'Wayang' is a Malay word, meaning a stage performance. In casual Singaporean English, as Tan explained, "'wayang' is now used... to denote something that has more bells and whistles than actual substance."

Tan argued that because the civil service had not hitherto screened out gay employees, the pronouncement had no real impact in the short term. It was not as if suddenly gay people could apply for jobs. They were already inside, and as anecdotal reports have suggested, some were already quite out in their jobs.

Secondly the statement "would never be fully tenable as long as homosexuality remains criminalized," said Tan.

Thirdly, the government has displayed no will to implement the policy. Beyond that remark reported in Time magazine, the government has not elaborated on its intentions. For example, does it apply across the civil service? Reports have suggested that the Ministry of Education – one of the largest employers – considers itself exempt from the obligation not to discriminate.

Tan went on to mention how the government abruptly turned off media discussion after two months, and how People Like Us was still refused registration after Goh's pious statement was made.

It is clear that the statement was essentially empty sales talk, in an attempt to lure more foreign professionals into working in Singapore. There was no spirit of social justice behind it; it was part of its "survivalist strategy."

The government wanted to create the aura of a more tolerant and open-minded society, so that the hoped-for knowledge economy could get enough knowledge workers on board to give Singapore a bit more oomph. The Time magazine episode was like a "wayang show". No real substance; just tarting up the exterior appeal. Like a prostitute changing the colour of her lipstick from last year's shade to hook a few more passing johns, but enter her boudoir and she's as frigid as ever.

© Yawning Bread