Traitor and betrayal are loose words

Lately the words like traitor and betrayal have been loosely popping out from people’s lips and also in social media. Anyone that has said things or done things that are perceived to be unfavourable to the citizens or country will be slammed with such a tag. It is not nice to be branded with such a title and neither is it good.
 
In the past, politicians too have been called traitors or for betraying their parties by speaking out against party policies or interests. Such hateful comments are not good for the victims and also reflected badly on the people who mouthed them. You don’t simply call another person a traitor or for betraying country and people loosely like some assholes accusing people of racism or xenophobia.
 
With the internet allowing more freedom of speech, oops, I forgot the govt also has to be merciful for this right of expression, more things will be said and more people are likely to be stuck by such wicked labels.
 
Ngiam Tong Dow has become the latest victim. Some has said it openly, some implied, some might said it behind closed doors. Ngiam Tong Dow was an establishment man. He held the highest office in the civil service, a top notch civil servant that rubbed shoulders with the power holders. He walked the corridors of power.
 
His latest revelation of some of the inner thoughts of our leaders and the antics of politicians and civil servants are not being taken lightly. It is very serious matter for telling ‘state secrets’ that were once privy only to the inner circle. Ngiam has in some ways retracted what he had said. Whether he regretted or not is a separate issue. It was a very uncomfortable confrontation and a very uncomfortable Ngiam. He spoke and looked like he was chastised.
 
Was Ngiam also been called a traitor, or for betraying the establishment for saying his piece? Or has he been accused of biting the hands that fed him? There is a conflict of loyalty and obedience. Should Ngiam value the interest of the country and people more than the interest of the party and establishment? Or did he betray anyone or any interest group?
 
Ngiam was first and foremost a civil servant, someone who is paid by taxpayers’ money. He was not paid by someone’s Ah Kong’s money. He pledged loyalty to the country. If what he said were for the good of country and people, he cannot be a traitor or be accused of betraying the people or country, or can he? Who is to judge him and to accuse him of such deeds if any? On what basis?
 
Even if there is a conflict of interests between country/people and party/govt, the former shall override the latter. The interest of people and country must supercede all sectarian and party interests. I hope no one will dare to cast such blemishes on anyone who speaks up for the good of country and nation, and people. Tio boh?

PS; Patriots and loyal citizens sound better and more appropriate. Tio boh?