The Ugly Singaporean

Here's something about Singapore, finally.

As I was googling on possible write-ups about how ugly Singaporeans could be, the first hits weren't really about the average auntie ranting expletives in the street market or the yuppie executive who didn't give up his seat to an elderly on local transport. Instead, the one that caught my attention was presumably an ex-Singaporean who had blogged about his unhappiness while he was a Singaporean.

As I read on, his stories included his experiences with the Minister Mentor and related how he was ousted into solitary victimization and possibly made to leave Singapore for the States. He claims to have been "harassed and persecuted" by MM Lee for his political beliefs and giving up his CPF entitlements in order to justify his principles. He further states that he has become an American Citizen 5 years back.

I am in no position to comment on the stories of this particular individual. My only concern are those of my own views and perspective. Hurray, for we have one less ugly Singaporean. Although it's a sad thing that the gentleman did not stay long enough to persist in his belief and great vision for Singapore. In the end he chose the other way out, in forsaking the country for another.

I believe he's not the only one. Throughout decades there has been fellow countrymen who gave up and left their homeland, complaining about similar issues and such. Not forgetting an earlier batch who broke their government bonds and hopped into another land's service.

However, there are also numerous individuals staying put on this island of miraculous development and growth. These are people who did not forsake their homeland despite the massive challenges ahead. Yes, these people may be complaining all day long. But the effects are genuine and sincere. Their hopes and wish for change and advancement does not end here.

So who are the uglier ones? The ones who are still here, or those who left?

If you don't have what it takes to stand strong in Singapore, if you don't have the sustaining power to hold on, then leave by all means. The homeland does not need losers, and losers don't build the country's economy.

I'm all for the growth of our island. Thirty years in Singapore's not long. But I've known history enough to differentiate between trouble-makers and home-makers. Years spent on creating a home on an island should be applauded, instead of complaining about every little damn issue.

My words are, if you are really that damn good, you wouldn't be hiding behind your table complaining. If you are really that righteously great, more people would be listening to you.

You would have a good job, promotions and advancement opportunities galore, and you will be able to pay your bills and fines. And the best part, you wouldn't mind paying a bit of tax per year to help your poorer countrymen enjoy better public transport and cleaner public services. And you will be smart enough to earn back your taxes from your countrymen by doing businesses and services.

It all runs in a circle, and that's what makes the world go round.

Go round the system. Help the system. Beat the system. Change the system. Outsmart the system. But don't forsake the system that propelled an island from nothing in a short 44 years.

Waxing lyrical about democratic options to improve the country are just wasteful resources that fails to leave a landmark on local shores, unless they have concrete and brilliant plans that no one can fault.

Ranting options does not save the country. A successful solution does.