I attended another closed door dialogue session today, and i didn't expect it to be even more 'exclusive' than the one with MG Chan 1.5 weeks ago. It was just 15-or-so of us, with BG Tan addressing issues regarding the Budget, Manpower and Xenophobia.
It was easy to notice the stark contrast in approach between the 2 ex-Army generals. But it was equally apparent to note the consistent underlying messages that they sent, largely about the challenges that a country as small as Singapore faces, and the choices that we have to make. And this conveniently answers majority of the issues that are hotly debated online and offline.
I agree with what Eugene (from whom i got the lobangs for both dialogues) said, that it's good that our future leaders have got a strong conviction in the values that they subscribe to. That's a quality of a leader, I suppose. It doesn't come out as something that seems 'scripted' nor 'learnt', unlike the impressions I have of certain MPs. That probably is one of the differences between someone of MP-calibre and someone of Minister-calibre.
The exclusive nature of today's session made it possible for BG Tan to interact with everyone on a personal level, asking about everyone's background and job aspirations. It's relevant to his current portfolio in the Ministry of Manpower anyway. I appreciated some of his sharings about Manpower issues, including foreign workers, possible amendments to the Employment Act, mandatory one-day off for maids, among others.
And once again, I felt inspired by the need to connect to our community. I'm not sure how this can fit into my life in future, but somehow...
I was glad I attended the session today, and also looking forward to the upcoming Ministerial Forum on Wednesday, in which DPM will address issues.
人生是黑白的.
11:18 PM <3
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