If he had done so he would not be lamenting about the “loosening ties” between the government and the people of Singapore at his National Day speech on August 17 2014. He would also not be so perturbed about the “unrealistic demands and frequent criticism” that would “strain the cohesiveness of the Singapore family”.
When Catherine Lim wrote the article “The PAP and the People – A Great Affective Divide” 20 years ago, she had no way of knowing that Singapore politics would develop to such a fractious state today. But at that point she was merely issuing a fair warning to the then PM Goh Chok Tong to improve its style of governance and not to hector, bully and issue legal suits so freely. Unfortunately he chose to take offence at her well-intentioned piece and went on to create the term “OB Markers” to warn non-politicians to steer clear of politics.
Two decades later when Catherine Lim wrote an open letter to PM Lee, ESM Goh found himself ironically wearing the author’s shoes having to urge the Lee Hsien Loong government to “prove itself worthy of its citizens by being compassionate, willing to listen and engage yet also be firm to do the right thing”. Can he now as a wiser Emeritus Senior Minister prevail upon his successor to pass the “family test” and call off its legal hound in order to regain the trust of the people?
It would be a great pity if this trust is not regained especially when we are so near the VTO Waterloo. The ball is at his successor’s feet and there should not be any OB markers in asking him to be compassionate. After all Roy Ngerng is also a fellow citizen who has the nation and the people’s interest at heart too. It would be good to call off the High Court hearing slated for 18th September 2014.
Patrick Low