Forum: Look to figures like Dr Ng Eng Hen as role models
Singapore and Singaporeans have been fortunate to have had exemplary political leaders over the past 60 years, including outgoing Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen.
His analogy of trade-dependent Singapore being like a shop in an MRT station, with declining value when the trains stop running or run less frequently, is an apt one (Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on S'pore's place in the world, SAF's evolution and 24 years in politics, May 13).
For the past 24 years, Dr Ng has served our nation with unwavering dedication. Like many Singaporeans, I have always found his speeches to be concise and thought-provoking, offering clarity and perspective on complex issues.
I remember in particular his parliamentary speech during the Committee of Supply debate on March 3, which spelt out his rationale for the continued investment in and strengthening of our defence forces. I hope the younger generation of Singaporeans will appreciate the significance of this message.
Dr Ng will be remembered as a straight-talking leader, one who never sugar-coated the truth but always spoke with honesty and conviction.
As Dr Ng and other long-serving leaders such as Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean and Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat retire from politics, we extend our heartfelt thanks for their dedicated service to our country over the years.
I would have hoped to have these leaders continue for another term, given that their experience would benefit us during the current challenging global climate.
The late President Ong Teng Cheong once said that having a good government is more important than having a good president to check on a bad government. We are blessed to have both a good government and a good president today.
May this continue to be the case, and I hope the newly elected leaders from the recent election will look to figures like Dr Ng as role models.
Jason Lee
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