The termination of a person’s contract of employment is usually a private matter unless a claim is lodged with the courts and reporters make it newsworthy. I have never heard of a case where an employer issues a press statement soon after terminating its employee’s contract until the recent case of Tan Tock Seng Hospital v Roy Ngerng. Despite the fact that Roy Ngerng was once its “poster boy”, TTSH went all out to smear his name and make sub judice comments on his pending case.
Dismissal and termination of employment contracts are not extraordinary matters. They happen every day. And they are strictly private matters. Employers and employees part for various reasons. Why then did TTSH after giving the required contractual notice to terminate Roy Ngerng's employment with one month’s salary issue the press release? Roy had not done anything to provoke such a response. In fact, he had accepted the termination of his contract philosophically, admitting that the prime minister’s defamation suit had somehow affected his life and work. Who wouldn’t be stressed out with such a law suit commenced in the High Court?
So what was TTSH's motive? Did anyone instigate the issue of the press release?
It was probably not a coincidence that shortly after TTSH’s statement was released, the Ministry of Health chimed in with a statement supporting its decision and commenting on Roy Ngerng's integrity. MOH is not a party to the contract of employment and has no business to add fuel to fire.
The conduct of TTSH and MOH is most unprofessional and disturbing. These are public institutions, the former with an international reputation. Whoever was responsible for the issue of the press releases needs to be investigated and made accountable to the public.
Singaporeans have long been trodden by the government. We have lost all our fundamental rights guaranteed under our Constitution. Today however, there is hope. Singaporeans are finding their feet and standing up to defend and reclaim their rights, rights that have been lost over decades of PAP unchallenged rule. Singaporeans will no longer be pushovers. While Roy Ngerng may not be the poster boy of TTSH, he has become the poster boy for Singaporeans.
Singaporeans will not tolerate big and powerful bullies with billions in their bank accounts and battalions of fawning supporters. Roy Ngerng is the hero of the person in the street. His supporters will give the bullies a good run for their money. Just watch.
Teo Soh Lung
*Article first appeared on https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=662404333838487&set=a.2965781304...