I have met Dr Chee Soon Juan a few times at some events. In our short meetings, Dr Chee has been kind enough to give me some advice on how to handle things, especially with the lawsuit that I am facing from Lee Hsien Loong.
Over the years, Dr Chee has become more statesman-like. The PAP has dragged his reputation and character down over the past decade, just like they have tried to do to mine.
Even now, they continue to do so to Dr Chee, with Chan Chun Sing and now, Jeremy Chen, doing so. I do know the intentions of Jeremy but if he is truly concerned about the future of Singapore, then I question why he would attempt to take all the credit from SDP and would malign the SDP.
At the current juncture in Singapore’s history, we need everyone to work together to help our country move forward.
The SDP and Dr Chee has come out with some credible policies on housing, healthcare, education and even on the ministerial salaries. Do visit their website. The SDP has built up a serious platform with which to champion policy changes on. I look forward to seeing Dr Chee and SDP represent the voices of Singaporeans in government.
Whilst some of us might not agree with Dr Chee on his past activism, there is not a doubt that without Dr Chee having paved the way as had Mr J. B. Jeyaretnam before him, and as Mr Chiam See Tong and Mr Low Thia Kiang have, some of the changes we see in Singapore today would not have been possible. All of them have contributed to allowing the voices of Singaporeans to be better heard.
This is not the time for us to be divided. I know some of the people among the opposition and activists have questioned my actions as well but it is not in my interest nor in the interests of our country to be petty or take to heart passing remarks. I continue to respect the parties and the activists for the great work they have done.
We need to be united. Singapore, as many of us, have recognised, is at a turning point. We have a shining opportunity to put our country back on the right path, and reverse some of the damage that has been done to our country.
Where the first generation politicians have moulded Singapore in the first 20 years of Singapore’s history after independence from the British, to become what it is today, many of us are worried that the policies over the last 10 years will instead thwart Singapore’s development.
We don’t have to sit and worry. We have a chance today where we can think about how we as individuals can help move our country forward, be it coming forward and speaking up, be it understanding what is happening in Singapore and thinking about what new policies can be created to move Singapore along.
We have to be united. I put my faith in Dr Chee, as well as in the other political parties, such as the Worker’s Party, SingFirst, Singapore’s People Party and even Mr Kenneth Jeyaretnam who has been improving in his engagement, and who has also been speaking up for me.
But we cannot achieve a Singapore that we believe in by only hoping and praying that the government will change and waiting for the opposition to do something.
If we do not start taking action to take responsibility for ourselves and our own lives, what hope do we have and where will waiting bring us?
It’s time we speak up and support the parties on their policy platforms, and to volunteer with them. It is time we take an active interest in our country’s situation and to think about what policies need to be implemented.
When we have a new government, they need all the help they can get to turn a new page for Singapore and bring us into a new chapter.
So let us not be distracted by the Chan Chun Sings and Jeremy Chens who continue to mugsling at their opponents. As Dr Chee has said, “For the sake of Singaporeans, let us go beyond such an un-constructive form of politics which Singaporeans detest and graduate to a more mature level of contestation of ideas which the people deserve.”
If you see our opposition members and activists be criticised and if you think it is unfair, take to your Facebook, Twitter or blog and speak up against such ill behaviour, as I have now. Let us know what one another are thinking and let us share our thoughts with one another. Let us shape a new unity to help protect the ones who champion for us, and to also protect our future, by standing up and taking a stand today.
Roy Ngerng
*The author blogs at www.TheHeartTruths.com