After reading what Justice Tay said, I felt that it was sensible.
Justice Tay Yong Kwang said that he accepted that misuse of funds
in a charitable organisation was a serious offence and the amount
involved was not small.
However, he noted, it was public knowledge that Ming Yi
had risked life and limb in his much publicised fund-raising efforts.
Ming Yi had risked life and limb to raise funds for Ren Ci, as he
did not have to perform the dangerous stunts himself but chose to do so.
Saying it was unfair and unkind for sceptics to brush these off as
manifestations of an egotistic, publicity-seeking man, the judge asked:
“How many among us are willing to undertake those risks to satisfy our egos?”
“In my opinion, one wrongdoing does not have to be so overwhelming
that the many good deeds are completely forgotten and interred with the bones.”
His line was drawn from William Shakespeare's play
Julius Caesar, in which Mark Antony said at the emperor's death:
“The evil that men do lives after them;
the good is off interred with their bones.”
I gave my helping hand without hesitation at several occasions.
After that, I saw many bystanders stared at me.
I was sad.
When did we become so cold-hearted?
When and why did we hesitate to help others?
I was upset when I read several cases of lawsuits.
I was very caution when I carry out my voluntary work.
I was the Public Relation Officer when I was with Singapore Jaycees.
Hence, my name was always in the news.
I was fortunate that the kind reporters assisted me much
and did not publish my picture.
I was invited to attend an interview at a radio program about a year ago.
I rejected it.
After working with the media for many years, I understood it well.
Even there was only my voice in the radio program,
newsmen would know where and how to get me.
Let us put in our effort sincerely in our voluntary work.
Let us enjoy our golden age with a peaceful mind.
That is what I look for.
Ming Yi thanked the media for their mercies.
Let us appreciate the following kind people.
The president of the Singapore Buddhist Federation, the Venerable Kwang
Sheng (广声法师), said that the Federation had no right to ask Ming Yi
to resume secular life. It was unlike Thailand, the Federation was just a grouping
of Buddhist Institutions in Singapore, and it would not act against Ming Yi.
The secretary of the Singapore Buddhist Federation, the Venerable Kwang
Pin (广品法师) mentioned that Ming Yi and his Master did not get in touch with
the Federation since the case happened.
Both of them were not oblige to contact the Federation and
report their decision. Whatever both of them decided, it would
be respected.
The council director of Taiwan Chinese Buddhist Association (台湾中国佛教会),
Venerable Master Ching Leung (净良长老) gave a worth pondering comment.
Monks are usually not on guard with others. Ming Yi made an offence
because of a request of personal loan.
He was an outstanding man. He was now destroyed in a moment.
Buddhism teaches benevolence. Why should we put an end to a person?
It was a pity that people did not make an allowance for him.
Instead, some told with unction and took a mean advantage.
It was a wrong attitude.
We should not have a grudge against each other.
We have to look after, accept, make an allowance for,
forgive and respect each other.
We will hence be hopeful in the nation and be
harmony in the society.
Venerable Ming Yi, there are still love and passion.
May Peace be with you.
Jesus said to them,
“If any one of you is without sin,
let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
The Gospel of John 8 : 7
