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Media Release: EDB's
refusal to disclose lost UNSW money is an outrage
24
May 07
The Economic Development Board (EDB) has stated
that it will not reveal how much money it has lost over the
closure of the University of New South Wales (UNSW) campus in
Singapore.
In case it has forgotten, its funds come from
the toil and sweat of Singaporeans, not money it has privately
earned. Its refusal to make a full and public disclosure of the
money lost is outrageous and unacceptable.
Moreover, that
a multi-million dollar project can fail so spectacularly and in
so short a time signals incompetence and an appalling lack of
foresight at the highest levels. But will there be an inquiry
into what went wrong and who the responsible decision-makers are?
Given the PAP system, hell will freeze over first.
With
the plastering over of past government failures – including
the embarrassing Suzhou Industrial Park debacle, the careless
acquisition of Shin Corp by Temasek bordering on the criminal,
and the endorsement of the NKF by ministers despite the
corruptness of Mr T T Durai and company just to name a few
scandals – why should anyone expect anything different over
the present UNSW crash?
Yet, Singaporeans must not accept
the status quo. A people who are fearful or indifferent to public
affairs encourage corruption and abuse by the State. It is hugely
important for citizens to not only be aware of what our
Government is doing, but also to register our voices of
displeasure. The clearer and louder the better.
Apart
from the lack of transparency from the EDB, there is also the
question of the PAP's strategy of trying to lure foreign academic
brains to Singapore.
First there was Warwick University
and the London School of Economics which turned down the EDB's
invitation to set up shop here. Then there was the controversy
over British drug scientist Dr Simon Shorvon and his subsequent
departure resulting in the loss of millions of investment
dollars. And now the UNSW collapse.
All this wasted time
and resources can be avoided if we concentrate on developing our
very own Singaporean talent of which is not in short supply. The
only thing that is holding back our institutions of higher
learning is the refusal of the PAP to allow academic freedom in
this country.
In the world of academia, minds need the
freedom to clash, prod and play. Only then can a culture
conducive to research develop. And only when research flourishes
can our universities attain the stature and reputation we
seek.
But the PAP system is anathema to the development of
academia. Dictatorial systems that brook no dissent and research
minds that thrive on questioning authority are sworn enemies.
The PAP tries to get around this problem by buying
academic (and subservient) talent from overseas. Throwing money
to entice academic "stars" while keeping an
authoritarian lid on society is like trying to light a candle in
a thunderstorm.
The continued PAP arm-lock on Singapore is
hurting this country and the future of the people. The current
UNSW mess is but a minor symptom of a much bigger disease that
afflicts this country.
Chee Soon
Juan
Secretary-General
Singapore Democratic Party
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