The Prime Minster, Mr. Goh Chok Tong, has chosen not to reply to my letter of 26th January 2004.
As I said in my letter to him. I can only conclude that he was not being truthful in what he told CNN. I therefore now release my letter to him - letter follows.
I hope Mr.Goh and his colleague in the Cabinet realise that Goh's omission to clarify what he told CNN demonstrates that the government sets no store by the need for the government to appear credible at all times. it shows that it does not bother the government whether the people can trust government or not.
Signed J.B. Jeyaretnam
3rd February 2004.
10 Jalan Besar #10-06
Sim Lim Tower
Singapore 208787
Tel: 6 337 2371
Fax: 6 337 2035
26th January 2004
Ms. Goh Chok Tong
The Prime Minister
Singapore
Dear Mr.Goh,
You are reported to have told CNN that the appointment of Mr. Lee Hsien Loong as Prime Minister,when you step down, was done with transparency and that he had to be selected by his colleagues in parliament.
I do not know that any Singaporean is aware that Lee went through a selection process among the Members of Parliament.
In the interetst of truth , would you let me know when this selection was done and how, whether it was by all Members of Parliament and how many. You realise that this is important because you have said his selection was done with transparency.
If I do not hear from you before the end of this week, I shall have no option but to conclude, as would Singaporeans, that you were just spinning a yarn to the CNN.
I reserve the right to release this letter and your reply to the public at large.
Yours faithfully,
Signed J.B.Jeyaretnam
