Anti-government brainwashing is as potent and dangerous as government brainwashing. For a nation to prosper, there needs to be good government.
In a brainwashing that sees the government as the problem and the enemy, we inadvertently undermine the very foundation of our country. Why?
Government is a reflection of the people whether we like it or not. It is a result of our collective journeys. To reject our current government, regardless of their party affiliation, is to reject our fellow countrymen; those who hold office and those who voted for them.
Make no mistake. The government is NOT the PAP.
The PAP is a political party and no political party is EVER bigger than the country it serves. The Government is the representatives and the representation of the people.
What we want is good government and not "no government" or just "any" government and certainly not "anything but the PAP" government. The latter is short sighted, reactionary and probably born out of a somewhat understandable anger on many fronts. At best, justified anger. At worst, a destructive declaration.
I say again. The Government is by the people through elections (albeit sometimes seemingly unfair and flawed but only reflects the times we live in) and for the people for whom they are called to serve. The PAP brought us through the tumultuous years of the 60s to the 90s. Like it or not, that is part of our history and we have much to thank them for.
For us who live in this era, we are responsible to judge with fair mind and a responsibility to future generations how we are to steward this gift of Singapore that has been given to us. We are in a society that has matured and indeed is a product of the education, western exposure and democratic ideas that our founding leaders envisioned. We are a people who now increasingly feel more ownership over what happens in our Nation. We are not satisfied with just being told what to do or "just trust me", but want to join in the discussion. We want to be heard! We want to feel like we matter and that we are in fact, ready to be part of charting our Nation's course. That is a sure sign that Singapore is coming into her own!
Therefore, it must be said that the most important discussions over our Nation's future cannot and must not be carried out based on party lines. I am not loyal to anyone except Singapore and her people because I belong to her and She belongs to me.
When I took an oath when I joined the Armed Forces for National Service, I took it with all seriousness and promised I would be loyal and faithful to the Republic of Singapore. Nothing in that oath mentioned the PAP, the WP and any other P that we might see in the future. In loving my country, I must oppose what is wrong and I must celebrate what is right. If I regularly make sweeping remarks about any party, then I am effectively conceding that my country is indeed subject to these parties. I am also rejecting any good that may come from their contributions. This is the beginning of a lot of wasted effort and political BS that can paralyse any country.
I appreciate the PAP. I also cheer the opposition on in their effort to be a voice for positive change. I believe both parties have a hard job. I believe both parties are trying their best (many would disagree). I believe that these are the best and brightest we have available to us (or those who have made themselves available) to lead our country. I must, if I love Singapore, cheer them both, or whoever else there is, on to do what is right by Singapore.
We must, as Singaporeans, fight for good government no matter where they come from society. We must hold this present government to the highest standard possible by giving their office its due honour. Perhaps only then, will the men and women who deserve such honour will see themselves fit to take such positions. If we continue the current trend of dishonour and "giving them what they deserve", then we will truly be deserving of someone who fits our declarations. My destiny is tied with every other Singaporean in my generation. We need to do this together so that the Singapore of tomorrow will be brighter than today.
Ending note
In the oath for new recruits in the army, the word for government is in capitals.
"I will be ready, at the order of the Government,
to rise up to the defence of the Republic of Singapore"
It is there to remind us that the Government we are committed to obey is the one that is representative of the collective will of our Nation, held in its elected representatives and not any one party. I honour every duly elected Member of Parliament as a representative of the people of Singapore and expect them to give nothing but their best. There are times I may give them more honour than is due them, but I do so because I honour Singapore. They are in office not to represent themselves and therefore the honour given to that office is not to them but to Singapore.
In truth, honour (or dishonour) speaks more about my understanding of country and self than it does about my politics. It is like cursing my parents and not realising I am cursing myself. Not that they are our parents, but likewise, cursing our Government is heaping the curses on ourselves because they, like it or not, represent us.
There will never be a day where there aren't things that we see and hear and experience that do not tempt us to pick up that stone. But before we throw it, I hope we grow to realise that those very stones are also meant for us to build and not to destroy. I may think the system needs serious repair. But destroying it doesn't help. Let's all roll up our sleeves and start building. Just as our forefathers did. In different ways, but with the same determination and heart.
Sow patience, gain understanding. Sow encouragement, build a person. Sow love, heal a wound. Sow wisdom, open a mind. Sow kindness, plant a seed. Sow honour, a Nation is established.
Part of the maturing process of a Nation is learning to handle the responsibility of democracy. May we grow in our ability to handle mature and respectful discussion and learn to work together so that what we receive is not only the freedom to say whatever nonsensical thing that comes to our mind but also the freedom to be self-determining as a people.
Contrary to what some may think, I am not saying that anyone with a negative comment, especially those who are just plain rude, mean and not uplifting in any way are not significant. I am actually saying they are especially significant. With every comment, message and post, we are casting our vote for what Singapore will be. And every vote counts. A lesser people might not know better. But Singapore, I expect more from you. We are made of sterner stuff and our quality will show.
Regardless of political party, who do we want to be? What kind of Singapore do you really want to see? Now is the time to reach and build upwards and not just anyhowly throw anything we can get our hands on. Our beloved country deserves better men and women from each of us.
In a brainwashing that sees the government as the problem and the enemy, we inadvertently undermine the very foundation of our country. Why?
Government is a reflection of the people whether we like it or not. It is a result of our collective journeys. To reject our current government, regardless of their party affiliation, is to reject our fellow countrymen; those who hold office and those who voted for them.
Make no mistake. The government is NOT the PAP.
The PAP is a political party and no political party is EVER bigger than the country it serves. The Government is the representatives and the representation of the people.
What we want is good government and not "no government" or just "any" government and certainly not "anything but the PAP" government. The latter is short sighted, reactionary and probably born out of a somewhat understandable anger on many fronts. At best, justified anger. At worst, a destructive declaration.
I say again. The Government is by the people through elections (albeit sometimes seemingly unfair and flawed but only reflects the times we live in) and for the people for whom they are called to serve. The PAP brought us through the tumultuous years of the 60s to the 90s. Like it or not, that is part of our history and we have much to thank them for.
For us who live in this era, we are responsible to judge with fair mind and a responsibility to future generations how we are to steward this gift of Singapore that has been given to us. We are in a society that has matured and indeed is a product of the education, western exposure and democratic ideas that our founding leaders envisioned. We are a people who now increasingly feel more ownership over what happens in our Nation. We are not satisfied with just being told what to do or "just trust me", but want to join in the discussion. We want to be heard! We want to feel like we matter and that we are in fact, ready to be part of charting our Nation's course. That is a sure sign that Singapore is coming into her own!
Therefore, it must be said that the most important discussions over our Nation's future cannot and must not be carried out based on party lines. I am not loyal to anyone except Singapore and her people because I belong to her and She belongs to me.
When I took an oath when I joined the Armed Forces for National Service, I took it with all seriousness and promised I would be loyal and faithful to the Republic of Singapore. Nothing in that oath mentioned the PAP, the WP and any other P that we might see in the future. In loving my country, I must oppose what is wrong and I must celebrate what is right. If I regularly make sweeping remarks about any party, then I am effectively conceding that my country is indeed subject to these parties. I am also rejecting any good that may come from their contributions. This is the beginning of a lot of wasted effort and political BS that can paralyse any country.
I appreciate the PAP. I also cheer the opposition on in their effort to be a voice for positive change. I believe both parties have a hard job. I believe both parties are trying their best (many would disagree). I believe that these are the best and brightest we have available to us (or those who have made themselves available) to lead our country. I must, if I love Singapore, cheer them both, or whoever else there is, on to do what is right by Singapore.
We must, as Singaporeans, fight for good government no matter where they come from society. We must hold this present government to the highest standard possible by giving their office its due honour. Perhaps only then, will the men and women who deserve such honour will see themselves fit to take such positions. If we continue the current trend of dishonour and "giving them what they deserve", then we will truly be deserving of someone who fits our declarations. My destiny is tied with every other Singaporean in my generation. We need to do this together so that the Singapore of tomorrow will be brighter than today.
Ending note
In the oath for new recruits in the army, the word for government is in capitals.
"I will be ready, at the order of the Government,
to rise up to the defence of the Republic of Singapore"
It is there to remind us that the Government we are committed to obey is the one that is representative of the collective will of our Nation, held in its elected representatives and not any one party. I honour every duly elected Member of Parliament as a representative of the people of Singapore and expect them to give nothing but their best. There are times I may give them more honour than is due them, but I do so because I honour Singapore. They are in office not to represent themselves and therefore the honour given to that office is not to them but to Singapore.
In truth, honour (or dishonour) speaks more about my understanding of country and self than it does about my politics. It is like cursing my parents and not realising I am cursing myself. Not that they are our parents, but likewise, cursing our Government is heaping the curses on ourselves because they, like it or not, represent us.
There will never be a day where there aren't things that we see and hear and experience that do not tempt us to pick up that stone. But before we throw it, I hope we grow to realise that those very stones are also meant for us to build and not to destroy. I may think the system needs serious repair. But destroying it doesn't help. Let's all roll up our sleeves and start building. Just as our forefathers did. In different ways, but with the same determination and heart.
Sow patience, gain understanding. Sow encouragement, build a person. Sow love, heal a wound. Sow wisdom, open a mind. Sow kindness, plant a seed. Sow honour, a Nation is established.
Part of the maturing process of a Nation is learning to handle the responsibility of democracy. May we grow in our ability to handle mature and respectful discussion and learn to work together so that what we receive is not only the freedom to say whatever nonsensical thing that comes to our mind but also the freedom to be self-determining as a people.
Contrary to what some may think, I am not saying that anyone with a negative comment, especially those who are just plain rude, mean and not uplifting in any way are not significant. I am actually saying they are especially significant. With every comment, message and post, we are casting our vote for what Singapore will be. And every vote counts. A lesser people might not know better. But Singapore, I expect more from you. We are made of sterner stuff and our quality will show.
Regardless of political party, who do we want to be? What kind of Singapore do you really want to see? Now is the time to reach and build upwards and not just anyhowly throw anything we can get our hands on. Our beloved country deserves better men and women from each of us.