Learn to read in between the lines in ST report and George Yeo's reported answer to the question.
e.g. there were no pre-conditions but educational qualifications are no less important as they give an indication of the candidates' abilities. So there are preconditions after all.
Poly graduates have a practical bent, good heart and ability to get things done - admirable qualities indeed.
So then why are there no poly grads in govt? They are still not good enough because of the assumption (which need to be questioned) that educational qualifications equate a candidate's abilities.
the failings and weakness of the system now is that scholars are only good in fashionable high-flown theories and lack the `practical bent' and cannot get things done cos' they are not street-smart enough. Ask Ngiam Tong Dow.
there are many `flopped' scholars - good academicians but cannot put into practice and unable to grasp the whole concept of an issue. do not know where the bolts and nuts are.
The answer is very simple. Once there is a poly grad in PAP, it will also mean the pool for opposition candidates is enlarged. University graduates typically are afraid to go against PAP for fear of disrupting their cushy, stable life.
Noted this information thanks to Mr Keith. scholars that knows and can put it to the practice are rare. they are happy with this kind of people who will lead Singapore, what else can we say? The wind of change is in the air and everyone can smell it already. Life is not so simple.
I am a polytechnic graduate currently pursuing a part-time degree.
A decade ago, I was appointed as a branch member of the Young PAP at my constituency by the Advisor. I have the most grassroots experience among the members but interestingly, the Advisor appointed a scholar from Singapore Technology as the Chairman and a fresh doctor as the Vice-Chairman and told them to "gain valuable exposure from my grassroots experience".
During the planning of our first constituency event, I forsee some potential issues from my past organising experience and alerted them but they simply brushed them off. During the actual day of the event, the issues surfaced and everyone had to "fight fire". At the post-mortem meeting, the issues were raised (and as usual, the finger-pointing game was played) and I was "lightly" taken to task for not highlighting the issues to them.
Eventually, I resigned from Young PAP after a few months, citing "work committment".
Based on my past experience, in my humble opinion, as long as PAP holds on to power, you will NEVER see a non-graduate in Parliament.
And that is the main reason why I am currently pursuing a part-time degree course. This is the way the game is played in Singapore. No degree = No future. So if one chooses to play this game, one has no choice but to abide by the rules of the game.
Haven't heard from you for quite some time, must be busy in Shanghai.
Is the weather getting any better ?
Will you be attending the opening ceremony of the Olympic ?
Sounds like you're be back to join the MIW and set things right .
Sorry for giving you a bundle of questions.
August 01, 2008 Friday, 09:52 PM
