Dear Sir,
I would like to start this letter with a quote from the former head of the civil service, Ngiam Tong Dow, who said:
“[It] started going downhill when we started to raise ministers’ salaries, not even pegging them to the national salary but aligning them with the top ten (earners in private sector).
“When you raise ministers’ salaries to the point that they’re earning millions of dollar(s), every minister — no matter how much he wants to turn up and tell (PM Lee) Hsien Loong off or whatever — will hesitate when he thinks of his million-dollar salary.”
Historically, dynasties and their system of eunuchs will eventually cause the country to implode. We should learn from history.
When the system allows the level of unquestionable and absolute allegiance to filters down to the level of the grassroots (as we can observe in the 'cheongsam lady' behaviour), it no longer reflects or represents the truth from the ground. Hence, a danger to the country. A leader who endorses this kind of practice is doing a disservice to his people. There are no longer constructive feedback from within.
In a society looking forward to grow and mature, opposing views must be allowed and encouraged; not silenced. Even if opposing views may be somewhat incorrect, it is more due to the lack of available information; and not lack of talent and definitely not lack of commitment for the country.
It is time for Singaporeans to seek and listen to all opposing views; to be better informed of the truth, and to seriously consider an alternative to this one party system that (in my opinion) no longer works.
Thank you for your time.
God Bless
A Third Generation Citizen
TRS Contributor