I refer to the article “PA withdraws Istana party invite to Tan Cheng Bock” (Straits Ties, Feb 8).
It states that “Replying, Mr Lim said in a statement that it was “most unfortunate that PA made the mistake of using the old list instead of the updated list”.
This time, instead of inviting all former grassroots advisers “repeatedly for 10, 30 years or more”, the PA limited the guest list to only those who retired in the 2011 election, he said.
Mr Lim added: “We are sorry for the error, and this is why I phoned Dr Tan and the other affected invitees personally to explain the mistake, and followed up with personal e-mail to apologise again.”
PA could not be reached for the names of others who were wrongly invited.
The Straits Times spoke to 10 MPs who retired before 2011.
Those invited this time included Mr Andy Gan, who served one term as MP till 2006, Mr Othman Haron Ensofe who served from 1988 to 2006, and Dr S Vasoo, who retired in 2001 but continues as a second adviser to Teck Ghee grassroots.
Mr Loh Meng See, who retired in 2006, was not invited.”
The most asked question today for Singaporeans may be – “Who else was “wrongly” invited? How many “wrongly invited” did the Minister personally call to apologise?
We await with anticipation the PA’s response.
If you look at the former grassroots advisers whom the Straits Times quoted in the subject article – clearly some who did not meet the criteria in the Minister’s explanation were invited – “the PA limited the guest list to only those who retired in the 2011 election”.
So, perhaps like the Chinese proverb – “the bull’s head don’t match the horses’ mouth”?
Uniquely Singapore!
Leong Sze Hian
*Leong is the Past President of the Society of Financial Service Professionals, an alumnus of Harvard University, has authored 4 books, quoted over 1500 times in the media , has been host of a money radio show, a daily newspaper column, Wharton Fellow, SEACeM Fellow, columnist for Malaysiakini, executive producer of the movie Ilo Ilo (24 international awards). He has served as Honorary Consul of Jamaica and founding advisor to the Financial Planning Associations of Brunei and Indonesia. He has 3 Masters, 2 Bachelors and 13 professional qualifications.