I REFER to Tuesday's article, 'Perm sec's article showed lack of sensitivity, says Teo', on Minister Teo Chee Hean's rebuke of Permanent Secretary Tan Yong Soon over his article, 'Cooking up the holiday spirit' (Jan 6).

Mr Teo is the minister in charge of the Civil Service, while Mr Tan is Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.

In these difficult economic times, we can understand the need to demonstrate solidarity and focus on social cohesion, one of our economic fundamentals. However, I encourage Singaporeans not to use Mr Tan's article as a scapegoat to convey this message.

Many complaints have been levelled against Mr Tan, particularly on the Internet. While there is a sliver of truth in some postings, let us not get caught up in mindless ranting while hiding behind pseudonyms. Public servants must keep a finger on the pulse of the common man but should not be led only by popular opinion.

To be fair, let us consider the facts. Mr Tan may be a highly paid civil servant, but my impression is that he is not given to leading the high life. The course at such a reputable institution, though expensive, was within his means. His intention was a family holiday, which in itself is not wrong. We do not know why he wrote the article - perhaps as a reminder that holidays need not be all about sightseeing, or that family bonding need not be limited to the conventional getaway.

What is the reality? Singapore's top civil servants are highly paid. It is a fact we should not hide, in good times or bad.

Admittedly, the article was ill-timed, and in the opinion of many of us facing this economic crunch, it lacked sensitivity. The poor economic climate simply exacerbates???the reality - that many lower-income people already feel short-changed.

This episode was just the tip of the iceberg. Are top civil servants out of touch with the common man? Perhaps or perhaps not, but who are we to judge? That is the role of the Civil Service. Each of us has our views and opinions, and this should not be the basis of the public discipline levelled against Mr Tan.

It is good and necessary from time to time for a minister to correct a public servant. However, a public and parliamentary criticism may be detrimental in the long term. After all, solidarity is necessary at the highest levels as well.

So let us not vilify Mr Tan and his article. I do not think it was ill-intentioned. Let the matter rest, and let the man enjoy a simple life without politicising his family holidays.

Tavence Kang

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