http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/storyprintfriendly/0%2C1887%2C277168-1097445540%2C00.html
Just as one would not insult a dwarf by calling him a dwarf, one
would not insult Nauru and Palau by drawing attention to their lack
of size. Why call them 'red dots' if they act like 'red dots' -
when they are what they seem?
It is only when a red dot doesn't act like a red dot, when a bi sai
seems to carry more weight than a bi sai should, that it makes
sense to insult a red dot by calling it a red dot, a bi sai a bi
sai. Such insults simply signify: 'I fear the bi sai is no bi sai,
the red dot is no red dot.'
It is precisely because Singapore isn't what it seems, that it
becomes necessary to remind it of what it seems: 'you are a red
dot'.
It is precisely because there is a suspected - and sometimes feared
- discrepancy between its unimposing physical size and its outsized
influence that it becomes necessary to remind it that it should act
its size: 'you bi sai'.
The moment the likes of Mr Chen or Dr Habibie feel it unnecessary
to draw attention to Singapore's size, Singaporeans would know they
are indeed what they seem - small.
Be glad, Singaporeans, that others find it necessary sometimes to
remind you of what you seem.
It means you aren't; it means the reality is different.
interesting article 