In this post-truth age, any piece of information can be quickly disseminated if it fits a certain narrative.
So, on April 19, 2018, someone decided to edit this Wikipedia entry on Singapore Armed Forces ranks to make a salient point.
Presently, the four levels of general/flag officers are: Brigadier-General (BG), Major-General (MG), Lieutenant-General (LG), and Chief Executive Officer of SMRT Corporation (CEO).
The mischievous inclusion of Chief Executive Officer of SMRT Corporation (CEO) is the kicker.
Highest rank
The entry claimed that the role of SMRT CEO is the pinnacle rank insignia in the SAF.
Which, if you think about it, is the furthest thing from the truth -- but quite correct.
Reason for Wikipedia edit
This edit comes after the announcement of former Chief Defence Force Neo Kian Hong as the new SMRT chief, taking over the reins from another former Chief Defence Force Desmond Kuek.
At this juncture, it is important to note that anyone can edit a Wikipedia entry.
True enough, it has been edited by an anonymous user.
If it fits, it gets edited
It can be construed that the person who mischievously edited the Wikipedia page is latching on to a trope: The announcement of the new SMRT chief shows that the next step for any retired general is historically going to be a chief executive role in a state-dependent entity.
[related_story]
Playing this point up are these other memes going around online:
And in this instance, SMRT is just making it too easy for the post-truthers.
If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram to get the latest updates.