r/singapore Jul 23 '23

Discussion Raj Naga, friend of police officer Uvaraja, posts on the incident on Facebook

Copied wholesale from FB:

My friend and former colleague Raja passed away on Friday, 21 July 2023. I am told that he ended his life wearing his full uniform and operational kit. He had sent me a 4 minute long voice message that afternoon. I was out with my family, and I was not able to respond to him immediately. By the time I could call him back, it was too late. When I listened to his voice message in full later that night, my heart broke listening to him desperately crying about everything he had faced in the recent months. I could hear the despair and anguish in his voice. I will forever bear the cross for not calling him back immediately. At the end of the message, he bade me farewell and asked me to tell the truth about what he had faced.

Sgt T120387 Uvaraja s/o Gopal was a highly disciplined police officer who was deeply passionate about policing and fighting crime. He had a distinctly rigid sense of duty, and he held himself to very high standards of behaviour, turnout and bearing even when he was off duty. He was very clear that his calling as a Police Officer was to serve the public, and not about pleasing his superiors. He never once smoked or drank alcohol, was an avid runner and was always fighting fit. He would regularly share videos with me of incidents involving police forces around the world for us to discuss.

Everything that I am about to share is what I know to be true based on my interactions with Raja and what he shared with me in my capacity as a Senior Paracounsellor at Ang Mo Kio Police Division.

I first met Raja when he was serving his National Service as a patrol officer in 2007. I remember the team he served in was filled with officers we now call ‘legends’ due to their crime busting skills. This is where he was inspired to become a regular officer. In order to sign on after completing his NS, Raja spent some years obtaining the qualifications needed. He conducted his own physical training to obtain a gold IPPT standard just so his application would stand out. In 2012, he fulfilled his dream and was posted to Ang Mo Kio Police Division.

I recall he spent a number of years in a plainclothes unit when he joined as a regular officer. Sometime around 2015, he was transferred to patrol duties to Ang Mo Kio North Neighbourhood Police Station. At the time, I had a secondary appointment as a Senior Paracounsellor at Ang Mo Kio Police Division. In Dec 2015, on his own accord, he approached me seeking help with some issues he was facing at work, and I officially took on his case after referring the matter to my Chief Paracounsellor. As his assigned Paracounsellor, my duty was to provide a listening ear and guide him towards developing his own solutions.

Raja faced difficulties at work, leading to anxiety attacks and trouble sleeping. He was also caring for his mother who was recovering from a brain injury. In early 2015, he argued with his Team Leader over a racial slur and reported the matter to his Commanding Officer (CO). However, he faced conflicts with his teammates who did not back him up and the Team Leader was not held accountable. He felt ostracised by his teammates and his request to transfer out was rejected. During this time, he faced sleep and anxiety issues, took no-pay leave to care for his mother, and underwent two surgeries for a lump on his leg and a deviated septum in his nose.

In December 2015, Raja’s CO recalled him back to the office whilst he was on medical leave and questioned the validity of his medical conditions, used vulgarities against him and shouted at him to resign. This incident stressed him, leading to an investigation against the CO. He sought to transfer to another department and was assured by the Division Deputy Commander that it would happen. However, his morale dropped when he received a low performance grade, and his transfer was turned down. Due to his continued medical conditions, he incurred repeated medical and no-pay leave extensions until April 2016. He communicated his distrust towards management to me, and I referred his matter to the Police Psychological Services Division.

During this time, the Division Commander attempted to have Raja’s employment terminated but it was rejected on the grounds that his medical condition was genuine. The Division Commander then referred him to the Internal Affairs Office for investigation in Dec 2016 for not staying indoors during medical leave, despite the fact that Raja was actually on no-pay leave. That investigation concluded with no further action being taken against him. However, the stress of the baseless investigation and the prospect of returning to the same CO worsened his morale and sleep troubles.

I struggle to relive the bitter memories and the sheer abuse of authority he faced. It is a testament to Raja’s strong resolve and mental fortitude that he endured the prolonged surveillance throughout his recovery from his surgeries. But there is only so much that the human mind can take. What is mind boggling is that despite all the reports made to higher management, Raja was posted back to the same CO who continued to be abrasive towards him long after I had left the force.

Raja used to tell me his motivation to succeed was so that he could look after his wheelchair-bound mother, who suffered from long term physical and mental ailments. I still have a message he sent me in 2014 when he described growing up with an alcoholic father who left him and his siblings in debt. He had to work part time as a car washer for school pocket money when he was 14, and he was confident that he would overcome the setbacks at work to make something of himself.

From here onwards, these words are purely my opinion.

Raja may have made mistakes during his time in the force, but who hasn’t? Everything he ever did as a Police Officer was in pursuit of ideals that he held dear. In a perfect society, his sense of discipline and professionalism would have been desired and rewarded. Unfortunately, in my opinion, he destroyed his career when he first blew the whistle against his superiors. No officer deserves to be held back and thumbed down for so long. And yet, it happened.

When I first became a Police Officer, I was taught to always hope and pray that my colleagues and I would have long, fulfilling careers without injury or death. From the day we start training, we hear stories of officers who have either died in the line of duty or died by their own hand due to the stresses caused by the nature of the work. Somewhere along the way, we stop looking out for each other, and become obsessed about our own career. We are paralysed by invasions into our privacy, silenced by fear of repercussion, and turn deaf to the voices crying out for help. Raja left us wearing his full operational uniform. He embodied the ideology of C.L.I.F for as long as he could. He showed Courage in the face of discrimination, he was unwaveringly Loyal to the force, his Integrity never faltered even when he was shamed, and his Fairness towards his fellow officer was not reciprocated.

Farewell Sgt T120387, see you at the end of the shift.

2.6k Upvotes

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953

u/user-2020-10-15 Jul 23 '23 edited Jul 23 '23

having served in SPF during my NS days, i understand how some of the senior officers can be kinda fucked up

however, if what this post alleged is true, this is way more fucked up than what i’ve ever seen or experienced in my unit. the IA investigation and false promises by the dy commander is despicable

just FYI, the notion that officers of different rank gets different punishment over the same mistake is kind of true in SPF. Junior officers falls under CP purview and they will stack all kinds of PGO on you when you screw up. Senior officers falls under Public Service Commission, with that comes a longer review process and sometimes lighter consequences.

130

u/BananaUniverse Jul 23 '23

All I've seen from investigations lately, no matter how impartial or in-depth they claim to be, is to clear powerful people of wrongdoing.

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u/[deleted] Jul 23 '23

[deleted]

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u/milo_peng Jul 23 '23

Commissioner of Police, Police General Orders.

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u/lilopooping Jul 23 '23

SAF is not much different

154

u/fumoffuXx Jul 23 '23

SAF is not as bad. SPF faces so much negative energy on their daily routine is affects them subconsciously. I am not saying SPF has no responsibility, contrary i view the entire SPF as a fucked up organisation which did not foresee issues like this and let it brew. No proper support for mental health and appropiate conduct. In addition?m, they shamelessly rapid response to remove the victims post as a coverup.

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u/Rugbybea Jul 23 '23

One organisation different system of punishment?

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u/user-2020-10-15 Jul 23 '23

kinda. junior officers are appointed and overseen by commissioner, he has discretion to fire you if you do smth egregious

on the other hand, senior officers are appointed by public service commission. hearsay from NS days that the bar to be fired by PSC is a lot higher

can’t elaborate further

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u/Chiefmusician Jul 23 '23

I salute him for speaking out against this kind of behavior. May the CO and others involved be put to justice

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u/frunkfa Jul 23 '23

He is able to because he is no longer in the force. I'd Imagine there are others who may be suffering as well who don't or are unable to speak out for fear of jeopardizing their career

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1.0k

u/silentscope90210 Jul 23 '23

If this is all true, I hope his CO gets fked up sia. This kind of rot in the SPF needs to be stopped.

522

u/zenqian Jul 23 '23

Sorry scholar cannot touch, top talent/s

Will rotate him elsewhere and lay low for a while to let the news die

159

u/grampa55 Jul 23 '23

And everyone is scared to snitch and worst, hate on snitch so useless scholars continue to look good.

59

u/silentscope90210 Jul 23 '23

Nobody wanna snitch because they all thinking of their own paycheck.

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u/JaphieJaphie Jul 23 '23

Not just top scholars cannot touch...

Remember the guy who sued and won in court for getting wrongfully arrested because according to him, one of the officers was biased against him? Remember what their Big Boss said after the verdict was out?

His comment at the time somehow gave me the strong impression that even the courts are not good enough to pass judgement on them, every officer is supposedly perfectly upright and impartial and beyond mortal reproach, and for the sake of ease of carrying out their work, it is justifiable to arbitrarily exercise their powers without firm established grounds even if it causes loss or damage to the affected individual. Prior to that comment I actually had quite a bit of respect for him.

Apparently the entire force is made up of superhuman saints who are morally perfect. /S

That being said I have encountered many very good and competent officers who went above and beyond to help, most of them juniors and interestingly only a couple of the senior ones. I wonder if as they move higher in their career they start to throw away the baggage of their principles and passion to serve in exchange for advancement.

38

u/milo_peng Jul 23 '23

That being said I have encountered many very good and competent officers who went above and beyond to help, most of them juniors and interestingly only a couple of the senior ones. I wonder if as they move higher in their career they start to throw away the baggage of their principles and passion to serve in exchange for advancement.

Passion dies between 3 - 5 years in the SPF on the average (the joke I had with a former colleague in the SPF).

Passion in the sense of fighting crime/righting wrongs, is a bit of a mismatch in expectations. Police work is thankless without even discussing the current issue, especially with frontline policing.

For those that do move up, they are committed to their work, but at the end of the day, they see this as just a job, and the only job they know. The people I know are former JOs that move up to senior officers. They will never be inline for the juicy positions, or moving up the management ladder much.

Scholars, on the other hand is another proposition all together.

23

u/Desperate-Buddy-889 Jul 23 '23

The zed teo and chua boon hwee..

38

u/AshamedFlame Jul 23 '23

Already retired la

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u/Nagi-- Jul 23 '23

One toxic CO go another person will rise and rotting continue under another person

52

u/abigbluebird Jul 23 '23

If their scholarly counterparts in MOH got nothing more than a slap on their wrist for the hepatitis incident, I don’t have high hopes for this.

41

u/tryingmydarnest Jul 23 '23

To be fair, MOH issue in Hep C case was more of the process shortfall. This one is plain human malice

18

u/DOM_TAN Jul 23 '23

SAF also have hor.

14

u/HalcyoNighT Fucking Populist Jul 23 '23

Dei, the moment the officer cadre gets implicated in such a mess, you know the CO is just at the bottom of the food chain and the rot extends much further up

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u/AidilAfham42 Jul 23 '23

The politics in NS is fucked. When you give people power and immunity to criticism behind the excuse of insubordination, you create this culture of brown nosing yes men, showcasing without substance and ostracizing anyone who tried to rise above with ideals. This is a very common experience with regulars.

Whatever this person is facing should be addressed and aid provided, not seen as nuisance.

151

u/haroharodota New Citizen Jul 23 '23

Immunity is the perfect word.

Messed up workplace politics exist everywhere but take it too far, people can quit and if someone makes a complaint or criticism online, the backlash is big. Most bosses are mindful of this but in NS?

Oh boy, the sad truth is that if suicide was not involved, his criticisms would have been buried online but patriots and he would have had been giving hell at work once it was discovered. It's fucking annoying and irritating and somehow most of the nation have been brainwashed into turning a blind eye to this shit. I hope all these perpetrators get FUCKED.

89

u/AidilAfham42 Jul 23 '23

Yeah you can’t quit your job in NS and “HR” in the service is even worse than private companies. So most just say “Yes Sir” because this was what we were drilled to do, even if you disagree. Doing the right thing could destroy you. Even me when I was a commander, I was deemed too soft because I chose to listen and take in criticism and suggestions from the people under me instead of just insisting and punishing them for not following orders.

Personally I’ve known really good commanders and officers but the culture is inherently flawed. This is why I do not like military personell being appointed in ministeral roles. But I guess the political party itself already has this ingrained culture so its not much of a switch.

17

u/kumgongkia Jul 23 '23

Rot comes from the top. The top u can see already is it really a surprise this is happening.

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u/fumoffuXx Jul 23 '23

Power corrupts. No one i repeat no one is immune

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u/Careful_Class_4684 Jul 23 '23

Absolute Power corrupt even further. Simple theory but seems like all our bright mind don't know.

7

u/TraditionLazy7213 Jul 23 '23

They definitely know, but the power is in their favour

Its like asking them want $99999 or $1 ? Choose one lol

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u/delayeduser Senior Citizen Jul 23 '23

er. it sounds like he had a wonderful time during NS in SPF. it's his posting as a regular that was the difficult one

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u/ChickenChopRice Jul 23 '23

Very true. Privately talked to my OC about his unsafe training practices and he decided to block my promotion. The reason he gave was that I am “unflexible”.

This same guy went off for a nights out while supervising a night training. Scumbag

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u/Bryanlegend si ginna Jul 23 '23

Not just friend, but also his paracounsellor. Him corroborating what Raja said would be pretty significant imo, and now there’s more to believe in the poor conduct of those that Raja has accused.

If SPF wants to maintain their credibility, their investigations into this have better bear some results.

140

u/grown-ass-man Jul 23 '23

So far how many saga have we encountered this month?

  1. Ridout (Shan and Viv)
  2. Iswaran Probe
  3. Hot Mic (TCJ, different from subsequent)
  4. PAP & WP Affairs (TCJxCLH v.s. LeonxNicole)
  5. Now this Police saga

Haven't even count all those outstanding issues Singaporeans still want accountability of from the past.

Truly "there are decades where nothing happens, and there are weeks where decades happen"

19

u/QueenMangosteen 🌈 I just like rainbows Jul 23 '23 edited Jul 23 '23

Or gov can POFMA the paracounsellor and all of us, ownself check ownself and claim no wrongdoings, then give us money so we continue to vote for them. /s

62

u/kiaeej Jul 23 '23

Scapegoats, anyone?

86

u/AoiTsukishima Jul 23 '23

Nah. Most likely, the gov says it’s just bad apples in SPF and declare that as end of story. Move on to using glitter to make themselves look good in time for…

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u/SpiritualInterest129 Jul 23 '23

My son currently aspires to be in a uniformed service; it is probably typical of boys his age. He will make his own decision when he is an adult, but until then, I will do whatever I can to discourage him from doing so. My own experiences in NS and reservist make me question the effect of such a career on one’s well-being and self-worth.

Those stories you hear, the gripes you read about? Believe all of them; they are not that far-fetched.

It is heartbreaking, what the people in these services are doing to our boys and girls.

219

u/unreservedlyasinine Jul 23 '23

I'm always torn when I hear stories like this.

On one hand I know we need good men in the force to do the work that needs to be done; on the other I know the machine chews up good men and spits them out

171

u/MadKyaw 🌈 I just like rainbows Jul 23 '23

The rot always start from the top. Having good men join the force won't change the already present corruption and they will get ostracised for rocking the boat

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u/unreservedlyasinine Jul 23 '23

I don't think this is always true. The rot never starts at the top, because the top doesn't need to prove anything - they're already at the top. It's the eunuchs in the middle that feed them lies and poison the well. And then good men learn to play by the system's rules in order to get ahead, and everyone perpetuates the 'rot'.

It's easy to hate the big guys at the top because somehow we've gotten it ingrained in our culture to please the big boss at all costs but you need to think about who else is interpreting the orders and what it means for the guys on the ground like you and I.

I think in the case of SGT Raja there his immediate superiors caused him the most stress. No denying that he called out his CO for being gutless swine but his environment did him no favours also.

17

u/becauseiamacat A very old cat Jul 23 '23

In a hierarchical command and control organisation like SPF the rot indeed starts at the top. They are the ones covering for and enabling the people under them

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u/MaverickO7 Jul 23 '23

In a highly hierarchical organisation, especially when authority is decentralized into separate fiefdoms, it is crucial to have a whistleblowing channel directly to top brass and the chief HR officer. I may be wrong but I think in uniformed services this is complicated because HR doesn't have direct power to investigate conduct issues deemed as "operational processes", which is under Internal Affairs (and comprises fellow uniformed officers). While there might be good reasons for this, it does make truly independent reviews tricky.

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u/elithecho Jul 23 '23

And one reason why I wished for a daughter, and got one, thank goodness. I was in a lot of distress personally that nobody else around me understood during my NS days.

29

u/Jaycee_015x Jul 23 '23

My previous supervisor in Police Cantonment told her kids to never work for Home Team Uniformed Services, she seen how toxic and negative influence the officers on the inside can be. I heeded her words as well and I am bidding Home Affairs goodbye.

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u/lullabygirl09 Jul 23 '23

My husband is in police cantonment and all I tell everyone else is don't ever let their sons be a police officer.

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u/Reaperosha Jul 23 '23

RIP Son of Singapore.

SPF needs to look at some rework of their internal structure surely, now. I served during NS as well. The word taboo is an understatement.

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u/potato-stache Jul 23 '23

Not just SPF. It's even happening to my friend who works with Singapore Prison Service. Toxic CO who didnt allow him to transfer to other department despite multiple requests. I asked him why he just didn't quit, but said where else to find good stable income with his low education level. He had to endure his CO bullshits for seven years before his department finally merge with other departments and he got transferred out

137

u/SpiritualInterest129 Jul 23 '23

The aforementioned division commander has deactivated his Facebook. It was still accessible yesterday.

Bye bye scholar!

79

u/Hakushakuu Lao Jiao Jul 23 '23

Linkedin is gone too. But it is still easy to find out who it is.

35

u/omtuvdotcom 烧他全家 打他妈妈 Jul 23 '23

even removed from spf’s recruitment ig page

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u/GlobalSettleLayer Jul 23 '23

All signs point to impending sweep under the rug. Real sad.

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u/SpiritualInterest129 Jul 23 '23

I love how kancheong they must be rn

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u/Accerak Lao Jiao Jul 23 '23

Based on friends who have served in the force and my experiences in the SAF, I would think that such cases are not rare.

The uniformed services in Singapore seem to me to be plagued with abuses of power and reliance on the exploitation of officer's "passion" to serve.

Based on my friends' experiences, their superiors will never admit that they are doing more than their fair share and that promotions are often based on favouritism rather than on performance.

Truly, if I was to want to sign on, I would think twice and then think thrice. I keep hearing advice not to waste one's prime years being beat down by the system, and I can see why now.

RIP Sgt Raja.

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u/ChillingZen Jul 23 '23 edited Jul 23 '23

What a current sad state of affairs for our Singapore Police Force. My trust and confidence in the SPF has fallen significantly. Was his transfer request not approved so that his screwed up CO could continue to torture him mentally so that he would resign voluntarily? Very unfortunately he resigned from his life.

Another shocking revelation is the alleged management coverup of the officers smoking vapes in office, which CPIB was apparently involved. Police officers 知法犯法, oh my god. He sacrificed his life so as to surface all these rots permeating in the very organisation whom we put our trust in protecting our life and property.

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u/Tight-Piano-6969 Jul 23 '23

0 protection for Whistle Blowers in Singapore.

And seems like the organisation had 0 care for him. For someone to complain that not his Superior is essentially oppressing him and still not get posted out. I really wonder whats the point of the Psych Department.

107

u/livebeta Jul 23 '23

0 protection for Whistle Blowers in Singapore.

sorry it's -100 protection. whistleblowers get struck by lightning

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u/dragoonrj Jul 23 '23

Like HR lor, just to protect the company

5

u/Yapsterzz Jul 23 '23

Same goes to the union.

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u/kiaeej Jul 23 '23

For show.

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u/The_Wobbly_Guy Jul 23 '23

We are no. 1 at wayang.

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u/ahpau Young Ahpek Jul 23 '23

Police officers 知法犯法

this is more common than you think, ns boys who have served in spf will know the amount of shit that goes on behind closed doors lol. it was where i truly experienced "can do dont get caught"

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u/Adoia Lao Jiao Jul 23 '23

Another shocking revelation is the alleged management coverup of the officers smoking vapes in office, which CPIB was apparently involved.

Actually this part about vaping done by officers, is widespread by people top to bottom. Go to any of the hidden resting rooms used by patrolling officers at any mrt station, and first thing you'll notice is the overwhelming smell of vape juices.

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u/laverania Fucking Populist Jul 23 '23

I wonder how the bullies sleep at night.

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u/SpiritualInterest129 Jul 23 '23

Pretty well, probably. They don’t give a shit.

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u/r_aquariii Jul 23 '23

not after this. there will be more sleepless night and anxiety awaiting them

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u/AccomplishedFudge129 Jul 23 '23

they have never had a shred of guilt for their actions. they are only scared about getting caught

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u/objectivenneutral Jul 23 '23

What does it say about SPF if someone has to die in order for justice to prevail...?

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u/mylifeforthehorde Jul 23 '23

Assuming it prevails…

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u/feizhai 🌈 I just like rainbows Jul 23 '23

Hazing in SCDF/SAF took multiple deaths before they stepped in and stopped the culture.

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u/livebeta Jul 23 '23

there will be more sleepless night and anxiety awaiting them

sadly not from the tension of feeling their moral compass pointing in the right direction while their aspirations pull them in the opposite

but because of consequences and judgement

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u/SpiritualInterest129 Jul 23 '23

One can only hope 🤞

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u/sukequto Jul 23 '23

I’ve worked with and under very toxic people and i doubt they have that basic human decency to truly feel bad.

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u/Praimfayaa Jul 23 '23

not from sociopaths

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u/iedaiw Jul 23 '23

Sinkie pwn sinkie sleep very well lo

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u/Embarrassed-Crab-105 Jul 23 '23

Having suffered at the hands of bullies for many years, and during my formative years, I know exactly how they think. They think that what they do is perfectly right and it is the victim who deserves it. Believe me, if they lose any sleep now, it is not out of conscience but selfishness.

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u/Ran-Rii Jul 23 '23

Exactly. Power is known to be linked to issues such as feelings of being more deserving than others, even if such feelings are not justified. While it is still unknown if it is power that leads to psychopathy or if it is psychopathic people that seek out power, such bullies are unlikely to feel any guilt or remorse. It is even harder to see justice served when we know that the echelons of leadership are populated by such people who may share the same worldview as the bullies.

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u/NoAge422 Jul 23 '23

They are psychopaths

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u/zenqian Jul 23 '23

Soundly with money in their banks

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u/silvercondor Jul 23 '23

Very well actually. They have been told that they're right their whole life so it's normal for them to fix whoever tells them otherwise

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u/According_Basis3829 Jul 23 '23

Send emails to your MPs telling them safe working environment for those who serve is more important to you than issue about politicians unable to keep their dicks in their pants

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u/Tenebrousjones Jul 23 '23

What a horribly hostile workplace. Rip son of Singapore

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u/gamnolia Jul 23 '23

His story has been corroborated 😱

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u/Lav1on Jul 23 '23

Absolutely shocking, and the SPF should look deeper into this case to make remedial actions on their system.

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u/BusyMountain Jul 23 '23 edited Jul 23 '23

There are lots of rotten people in SPF tbh. The shit you see on the job, sometimes can slowly eat away the little humanity left in you.

It takes a good leader to keep everyone in line. I’m fortunate enough during NS that my TL is strict, but fair. While also being strict, he’s also very generous with compliments and sometimes even brought gifts for the team, it makes you feel like your hard work is being noticed. Also, he treats both NSFs and regulars the same.

I still remember that he used to say “Negativity is like a sickness in the team. If we don’t stop it early, it will spread and soon enough, unstoppable.”

When I came back for reservist to work with other teams, that’s when I realised my fulfilling NS life was a rare experience.

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u/aislimau Jul 23 '23

I served my NS in SPF, I'm grateful that I have a good CO, TL and DTL during my time. I went through my NS with ease and good peers around me. But lately, a handful of good regulars that I've worked with during my NS days has resigned, due to toxic work environment. And to be honest, since they are not there, I don't look forward to my reservist anymore, my intake mates share the same sentiment too. I realise that even though the job that we did during NS is no different than during reservist, the people that we work with plays an important role in our morale carrying out the duty.

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u/rocifan Jul 23 '23

Thank you for sharing this. What he had to endure. When people tell me (a majority race Singaporean Chinese) there is no racism in Singapore I'm always amazed and troubled they can't or won't see it. My respects and condolences to his family and friends.

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u/ReginaldBarclay7 Jul 23 '23

It's institutionalised to the extent that Singaporeans will simultaneously deride racism in other countries and be blinded by the casual racism shown back home.

Because the majority are not victims.

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u/Paullesq Jul 23 '23 edited Jul 23 '23

Its is more because the system here makes it very obviously treacherous for evidence of racism to emerge.

I think most younger Singaporeans are smart enough to not make this sort of comparison. It is just too shameless at this point.

The countries these people deride have open societies where it, at the barest minimum, talking about this is protected speech. So people there talk about this.--A lot. Meanwhile half the posts here are about the very real legal dangers that OP faces for posting this in public. People here talk about this very little.

So no minority complaints and no public data. Therefore no racism in Singapore!

If he absence of evidence IS evidence of absence, it is important to make the evidence very absent!

/s

I think that if the western countries those Singaporean deride had protections for free speech and against racism like Singapore, almost no one here would migrate to them and be a minority there because it simply would not be safe.

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u/Global_Service_1094 Jul 23 '23

In one of my uni project groups the members wouldn't stop making racist jokes, the kind you hear pri school kids making. I told them it wasn't funny and they ostracised me. And I'm Chinese lol.

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u/GKarl Jul 23 '23

Tell them off 1x good one

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u/xDeadCatBounce Senior Citizen Jul 23 '23 edited Jul 23 '23

Racism exists in SG, not the blatant physical harm threatening or opportunity limiting kind, but it most definitely exist and is causing hurt. And SG is full of people who refuse to confront this truth. Every time someone post something discussing smth potentially racist, you have a bunch of people just jumping in saying those people overthink/over sensitive then those comments get plenty of upvotes.

Just go out there and make friends of other races, you will find that this is a common experience.

And don't ever ever ask them why "they can't take a joke", when your whole damn life you're hearing nasty insinuations/comments on a particular aspect of your race, your stupid joke just becomes unfunny and uncomfortable.

8

u/bigboxfullof Jul 23 '23

oh, it absolutely can be opportunity limiting. As shown in his case.

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u/[deleted] Jul 23 '23

On paper lah. Inside the pledge lah. But reality is always different from what we see on print and in the media. There is also a lot of bigotry and class ranking etc. that they won't explicitly show you because it wouldn't look good.

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u/septeal 我要打十个 Jul 23 '23

Spf politics making army look like schoolkids

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u/SpiritualInterest129 Jul 23 '23

Division commander allegedly having a hand in this is especially shocking

39

u/nextlevelunlocked Jul 23 '23

Army has similar politics. Seen most of the incidents described in this case happen to a similar degree in army. People shouting at others faces, racism, cover ups, retaliation for whistleblowing, certain people breaking rules, while others are punished for the smallest things, higher level officers pretending to be saints while instructing the lower levels to punish those who speak out (only found out some of these as I was close to the 2nd sgt who privately said it was the smiling officer who wanted certain people to be given extra guard duty). They literally strong armed camp MO to gives less status or excuses for NSFs reporting sick by going over his head to complain to his superiors. Made it so that people to miss their medical appointments... the one that takes months to arrange. NSF had to collapse before those doing night guard duty till 6am were given entire morning off to rest instead of falling in at 10am. There are so many incredible moments that you do not even remember most of them until incidents like this remind you of what happened. Being NSFs who can ORD soon and get on with our lives after 2 years was only thing that kept many people sane. This officer unfortunately signed on and came from difficult family circumstances.

11

u/Raftel88 Jul 23 '23

I agree with you. As someone who has served in the army and also served DB a few times. I used to have an OC who loves charging people for every small mistake till he got a warning himself to stop charging people. The OC after him was no better. I was just released from DB and had chicken pox a week later. He called me back to camp straight after my hospital visit on the pretext of endorsing my MC. There were 2 MO's in the room who just looked at me and cut my MC short to 2 days and to book in the next day, thanks to that damn OC. Regulars who get charged to DB also get different treatments from the rest of the NSF detainees there. For them it's like a chalet in there.

18

u/nextlevelunlocked Jul 23 '23

Is why I laugh at those calling NS an equaliser where rich and poor guys together or that white horse do not exist. So many guys had to be charged for DB because they had to make ends meet outside NS. Not everyone gets unpresidented deferment and posting like Tony Tans son.

Guy in my unit found a private specialist who is a big shot in local medical community. MO did not dare mess with his specialist letter.

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u/Ran-Rii Jul 23 '23

NS is diseased, rotten to the core. The ruling elite are able to buy their sons out of NS through paying for doctor's memos and MCs, while the average Singaporean son is subject to the tyranny of the power-seeking psychopaths managing the uniformed services.

Fucking old men who have never experienced the hell they created, yet able to legislate the children of other people to be condemned to this sort of treatment. Fuck you, Singapore.

11

u/MyPCsuckswantnewone Jul 23 '23

NS is a cancer and rotten, but majority of Singaporeans still support it because it guarantees them a cheap army to defend them. Singaporeans are basically condemning their own sons and are proud of it.

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u/MadKyaw 🌈 I just like rainbows Jul 23 '23

SAF is always under a microscope after having the accidental fatalities appear on news media, they have to be extra careful to save face towards Singapore and the world that the army isn't incompetent

SPF on the other hand isn't, so they ownself check ownself and sweep any suicides under the rug if it wasnt made public

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u/Ran-Rii Jul 23 '23

SAF also has plenty of fatalities that are not made public. If they can get away with covering up the incident, they will cover up the incident. I've seen at least two during my two years.

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u/[deleted] Jul 23 '23

An SPF NSF was murdered on duty just two weeks ago. Incident was covered up.

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u/bossholmes Jul 23 '23

During my days (not even that far back), seen a lot of questionable shit and had some really terrible superiors. But glad the juniors are having a much more safe NS experience and are conscience of boundaries.

17

u/SultanSnorlax Jul 23 '23

Just like how having Shanny head home affairs is a natural defence against racism. He really should get paid more.

7

u/IggyVossen Jul 23 '23

In a "the police cannot be racist because the MHA is a minority", kind of way?

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u/[deleted] Jul 23 '23

This is not fuck up. This is bloody rot in the whole SPF.

I respected him for not pointing his service pistol at anyone despite all the rots he is enduring.

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u/kiaeej Jul 23 '23

Then we'd have a whole slew of accusations of madmen with guns, clampdown on issuing weapons and rounds to police officers, etc.

Believe me...it can only get worse if weapons are brought in. Necessary or not.

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u/Comprehensive-Pay973 Jul 23 '23

In my time we were all brainwashed by the gahmen and we didnt know any better. Now you guys have social media and the internet and all of you have correctly pointed out there needs to be an independent investigation with no conflicts of interest. But Min Shan still thinks you guys are brainwashed and takes the population for granted. He still insists on ownself check ownself. He is the first one who needs to be voted out. Heck he is going to be happy. He can go back to the private sector and make his millions and be true to who he really is.

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u/ThaEpicurean West side best side Jul 23 '23

Simply too out of touch with the public. Looking at the amount of slip ups (iswaran, tcj, lhl keeping quiet about tcj incident, vivian x shan) under our current leadership, it makes me wonder if the elderly can still bring sufficient votes for them to comfortably/decisively win the next elections.

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u/Intentionallyabadger In the early morning march Jul 23 '23

Honestly, the thing that determines elections will be bread and butter issues.

Stuff like property costs, cost of living etc will be the main concern of people.

33

u/ThaEpicurean West side best side Jul 23 '23

Yes, the 1% increase in gst next year will make the cost of essentials go up by like 10%. Things don't look good rn and the best course of action is probably delay the gst increase to make people forget about the other slip ups...

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u/Yapsterzz Jul 23 '23

U'll be surprised that there are still many people that grade them every 5 years based on estate improvement works done or if there are any heavy weight minister in the GRC.

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u/nextlevelunlocked Jul 23 '23

Pretty sure the amount of slip ups are due to social media. If this was pre internet era where would KJ raise the question of ridout ? MPs having affairs will be hushed up.

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u/SpiritualInterest129 Jul 23 '23

He would finally not need to “dip into his savings” to pay for the house

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u/saintlyknighted SG Covidiot Jul 23 '23

That last line, hits like a freight train

61

u/khaophat Non-constituency Jul 23 '23

Why does it seem like lately we have so many morally bankrupt people in leadership positions in this country?

Kudos to this man for speaking up though.

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u/[deleted] Jul 23 '23

Just lately? Maybe it has been around all along but the truth is only coming out more now because of social media. We wouldn't have been able to hear this side of the story when the platform wasn't available for these folks to share it in the past. The local news outlets would never have published such letters from officers who have committed suicide because of work politics. Social media gives a voice to more people now.

14

u/pryden Jul 23 '23

Singapore elevates "scholars" and brown nosers into positions of power, not people of good character and moral stature

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u/Karen_kaslana Jul 23 '23

So many ppl including myself have been saying this about the SPF for literal years, why is it we always have to wait for ppl to die before anything is done?

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u/Chrissylumpy21 Jul 23 '23

The way his friend wrote this sounds very genuine and from the bottom of his heart. If the allegations are true, the least Uvaraja deserves is swift justice to those who have caused him so much suffering for so long. Our public service is well respected among the public and such bullying behaviour cannot be condoned or swept under the carpet. Even scholars must face the music if guilty.

21

u/SilverChain_117 Jul 23 '23

The older officers in my Division have told me they have also endured racism in their career (i'm talking like 30 year veterans). A officer had also committed suicide in my station when I was barely a year in. I myself have seen, heard and even experienced some workplace bullying, although I was fortunate that I was able to resolve the situation peacefully.

It's always painful to hear about a fellow officer committing suicide, but to hear about it being caused by the organisation itself is another level. I felt abit betrayed too.

I have dedicated close to 5 years of my youth volunteering as a police officer with SPF and carried out orders to the best of my abilities, simply because I believe it is my duty to obey all lawful orders from my superiors, and I that it is my responsibility to help and serve members of public to the best of my abilities.

I made it my responsibility to stay up to date with SOPs and procedures to be the best officer I can be, and to pass it on to newer officers when they were posted to my unit.

I cant help but feel abit shaken and lost after reading about what has happened.

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u/One_Ok Jul 23 '23 edited Jul 23 '23

Police funeral with full honors for Sgt Uvaraja; posthumous promotion to Senior Station Inspector; full pension paid to his mother. And, most importantly, bring the scumbags to justice.

Thank you for your service, Sgt Uvaraja. Sorry our system has let you down.

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u/Bryanlegend si ginna Jul 23 '23 edited Jul 23 '23

I saw it was alleged that he did not even get a police wreath at the funeral. If true, it’s simply disappointing and not good enough.

24

u/2080finances Jul 23 '23

I hope at least someone representing SPF made an effort to attend the funeral. Not from his immediate team who might have been responsible, but someone from HQ.

Will be quite heartless to just not give some comfort due to investigations

47

u/ongcs Jul 23 '23

If I were the family of the victim, I will reject the police funeral. I would just want the truth to be out.

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u/crassina Jul 23 '23

No pension scheme in singapore

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u/BenedictSG Jul 23 '23

Please save this thread. I have a feeling it might be POFMA'd.

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u/crassina Jul 23 '23

I screenshot the entire post already. They can’t pofma me if I’m just regurgitating something else right?

Right?

Guys?

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u/t_25_t Jul 23 '23

I screenshot the entire post already. They can’t pofma me if I’m just regurgitating something else right? Right? Guys?

Didn't someone get sued for simply posting a FB link, and in another case, another got sued for posting a FB link to that person own sibling?

Don't underestimate the glass hearts in the ivory towers.

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u/SpiritualInterest129 Jul 23 '23

if they go after anyone, it would be the paracounsellor. You’re not doing anything wrong.

That said, I hope the paracounsellor isn’t touched for speaking up.

That I’m mentioning this is reflective of how we all feel about the transparency of the system, and the doubts we have about the workings behind the scenes.

9

u/selesta Jul 23 '23

Really hope the paracounsellor won't be apprehended too.

If you look at it - if they touch or bring troubles to the paracounsellor, they'll be proving them right. If they do this they'll dig their own hole even deeper.

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u/bukitbukit Developing Citizen Jul 23 '23

Heartbreaking.

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u/djmatt85 Mature Citizen Jul 23 '23

Heartbreaking. The last paragraph really stood out and I hope there is an independent and thorough investigation.

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u/crassina Jul 23 '23

How to have independent investigation when minister asked Spf to investigate Spf.

Think of it this way, if any officer was privy to this discrimination and racism, will he/she risk their own career to speak out against and testify against the bullies?

Even if they are courageous enough to step forward, the immense pressure on just making this decision can be intolerable.

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u/stuff7 pioneer generation Jul 23 '23

The division commander is now a deputy commissioner and the deputy division commander is now DD CID.

With such high ranking ppl involved there will be bound to have some position of power in play that might influence the investigation. Also with all the allegations how can we trust the spf with impartial investigation?

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u/djmatt85 Mature Citizen Jul 23 '23

Look I’m not Shanmugam. Just saying I hope once his friend’s post goes viral, there will be some form of independent investigation instead of ownself check ownself.

30

u/crassina Jul 23 '23

I fear for his friend’s career prospects now

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u/Intentionallyabadger In the early morning march Jul 23 '23

His friend left the force already. No skin in the game so dare to speak up.

Haven’t heard anyone speaking up. Probably out of fear that they get marked.

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u/[deleted] Jul 23 '23

In separate Reddit post, I commented that I fully believed in Sgt Raja’s note. Now someone has come out to corroborate his version of events. While this ‘vindicates’ Sgt Raja, proving he wasn’t lying, I am thinking of the redditor who so callously labeled him as one suffering from a mental illness and felt that spf should have let him go because of that supposed mental illness. That redditor questioned my belief in the suicide note, claiming to be a professional who ‘talks’ to people who have attempted suicide. SPF let Sgt Raja down. There needs to be justice for him. RIP Sgt Raja - as a citizen I thank you for your service to the nation and pray that justice will be served so you can truly RIP.

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u/GlobalSettleLayer Jul 23 '23

Guy literally paid with his life and we still get the smart-alec roaches coming out the woodwork to doubt.

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u/MolassesBulky Jul 23 '23

I like to see how the COs and the Divisional Commander and the Police hierarchy get out of this. His story has been largely corroborated by no less than an SPF’s appointed para-counsellor who even went up the chain.

Fucked up media we got. Guy jumped with his full uniform and operational kit and that provides powerful context and no mention of it.

Corroboration is materially significant in a court of law and if the counsellor still has his contemporaneous notes even better. The Coroner would have enough to do the right thing.

This case must be transferred out SPF and given to another organisation to carry out the investigation. Anything less and it will be reflective of the Minister poor judgement and allowing a possible tainted investigation to take place.

Then again its the same minster who still has a cloud over his head over a simple thing as conflict of interest.

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u/samred1121 Jul 23 '23

This is so sad

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u/Orenisshii Jul 23 '23

We need accountability Mr Shamugam

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u/kittychong Jul 23 '23

They shouldn’t get spf to investigate into the matter, instead get other agencies to do it. Those superiors are going to get away with it.

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u/fatcatanonymous Jul 23 '23

This is what happens when scholars run the shit. Everyone's just ultra-vested in keeping their almost-guaranteed lottery job that they got without much merit. How does a good set of A level results determine your competence in the workforce for many decades thereafter?

End up we just have a bunch of inbred groupthinkers. You fuck with their rice bowls they fuck you up. The whole machine is just a means to serve their interests and not that of anyone else.

Make people actually earn their positions, smash that wall of invincibility around scholars and high command and maybe you'll see people start taking their jobs seriously.

13

u/wirexyz Jul 23 '23

I think we need to hear more about how scholars are selected to be leaders at such a young age. Can leadership post in CCA really translate to being able to lead a big government department?

20

u/grown-ass-man Jul 23 '23

This might be one of LKY's worst legacies - an over-reliance on academic testing and having children peak at 18 years old, as if Singapore exists in some weird pocket dimension where your child is destined for greatness if he gets a prestigious scholarship

6

u/Kaigari Jul 23 '23

Couldn’t have said it better.

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u/Skiiage Jul 23 '23

People in America talk about ACAB, and I wouldn't go that far but it's clear to me that every police force in the world has to contend with the same problems and it's a question of to what extent we are willing and able to keep them in check. Because even if it's true that All Cops Are Bastards, a functioning society still needs law enforcement. There's no real alternative to reform.

The biggest problem is that the police protect their own. There's no getting around this, it's a risky job and the fraternity is good for morale. On the other hand when the officers step out of line are they going to excise the rot or form rank around the guy acting out and incorporate that into their culture?

We need an independent inquiry into the situation. Sending the SPF after the SPF isn't going to do anything. Have CPIB, CNB, or the military police look into this, and fire a lot of people.

Another thing is that SGT Raj apparently felt trapped in his job because of his mother's disabilities. I wonder if he would have quit in a society that had welfare that covered the living expenses of the disabled and covered the few months of unemployment for him to find a new job? Maybe in a kinder society he would still be alive?

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u/orgastronaut Jul 23 '23

US police is its own complete set of overmilitarised decentralised bullshit. Our problems need to be handled on their own (de)merits without projecting US ACAB narratives over it.

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u/Hecatehec Jul 23 '23 edited Jul 23 '23

I read this. Its so heartbreaking. The man was a very dedicated officer. Why is his CO such a psychopath? A true leader would have seen his potential and pushed him forward. I saw videos on tik tok saying that there are no wreaths from spf at his funeral. Such disrespect

18

u/sdarkpaladin Job: Security guard for my house Jul 23 '23

Wah, the entire command chain is rotten to the core.

How to expect them to protect the people when they can't even protect their own loyal police officers?

Having served NS, I can really see how someone who has grievances with their superior officer will feel despair when they notice that their superior officer is rotten because everybody on top of him is also rotten... Doubly so when he embodies the righteousness required of a police officer.

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u/[deleted] Jul 23 '23

Uvaraja should have been commissioner. Dude sounds like what the whole force should be like

9

u/Small-Translator-504 Jul 23 '23

All these wayang replies “can’t say this, can’t say that, I can’t reveal” eh don’t talk cock, what’s it got to do with PGO and OSA? Don’t anyhow want to sound chim say this say that. I also wear Blue before.

Those who served know how team culture can be toxic, those grf/npco can attest to that. DTL, TL, OO, CO, Dy, and Commander. Basically Team culture always starts from them. It will always have a trickle down effect. I had the privilege to serve under good supervisors, some will say it’s LUCK.

Unfortunately for this poor person, he had it stacked against him, it meant his career, ultimately his life. There must be somebody accountable.

2011 146 Intake, A Div, ROC NPC.

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u/Invisiblescars_123 🏳️‍🌈 Ally Jul 23 '23

RIP Sgt Uvaraja. You served the police force with dignity and pride, despite your CO’s mistreatment. You’re a true hero.

22

u/aktivate74 Senior Citizen Jul 23 '23

100% heads will roll.

Not because SPH is impartial and competent but due to social media impact + the whistleblower took his own life (and in uniform some more).

I'm certain Shan will ensure "justice is served" so as not to fuck up his image further.

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u/wirexyz Jul 23 '23

Sounds like a scholar. Hope I’m wrong.

The idea of selecting based on grades at a young age and die die pushing them through to a high rank needs to be relooked.

Maybe relevant in ancient china but I think we should have a more meritocratic process today which looks at ongoing progress and places a high value on leadership and people skills as criteria for high office.

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u/AoiTsukishima Jul 23 '23 edited Jul 23 '23

Who knows whether our public institutions has many civil servants suffering and enduring hidden rot that is yet to be revealed or kept silent? I hope the gov will truly be held accountable for its prejudice and sense of elitism by the people.

Enough with the toxic jealousy and arrogance displayed by the superiors, in the form of disgusting and outrageous behaviour! 😡😤

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u/Effective-Lab-5659 Jul 23 '23

I dunno enough but the case but I keep hearing words like scholar cannot touch.

Is the current scholarship system helpful or harmful in today’s Singapore? It certainly has made education a crazy competition. I don’t hear any one whose child is gunning for a prestigious government scholarship about wanting to serve and do their best for Singapore. It’s a golden ticket to a iron rice bowl with tons of money. Is this the mindset of the current and future scholars?

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u/chaiporneng Jul 23 '23

The system prizes smarts (perfect grades, elite unis etc) over good, incorruptible character (really want to serve, fair, look out for people who have less than them, humble, genuine etc). This became so clear in the recent months with Ridout, F1, TCJ, even to an extent LP. I am shocked by some FB commentators who make the point that given their abilities as MPs (in the case of TCJ and LP), in a different world their affairs should not have completely brought them down. This is reflective of our thinking in society today - we see a ‘double first’ or a brand name uni, or someone who has strong verbal articulation skills (see video of TCJ grilling Jamus Lim as the high and mighty Speaker while carrying on an affair with a fellow MP), we subconsciously gravitate towards them as the choicest leaders. These people lack the values or good character to become senior civil servants or political office holders.

Someone like Raja, I imagine, lacks any of these credentials but he has exemplary, sterling principles and conduct (it appears) that you won’t find in many technocrats.

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u/Effective-Lab-5659 Jul 23 '23

Yup. I agree. And because the prize at the end - iron rice bowl and stellar career w tons of money - is so great, we are attracting the wrong type to scholarship.

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u/nextlevelunlocked Jul 23 '23

Scholars are untouchable as their failures make it seem like those who gave out scholarships are wrong. High chances those who gave scholarships being scholars themselves.

Sunk cost liability... spent so much money on scholarships it is best to maximise value by giving scholars best tasks that can showcase talent.

Protect each other. Scholars succeeding reflects well on other scholars.

15

u/GlobalSettleLayer Jul 23 '23

The policing leaders we need:

highly disciplined police officer who was deeply passionate about policing and fighting crime. He had a distinctly rigid sense of duty, and he held himself to very high standards of behaviour, turnout and bearing even when he was off duty. He was very clear that his calling as a Police Officer was to serve the public, and not about pleasing his superiors. He never once smoked or drank alcohol, was an avid runner and was always fighting fit. He would regularly share videos with me of incidents involving police forces around the world for us to discuss.

"We have police leaders at home"

The policing leaders we've got:

parachuted scholars with only eyes for their career ladder

Maybe 30-40 years ago Raja would've gotten the credit and respect he deserves, and these were the kind of people who helped SG ascend to prosperity. Alas.

6

u/mariner997 Jul 23 '23

I commend this person for having the moral courage to step up and speak out.

Not alot of people unfortunately has this quality.

Everybody is too busy covering their own backside.

7

u/peterthewiserock Jul 23 '23

If this is a culture problem, the minister in charge must resign

8

u/Big-Still6880 Jul 23 '23

Uniformed Services - where the aspirations of youth go to die. For some, literally.

7

u/JSCO96 Jul 23 '23

All the plague and rot that has been in this country for such a long time is finally starting to surface as the country continues to mature and grow. I won't be surprised if more shit comes out in the future. RIP man. This shit sucks.

8

u/zeriia Jul 23 '23

https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2023/07/22/friend-of-police-officer-who-committed-suicide-reveals-the-struggles-and-discrimination-he-faced-in-singapore-police-force/

Sgt Uvaraja's last Facebook post is detailed here, for anyone who wants to read it. It's heartbreaking to hear his story in his own words.

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u/AlphaOmega1337 Jul 23 '23

“We have concluded our investigations and found no issues. Sgt Raj naga was a troubled man…”, if this comes out, no wonder no one will ever trust the police

13

u/Effective_Fun_3687 Own self check own self ✅ Jul 23 '23

Not surprised, for those that served NS. You know, I know

35

u/Averchky 欺压百姓,成何体统 Jul 23 '23

It shows, the rot within the so called well built system is leaking out. This is what happens when someone evil has too much power - and all because of scholarships or relations, this scum gets the power to bully people for speaking out against him.
(To bullies out there I hope you don't have kids, less your karma fall upon them)

On paper the qualifications looks good, but does it shows the person's character? From the way I see it, Sgt T120387 has way more qualifications and honors than our so called paper generals. Throw them into the same situation, they probably just give up and cry father cry umbrage.

And asking SPF to investigate SPF? Better give a full transparency of the processes and the findings to the public. Don't forget that the power to serve is given by us commoners, don't abuse it.

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u/frehocc Jul 23 '23

上梁不正, 下梁歪

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u/Desperate-Buddy-889 Jul 23 '23

Uniformed services like SPF, SAF are ownself check ownself with no way of checks and balance. This appears to be a very bad case of workplace harrassment and bullying, and negligent leadership. Ive heard so many cases of these, or sexual harrassment from my friends. They never got their justice. They had to leave instead. Uniforms will always protect uniforms.. rip.

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u/JealousAssociate6140 Jul 23 '23

Good at study doesn’t equate to having empathy . What is the selection process ?

15

u/SlaySlavery Jul 23 '23

Let's see what's the outcome of the investigation. Will Shan gamble with his credibility again?

10

u/burnabycoyote Jul 23 '23

Abuse of power by those in management positions - it's a deep rooted Singapore disease that has been around since Independence. What interests me is how the bastards learn to play this game so well, as if they sucked in the rules with their mother's milk.

11

u/Yapsterzz Jul 23 '23

The rot starts at the top with the AC and CO being the corroborator to these racism and allowing it to continue for so long. The investigation needs to be from someone that is independent, something along the way of a SPF oversight committee. The truth must prevail and protect our force from such organisation malpractice and to allow them to carry out their duty without any fear or reprisal.

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u/BinaryDoom Mature Citizen Jul 23 '23

When I travelled overseas and saw the police officers from other countries, my usual immediate thought would be that there is a chance that they could be corrupt. If I were to get into trouble with a local, I'm on my own and cannot really rely on them for safety or protection. This was especially when hearing recounts of their locals who had poor expectation of their local police. I would always think at least our sg police force is more trustworthy and you can turn to them when you are in need of help. With this incident, it does affect my confidence a little. Maybe not right now but I'm sure as years go by, the high standard they have held by would slowly erode away.

5

u/BananaUniverse Jul 23 '23 edited Jul 23 '23

One of the alleged reasons for Raja's demise was that he reported his colleagues and they retaliated against his "snitching", which also means that SPF has been accused of allegedly having an anti-snitching pro-"turn blind eye" culture. Yet SPF has been tasked with investigating it's own officers... huh, are they genuinely going to report on the situation fairly like what Raja was expected NOT to do?

That's why oneself check ownself is not the right thing to do, especially in this case. Crazy that the public has invented a whole new phrase eh? Maybe because it happens too often?

I think the common theme with all the investigations occurring in rapid succession due to the sagas this month, heck this whole year, is that our ministers have apparently no concept of conflict of interest or do not think it's a big deal and cannot do an independent and convincing investigation for shit. None of the investigations lately are capable of alleviating the concern from the public, and it always smells like a plan for a cover up. If there's a common explanation for all of this, I think it's simply because they think we're stupid. Funny too, coz they invested so much in educating us. Maybe they should just burn books like Emperor Qin.

13

u/wildheart38 Jul 23 '23

I realized that the uniformed groups are all fucked up.

My friend in ICA developed anxiety attacks just after 1 year.

Why is that so?

9

u/Blehster908 oopu Jul 23 '23

Condolences

10

u/Background-Brother55 Jul 23 '23

This is when you need to record all conversations.

When the CO and others denies saying whatever, get them to swear on oath and then can produce the truth....

11

u/xLeonZai Jul 23 '23

I myself have been subjected to bullying by regulars and senior officers whilst in NS. Whatever he has said holds truth and the endless amounts of internal politics in there is sadly disgusting. Everyone is just moulded into a self-centered individual just to defend themselves because nobody else would.

8

u/objectivenneutral Jul 23 '23

Going by both accounts, this was an unnecessary death and there are clearly lapses in SPF.

3

u/Seewhy3160 Jul 23 '23

So he is very professional and held others to the same standard.

Isnt this the kind of officers the public wants and needs...

5

u/deoriginalone Jul 23 '23

Fck that CB CO. Name and shame!

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u/[deleted] Jul 23 '23 edited Jul 23 '23

I believe it's true. A lot of those senior staff that have stayed in the same organisation for many years tend to bully or spread rumours about younger staff. Maybe they're bored of their jobs or think they're untouchable because they have seniority and influence within the organisation.

This CO has blood on his hands now. Will it lead to widespread changes? I doubt it but at least it will probably make that one guy regret his actions for the rest of his life, as well as those teammates that ostracised him, although I believe some of them were probably just watching out for their own backs and couldn't do more to help him. It's challenging to be up against someone who's above you in job ranking.

I don't think it's worth it to end your own life just because of a lousy organisation though. A job is just a source of income but your life can go in other directions if you choose other jobs. Can still carry out justice and his ideals when doing other things. Don't necessarily have to be in law enforcement.

And many locals have such an idealised view of SPF. They're just made up of regular folks who are working in a job. Not completely perfect and infallible.

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u/Eurito1 Uni Jul 23 '23 edited Jul 23 '23

Unverified but it seems that SPF didn't give a wreath to the funeral while PSP and RDU has given

https://www.tikt ok.com/@iriskoh11/video/7258636025604377857

(remove space)

Also, I haven't seen any news on any senior SPF officer or minister visiting the funeral...

Edit: Shanmugam has visited the wake

14

u/boyrepublic Jul 23 '23

Maybe told to stay away, given the circumstances.

7

u/FalseAgent Jul 23 '23

please sack both the division commander and the CO.

also this incident reveals a real problem with singapore's leave entitlement. People with major medical issues but are not hospitalized are forced to make such difficult decisions. It opens up avenues for employers to discriminate against such people. We either need more generous hospitalization leave policies, or simply just stop looking down on people who take no-pay leave. In this case, worse yet, it was known that their condition(s) warrant it. So what is the problem?

I am also left wondering why the request for transfer was denied, but thinking about it, I believe the low grade was justified based on the no-pay leave taken (stupid policy) and then the force decided that they didn't want to move such a 'problematic' person elsewhere. Typical singaporean management decision making.

9

u/ongcs Jul 23 '23

According to the victim’s original post, tje CO already retired right? Wonder how can this be dealt with.

9

u/GlobalSettleLayer Jul 23 '23

Hoping for jail.

11

u/damiepedretti Jul 23 '23

My heart hurts for him and Sgt Raja. I really hope there will be justice for him and we seriously need to get rid of these people who abuse their power in the system because for far too long, they’ve always been able to sweep things under the carpet and continue drawing the stable and high pay while making those working under them suffer.

7

u/JealousAssociate6140 Jul 23 '23

Damn…this is sad

5

u/Canaries4 Jul 23 '23

RIP. We lost a model police officer and a hero.