TR EMERITUS

Lawrence Wong has taken the less than conventional pathway. And he is not pedigree. He was a divorcee. He married after, but has no kids. Except for VJC, he attended Haig Boys’ Primary and Tanjong Katong Secondary. He is not from RI, Hwa Chong or ACS. And his father is no politician or PM. For 12 years before 2011, when he entered politics, Lawrence started out as an economist in MTI. He was “rejected by the prestigious Administrative Service,” and was not initially involved in policy work. It reports that “his job was to crunch numbers, using economic models to analyse the likely impact of changes on the Singapore economy.” As a typical young man, he said something many people his age now are able to identify with: “I figured…I can do exactly the same kind of economics work in the private sector too, and they are paying better. The thought did cross my mind: “Maybe I should just leave and join private sector, maybe a bank.”” Well, he nevertheless stayed on under the persuasion of his bosses, Mr Khaw Boon Wan and Mr Lim Siong Guan. In fact, KBW was later assigned to select the next 4G leader after HSK stepped aside due to health reasons. In his interview with KBW, Lawrence recounted how it went: “(KBW) listened, he asked me some questions, and then at the end of it, he said: “There is a consensus emerging.”” That was it. He was picked. Though surprised, Lawrence said: “But we had been prepared for it because she (his wife) knew I was part of this process. And we knew that going into this we would accept the outcome of the process.” “And if this is the result, then I would step up and I would take on the responsibility.” He will be our nation’s fourth PM. Thus far, we have two Lees, a Goh and now a Wong. On the next lap of our country’s journey, I note two realities after the passing of the baton. First, we can expect continuity in leadership. It’s about building on what his predecessors have built upon. “It is not so much that we are going to slay a sacred cow for the sake of doing so…But we are prepared to re-examine all our assumptions and consider, under different circumstances, different societal expectations and needs - what might we do differently,” Lawrence said. I therefore trust that meritocracy, multiracial and multicultural harmony, and continuing to raise the economic tide for all are sacred cows that will be kept as they are. For meritocracy, Lawrence aims to build “a country to be a place that embraces different pathways to success.” Schools will follow suit, with emphasis on diversity of talents, respecting different learning pace, and more tailored teaching methods and bonding styles. We are on the right track in respect of keeping the harmony and unity of the country despite its diversity. Laws are enacted in response to external threats and the changing technological landscape, which has become more excitable and agitated of late. These laws stand sentry to remind citizens to respect boundaries. And for economic growth, I believe it has always been the leadership’s most sacred cow. Economic downturns, high unemployment rate, wage stagnation and high inflation can be devastating for a country. Our strong fundamentals ought to keep us in good stead for the near future. This brings me to the second reality. It’s part existential and part philosophical. It’s more personal. It’s about the 5Cs. It seems like there’s a change of tide and expectation. According to Forward Singapore report released last October, “Singaporeans no longer focus on the “five Cs of condominium, car, cash, credit card and country card membership.”” Lawrence said that the good life is now “measured not by narrow metrics based on material success but also by meaning and purpose.” He added: “I think these are very noble aspirations.” In truth, I don’t really know how you rate or balance the 5Cs with these noble aspirations. Is it a priority issue? Which should come first, and which is still secretly coveted? They are definitely not mutually exclusive, but in a highly unequal society, income and status (or material aspirations) are still the sacred cows some will have more of and some have less of. Our society is not only dislocated and fragmented by technology and AI, but the relentless pursuit of material possessions also keep us disjointed and fragmented. I anticipate that this will be a tough nut to crack, that is, juggling between economic growth as first priority and hoping that our society will be satisfied/contented with what are noble aspirations. The raw reality is, there are many still struggling to catch up in a world where the unbridled material successes of the few are within a click of a button. After all said, Lawrence ended the interview with this: “I do not have to write my legacy today. Hopefully, at the end of my time and tenure, I will leave people to write my legacy and what kind of a prime minister I am.” Well, tbh, I wish he will be the kind who keeps the Solomon-like balance of things/goals, that is, between what is material success and what is noble aspiration, focus on those left behind or are struggling to catch up and give them hope and assurance, and develop his unique style of leadership that embodies the courage to deviate from the beaten path or the official script, even if it would invite stares and frowns from the status quo.   Micheal Han    Read More →

In history there were Nazi Germany Adophl Hitler and Indonesia Achmed Surkarno who crew to the world of their political dominance and achievements while their people suffered in their livelihood. In Singapore Lee Kuan Yew and his superlative politicians including Dr. Goh Keng Swee made world history by transforming Singapore from third world to first world status. His successor woody Goh Chok Tong showed outstanding talent in enhancing the prosperity and harmony of Singapore. Then came sonny boy Lee Hsien Loong who showed great promise coming fresh into his authority of prime minister. His was an unencumbered tenure because it was plain sailing with the communists out of action. He did not experience the baptism of fire that his father went through. Anybody with any sense of ingenuity will be able to achieve what Lee Hsien Loong had daunted his guillible audience with his achievements in his farewell speech on Mayday lst May. It shows his lack of modesty and humility in portraying himself as some kind of titan in bringing Singapore to its present prosperity and racial harmony. That he should be credited for his part in accomplshing this cannot be overlooked.but to sit o their fat asses and enjoy the luxuries of life at people's expense after our sacrifices in fighting the communists is character at the bottom of the human pit. What made him to hand over his baton ahead of his scheduled date is a mystery but will his successor Lawrence Wong be up to the scratch in taking over. He strikes me as a flamboyant and ostentatious figure with an avid guitar player background. Singapore needs more than a guitar player to take it our of a crisis when it faces one. But Lee Hsien Loong is head over heels as to his competence. Let's wait and see when he takes over and performs if it's not too late.   Yoong Siew Wah Editor's note: This article was written on May 6 before PM Wong was sworn in but somehow it was wrongly scheduled to a later date. We apologize for the error.    Read More →

I do not know Tan Chuan Jin (TCJ) but I do know that he was once the Speaker of our Parliament, a one time politically rising sun and a former member of the pap 4G team. I laughed and I shooke my head when I read that he will be conducting a Leadership Course. I do not doubt a few things and I do doubt a few things. Firstly, I do not doubt his credentials and his knowledge about the subject matters of the course that he will be conducting, however, never mind the saying that those who can, do and those who can't, teach, I generally hold teachers, coaches, mentors and seniors etc in high regard whenever they teach with a kind and noble intention of imparting and sharing their knowledge and experiences accumulated over the years with those who are willing to learn. In TCJ's case, his 'screwing around' at high places has definitely brought shame upon himself, his honey, his family and most unfortunately, the standing, stature and the public's perception and respect for our Parliament. His matrimonial corrupt behaviours in this internet era and in very small Singapore are impossible to ignore or brush away and I believe that many pap supporters must have wished for that. Even though he is no longer in the political limelight, I believe that many people have not forgotten or forgiven him yet for the simple reason that he is no ordinary Ah Beng or Ah Seng. I wish him every success but his so-called Leadership Courses do not come cheap. I do not know who will attend but I suspect that hardcore pap supporters are likely participants and/or those whose course fees are paid for by their employers etc.. Think.   Simon Lim      Read More →