Here's the funny thing: Tributes are only pouring in for Minister Lui Tuck Yew after he announced he is washing his hands clean of the Ministry of Transport and retiring from politics altogether on Aug. 11, 2015.

So, the question is: Where were all these same people who are busy with their praise now, when he was caught in the cross hair then?

If we remember correctly -- using the latest transport boo-boo that is still fresh on our minds as an example: When the North-South and East-West MRT lines simultaneously stopped working in July 7, 2015, how many people came out to defend him at that time when the public was baying for his blood?

In the four years he spent in the Ministry of Transport, how many of his peers, colleagues, supporters and subordinates came out to openly speak up for him whenever the public transport system went down or fares went up?

The man may be a good man, but it shouldn't be the case that he is remembered as such only after he is dusted off and done for.

Therefore, it is a sad fact that the tributes are pouring in like condolences.

Judge for yourself, as here are all the tributes that serve to demonstrate where the politics of conviction stops and where the politics of convenience begins:

Denise Phua: