A St Andrew's Junior College student who attended the Pre-U Seminar last week has apologised to Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean for a blog posting that contained expletives.
In his piece in which he wrote, 'F*** you, sir', Reuben Wang had accused Mr Teo of avoiding difficult questions on press freedom and a sense of belonging in Singapore asked by students during the seminar and turning them to the students instead of answering them himself.
The original blog post was published on June 2, but was taken down on June 6, along with his blog. Reuben also sent Mr Teo an email that morning to apologise for the posting.
Reuben met Mr Teo at the Ministry of Home Affairs yesterday and apologised to him. An SAJC teacher and Reuben's father were also present during the 30-minute chat, in which Reuben's post, hobbies and other topics were discussed.
Said STOMPer Dee:
"Perhaps the student did not agree with some of the things that DPM Teo said.
"I read his blog post when it was first published, I do agree the student has some valid points, but perhaps too emotionally charged.
"Anyway I think he is headstrong and very opinionated, although this time his opinions landed him in hot soup, but it's a lesson well learnt.
"He got to meet DPM Teo and chat. I think if he focuses his energies correctly, he will be very successful in the future."
Reuben told The Straits Times he realised his blog post was 'rash' after reading the comments left by his friends. Mr Teo said: 'I am glad he has taken the time to reflect, and recognises that what he said, as well as the way he said it, were wrong.'
Mr Teo explained he avoided simply giving students answers during the seminar. He wanted them to think deeply about the difficult choices they had to make. 'It was a lively and engaging session...some of them offered answers to their own questions after a little encouragement,' he added.
Reuben, a debator, was described by schoolmates as quiet, unless voicing opinions on issues he felt strongly about. He will be taking a break from blogging as he wants to reflect and start on a clean slate.
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"A true leader must have a big heart that can receive all kinds of criticism, even though it's from a kid. If this DPM has a tiny brain with a tiny heart and is afraid of losing face to a 17yo, then the best option for this DPM is to step down, and goto private sector & make a living....obviously he's in the wrong trade. And don't ask a kid to apologise when you the old man can't even set good examples to your future generation. Wake up! you elite peasants! I think I understand more about confuscius teaching than these elite english-speaking chinese peasants...."
Even little negative thing commented about big guns it will shoot you down. He has no choice but to apologize if not he will be in trouble. Thats about same level of freedom we have as myanmar and north korea.
Well answered Mr Teo....