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No more smooth riding in public opinions or views (umbrage, snowflake, badge, Southasia/India, racism, GST, …) The PAP’s Challenge: Difficult (说难）to say properly （说符）

 





Plain English cannot help the PAP to explain the hard question of proper talking.  Even as simple as  ‘as soon as possible’ (see below), it cannot easily be interpreted.


It is a different world under Lee Kuan Yew and Lee Hsien Loong in explaining, discussing and talking about public policies, opinions and feedback.


Same topics, like the following, have very different responses, comments under the two Lees.

  • Malay in the army

  • No non-Chinese PM

  • Subsidised HDB flats

  • CPF, Temasek, GIC... 

 

Two Chinese classic readings can explain them quite well.  


说难 (韩非子）difficulty in talking 

It is very hard and difficult to persuade rulers to listen to your proposal. It can go either way, reward or punishment. Mood, time, opportunity, and relationship can make you live or dead.


说符 （列子）talk properly

The uses of words, phrases, or even attitude can make a difference. Different people have different preferences.  How to say it properly is an art.   


In LKY’s time, most Singaporeans accepted what he said. Even his use of words was undemocratic, authoritarian, but most of the time he kept his promise and delivered.  


Under LHL, people doubt what he says. Singaporeans question his wisdom, his policies, his administration and safeguarding the Constitutions. 


We may argue there is no social media under LKY. And the mainstream media was able to push through the PAP’s propaganda smoothly.  While under LHL, a smoothing ride is no longer possible.    


In the past, umbrage was a hero. Badges are a show of authority. Snowflakes are a class difference. 


The PAP is now facing a challenge that they have never experienced before. The PAP is under attack: choices of words, policy options, administration efficiency, delivery of public goods... 


Some examples


Don’t know what to say and how to say it properly.



Policy dilemma. How to explain that other vaccinations are free and Sinovac needs to pay.



A winter is coming or how to convince people spring is coming?



Chinese is not the language of science and technology. LKY said it to close Chinese schools and how valid is this statement now.



Residents: PRs or citizens. Rich-poor gap or foreigners investing in properties.   



The most difficult political question: the meaning of ‘as soon as possible’?



‘As soon as possible’ we really don’t know when. However, this ASAP will affect Singapore. It is a hard question that has no appropriate answer, either good or bad.


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