This kind of things will never see the light without new media. I’m actually pretty surprised that TodayOnline published it online and kept it up for so long. I thought they would have taken it down by now. Anyway, this letter has been reposted on several website by now. So no use taking down too. Now I wonder if this will ever make it to the Mainstream media.

Online Only – MP had no empathy
Letter from LAWRENCE LOH KIAH MUAN
Updated 10:07 PM May 13, 2009

It started with Member of Parliament (MP) Seng Han Thong being set on fire. Then came MP Denise Phua who was threatened by a rag-and-bone man. Recently, MP Cynthia Phua was subjected to a display of violence by a constituent.

Although these incidents are disturbing and a cause for concern, I wonder whether the constituents are solely to be blamed.

Allow me to relate my personal experience.

In February 2001, my older son died in a naval accident whilst serving National Service. In that year, my younger son was due for enlistment. A friend, a very active grassroots member, suggested that I approach my MP, for help in exploring the possibility of getting an exemption for my younger son. I was reluctant but he went ahead to fix an appointment for me at the Meet-The-People Session (MPS). I subsequently relented and he accompanied me there. It was in March 2001. That was my first appearance at a MPS, and it was to be my last.

I waited until midnight before I could meet the MP. Prior to this, he was given the case paper which detailed the objective of the meeting and the circumstances of my case.

When I entered the room, his first remark was “Yes, what can I do for you?”. There was no attempt at offering a word of sympathy or condolence. I then related my situation and said that both my wife and I were very traumatised.

His next remark “What traumatic, after two months, you won’t be traumatic?”. With that, I decided to end the meeting. And with that, my respect for him hit ground zero. I was too stunned and grief-stricken to react. Someone who was less-controlled and less-measured than me could have flown into a rage and become violent.

MPs are elected or appointed to serve the constituents. People who attend the MPS are those who have real problems and need help. In a lot of instances, they are stressed, distressed and troubled. What they need is a caring soul, a helping hand, a gentle voice, and words of hope and encouragement. To dispense these, MPs need good interpersonal skills and a high EQ. Arrogance, a patronizing, chiding and belittling attitude, aloofness and lack of empathy will only trigger acts of rashness and violence. Many of our politicians have a high IQ, some are scholars. However, a high IQ is not the only attribute needed in a political career. A high EQ is equally, if not more critical, especially when it comes to dealing with the constituents.

In my case, I would have felt good if my MP could have been a warm and caring person. If he could have been empathetic, consoling and helpful. All these qualities can only come from the heart, not from the mind.

How many of our MPs can stand up and be counted for this?

This is like a complete failure. What kind of person replies in such a manner? For goodness sake, you are a MP. At least show some sympathy to the poor guy who just lost his son. And his son passed away while serving the nation. Its sad that Singapore don’t really honor people who lost their life while serving the nation the way US did. Sometimes you wonder is it worth sacrificing your life for the nation.

Even if you can’t give the younger son exemption for NS, at least offer to write a letter to Mindef to ask them to consider posting him to a less dangerous vocation. (Which I’m glad that Mindef eventually did that without the help of this useless MP) What kind of Asshole reply with “What traumatic, after two months, you won’t be traumatic?” I’m surprised that Mr Lawrence has such good endurance. I’m sure the MP won’t be this lucky if he said that to other people.

While I do not support violence, I also hope that MP self reflect on their own actions. Why would someone suddenly for no reason turn violent against them? Surely there is a reason behind all these attack. Are they the cause of the attack? Did they do something that angered the person? If they are, perhaps they need to change themselves so that they won’t piss people off. Else perhaps they should consider stepping down as MP. I really don’t wish to see another MP being attacked.

Oh, in case you are wondering, the MP in question here is Mr Chan Soo Sen from Joo Chiat. (The author of the letter wrote in the comments that he is from Joo Chiat. And Joo Chiat only have 1 MP) Why am I not surprised at all? Oh ya, I read about him on EastCoastLife’s blog too.

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