Melvyn Tan is leaving Singapore
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Originally posted by MRMUSICPRODUCER:
when he graduated from the music college he went to in London, he was NOT 12. get your facts right la.
U mean entrepreneurs no need 2 take risk? They will succeed once they go into business? How much do u know abt music business anyway? Mr Mer was how old then? 12!!! Wat has he got 2 lose? Many of our local musicians have worked really hard & gone thru NS. Him? Internationally famous? So u mean 2 say if he is reknown (i dont think so) he will b priviledged? Then wat is equality? I have 2 add tat if the issue of NS was not out in the papers, most SGreans [b]DO NOT KNOW HIM AT ALL!!!! & pls, u have not gone thru NS & is 2 young 2 b a mother & thus u wont know. [/b]
anyways the point here is, for some fields, if u want international fame, you get ONLY ONE CHANCE. and thats it. U can understand, good. u cannot understand, then u can continue our whining, and u know what? Nothing can be done ANYWAY.
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then why direct their whines at him? direct it at the system.Originally posted by Rexdriver:Respecting the guy is one thing. Like I said, good for him that he did good. I harbour no jealousy or ill-will against the guy and applaud the fact that he took the risk, beat the system and pursued his dreams. Its great, we should all be able to do that, but that's not what the system advocates.
But now he's decided to come back home, and there's a price to pay. The same system that subjects everyone else to 2-3 years of wasted youth has to name the price of dodging national service. $5,000 fine in exchange for 2-3 years of your life? That's a joke. And a slap to the face of everyone who has served NS.
So the point is that people feel that the system is not being fair and who can blame them?
As for not complaining about cases that are not reported... well that is precisely it. Singaporeans can't whine about what has been concealed from them. But that's a whole other issue. -
well heres some harsh news. There is no such thing as equality. Some are more equal than others. If it is equal, u'd be sitting at the same table as LKY eating the same food as he is. So its every bit an excuse, especially since his case is very likely one where u CANNOT put your dreams and ambitions on hold if u expect to make them happen.Originally posted by THE ANALYST:I have been reading a lot of stuff about this issue and feel it is time to make my opinion known.
I will not waste time and effort in rehashing what has been said before but will instead get to the bottomline now.
The crux and point of the matter is this, Its just NOT FAIR that so many hundreds of thousands of Singapore males sacrifice so much during their 2 to 2.5 years of NS and Melvyn Tan does not do NS and gets away with it so lightly.
About the point made on him needing to fulfil his dreams and ambition and not wanting to wreck and ruin it, my counter argument is this, there are so many others who also had to pursue their dreams and ambitions but also had to put it on hold or take some disruption to it to do NS. That is NO excuse for Melvyn Tan to siam NS because of this reason.
Thats the bottomline. Feel free to reply. -
and guess what? the bottomline is also that he got punished according to the law! so whats not fair, whats there for everyone to kpkb about?Originally posted by THE ANALYST:I dont think you get my point here. The thing is he broke the law, and that is the bottomline. Those FTs offered citizenship without having to serve NS did not break any law, what they did is technically legal. That is the difference. -
Originally posted by Prophecy_Master:
This statement? Definately nekulturny.
one thing is for sure brothers. if singapore is in trouble or in a war with some other country. we man who have been through ns know how to defend our loves one with m16 rife or s21. while that [b]boy is gonna throw his piano key at his enemy.
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Personally, I, more than anyone else here probably, have more reasons to dislike Melvyn Tan for getting away with it lightly. Much more reasons than any one individual should have. Yet I do not begrudge him. Why? I dunno. Maybe the question many of u should really be asking deep down is WHY so many of u "kan bu kai".
Last I recall, nobody is saying all guys should not serve NS. Nobody said he did not break a law. He broke a law, he got punished by the law, all this is fact. We're saying in his case, it is quite understandable, even if its not right, but these sort of grey area topics can never be fully clear cut can it? In any case, he's gotten enough stick from the public. So why not let it go, let it rest?
The question should be, why so many of u "kan bu kai?" -
He is not the only musician in Singapore...others made sacrifice...this selfish bugger did not.Originally posted by HENG@:MD, entrepreneurs don't count they aren't a "if u dun take it up now, u can never succeed" sort of career.
as for Musician, name me ONE male international musician who's reknown. -
Something can be done and has been done. The whole world knows what a coward he is and the government will tighten laws to prevent such recurrences in future...that is good. Now that we know what he has done, we can boycott his performance, his CDs etc....who says nothing can be done?Originally posted by HENG@:when he graduated from the music college he went to in London, he was NOT 12. get your facts right la.
anyways the point here is, for some fields, if u want international fame, you get ONLY ONE CHANCE. and thats it. U can understand, good. u cannot understand, then u can continue our whining, and u know what? Nothing can be done ANYWAY. -
Just because you see a loophole to cheat does not mean you should cheatOriginally posted by HENG@:then why direct their whines at him? direct it at the system. -
If there is no such thing as equality why have you been trying to fight for equal treatment of gays? It smacks of hypocrisy to want equal treatment for one small minority group when the majority of law-abiding citizens have the short end of the stick.Originally posted by HENG@:well heres some harsh news. There is no such thing as equality. Some are more equal than others. If it is equal, u'd be sitting at the same table as LKY eating the same food as he is. So its every bit an excuse, especially since his case is very likely one where u CANNOT put your dreams and ambitions on hold if u expect to make them happen. -
According to newspaper reports, others have been jailed for similar offences. Soldiers have been jailed at Detention Barracks for far minor offences. The court did not impose a custodial sentence as the law does provide for but gave a light slap on the wrist. That is unfair.Originally posted by HENG@:and guess what? the bottomline is also that he got punished according to the law! so whats not fair, whats there for everyone to kpkb about?
His punishment was not commensurate with the severity of his crime, as provided for under the law.
Sodomy is usually punished with a fine or short imprisonment, whilst the law provides for life imprisonment if the court feels the offence is severe enough to merit it.
In this case, the crime is severe enough for a custodial sentence, which was not imposed...even the Minister thinks so.
There are lots for people to kpkb about indeed... -
His punishment was not commensurate with his offence. He was given a far more lenient sentence than the law provided for. The Public Prosecutor should have appealed to the High Court for a more severe sentence.Originally posted by HENG@:He broke a law, he got punished by the law, all this is fact. We're saying in his case, it is quite understandable, even if its not right, but these sort of grey area topics can never be fully clear cut can it? In any case, he's gotten enough stick from the public. So why not let it go, let it rest?
It is definitely not understandable but the majority of Singaporeans or there would not have been this outcry..
Enough stick just because every law-abiding citizen has been calling him a criminal and coward over the past 2 months? Just ask those same law-abiding citizens who gave up more than two years of their youth, along with the opportunities they had to serve NS. -
he has cancelled his peformance. so i think we should give him a break.
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Unfortunately it is human nature to cheat ANY system, nvm SG courts or EZ link.Originally posted by oxford mushroom:Just because you see a loophole to cheat does not mean you should cheat -
So again, is it his fault? or the system's? Why smear him for something the system screwed up?Originally posted by oxford mushroom:According to newspaper reports, others have been jailed for similar offences. Soldiers have been jailed at Detention Barracks for far minor offences. The court did not impose a custodial sentence as the law does provide for but gave a light slap on the wrist. That is unfair.
His punishment was not commensurate with the severity of his crime, as provided for under the law.
Sodomy is usually punished with a fine or short imprisonment, whilst the law provides for life imprisonment if the court feels the offence is severe enough to merit it.
In this case, the crime is severe enough for a custodial sentence, which was not imposed...even the Minister thinks so.
There are lots for people to kpkb about indeed... -
And by virtue of defaulting from NS, you have concluded that he is a coward? What about those nameless recruits who take any opportunity to downgrade themselves to Pes C? What about those who 'geng' their 2.5 yrs through? Why don't you include those people in your list?Originally posted by oxford mushroom:Something can be done and has been done. The whole world knows what a coward he is and the government will tighten laws to prevent such recurrences in future...that is good. Now that we know what he has done, we can boycott his performance, his CDs etc....who says nothing can be done? -
Again you confuse the system with the individual. Can no one say this more clearly? THE SYSTEM SCREWED UP, NOT THE INDIVIDUAL.Originally posted by oxford mushroom:His punishment was not commensurate with his offence. He was given a far more lenient sentence than the law provided for. The Public Prosecutor should have appealed to the High Court for a more severe sentence.
It is definitely not understandable but the majority of Singaporeans or there would not have been this outcry..
Enough stick just because every law-abiding citizen has been calling him a criminal and coward over the past 2 months? Just ask those same law-abiding citizens who gave up more than two years of their youth, along with the opportunities they had to serve NS.
The way you continue to harp on this leads me to believe your only reason for sliming MT is that he missed the draft and you served. B i t c h isn't it? -
Good riddance to a gay, candy assed piece of shit.
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extracted from ST forum.
Unbecoming of pianist to back out of concert
CRASS, callous, childish. And as a performing artiste, totally unprofessional.
That was how I felt after reading about pianist Melvyn Tan backing out of his Esplanade concert scheduled for Dec 21 and his role as adjudicator in the National Piano and Violin Competition.
The pianist, who evaded national service, should realise that in any controversy, especially one so sensitive as evading NS, there will be those who are for it and those who are opposed to it.
As he was prepared to face the music, surely opposing views to the controversy started by him must also be viewed as 'part of the music' and faced graciously too.
The concert is a separate thing altogether. As a professional pianist, his commitment and duty must first and foremost be to his audience - even if it is a free concert, let alone one that is a sell-out.
I feel sorry for those who had purchased tickets and must now be inconvenienced to obtain refunds. Surely, among them many are pure lovers of his music and are able to separate the two issues objectively - otherwise they would not have bought tickets - whether or not they privately disagree with his evasion of NS.
It is widely acknowledged that, among other things, a stint in NS helps build and mould the character of our servicemen. By not undergoing NS and backing out of his scheduled concert, it appears that the pianist had missed out on this benefit.
Clinton Lim Eng Hiong -
after reading the above he might seriously consider leaving singapore for good.
singaporeans are so hard to please.
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extracted from ST forum.
Wrong not to say sorry, right to cancel show
NOWHERE in pianist Melvyn Tan's open letter to Singaporeans regarding the furore over his national-service evasion did he mention how he felt about dodging conscription - was he contrite? Unrepentant?
It would have been more palatable had he expressed some tinge of remorse or regret for failing to do his national duty, so as to appease those who sacrificed a good part of their youth serving the nation and who felt that Tan got away too lightly.
He surrendered to the authorities not because he was sorry for what he did or that he wanted to make amends by contributing to the art scene here but more for a less selfless personal reason.
It appears the sole reason for his homecoming was to see his aged parents who are in their 80s rather than due to any residual fond memories of Singapore or nationalistic fervour to serve the country he was born in. After all, he has renounced his citizenship and is now a British citizen.
Is it pure coincidence that the pianist surrendered himself only after the age where he cannot be made to pay back national-service time not done?
However, Tan has got one thing right - keeping a low public profile and cancelling local public engagements for the time being.
Dr Lim Boon Hee -
extracted from ST forum.
Uproar over NS defaulter reflects badly on society
I am saddened and dismayed to learn that pianist Melvyn Tan has decided to cancel his concert and will not judge a national piano and violin competition.
However, I understand his decision and I am embarrassed by the behaviour of my fellow Singaporeans.
Economically, we may be a First World nation, but culturally, we are still in the dark ages. There are some of us who appreciate Mr Tan's desire to contribute to the growth of the local arts scene.
I am touched by his willingness to risk a jail term to see his parents, as filial piety has become somewhat of a rare commodity in our modern society.
I myself have lived abroad for many years, and I will be returning to Singapore next year. The recent events have caused me a great deal of distress, as it reflects badly on the kind of society we have become.
I apologise for the anguish that this furore must have caused Mr Tanand his family. I am, however, optimistic that we will eventually become a more gracious society.
If and when that day comes, I hope Mr Tan will be able to leave this unfortunate turn of events behind him and return to give a recital. I look forward to attending his concert someday.
Ben Leong -
extracted from ST forum.
Wrong to roll out red carpet for draft dodger
I used to adopt an attitude of benign neutrality towards the arts and would smile as musicians and painters indulged in their pastimes while I enjoyed my sports.
But developments in the Melvyn Tan saga, in particular, the statement by Ms Michelle Yeo, the Esplanade's programming officer, may change my stance from neutrality to contempt.
Ms Yeo said the Esplanade was 'saddened by Melvyn's decision (to cancel his concert)', which would have been 'a treat for music lovers'. The Esplanade and the National Arts Council both said they understood and respected his decision.
All forms of art appeal to the soul. They are about sensitivity, emotion and values. Is the management of the Esplanade sad that its halls will be empty that night and that its regular patrons will miss an evening of enjoyment?
Can it not sense the outrage of the thousands of men who griped and grumbled but reported dutifully for national service? And does it place such little value on character, duty and nation building?
Letter writers have lambasted the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) for not doing enough. But the fault may not lie there; those who run the arts scene here must share the blame for rolling out the red carpet for a national service defaulter.
Mindef officials can only work within the constraints of the law. And for all we know, that law might have been drafted almost 40 years ago. Then, national service was new, and a $5,000 penalty represented a full year's pay for a second lieutenant.
Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean has hinted that things may change at the next sitting of Parliament. I look forward to that.
Not too long ago, Singapore was embroiled in a heated discussion on the difference between an elite and elitism. The official stance was that we needed an elite to lead people forward. But this elite must lead by example, never forgetting its responsibilities and, most importantly, never hiding behind elitism as an excuse to shirk its duties.
This message seems to have been missed by the National Arts Council, which invited Mr Tan to judge an important competition. As competitors naturally look up to the judges, would others feel that his example is worth emulating?
Would they think it all right to default on duty to further one's career, and would they expect that all should be forgiven?
I do not think any of us will be so uncharitable as to slam the door on Mr Tan if or when he comes back. But I would like him, and those who use the arts as an excuse for evading the harsher aspects of everyday life, to remember that if the majority of us had not been soldiers, there might not even be an Esplanade or, for that matter, Singapore for him to perform in.
Lee Chiu San -
Those nameless recruits as you so aptly put it put on hold 2.5 years of their lives in order to serve NS. Be it they serve in either combat or non-combat capacity the fact of the matter is that they served. How can they be called cowards.Originally posted by BillyBong:And by virtue of defaulting from NS, you have concluded that he is a coward? What about those nameless recruits who take any opportunity to downgrade themselves to Pes C? What about those who 'geng' their 2.5 yrs through? Why don't you include those people in your list? -
2.5 years is a long time to serve, be it combat or otherwise.Originally posted by BillyBong:And by virtue of defaulting from NS, you have concluded that he is a coward? What about those nameless recruits who take any opportunity to downgrade themselves to Pes C? What about those who 'geng' their 2.5 yrs through? Why don't you include those people in your list?