9 November 2010

Mr Teo Chee Hean

Deputy Prime Minister
Minister for Defence
MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC

Dear Deputy Prime Minister

AN OPEN LETTER WITH REFERENCE TO YOUR RECENT COMMENT ON

THE LARGER ROLE THE NEW MEDIA IS EXPECTED TO PLAY IN THIS ELECTION

In a recent interview when asked about the larger role the new media is expected to play in the
coming election, you said, “The more noise you make on the Internet doesn’t mean that you have
better programmes or better solution.”i

I write this note because I have heard this rhetoric being repeated so many times by so many people
in the establishment over the years, that I think you have started to believe that which you are
saying.

The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates taught his students that the pursuit of truth can begin only
once they start to question and analyse every belief that they ever held dear. If it doesn't survive
scrutiny, it must be ditched.

The modern day critics and sceptics, have used the new media as a tool and have identified
themselves as ‘bloggers’ to play this very important role which society needs. Without the critics and
sceptics in society, goals are left un-clarified, assumptions are left unexamined, hidden values are left
un-discerned, actions are left unaccomplished and conclusions are left un-assessed.

Therefore it is paramount for the establishment to hear the critics and the sceptics and not dismiss it
as mere noise.

The primary role of the critics and sceptics is not to find better programmes or solutions. We have
the various ministries (headed by Ministers whose salaries are pegged against those of top
professionals) and the very efficient civil service, to find those.

It is very important for the government and those that are in the establishment to respond to
questions and discussions, without reacting. Ignorance comes at the cost of critics and sceptics
losing all hope and turning into cynics due to frustration.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely

Ravi Philemon
i
http://sg.yfittopostblog.com/2010/11/06/25-new-faces-in-pap-election-line-up/