Apology
For ping pong mess-up
We should accept it, but continue to speak out against elected officials who behave like ‘mini-Lee Kuan Yews without his achievements'. Opinion. By Seah Chiang Nee.
Aug 30, 2008

A little belatedly and reluctantly perhaps, but Singapore’s table tennis executive, Ms Lee Bee Wah, has apologised for her mistake for her harsh action in dealing with the ‘ping pong’ trouble in Beijing.

Press reports said that in a quavering voice, the newly-installed President of the Singapore Table Tennis Association said, “I sincerely apologise.

“It is regretful that this situation happened and turned out the way it did.

“I had made comments which had been misunderstood and had upset some Singaporeans. I sincerely apologise for causing any grievances and any stress.”

Ms Lee was also quoted as saying, “Our action has dampened the celebration mood of our fellow Singaporeans.” (Why use the word ‘our action’, not ‘my action’?)

Diplomatically crafted, it was as good an apology as you’ll ever get from a PAP (ruling People’s Action Party) elected official. It hasn’t had much practice at it.

(Background: Over national TV, Ms Lee summarily sacked the manager of the Singapore Olympic team, Mr. Anthony Lee over the non-appearance of a coach during a crucial single match for men, leading to Singapore’s loss.

(It caused widespread criticism for her public chastisement of Lee and the head coach publicly without an inquiry or given these people a chance to explain).

Had Ms Lee not been a PAP Member of Parliament, her perceived authoritarian action would have stirred less controversy.

These are changing times. With ‘elitism’ and ‘arrogance’ much on the forefront of pet public dislikes, Ms. Lee’s action was like a red flag in front of a snorting bull.

There have been too many instances of the ruling elites – having been in power for so long - treating people condescendingly – even with contempt.

For the PAP getting elected had become too easy throughout the years; many never even had to be subjected to the voting process.

A big complacency either in words or actions has settled in the minds of many of its members, including MPs and, at times, even ministers.

Some have become arrogant without any real track record behaving like people who have.

Singapore’s top-most civil servant now retired, Mr. Ngiam Dong Dow, lamented seeing these people behaving like “mini-Lee Kuan Yews but without his achievements.”

Ms Lee’s mistake may or may not qualify as an example, depending on how strictly one judges her.

But now that she has apologised, Singaporeans - as well as officials, players and coaches - should accept it on the principle that people do make mistakes. Ms. Lee has not gone unscathed for her's.

And when a person owns up, says ‘sorry’ and works to make amends, then it is gracious for us to forgive that person. We'd probably expect the same from others when we commit a mistake outselves.

Whether or not it will have long term repercussion on her political career is less certain. It will depend on her party bosses.

Knowing that the Internet has a long memory (it be certain to revive it during election campaigning), the party may withdraw her as a candidate at least in PM Lee Hsien Loong's Ang Moh Kio group constituency, if they believe she could cost them too dearly in votes.

That's the way of politics.

By Seah Chiang Nee