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TABLE-TENNIS chief Lee Bee Wah's decision to remove team manager Antony Lee from his post has drawn a wave of criticism from Singaporeans.
By 8pm yesterday, The Straits Times received over 150 e-mail messages and letters from readers - almost all of whom voiced their displeasure at Ms Lee's move.
Many took issue with the timing of Ms Lee's decision, which came just two days before Singapore's Olympic paddlers were due for a victorious homecoming. "This sudden announcement has certainly cast a dark cloud over the shining achievements of the table-tennis team," banker David Chee lamented.
"Just as people should be given time to mourn their loss, they should also be given time to celebrate their achievements. Anything short of this is just plain disrespectful."
Mr Lee was apparently blamed for Gao Ning's first-round defeat in the men's singles at the Games. Gao, the Republic's top male paddler, had to play without a coach by his side.
Housewife Monica Chow, 46, felt that the punishment did not fit the crime. "This incident is just an oversight and is due to a hiccup in time management," she argued.
Even a former Member of Parliament was moved to express his disappointment. Mr Teo Chong Tee, former MP for Changi and a former president of the Football Association of Singapore, described Ms Lee's actions as "unnecessary" and "demoralising".
Mr Teo wrote an e-mail to ST: "She could have been more encouraging and supportive instead of giving an outburst.
"Anything that is unfavourable should have been said behind closed doors."
Meanwhile, some members of the fraternity expressed disbelief of another sort: That Gao Ning was overlooked by his coaches during his hour of need.
Former national paddlers Tan Paey Fern and Jing Junhong told ST they sympathised with Gao. "I reckon that three coaches would have been sufficient to oversee all our players at the Games," said Ms Tan.
"So for this to happen, with four coaches in Beijing - whether or not one was sick, is inexcusable."
Reader Miranda Eu, one of the few who applauded Ms Lee's actions, agreed that Mr Lee and head coach Liu Guodong deserved to be censured.
Said Ms Eu: "If Mr Lee and Mr Liu cannot see that the fault lies with them, then Singapore has no use for such an incompetent manager or head coach."
- THE STRAITS TIMES
This article was first published in my paper on Aug 25, 2008
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