This has been quite an unproductive discussion. Let me set out a few points to set things in perspective.
Firstly the private sector is the key provider of jobs in the economy. It is also the key driver of the economy. The private sector is absolutely critical in Singapore's economy.
That said, I have noticed a lot of attacks on the public sector which seem to imply the public sector is completely redundant. That is an overly simplistic way of thinking.
One should not forget that the public service is the "hands and legs" that enables the entire scope of public services. Things that many take for granted. Educators, administrators of the
CPF scheme, welfare and social services, foreign relations, trade, industry regulation, regulation of businesses, regulation of professionals, national defence, taxes...the list goes on and on.
Hope that the participants of this forum will exercise more moderation and refrain from useless wrangling in the dirt.