Singaporeans must be interested and concerned with what is happening to Singapore ...or be 'bo chap'

 It is very comforting to note that Singaporeans are showing great interest and concerns in the financial status of SIA, our national airline. SIA's investment in Air India and the losses it was made to pay have made many SIA shareholders fuming at the AGMs. Many have found their dividends and share prices being greatly affected or even forgone because of the losses in Air India that ended up with SIA making losses.  The shareholders have been questioning SIA management about this hole in SIA's pocket with some demanding that SIA should cut losses and get out of Air India.

Singaporeans in general have been following this drama and rightfully be equally upset. This is not just SIA's problem, it will in a way affect the nation's reserves and Singapore as a whole.  Many Singaporeans are beneficiaries of the govt's assistance in offering vouchers, subsidies and discounts in this difficult time of high inflation and cost of living. And they know that the govt handouts are closely tied to the soundness and performance of the nation's reserves and how these are being deployed and invested. 

To many concerned Singaporeans, the SIA dilemma is not a once off affair and can keep on draining the revenue of SIA.  Everyone would have his views on how to deal with this losing investment in Air India. Everyone would also have his subjective interpretation of the issues. No one can claim objectivity when looking at this unpleasant situation. No one can fault Singaporeans for having their own views on the issue. No one can blame Singaporeans for wanting to question how the funds are being invested as the fund managers are also human and have their own biases and blind spot and can also make wrong decisions. Similarly, decision makers are not God and are always right. If that is the case, all the investment decisions will not go wrong.

What is unsettling and making people unhappy is the way some Singaporeans are expressing themselves and often stepped into sensitive areas. Unfortunately not all Singaporeans are highly educated and sikit atas people and can think and behave rationally and objectively. There will be many Ah Bengs, Ahmads and Muthus among the hoi polloi, and some may utter things that should not be said at all. Some could be kids under 18 years old and needed protection from the social media themselves. It would be good if the wiser Singaporeans speak up on this matter instead of leaving it to the less enlightened masses. Caveat, the supposedly more well educated and sophisticated Singaporeans also have their biases and prejudices.

The authority is understandingly upset and has issued warnings about taking actions. Hope they will not be treated as terrorists or like the unfortunate mother trying to game the school admission system and ended in jail. Singaporeans should have the right to discuss national affairs and things that are of concern to them, but are advised to be more restrained and circumspect when speaking out.

The SIA issue will not go away and may not an isolated incident. There can be more of such incidents in the future.  Singaporeans should be encouraged to speak out, to complain about things they think are not right, If not, some may say, since there is no complaint, then everything is ok, Singaporeans are happy about it. Do the political leaders want Singaporeans to be mum about what is happening in Singapore? For sure many Singaporeans are very unhappy about SIA's investment in Air India and are watching how SIA is managing it, and may even want the govt to intervene if necessary. Singaporeans are speaking up and this is a good thing. Just be objective and rational. Speaking up is feedback for the govt.