Minister George Yeo's last Media Conference on Tue 10 May 2011

I watched all the Razor TV video clips on GY's last media conference at MFA yesterday evening.

He was all alone in facing the press. The image was initially a little forlorn looking.  Is that what it means when a final decision is made to call it quits? 

Somehow it brought back all those feelings when I first announced about my desire to give up my portfolio and ask for a transfer as well as a 6-month extended leave break.  The sense of alienation immediately permeates the air around and formed an indelible barrier between me and the colleagues, peers and boss whom I have worked very hard with for almost 14 years.

GY put on a brave front and made a very short but personal speech.  Sincere, genuine and personal.  One gets the sense that he is saying goodbye to his friends.  I could sense his immense disappointment and thought I saw his efforts to squash that deeply abiding sense of "betrayal" (I can't find a better word to describe) from emerging during the press conference.  After all, despite his hectic overseas travel and larger national and international priorities and concerns, he has spent the last 23 years working in the same constituency while moving to so many different ministries and taking on so many different projects.  It must have hit home really hard that the past 23 years of personal efforts, friendship and hard work somehow could not overturn the strong political tide that swept through Aljunied GRC, even in his very own ward in Bedok Reservoir.

There were a few things that he said that were etched very deeply in my mind:

• The occasional need to "shake the box" - the present structure, system, processes and mechanisms of feedback in order to reach and engage the ground more accurately and closely

• His wistful expression when he uttered "I wish I had a mandate from the people of Aljunied to be a strong advocate on such transformation, but I don't..."

• His deftness in deflecting questions about his wish to be a "voice of reform" (which he changed to "transform" during the media conference) within PAP and when asked to identify the key factors that he would bring up in order to push for such transformation.   Somehow, I wonder if he has that sense of regret of not trying hard enough during the past 23 years to be the stronger unorthodox voice and free spirit that he is within the party.  I am sure being caught up with the daily and more pressing national and international issues for the government meant that something has to give and that is ignoring the nagging sense of growing disquiet and cry from the heart of the people and the need to get the political party to take action to address

• Lastly, he was so spot on in identifying the undeniable shift in the political landscape - both in Singapore and globally - that transcends beyond geographical boundaries.  He recognized the need to engage with special interest groups with causes that go beyond the GRCs that people live in.  I was so happy when he said that cos that's why I felt that the way the PAP government has been so dependent on the PA with its elaborate structure of CCC, CC, RCs and its huge network of GROs somehow has aggravated the political party's alienation from the ground.  I believe that are so many other ways to engage and align with the present day Singapore generation (and it's not only the Gen Y but also the Gen X and Baby Boomers).

I am also excited by the fact that GY will be embarking on a new phase of his life and that he is looking forward to planning it along with his family.  Singapore has to learn to deal and live with our decision and choice.  We have "told" him in no uncertain terms that he is dispensable especially in the over-riding national need to have an elected voice of opposition in the parliament.  We must therefore live with the fact that we have lost a man of rare distinction who could have continued another 5 years of precious service and contribution to our beloved country.

I am so glad that he is not running for elected presidency...it will be too limiting and I totally agree that he is (LOL) definitely not "temperamentally suited" for such a role!

I cannot forget the last image of him both on Razor TV and as well as in the Straits Times today on page A6 - clearing and stacking his papers before taking his leave.  I couldn't help but shed tears in seeing such a good man go...

Tampines Eco Green

Bioswales - natural streams

We have not figured out what these are for



Mimosa - yellow and pink flowers

Flush-free, Eco Toilet



Spider web!



View through a bird hide window

  

Post-GE 2011 Thoughts

I have mixed feelings about the SG General Election results.  I am glad that despite the emotive tide that has swept through the minds, hearts and souls of Singaporeans for the past 9 days or so (and one that at times threatened to turn into a tsunami), Singaporeans are still a rational lot.

We have elected PAP as our ruling government.  But we have chosen to have more elected opposition MPs even at the expense of giving up 3 ministers, 1 potential 4-G leader and another MP who has dedicated so many years of service in her constituency. 

Singaporeans have made our choice.  I only wish that WP will live up to its promises to achieve a First World Parliament in Singapore through its robust, rational & realistic approach to question, clarify, and as well as offer alternative solutions.  Alternative views should not be confined to empty debates, criticisms, lofty and impassioned words but they must be accompanied by well considered questions, push for evidence-based justification, presentation of sound alternative policies etc.  Above all, they must be based on shared values and convictions as well as a genuine desire to achieve the better good for all Singaporeans.

It's time to rein in all the ventilated emotions, calm ourselves down and heal the wounds and scars that have been ripped open during the past 2 weeks or so.

As Singaporeans, perhaps this is the best time to think hard about our Shared Values (what is it that we Singaporeans really treasure most) and together with the PAP and WP, forge a common vision anchored on this set of values to bring Singapore to the next level.

Why did WP score so well at the ground level?

I see real passion - a fire in the belly and a powerful conviction that resonates, connects and unites both the party activists as well as their supporters.

PAP has for a very very long while been very dependent and reliant on the PA & GRO machinery.  Maybe the first hard look that it has to take is the channels and networks that they have long depended on - to see if the people are there for the right motivations and if they are the best people to relay the real sentiments from the grounds to the leaders.

My personal previous experience with some grassroots leaders (very few I must say) left me feeling that this could be one of the key reasons why the PAP has lost much emotional connection with the people of Singapore.

Lastly to GY - it really pained my heart so much to see him go.  He is about the only Minister whom I respect and like in the entire Cabinet and PAP government.  I remembered thinking in the earlier part of the campaign period that somehow there is no one in the PAP camp that I can identify, champion and pledge my undying allegiance to...not even LHL, not until he stepped forward to say sorry. In GY, we have lost a very outstanding Foreign Minister (also our former MITA minister who has brought us our world-class library system that has won many many accorlades worldwide once upon a time).

As a citizen, I am very grateful to our leaders (past and present) for where Singapore is now.  I look forward to the new batch of future leaders (PAP or WP) to join forces together to lead Singapore and Singaporeans to a Better and Secure Future.  I pray for the same passion and fire in the belly (even if they have different political aspirations and ideals) to remain and grow in all our elected leaders and may they be really genuine and sincere in wanting to engage, listen and act on our behalf.

Likewise, as a responsible citizen of Singapore, I should not be contented with just voicing concerns but also have a willing and open heart to engage and connect with our leaders.  Constructive discontent can be a positive force to push up to up our standards and imbue a positive competitive element to help us do better.

To the defeated PAP team from Aljunied GRC - thank you so much for your dedicated work and service to Singapore!