don't be stingy now

some days ago, i was just browsing through some rally speeches and some interviews. chee soon juan, sun xueling, han hui hui, kervyn lim, just to name a few, and then tin pei ling.

5 years ago, in a few interviews with tin pei ling, she was often asked on her views about the saga that surrounded her. it came to a point when she said she had learnt to accept it and more than once, she reiterated that her way forward was to prove through her actions that she was ready to serve the community come what may. though she sounded somewhat jittery at some points when the reporter pressed in with more questions of such nature, her demeanor was one that revealed a quiet determination to bite the bullet, go through the baptism of fire so to speak and move on to do what she had set out to do. i was neither for nor against her but i imagined myself in her shoes. how tremendous the pressure must be.

5 years later, one can tell that she's more confident now and sends a clearer message about her stand on some community issues, whether at the launch of the people's party's manifesto or at the interviews. judging from the public members' responses to her at her speech rally, it was obvious that there were many with whom she had personally connected and reached out to. has she emerged as gold refined by fire? i believe you can come to your own conclusion. one can't fake convictions for that long. whatever you sow will ultimately show in the fruits and i would say she has shown true mettle in her political journey so far. whichever party you support, i’m sure you’d agree it’s only right to give credit where it’s due; to encourage a fellow human being, not least a singaporean, by acknowledging her courage to ride through the storms.

those who were generous with your criticisms, don't be stingy with your affirmation now. Tin Pei Ling, this is for you.