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" was still wrapping itself around Singapore Politics. Out of correctness, I checked if the other party agreed or alluded to it. There was no such agreement. Inderjit did carry on and I suspect that brow beating was being attempted.
Firstly there was an open letter to all Indian MPs. Secondly, the writer was obviously concerned that no Indian MP was about to defend them out of fear, or for a multitude of reasons. He also clearly stated that 3 Malay MPs spoke up. He also noted that Inderjit made a comment on his FB but felt that it should be done openly and thru the media. The writer could have easily taken comfort with the coming holidays, rolled up his sarong and hit the hot thosai and pratas. But why did this person take the trouble to address this issue via his MP?
Secondly, why was the need to cloak a simple and straight forward request with a veil of secrecy. The Singaporean did not ask Inderjit to explain why "Terror Barracks" has got a supermarket catering for Americans manned by Pinoys. He did not ask if the latest submarine to be acquired has silent props. He also was not inquiring anything that was personal about Inderjit or anyone else. All he asked for was an Indian MP to speak up on behalf of Singapore Indians while the Malay Singaporeans had their lot covered and Halimah did a damn good job doing it for the Indians as well.
I personally don't blame Inderjit because his generation raised in Singapore in the belief that anything to do with Govt has to be screened, vetted and if not sure, it must be kept under wraps. I am also aware that it was MP that was on the Chinese faction that identified Sinna and him as young student leaders in NTU and mentored them. I do understand the sense of loyalty here.
I am sure we have clowns and idiots in this forum who genuinely belief that all emails between 2 parties which does not involve personal issue but matters of national interest and concern (except state secrets) must remain confidential. When asked to explain on what basis, they will digging deep and grasping for air. Even WP is known to operate on these lines.
I would however note that unlike Shanmugam and Hri Kumar, Inderjit did bring salvation to the Indian community in this matter when spoke to CNA and he made his entry in FB and sadly it was a Sikh that showed courage. 2 Indian MP jumped ship thinking they were duty bound to defend this client. 2 others took umbrage that they have one leg in the Chinese gene pool, while the third might not be the one wearing the pants in his home and he can be forgiven. I also not that the only opposition MP that is Indian might still be engaged in Durian tasting rounds in Malaysia with his constituents and I do remember, he did take a minority cert.
I would sincerely ask Inderjit to recognise this person for having the courage to reach out to his MP on behalf of Indian SIngaporeans who have served NS, paid Taxes and all other things that make them a Singaporean. Lets not blow them away and lets not handcuff them with confidentiality on the erroneous belief that it is the right thing to do.
When I was provided with the email exchange, I immediately noticed Inderjit's request not to release it to the "social media". I realised that "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" was still wrapping itself around Singapore Politics. Out of correctness, I checked if the other party agreed or alluded to it. There was no such agreement. Inderjit did carry on and I suspect that brow beating was being attempted.
Firstly there was an open letter to all Indian MPs. Secondly, the writer was obviously concerned that no Indian MP was about to defend them out of fear, or for a multitude of reasons. He also clearly stated that 3 Malay MPs spoke up. He also noted that Inderjit made a comment on his FB but felt that it should be done openly and thru the media. The writer could have easily taken comfort with the coming holidays, rolled up his sarong and hit the hot thosai and pratas. But why did this person take the trouble to address this issue via his MP?
Secondly, why was the need to cloak a simple and straight forward request with a veil of secrecy. The Singaporean did not ask Inderjit to explain why "Terror Barracks" has got a supermarket catering for Americans manned by Pinoys. He did not ask if the latest submarine to be acquired has silent props. He also was not inquiring anything that was personal about Inderjit or anyone else. All he asked for was an Indian MP to speak up on behalf of Singapore Indians while the Malay Singaporeans had their lot covered and Halimah did a damn good job doing it for the Indians as well.
I personally don't blame Inderjit because his generation raised in Singapore in the belief that anything to do with Govt has to be screened, vetted and if not sure, it must be kept under wraps. I am also aware that it was MP that was on the Chinese faction that identified Sinna and him as young student leaders in NTU and mentored them. I do understand the sense of loyalty here.
I am sure we have clowns and idiots in this forum who genuinely belief that all emails between 2 parties which does not involve personal issue but matters of national interest and concern (except state secrets) must remain confidential. When asked to explain on what basis, they will digging deep and grasping for air. Even WP is known to operate on these lines.
I would however note that unlike Shanmugam and Hri Kumar, Inderjit did bring salvation to the Indian community in this matter when spoke to CNA and he made his entry in FB and sadly it was a Sikh that showed courage. 2 Indian MP jumped ship thinking they were duty bound to defend this client. 2 others took umbrage that they have one leg in the Chinese gene pool, while the third might not be the one wearing the pants in his home and he can be forgiven. I also not that the only opposition MP that is Indian might still be engaged in Durian tasting rounds in Malaysia with his constituents and I do remember, he did take a minority cert.
I would sincerely ask Inderjit to recognise this person for having the courage to reach out to his MP on behalf of Indian SIngaporeans who have served NS, paid Taxes and all other things that make them a Singaporean. Lets not blow them away and lets not handcuff them with confidentiality on the erroneous belief that it is the right thing to do.
