I condemn that attack on MP Seng Han Thong. My heartfelt sympathy to him and his loved ones.
No one needs to live in fear for serving the country. Using this dastardly attack is not the way to handle issues, personal or not. It was my missus who brought this up when she read Wayang Party blogsite. She was rather shocked.
I don't know what to say. This is the second attack on him. The first one was a punch in the face by a taxi driver concerning some revoked license. I'm not sure what provoked this second attack. Until the police publishes the investigation, we'll be left wondering with this haunting question:
WHY?
Coincidental that of all the MPs, he had been assualted twice. Gee, some group must have been really 'pissed' at him! Was this the act of a person with mental health issues? Or was it an old grudge?
This attacker is 70 years old. He probably doesn't think life is worth living. Perhaps he had lost all his savings in the minibonds? Maybe he was driven up the wall, backed into a corner with nothing else to live for... I don't know.
All I can surmise is this man is probably a very, very angry man. I do not think he has mental issues since he knows where to get the kerosene, plan carefully to approach the MP from behind and then light the fire.
All I can say to President Bush is "George, you had it easy."
May MP Seng have a speedy recovery from his burns. May God watch over him and his family in this hour of need.
13 comments:
I am in agreement. In a civilized society, acts of violence cannot be acceptable except in a complete breakdown of civility.
I hope Mr Seng recovers soon.
As for the assailant, Mr Ong, I'll let medical doctors determine his sanity. Imho, there's a blurry line between being overly emotional and insanity. The former could be a sign of emotional breakdown under stress (he is reported to have been troubled). In any case, what he did was wrong but I hope the courts would fairly consider any mitigating conditions for the man. It would be sad if the courts show any unfairness because the case involved an MP.
Yeah it gives anyone a sense of fear to be an MP now. Something you'll never know whom are you shaking hands with. Reminds me of those scary movies like SAW. *cringe*
But I have a strong feeling that they are gonna put that guy away for good. Maybe in a mental institution purely because it involved an MP. He's a risk to the other MPs.
Call me biased.
Kaffein
Well, I the cynic has been proven right. The guy who lit up MP Seng is gonna get the life imprisonment.
When did that (the life sentence) happen?
The MSM carries no news on the man (only saying that he has been charged) and not even the ToC covers this.
Seemed awfully quick ... did the assailant plead guilty? Was he of sound mind to do so? I kinda expected at least some kind of psychiatric evaluation before they accepted any plea. Frankly, this is rather disturbing ...
Perhaps I'm jumping the gun. Anyway, here is the link from AsiaOne article.
Excerpt here:
"According to article 326 of the penal code, the highest penalty for Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means is life imprisonment."
Well, like I've said, I won't be surprised if that guy gets life imprisonment.
Ah ... cool, I read about that as well. Sorry I misinterpreted what you wrote. I had thought the courts had already passed judgement.
Well have you thought of all the possible reasons why this has happened to the MP?
It goes to show what will happen in a civilized? society when some people are pushed to a corner. Some jump off into the mtr, others do such acts.
What have the MP Seng been doing for his community not to be even aware that such problems exist?
Live in fear of serving the country? Come on - don't be dramatic. This is one in a million case.
Though we should not condone this act, kudos should be given to the attacker for his bravery in doing this, albeit a bit unorthodox. This should send signals to the governement on the possible problems at the grassroots level which they conveniently forget.
Soojenn wrote:
Well have you thought of all the possible reasons why this has happened to the MP?
Kaffein> I don't claim to know everything. But the MP is not the one thinking out the policies. He may play a part in voting and executing it.
Kaffein> Not matter what reasons there are, setting someone on fire is a BIG no-no. Violence only begets violence. And this is not just a shoe being thrown at.
"It goes to show what will happen in a civilized? society when some people are pushed to a corner. Some jump off into the mtr, others do such acts."
Kaffein> Totally agree. People are people and even meek ones will turn around and bite back when backed into corner.
Kaffein> Some people even believed that they will go heaven when they blow themselves up and taking a lot with them to heaven. But I digress.
"What have the MP Seng been doing for his community not to be even aware that such problems exist?"
Kaffein> I'm not sure if any MP, or anyone for the matter, can know everyone on the street in his community. Who would have thought a nice loving wife would suddenly suffocate all her three children in a sudden depression?
"Live in fear of serving the country? Come on - don't be dramatic. This is one in a million case."
Kaffein> Not really. Do you know how many politicians get assaulted each year? Have you known how many presidents get assassinated in this century alone?
"Though we should not condone this act, kudos should be given to the attacker for his bravery in doing this, albeit a bit unorthodox. "
Kaffein> Now that is not a very nice thing to say. It is not just the MP getting hurt. There are emotional links to his extended family. Imagine you are his daughter. What would have gone through your mind when such things happen? Wouldn't you begrudge Singaporeans because your father had been serving the country for so many years, and this is his reward?
Kaffein> There are many sides to an issue. To say the attacker did right is not the approach I would take personally. There still are ways - eg. your vote. But then again, many are like sheep gone astray :P
"This should send signals to the governement on the possible problems at the grassroots level which they conveniently forget."
Kaffein> Yeah mixed signals alright. Next time your MP shakes your hand, there will be a role called hand-shaker. Just like a cup-bearer for the king. And the entourage of police officers. Is that what you want?
Kaffein> There will always be people opposing your views and against your policies. One cannot implement policies that fit all.
Kaffein> However I agree that it's time for the government to wake up. And for the MPs to 'grow some balls' in voicing the concerns of the people, instead of singing the same old broken record song.
If you know this seng chap ... u will think he deserves it.
Funny. When Dr Chee used non-violence protest method, you guy said it is not workable, it is a waste of time etc etc etc. Now, this 70 year old gentleman used violence, you guys said the same thing. So what should Singaporeans do to let their voices heard, what should Singaporean do to not to suppress themselves anymore? Complain? We had done it. Whining? We had been sneered at. Wrote to forum, we had done it too. So what's next? Throw shoes?
Throwing shoes at the MP seems like a good idea to get their attention. Would the shoes be classified as a dangerous weapon or they classify it as the use of deadly force? Hmm... Can throw toilet rolls at the Ministers and MPs? I guess that this would be the last straw that broke the camels back. Pushed into a corner, the citizens will strike back when they no longer got anything to lose.
Kaffein, now that the MPs are scared, does this justify a pay increment for them? Maybe 'dangerous duty' allowance for the MPs? Is it many Singaporeans want to beat up their MPs for not speaking up for them?
I not going to talk from moral high horse.
If I got guts, I will also do the same.
Have u looked at what these ministers had done lately?
Throwing shoes is just not good enough. They deserve more.
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