Melvyn Tan: The Aftermath
Mr Melvyn Tan has decided to withdraw himself from the Singapore arts scene. However, there are still people who are still unhappy, feeling that he still got off too lightly.
In today's (6th December 2005) TODAY, forumner Mr Lim Boon Hee stated that Melvyn Tan did not "mention how he felt about dodging conscription". Should he feel sad? Should he feel relieved? Should he feel happy? What are his feelings amidst the whole "Defaulting-NS" scene? I guess that's what Mr Lim wanted to know. Did he feel remorsful or was he just emotionless? It is of no doubt that he was disappointed and sad as he was unable to perform due to society's unacceptance. But the question is not on how he felt about performing but about his past actions - the act of defaulting.
In the same page, forumner Mr Jimmy Chan mentioned that "we have lost the contribution of a very talented, internationally-accomplished musician born in Singapore" which was because of "the criticism of a few close-minded people". Mr Chan viewed Melvyn Tan as someone who has contributed to Singapore in the arts scene and not as a defaulter. Likewise, society should see the good side of Melvyn Tan and not the bad side. He ended by saying: "Melvyn, you are always welcome back to Singapore!".
Was it a coincidence that these two letters were put side by side in the newspaper? Or was it just pure irony? Whatever it is, we can see that there are still people who are unwilling to forgive and forget what Melvyn Tan has done. You can say that it's understandable as NS is a great sacrifice for many Singaporeans. You can say that it's not understandable as these people are narrow-hearted and could not find the space inside to forgive him. For me, I will say that it takes time for society to accept Melvyn Tan as he has done something unaccepted in the eyes of male Singaporeans. It may take a few days, or weeks, or even months before this issue dies out.
Previous articles,
Controversial Pianist : Melvyn Tan
Controversial Pianist Melvyn Tan Cancels Concert
Tags: Melvyn Tan, National Service, Singapore
In today's (6th December 2005) TODAY, forumner Mr Lim Boon Hee stated that Melvyn Tan did not "mention how he felt about dodging conscription". Should he feel sad? Should he feel relieved? Should he feel happy? What are his feelings amidst the whole "Defaulting-NS" scene? I guess that's what Mr Lim wanted to know. Did he feel remorsful or was he just emotionless? It is of no doubt that he was disappointed and sad as he was unable to perform due to society's unacceptance. But the question is not on how he felt about performing but about his past actions - the act of defaulting.
In the same page, forumner Mr Jimmy Chan mentioned that "we have lost the contribution of a very talented, internationally-accomplished musician born in Singapore" which was because of "the criticism of a few close-minded people". Mr Chan viewed Melvyn Tan as someone who has contributed to Singapore in the arts scene and not as a defaulter. Likewise, society should see the good side of Melvyn Tan and not the bad side. He ended by saying: "Melvyn, you are always welcome back to Singapore!".
Was it a coincidence that these two letters were put side by side in the newspaper? Or was it just pure irony? Whatever it is, we can see that there are still people who are unwilling to forgive and forget what Melvyn Tan has done. You can say that it's understandable as NS is a great sacrifice for many Singaporeans. You can say that it's not understandable as these people are narrow-hearted and could not find the space inside to forgive him. For me, I will say that it takes time for society to accept Melvyn Tan as he has done something unaccepted in the eyes of male Singaporeans. It may take a few days, or weeks, or even months before this issue dies out.
Previous articles,
Controversial Pianist : Melvyn Tan
Controversial Pianist Melvyn Tan Cancels Concert
Tags: Melvyn Tan, National Service, Singapore
posted by Steph at 5:47 PM
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3 Comments:
ya.. ns people. hai. talent. what a waste..
PK
True...quite a sad case for the nation.
chris
I went to your blog but didn't really understand it as it was in a foreign language that I don't understand.
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