[Big A]

I believe the Rony Tan episode should close.

But having read ST report his public statement after ISD kopi-session to his church members - mind you - a prepared statement, I find the contents revealing his classic Freudian slips.

Rony tan told his flock .... errors to be rectified not justified. Atta boy ! sounds good.

Later on, he shared:-
"When it first happened, I mentally planned 3 steps:-
(1) sincerely confess & repent
(2) bravely face all consequences from authorities
(3) after paying my dues, depart from the very nation I love"

After much struggle, I decided to be true to my heart, because SIngapore is my home, no matter what."

A church member interviewed later said, she was moved to tears by the sincerity of her pastor.

How ironic !

To me, his sharing of his 3 options is a significant Freudian slip.

If his remorse is sincere, it must be a case of spontaneous realization of his errors & the offence done leading to his contrite apology. That's true sincerity.

But here, in Rony tan's own words, he weighed & calculated.

Should he eat humble pie, confess, apologise or
Stick to his guns, face off to ISD or
pay fine/ jail whatever then leave Singapore (like Francis Seow/Devan Nair)

Kudos to him, his love for Singapore swings the decision for him.

The cynic will say : what's the alternative ? if he takes option (2) & (3), what will happen to his 12k strong membership base ? His 2 children are high level executives/pastors in his organization - how to abandon them ?

So all in all, option (1) is the wisest & expedient choice.

I say Rony Tan's apology should be accepted & let's move on.

But set the record straight - 'to be sorry' was just one of 3 options to Rony Tan at that time.

So much for true remorse & honest enlightenment. sigh..