The last few days have been a shock, a shamble and a shame.
The first thing I woke up each morning was to grab the Straits Times and read the court proceeding reports on the NKF case. I read every story, every paragraph and every line that described this drama. And I read some lines several times to verify my disbelief. There were answers to questions that many people had always wanted to ask. I am sure many ordinary citizens like me are thankful to the court, and indeed the defending lawyer, for asking the very questions on our behalf.
I have thus far contributed no more than $50 to the NKF fund. It is a negligible sum compared to the mammoth figures, albeit after much probing and prompting, were disclosed in court. But that does not make me less disturbed than my friends who earn an average monthly salary of $2000 and contributing various amounts by GIRO every month. As we gathered together, emotions were high and abusive remarks were unabashedly generous.
Now the NKF has withdrawn its case, what next? Money is a very sensitive issue, particularly to the many who can hardly make ends meet. In the final analysis this unsavoury episode will be read and discussed, not only in Singapore, but also around the region, perhaps even the world. There are still questions unasked or left unanswered as the proceedings came to an abrupt premature end. If anything, we must polish the dent on the otherwise transparent shiny showcase we Singaporeans are so proud of.