I REFER to your report 'Tao Li's not greedy - give her a break'.

I do not think Tao Li is 'greedy and grabbing', judging from the fact that she has donated part of her winnings to the sports school and her coach.

She is not unreasonable to suggest that the money can be put into better use, that is, to train the current elite swimmers to win more competitions, rather than for future use of youth development.

It is a good suggestion that would encourage the swimmers and help them to be more competitive.

Contribution to the youth development is a long-term objective and it should be generated from other avenues.

I do not think that a mere contribution of 6 per cent from the athletes' winning is sufficient and helpful.

In the first instance, why impose taxes on the athletes' winnings?

Wouldn't it be better if the quantum of the reward is lower and tax free to begin with, rather than take away part of the reward in the form of taxation?

Besides, taxation does not really make sense in terms of revenue because there are only a small pool of winning athletes.

The winnings of Tao Li, as well as the other athletes, should not be taxed.

The monies given to her is a reward for an exceptionally aspiring individual whom has brought so much glory to our nation in competitive swimming.

Mr Melvin Lee Tiong Choon