SingPost should go back to basics

Postal services are an essential need. But after Singapore Post (SingPost) was privatised, having been a government entity until then, profit became the sole motive.

To grow revenues and appease shareholders through high stock prices and dividends, the company started introducing all kinds of retail products. Today’s post office has become like a mom-and-pop shop.

In this economic climate, growing SingPost’s business is not easy, as it faces many challenges.

Hence, I believe not many qualified Singaporeans are interested to come out of their comfort zone to take on the challenges of the top job (“Error of judgment, says SingPost chairman-designate in rejecting job”; April 8).

Still, we have many government scholars, and they should prove their worth in this challenging position rather than as gatekeepers in a safe government or government-linked organisation. Going forward, the company should be taken over by the Government and go back to basics: Providing postal and communication services.

Many Singaporeans would surely agree with this.