extracted from ST forum.
I AM intrigued by the pall of official silence on Securities Investors Assocation of Singapore chief David Gerald's public admission that his public appeal for financial assistance to pay his court bill was met by a member of the public, as reported in The Straits Times ('Relief for David Gerald'; ST, Oct 1), albeit he had reportedly started the defamation suit against Mr David Ban in his personal and private capacity.
While my response may seem belated, I had looked forward to the relevant authority clarifying whether it is proper for a person to seek public help for public money, or that there are rules in place that require compliance by anyone seeking to raise public money for a private purpose.
It would seem to me, in light of Mr Gerald's reported admission to The Straits Times that his court bill was settled by a member of the public and the official silence that followed:
arr That any person may seek public help without official approval or licence from the relevant authority for the collection of public monies
arr That no official guideline exists as to the qualifications of anyone seeking public financial assistance
As a corollary, something is remiss somewhere, officially, that is, if the answers are negative to both these propositions.
In gist, this could be tantamount either to an official dereliction of duties or pure negligence in the discharge of official duties on the part of the authority concerned, as considerable press coverage was given to Mr Gerald's case.
Would the relevant authority kindly assist to clarify the issues involved?
I am sure there are many out there among our citizens who would want to have recourse to this avenue to raise public funds for our private debts if we can do so.
Yap Swee Hoo
Wats your business if somebody is happy to pay for Gerard?
This is free country you know? People have the right to spend their money they way they like and to help who they like.
the writer whom wrote to ST could be a business rival or jealous. It happens all the time.
a SIAS chief doing that in public?
The writer of the letter has got no brain, everything also must get govt permission!
dragg also brainless, so to posted it on this forum.
maybe he wants the govt to change his dirty diaper for him and tell him when to make love.