Out of the box Bad reaction to minister's speech to the SCCCI
An audio of the minister Chan's speech to the SCCCI was leaked out. The public was shocked to hear the recording.

The minister was highly criticized in social media over two issues:

a) His use of Singlish, which is unbecoming of a highly paid minister

b) His description of the behavior of some people (e.g. those who rush to stockpile food and masks) as idiots, stupid and selfish.

I like to share my perspective.

I said, half in jest, that there is nothing wrong for the minister to use Singlish. I also talked "liddat". I find it a good way to connect with ordinary Singaporeans. 

Some people commented that it would be awful for the minister to talk in Singlish to the President Donald Trump. I responded - if he talked to the US President, he would probably talk in American slang. I am sure he knows how to adapt according to the situation.

Sorry, I have to reject the criticism of the minister style's of talking.

I now deal with the second objection - the minister's criticism of the behavior of many Singaporeans.

I must say quite frankly that I agree with the minister's view about the bad behavior. However, I would certainly not describe these people with the words that he had used, even if it was supposed to be a closed door meeting. 

The people who follow my social media posts would know that I have at times used the word "idiots" to describe some people who behaved rudely or arrogantly towards me in response to my posts.

There is no need for anyway to be rude, especially when they are replying to the views of another person. If they wish to express their disagreement, they have to be polite and respectful. If they do not have in this courteous manner, I will call them "idiots".

I also want to explain what I consider to be "arrogant". These are people who have a different view from mine, but they think that they are right and I am wrong. They express their view in a dismissive manner. Often, they did not understand my point, or had their facts wrong.  Sometimes I had to call them "idiots". 

Often, to avoid calling them "idiots", I just delete their posts.

So I agree with the minister that we have many idiots around the place. To avoid the risk of being called an "idiot" by the minister or by me, I suggest that these people should learn how to be polite, humble and respectful and to behave properly.

Tan Kin Lian
 

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