the ice bucket challenge evaluated by the civil service - good one...

I bet someone, somewhere within the civil service right now is writing a proposal (or “submission” in civil service speak) to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on whether he should accept the ALS challenge from George Young and SGAG.

Here’s Mothership.sg’s take on how that submission will look like:

Prime Minister

cc Every father mother son who is important

PROPOSAL ON WHETHER PRIME MINISTER LEE HSIEN LOONG SHOULD ACCEPT THE ALS ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE

Background

The ALS ice bucket challenge involves dumping a bucket of water filled with ice over one’s head, posting it on social media and challenging three other people to do the same. If he or she fails to do so, he/she will pledge $US 100 to ALS research.

2. PM has been challenged by George Young and the people behind SGAG. We have done some background checks on them and they are Singapore citizens in good standing.

Views from Ministries/Agencies

Ministry of Environment and Water Resources (MEWR)

3. As the ice bucket challenge involves dumping water wastefully, we propose that PM replace tap water with water used for washing rice. The Istana should have a ready supply.

4. Alternatively, if PM wishes to use clean water, we propose for PM to stand in a trough. The water collected in the trough will be taken by MEWR officers to the nearest NEWater plant for processing.

Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) 

5. MCI assessed this public performance to be in line with Singapore’s values. Posting this video online will not contravene the Films Act. It is not a “party political film” as long as ruling party activists are not involved.

6. However, the Media Development Authority (MDA) wishes to note that should PM wear thin material to take the challenge, the resulting ‘wet look’ may include partial nudity, which will contravene MDA’s broadcasting standards.

7. MCI and MDA recommends for PM to wear a bear suit to avoid any unforeseen consequence should PM accept the challenge.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)

8. MFA is of the view that the ALS ice bucket challenge is an American-centric movement.

9. The challenge will enhance the already strong US-Singapore bilateral relations and build on the 10th anniversary of the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (USSFTA) that was recently celebrated in Washington DC.

10. Should PM accept the challenge, MFA advises caution in choosing subsequent individuals to challenge. MFA notes that US President Barack Obama has declined to take the challenge. Should PM accept the challenge, PM may wish to challenge all leaders of the ASEAN nations to show that ASEAN is still relevant to the world.

Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)

11. MSF notes that Minister Chan Chun Sing has already ‘kee chiu-ed’ to take on the challenge for PM.

12. MSF also understands that it is the most appropriate Ministry to take up the challenge since its mission is to “nurture a resilient and caring society that can overcome challenges together”.

Ministry of Manpower (MOM)

13. MOM notes that if foreign workers are required to dump the water or transport ice, they should have valid employment permits.

14. If PM wishes to hire people specifically for this task, PM’s office must first list the job on the National Jobs Bank to ensure that Singaporeans have a fair chance at pouring water on the PM.

Recommendation

15. We are of the view that since none of the Ministries/Agencies have stepped out to recommend whether PM should accept the challenge, we shall leave the decision up to PM.

16. We do not take responsibilities that will affect our Performance Bonuses in February/March.

For PM’s decision, please.

Because no one makes any decision ever. 

Tan Ah Kow
Chief Arrow Officer
Prime Minister’s Office

With inputs from MEWR, MCI, MFA, MSF and MOM.