I follow this discussion with much interest. I always believe a forum is where differing views are being presented and discussed. This is democracy in action, imo.
Whilst writing a reply in this discussion, I was scanning the various press's headlines for the Swe and T&T match. Almost all of them mentioned Shamsul's name and half of them mentioned he's from Spore. He's a 'real' Sporean; not unlike those who are born but migrated and lived almost all of their life outside Spore type.
Without getting too much into technicalities here (FIFA or SGP), I proud of what he had achieved - to be selected by FIFA to officiate a WC final match. This is the closest our country can ever be in the WC finals (unless we decide to host/co-host one day). As a Singaporean, I glad and proud to see a sporean doing well on the world stage (ok lah, he bo-bian kanna produced red card; but hey, that led to a damn exciting second half, better than England's listless second half performance).
I don't agree with one of the writers that we should reserve our celebrations or pride for big achievements ie our whole soccer team in the WC. My view is that we should celebrate and be proud whenever a Singaporean does well on the world stage especially if he/she is a true-bred Sporean. To be selected as a ref to officiate in a WC is big deal (Only 21 referees are chosen). Our country will inevitably be linked to the person as people will naturally want to know where this person is from. If we ourselves can't be proud, who will?
So I say, lets be happy, and less cynical, to celebrate each Singaporean's success/achievements.
Do sincerely hope that he'll get selected once again for the latter stages.
Enjoy WC2006!!
