Many Singaporeans obviously have much to criticise about Briton Anton Casey and his insensitive remarks about Singaporeans being poor.

So what does a politician do in a situation like this? Do you comment or stay silent?

Pasir Ris-Punggol MP Zainal bin Sapari decided to weigh in on this issue.

Sharing a link by British newspaper The Independent, Zainal wrote on his Facebook, “NTUC was decisive in sending a clear message when our staff crossed the line. Will CrossInvest Asia do the same?”

Now one wonders if this is the most responsible response in such testy times.

Zainal was recently appointed National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) assistant secretary-general.

He can be perceived as being opportunistic because he is using Anton Casey as a leverage to highlight how NTUC got it right by firing Amy Cheong.

So here is a quick 5 step guide to avoid looking like an opportunist when you comment on Anton Casey.

1. Do not further infuriate an angry Internet mob.

Source: Know your meme

Yes, everyone wants to be loved. And you wish to make comments that will resonate with fellow Singaporeans.

But remember the effect of a politician's comments on your followers.

Source: Zainal Bin Sapari Facebook

2. Do not attempt to score political points. 

Why bring up the NTUC's incident in the first place?

Crossinvest (Asia) is not a national institution like the NTUC.

Just compare the missions of the two organisations.

NTUC's mission: Help working people of all collars, ages, and nationalities earn a better living and live a better life.

Source: NTUC website

Crossinvest (Asia)'s mission: A wealth management company that offers asset management and financial advisory services to individuals and institutions.

Source: Crossinvest Asia Facebook Page

3. Do not shift the blame to another person/authority.

It is well and good that NTUC did the right thing in terminating her services. But do you have to pressure Crossinvest Asia and instruct them on what to do?

A good company with strong corporate and family values will do the right thing (which Crossinvest did by terminating Casey's services).

A good politician will urge the company to do the right thing in person, not on Facebook.

4. Do not oversimplify online rants.

Both online rants are offensive and unacceptable, but there is a difference between the two rants.

NTUC ex employee Amy Cheong's online expletive-filled rant was racially offensive, and the police issued a stern warning to her.

Even PM Lee Hsien Loong had to denounce Cheong's racist remarks.

Source: Lee Hsien Loong Facebook Page

Casey's remarks? Yes, it is offensive. But it is definitely not as racist as Cheong's.

5. Instead, speak like Minister Shanmugam

Source: Minister K Shanmugam Facebook Page

Emphatise with fellow Singaporeans but also urge them to be "better angels of our nature".

Because, we, Singaporeans, including politicians, can be bigger than the Anton Casey and Amy Cheongs of the world.

Top photo from here.

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