Suddenly, there has been a burst of morality permeating Singapore society. You hear high and mighty proclamations about the importance of ‘character’ by ordinary Singaporeans. ‘Character is most important’; ‘without character one cannot serve as an MP’; ‘one’s character must be assessed to see if one is fit for public office’ etc.
Undoubtedly, what Dr Chee did about 15 years ago (yes, 15 years, not days or even months) has left a sour taste in many people’s mouths, mine included. I grew up harbouring resentment towards him, because i felt he hindered the growth of the opposition, through that rash act. No doubt, the media made a meal out of it, but the fact remains that he provided the material for them.
But what truly irks me, and makes me sick to my stomach, is the inconsistency. And double standards. These people who are taking the moral high ground, where were you when, just a while ago, a sitting Member of Parliament was suggesting we fence off foreign workers? Never mind keeping silent; some of these moral policemen (and policewomen) were actually justifying the said MP’s comments!
Was that statement not reflective of ‘character’? Compare that to Dr Chee chasing former PM Goh: which act is more dangerous to Singapore society? Why was there no angst from these people?
Now, i am not talking about the supporters of the ruling party who chide Dr Chee, but expressed disappointment at the ‘fencing’ remarks as well. These people, are perfectly entitled to question Chee’s ‘character’. What i cannot stand is those who practise selective outrage; when the politicians they support make mistakes, they keep quiet, or worse, try to make excuses.
But when it comes to others, they immediately become more Catholic than the Pope, and more Islamic than the Prophet.
Source: Walid J. Abdullah
