I came across this Facebook status update cum selfie by PAP MP Baey Yam Keng:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203614747472428&set=p.10203614747472428&type=1&theater
Presumably taken this morning at around 9am, Mr Baey an MP from Tampines GRC lays into critics who claim that he 'gyms' during working hours only. He adds that this photo was taken in the Parliament library where he was doing some work for his residents. He goes on to say he's been up working since 6am!
(A selfie of Mr Baey Yam Keng working out. He has a habit of posting selfies of himself in action)
Those who are familiar with Mr Baey, know that he's been dubbed the 'Minister of Selfies!' For those who still don't know what selfies are, please see this Wikipedia link. MP Baey has over the years been a rather fervent uploader of such self-portraits showing him doing all sorts of good work.
(Mr Baey last created a buzz with this upload of a Nasi Padang meal that cost him just $2.50)
Well there's indeed a lot of buzz, a 'feel good factor' and a way of connecting with your electorate by using social media. Many politicians both here and abroad have not been slow to use social media to enhance their image. Mr Baey has taken it, shall we say - 'to an art form.'
However social media also works both ways and the more you try to enhance your image the more likely you will eventually trip up. The "Nasi Padang issue' last year, where he got charged just a mere $2.50 for a meal that's virtually impossible to procure anywhere today, simply because the stall holder recognised him. Instead of positive vibes, it ended up back firing on Mr Baey as being out of touch with food prices that ordinary Singaporeans have to fork out daily.
As so we come to this morning's selfie. It seems Mr Baey is a bit sensitive to criticisms about his 'non work activities' and feels he must rebut them. However this selfie instead of brushing those criticisms aside does the exact opposite. So you're in the House library doing constituency work? What do you want more? Is the $13,800 a month allowance given not enough to do this job? Do you need a bonus? Should the State employ a personal assistant for you?
And you've been up working since 6am!! Well blow me! You must be the only person in the whole country who's up at the time working, or the only one who's ever worked extra before or after work!
It's really a pity that MP Baey should resort to posting such a childish upload with those comments included. From what I gather, he's quite a good MP who's popular with residents and does try his best. Unfortunately with remarks like these, we must question whether his heart is really into it? Is he just doing it for show, or doing it that we ordinary citizens should be thankful that elites like him sacrifise some of their time to serve us?
Well that's the message or vibes I'm getting from this selfie. If this occurred in another democracy, you can be certain the Press would latch onto this, or at the very least demand an explanation from him. But hoping the MSM here will respond in kind is like waiting for Christmas to come early.
For Mr Baey, I have just this advice, hey take all the selfies you want. Plaster them all over your social media, it's all 'kosher.' But remember this cliché - 'Self-Praise is an International Disgrace.'
(You can also read this article on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/anyhowhantam)
Sir Nelspruit
*The writer blogs at http://anyhowhantam.blogspot.sg/