In a rare statement, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong
has encouraged Singaporeans to offer the PAP “constructive
criticisms” publicly.
“Singaporeans should continue to give feedback, and
constructive criticisms will be accepted and acted on,” he
was quoted as saying in Channel News Asia.
SM Goh was speaking to reporters at the Shanghai World EXPO in
reference to the widespread criticisms received by the Singapore
Pavilion, prompting the organizers to make some last-minute
changes.
Though he has stepped down as Prime Minister of Singapore in
2003, Goh still “tours” the world frequently in his position as
Senior Minister.
He did not elaborate more on what he meant by “constructive
criticisms”. Based on his past track record, any criticisms of the
PAP is considered as “destructive”.
In 1994, famous Singapore writer Catherine Lim penned two
critical commentaries in the Straits Times insinuating that Goh was
not really in charge as Prime Minister of Singapore. The latter had
taken over the position from PAP strongman and founder Lee Kuan Yew
in 1991.
After the publication of the second piece, Goh’s press secretary
challenged Catherine Lim to “enter politics” to take
“responsibility” for her views.
At a PAP event, Goh made it clear that Lim had “gone beyond the
pale” in her criticisms of his leadership.
“When my authority is being commented on or undermined
by wrong observations, I have to correct them, or the view will
prevail that I am indeed not in charge of Singapore,” he
said.
[Source: Men in White, page 479]
Catherine Lim later said she was “traumatized” by Goh’s reaction
and was worried that she might be arrested by the police for her
comments.
Goh’s latest exhortation to Singaporeans to offer “feedback”
appeared to contradict that made by his colleague PAP Minister
without portfolio Lim Swee Say in Parliament a few months ago.
Then, when criticized by an opposition MP, Lim shot back
immediately:
“We (PAP) are DEAF to all criticisms.”
EDITORS’ NOTE:
When unsure of what to say, the golden rule is to “shut up and
sit down”
