Since before the beginning of the YOG here in Singapore, it has been lambasted from many aspects: For example, exceeding it's original SGD$100+million budget to almost SGD$400 million, YOG lanes, disappointed opinions on its opening ceremony & concert, poor ticket sales, ill treatment of volunteers, sub-standard food, sub-standard construction, "arranged" supporters from MOE & Mindef, and even possibly mass food poisoning !
All the above are gathered from various non-mainstream media online for obvious reasons. My guess is that it is so prolific online because these angles presented are not appropriately covered by the main stream.
All these criticisms aside, yes, our inaugural Singapore 2010 YOG may not be anywhere near perfect. My questions here for those who had criticized aspects related to this event, especially fellow Singaporeans: Why not we put the criticisms aside and give our support in one way or another while it is ongoing? We can do the critics later, but for now, let's go support Singapore's effort in the 1st YOG in this world, buy a ticket, watch an event, cheer the athletes, whatever!
The above picture shows the tickets belonging to myself and a few fellow activists from the Workers' Party Youth Wing for a YOG event later today. We are going to give our support as Singaporeans.
TTTan
ReplyDeleteYou know its refreshing to read your post after the many blog posts slamming the Govt/PAP and YOG. I feel very dishearten as a Singaporean.
Yes, the budget was WAY over, the food for the volunteers wasn't so pleasing, and all the 'volunteering' of students. All bad and poorly done by the organizing committee.
But we forget, this is the 1st ever Youth Olympic Games. Singapore will forever be in the history books as the first.
Secondly, many complain about the athletes being too young and unknown. But we forget that these youngster could be the next micheal phelps or ushain bolt, and they got they got their first taste of olympic competition experience right here at this event!
Since the games are on, you are absolutely right about supporting them and leave to the criticism to later. Singaporeans can be a real bunch of whiners sometimes.
cheers!
Now we know why WP is the approved opposition
ReplyDeleteIf the govt makes a major screw-up, spends three times the budgeted amount, makes children from neighbourhood schools line the streets, and in general makes a hash of the organization of any event, WP will say, "Let's not whine but admire the great work done by the PAP - we can't do any better ourselves"
Hi Diagnostix,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the affirmation. I am glad I am not the only Singaporean who supports Singapore.
Hi Anonymous,
Read the last sentence(in bold) of my blog and understand the point I am making before you make any comments that may embarrass all the "Anonymous" people out there.If you are a Singaporean,what would you do for your country(for your sake,this has got nothing to do with 'approved opposition' or not)?
..and yes..I was referring to people like you..
Its sad to read what 'Anonymous' wrote. Its comments like these that makes the PAP think the average Singaporeans are just a bunch of complainers. Its like complaining for the sake of complaining.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a big fan of the PAP nor do I know much about what's going on at WP. But as the average man on the street, we need to be the 'bigger person'. For events such as this, we should show unity. The event has started, and nothing we moan or groan about is going to change that. Let's instead take advantage of it and give it all the support we can give. Any criticism should be put aside until after the event.
It's like we've invited friends into our home and instead of entertaining these friends, we're airing our dirty laundry for all to hear.
I guess some people just can't contain themselves. In my mind, they remind me of little chihuahuas... small minded but yelps a heck of a noise.