I think that Ms Low was definitely in the wrong here. It is common knowledge that one is supposed to stand at attention during the national anthem. By looking at her handphone, she is being disrespectful to Singapore.
That said, I feel many netizens are also being a bit too opportunistic in critisizing the PAP. Many of the comments on Temasek Review said that she was a poor role model, and that she should "practice what she preaches". I feel that this is a bit far fetched. To be honest, how many people really look to their MP's as "role models"? Do we really idolize them to that point? I think that it is enough to say she was being disrespectful.
Ms Low quickly gave an explanation for her behaviour, claiming that she was caught up in the moment and wanted to take a picture of the fireworks. I do not think that this explanation is very convincing. Was she so enthralled by the fireworks that she forgot the basic mark of respect every child learns at school?
I think that Ms Low should have known better than to act in such a way during the singing of the national anthem, but also I feel that netizens should not blow this incident out of proportion. Yes, she made a mistake, but I think it is forgivable.
4 comments:
Hi Kenneth,
I agree with you. Although Miss Low definitely have done something wrong, we should not be too critical of her, and take this chance to criticize the PAP. Temasek Review must have been very happy to have caught it as this gives them a chance to criticize PAP openly again, and can make many Singaporeans agree with them. I feel that Singaporeans should not be 'sheep' thinkers. We should think for themselves. We should not just criticize Miss Low just because other people are doing so. I agree with you. It just stops at she is disrespectful.
Regards,
KX (2I125)
Hi,
I agree that it is wrong to criticise the PAP just because of this incident and that is taking things too far. Do you think that if it was an ordinary citizen who was using the phone during the nation anthem, would the incident have gotten as much attention as this? I am not saying that our leaders should not have higher expectations, and this is just something to think about. I think that everyone, no matter if he is the Prime Minister or a citizen, should show respect when the national anthem is being played, and there should be no exceptions, thus Miss Low is in the wrong here, and not the PAP.
Jiefeng
Dear Kenneth,
After reading your post, I have also realised how hypocritical the public is - they are are criticising MP Penny Low for using her cell phone when a picture was taken of her doing that. If a picture was taken of her doing such an action, does that not imply that the photographer is doing the exact same thing?
I also agree that people are being too critical of the PAP. PAP does not comprise of superhumans - they never said they were. Instead, they have tried their best to develop Singapore. Of course, they may have had some policies which were not well received, after all, everyone makes mistakes. However, the PAP has always been quick to correct them. I think that the Temasek Review is making a mountain out of a molehill - much like what they always do, always criticising the government for what they do and not showing appreciation for the high standard of living we have in Singapore.
Regards,
Chong Kai En, 2i106
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