"I'm at a loss for words to describe my feelings inside . . "

In the my last post, I linked a letter written by Peter Low (above) to ST, [read here]. Unfortunately, the particular letter is no longer there and neither is it at Singapore Law Watch when I googled here.

For those who missed and are keen to read what Peter wrote I hope the reproduction above helps.

Union Chief Lim Swee Say's loss for words in parliament recently speaks volume of how distant he is from us workers. With his time spent on checking his CPF statement in his ivory tower, he may be too busy to know Singaporeans' perception of PAP ministers. So are PAP ministers taking care of their own interests at the expense of the people? Swee Say asked. Was he 'at a loss for words' because he did not actually know the answer?

Gee, who would know the answer? Not me. I guess no one would know except the ministers themselves. Is it the inherent nature of human beings to brag about their self worth by harping on their sacrifices? Ever hear of the insurance agent who keeps harping and bragging about his selflessness. That he lives in this world to take care of your interests, not his!

I still love a particular insurance agent who when asked if he was selling insurance to take care of the interests of his clients or his own commission, said, "My dear client, it works both ways. If I do not sell any policy, I won't have money to pay my bills and take care of my wife and kids, to feed them, to house them, to send the kids to schools. If you buy an insurance policy, you are helping yourself to take care of your family should you not be able to do so due to disability or premature death. You pay a premium for the insurance and I get a commission off the premium to make a living, to take care of my family. If I serve you well and you are happy with what I do, I look forward to your continuing support and hope that you will recommend me to those who may need my service. Honestly, while taking care of your interests, I'm also taking care of mine. So whose interests come first? I guess it's mine because I'm the one who initiated this transaction," Blunt, direct but honest and respectable. If only PAP ministers were as humble, candid and honest as this insurance agent, PAP may not have lost to WP in Aljunied GRC!

Lim Swee Say claims that "cheaper, better & faster" was meant for 'products & services' and not for the 'workforce'. His exchange with Low Thia Khiang of WP here seems different from what's written here!

If only ministers did not pay themselves so excessively and make a mockery of national service and nation building, Swee Say would not have to be in such a pathetic state. "Let's put Singaporeans first," Swee Say said. Yes, but which Singaporeans? Ministers, elite PAP-connected Singaporeans? Or the real Singaporeans especially the ones who were denied upgrading of their flats because they did not vote PAP? Or the old and feeble whose days of
'cheaper, better and faster' went with the policemen who wore khaki shorts?

Singaporeans do not need politicians to worry for us. We need sincere and caring politicians who say what they mean and mean what they say . . . and do what they said they would do. We are sick and tired of having wools pulled over our eyes and treated like daft idiots with spurs stuck on our hide. Talk is cheap and the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Apologies don't mean squat when arrogance comes back to bite after the objective of a 60% mandate is achieved. The disgrace of denying duly elected WP MPs from being invited to grassroots gathering leaves much to be desired. I'm 'at a loss for word' too for such lack of graciousness and ungentlemanly behaviour.

LKY tried to sell the 'greatness' and 'worth' of PAP ministers by scaring us that our mother, wife, daughter and granddaughter may have to go overseas to work as maids if the ministers did not get what they want - Obscene Salary! Now I get the feeling that Lim Swee Say is selling the "sincerity" of the ministers! Though PM Lee has finally woke up to the idea that their obscene salary is a huge bugbear that Singaporeans loathe, it may be a little too little and too late to set up a salary review committee headed by Gerard Ee. The damage is done! Whatever Gerard comes up with, he is not going to please anybody! Some will still complain that it is too excessive while others will bitch that it's too paltry and will lead to Singaporean womenfolk ending up as maids in other countries!

The slippery slope is getting more slippery for PAP and unless words and apologies are matched by honest actions and caring policies, the mudslide may end up in a tragedy!

feedmetothefish