Simple human decency, the violent attack on MP Seng Han Thong was uncalled for.
To many Singaporeans, the violence is to be expected. I expressed my concerns to MP Lim Biow Chuan two years ago. I told him to take precautions when he's out in the public. Despite the bodyguards and tight security, I myself was able to get close to several VVIPs at public events.
Several Singaporeans condemned the violent act and expressed their sympathies for the victim, others derive satisfaction from its having been carried out.
Minister for Home Affairs Wong Kan Seng arriving at the hospital- ST Forumer Meteour started a thread in the popular Sammyboy Forum : “What a glorious start to 2009!!!! Since 1965 independence, there was no effective opposition to the scums in white. Public anger ranging from the CLOB fiasco….the ever increasing prices of the new HDB flats, S & C charges, the GSTs ….etc being shafted up our rear w/o reply has finally been answered.”
He even proposed that the assailant Ong Kah Chua be awarded the “Public Service Star and PBM” for his attack on the MP. Ong was also lauded Singapore’s lau hero by others.
One shocking survey showed that people are more sympathetic towards the attacker Ong Kah Chua who may be imprisoned for life than for the victim, MP Seng.
Was what happened to MP Seng a culmination of government policies gone wrong? When justice is not available, people resort to violence. This crude and desperate way was what the attacker knew to drive his message across. Arrogant and insensitive civil servants would not be spared too.
Ong being brought to the scene by the police - ZaoBaoDo you think he was able to write a letter? And to the right organisation to warrant official attention? Was he ever taken seriously by anyone given his lowly status? Now they are calling him crazy and putting him away....... that was what I was threatened with when I persisted in seeking answers from PM Lee Hsien Loong.
Look more closely at how it became like this. What are the underlying reasons for such an act?
Singaporeans like myself suffer in slience all the time. I went to see MP. Emails were sent to government officers, MPs, Ministers.... even PM. Either they thank you for your observations or no response at all!
Tell me where to seek help? The frustration and desperation are real. There are many stories which the public has no access to, all have disappeared into blackholes.
You can put the lid on the kettle, but sooner or later, the steam has to escape somewhere. And when it does, the outcome will be dire.
If the authority ignores or oppresses efforts to reform the system, they create a climate to breed violence or extreme groups.
This Government have been elected by the people of Singapore, in the belief that the PAP would be a consultative government and one which respects the rights of Singaporeans, not usurp our rights and ownership.They have to stop bullying the ordinary citizens.
