Chairman EXCO is usually the talking head for major NDP press conferences that introduce the theme and show concept for Singapore's birthday celebrations. From an information management standpoint, the Ministry of Defence MINDEF statement on the colonel's resignation was a textbook example of how a government ministry deals with media queries on a subject outside its publicity plan.
It was brief, respected the individual's privacy by going straight to the point and gave little away that could help a journalist armed with sparse facts from writing an expose. In the pre-Internet era, such a response - in this case cobbled together over the weekend - would have served admirably well. Alas, the game has changed.
Today's news junkies abhor a vacuum. Coming close on the heels of high-profile departures from the Singapore Civil Defence Force and Central Narcotics Bureau, it was natural - indeed expected - that netizens would think there is more to the story than MINDEF was prepared to say.
This would have shot down many theories before they could have taken wing. Looking at the informal queries directed to this blog on Monday from two newspapers, several PR professionals and a smattering of nosey defence-minded individuals, one can sense that newshounds are hungry to pick up the scent of scandal.
Collateral damage from this media lesson will be exacted when COL Yau's family members have to deal with pointblank questions and curved balls from friends and frenemies hungry for the same.
They could have been spared the experience had a clear, unambiguous response told people what they deserve to know. With official guidance absent, everything from a terminal illness, political ambition to office hanky panky were pinned on the man. At times, one wondered if netizens were talking about the same person, so varied and conflicting were the theories that floated in cyberspace.
His dalliance with a MINDEF officer from one of my favourite departments became the talk of the Army and his professional reputation was torn apart way before he got his family life back on track.
With this background in mind and with the MHA resignations still fresh in the public's awareness, one cannot be surprised at the intensity of investigative journalism seen in the past couple of days.
But you must understand the context to see why the story roused the gossips the way it did. Given time and the small footprint of Singapore's labour market, senior SAF officers cannot lie low for long.
If COL Yau is happy to have his loved ones weather all sorts of conspiracy theories, then so be it. But a media interview during the Guards Formation change of command parade would end this drawn out fencing match with journalists, many of whom are hard-wired never to give up the chase. These scribes are cheered on by readers who expect nothing less than the full story when they crack open the newspaper every morning. Asked why he is following the story, one PR professional who is an NSman officer said: "I love dirt on army pple.
Newer Post Older Post Home. More details soon. But more importantly, why should his sudden resignation be of any interest to the general public? Or the sorry-looking NSFs prancing around, working below minimum wage levels. Or the fire works might be replaced with hand-held sparklers.
Switching sides like this will be something that will deserve a screaming font size worthy headline. Nor as a private contractor mercenary , a market where British and American ex-officers often find lucrative second careers. But then they are warriors who are combat-honed and experienced, not combat-trained toy soldiers. Colonel Tan Kok Ming will be taking over his position.
His sudden resignation came as a surprise as he has been busy preparing for this year National Day Parade and is slated to be promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General in the next three years.
Furthermore, senior SAF officers must give a 3-month notice before tendering their resignation. The news has set some tongues wagging with some netizens speculating the real reasons behind his resignation. Been 9 years , any bros know the reason or any hearsay. Balls2U Alfrescian Loyal. May have left Sinkieland to pursue an alternative career elsewhere.
Chief Guards is in line for BG rank. Hence higher salary and pension. Ralders said:. Click to expand Singapore has a new Chief Guards Officer who is the first non-guardsman in more than 10 years to head the Singapore Guards formation. Isn't this the same guy? No mystery at all. Ng boon gay is in there as well. Certis dumping ground.
Luckily Ng Boon Gay has an understanding wife. View attachment
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