Today, chewrens, we will learn a new word: Despot. But let Uncle brown say first, this kind of word cannot anyhow say here say there one, ok? Unless you drive taxi.
Somemore in a Ministerial Forum where the Father of our Nation is addressing the Hope of our Nation.
Despot:
[n] a dictator or dictatorial person
\Des"pot\, n. [F. despote, LL. despotus, fr. Gr. despo`ths master, lord, the second part of which is akin to po`sis husband, and L. potens. See {Potent}.]
1. A master; a lord; especially, an absolute or irresponsible ruler or sovereign.
2. One who rules regardless of a constitution or laws; a tyrant.
Wah, nowsadays, young peoples very daring hah? Just come out and shoot. Like this young history honours student, Jamie Han Li Chou.
Some people will say he "Boh Tua Boh Suay" (No Big No Small), talk to his elders like that. Ok, make that, talk to The Elder like that.
Some people will be like his friends in the lecture theatre when he asked for a review of the Newspaper Printing and Presses Act and the Internal Security Act, clap clap clap.
Clap some more, wait you all kena become branded "undesirable element" and have to fly aeroplane somewhere else, then you know. Or minimum kena marked.
And lastly, some people will say, got this news meh? Sorry, we never read news one, we only know Mediacorp stars' names, not our MP's names. Only know who is Wong Li-lin, dunno who is Wong Kan Seng.
Jamie Han lucky he say "enlightened despot", or else sure kena rugby tackle in court and bankrupt until rugby shorts come off, man.
But I still think a little off leh. Despot is despot, where got such thing as enlightened despot one? That's like saying "nice dictator".
Nowsadays, young peoples no need to worry about great economic hardship and dire injustices, then can complain like that. Ok, recently got SARS, got worst recession since Independence, got historically high unemployment, and got terrorism threats... but these don't count. Last time got racial riots and communists, ok? Last time want to have a political opinion have to form a party, risk your life, fight for the people, and run for elections, ok? Different.
Now graduate already no job for a few years only what, what's the big deal? That's why got time to think of all these idle things, like freedom of speech and despotism.
At this point, Mr Lee asked the student who prompted the response: How old was his father?
Ok, you see lah, people play father liao.
'50-plus,' said the student.
MM Lee said: 'If he's 50 plus, then he will remember. You don't put your life at risk in calling me a despot. Well, in order to have your views heard, if you profoundly believe that you have that passion, I say stake your life, take on with your duties, come out, put your programme, sort it out.'
So young Jamie, you not happy you ownself start your own party lah. Outside settle. Your party meet the other parties in the Erections, then see who will win.
Or you could migrate.
Still, I think this young man either very brave, or very stupid. Or both. Remember, don't bring a knife to a gunfight, the other guy may be packing bazooka. But thank you for entertaining us anyway. Stand up and be counted, but also remember the tallest weeds get cut off.
Coming soon, Toa Payoh Aircon Bus Despot.
Update: This was typed at 3am in the morning, so sp-air-wling mistakes happen, and my Singlish all start to come out. No, I don't go "Singlish mode" only when I am indignant. Who say I indignant? Outside settle lah.
