Dear All
I had on the morning of 25th October 2006 responded with biting
criticism to the Straits Times report on MP Wee Siew Kims comments
in defiant defence of his dear daughter.
I was totally disgusted by MP Wees comments which I will not let
go pass untouched.
The STs Forum Editor had passed over my response and published
another letter which was far less critical.
I am a strong proponent of freedom of expression, I will not stop
at being silenced by elements of the mainstream press. Attached
below is the letter that was targeted at our PAP AMK GRC MP Wee
Siew Kim.
My purpose for publishing this letter is to encourage greater
freedom of expression stronger and unrestrained criticism of the
Ruling Party by all and I am taking the lead here.
Coincidentally, MP Wee made a statement in the press today which
was of course published. This statement claims to be apologizing to
the readers who were offended.
I have read MP Wees statement and I am not of the view that the
apology is full and unreserved. I trust Singaporeans can come to
their own conclusions on the matter.
RESPONSE TO PAP MP FOR AMK GRC MR. WEE SIEW KIMS COMMENTS IN
STRAITS TIMES REPORT OF 24TH COTOBER 2006.
I had read in amazement of what Ms Wee Shu Min had written in her
blog. I ruminated on her statements and her lineage and illustrious
background and after much thought, decided not to criticize her in
spite of the callousness she had exhibited at such a tender
age.
For to me, there is simply no reason to overreact to the ignorant
bigotry of an 18 year old girl and that the matter is best left to
rest after the barrage of criticism she met with on the
internet.
However, when I saw the Straits Times report of 24th October 2006,
I read with disgust what Ms Wee Shu Mins father PAP MP for AMK
GRC, Mr. Wee Siew Kim had said in brazen defence of his dear
daughter justifying her callousness and adding further insult and
injury to Singaporeans.
MP Wee, in his dismal attempt to soften the effect of his
daughters ramblings, had sought to downplay the incident as a lack
of sensitivity on her part and to quote him Some people cannot
take the brutal truth and that sort of language, so she ought to
learn from it.
Whilst the less discerning may opine that MP Wee has apologized on
behalf of his daughter, in truth both father and daughter have
exhibited no more empathy or remorse than when the remarks were
first made in Ms Wees blog. MP Wees remarks albeit more
diplomatic had in fact exhibited an even higher level of arrogance
and lack of empathy.
MP Wee must note that her daughter has since removed the offending
posting from her blog. That is itself discordant with the stance he
exhibited in his interview in the Straits Times. One wonders
whether the removal of the posting was a father-sanctioned public
perception management exercise for damage control or was it a true
indication of remorse and regret?
If indeed MP Wee had similarly been just as careless with his
callous remarks, he ought to acknowledge so and then extend nothing
short of an unreserved apology to all Singaporeans especially those
who are in situations similar to that of Mr. Derek Wee.
And upon doing so, MP Wee should also take steps to inculcate the
appropriate level of humility in his daughter and do so in an early
stage of her life, for MP Wee must remember that the government
that he backs has taken bloggers to court, punished and shamed them
for the undue comments they have made similarly for a limited
audience.
Whilst I do not hope that the current establishment gets richer as
a result of whatever discussion that takes place, I do hope that
the former does get a lot humbler and wiser for Singapore will need
leaders who can truly empathize with the people instead of having
to live with parrots perched tree high above ground and their
dissonant cacophony of callouness and insensitivity.
The PAP and its supporters are invited to attack this posting with
unrestrained fervour.
Regards
Chia Ti Lik
