9 November 2016:
Annoyed rant regarding US election.
On social media, so many are criticising PM Lee for congratulating Donald Trump on winning the 2016 US Presidential Election. He has been labelled many things, but mainly how he is 'hypocritical'. My thoughts: really?????For those who are saying that PM Lee should condemn this election because Trump won, then I'm sorry but you sound like a sore loser, simple as that. This is akin to what Trump said back then, about how he would accept the election if he won.
Yes, most Singaporeans do not favour Trump and rather Hillary Clinton won. But we just got to accept collectively that this was not what America - as a whole - decided! And if you want democracy, this is just one loophole of democracy.
Even though it does feel like Hillary was poised to win, don't forget that your views may have been influenced by what you were exposed to, which may not be neutral in the first place. But during an election, when everybody voices out, then we see the true sentiment.
Back to PM Lee's post. What else is PM Lee supposed to do??? Again, this was a fair election (at least as of now, so far no such allegation). So while the result may not be preferred at all, but, what to do? Just suck it up and move on!
Which is what PM Lee is doing. He is giving a very nuanced response addressing how Singapore and USA can move forward, because that is what's most important. Also, this is, at its foundation, professionalism from one head of state to another (soon to be).
In private PM Lee may not like Trump as well. Who knows, he may well be cursing at home now. But again, being the pragmatist, he has to simply work out the next course of action, given the already-fixed circumstances.
That, to me, is what a wise leader is about. It's not about remaining sore and wishing and hoping that Hillary won instead. This is exactly like Brexit, in fact.
Another thing, for those that mentioned PM Lee should not be 'too friendly' with Trump because of his character and all, my oh my, you guys sound exactly like USA! #irony Yes, Trump has serious character flaws but PM Lee still has business to do.
From a very pragmatic point of view, USA is still big and powerful. Singapore simply cannot afford to cut ties with USA or sabotage it proactively just because Trump won. In fact, if Singapore does so, the main loser will be us. Trump wouldn't care!
Do I hear criticism about how this is very mercenary? Well, feel free to say so. But if one is so principled, then by all means. Just remember that if PM Lee were equally principled and did the above, how many Singaporeans would be affected?
And when Singaporean citizens' jobs and daily living are affected, tell me if you still can talk about principles and morals? This is a very fine ethical line here, but it is a necessary one. PM Lee did not condone Trump's character, but merely talked about working together.
Just like in an office - you may dislike your colleagues due to their characters, but professionalism still dictates that you have to try and work with them. If you're really so principled about it, then find somewhere that everyone has your preferred attitude!
TTFN.
P.S. In case anyone's wondering, I obviously support Hillary over Trump. But in a lesser evil kind of way. And yet, despite Hillary not winning, I still deeply believe in whatever mentioned above. Because I think there is more to feeling sore about your preferred candidate losing. Also, I don't think Hillary was that fantastic, anyway.