Black and White Controversy
Political Insensitivity or Sensitivity?
When ministers rented black and white houses, did they realise the possible consequences and embarrassment to the government?
It involves political sensitiveness. Political office holders are subject to public debates, questions and doubts.
They may ignore the sensitivity, like the case of Temasek where no disclosures of Ho Jing’s pay. Temasek and the government can keep on refusing to answer even if the parliament raised the issue.
However, as shown in the black and white saga, the government is forced to come out with ‘independent’ reports and answerable in parliament.
So, are the two ministers politically insensitive on renting the houses? Or, worst case, they think they can do the Temasek way if something happens.
Unfortunately, the controversy goes beyond control and causes public trust, fairness and equality questions.
Perhaps, the government is too powerful as they have a super majority in parliament. The parliament will accept the reports and clear the political embarrassment. Sensitivity or not is not an issue.
10, 20 years ago when rent was still affordable, insensitivity was not an issue. Time changes, it is now a hot potato. The PAP leadership may be smart in the short term, while it has failed to see the possibilities in a longer term.
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