Minister Shanmugam comments on Singaporean "Activists" inviting Mahathir to promote Democracy in S.E. Asia

Minister Shanmugam has "described the whole conduct of the Singaporeans involved as "a little sad" and "a bit regretful". " They had met with Mahathir, and invited "Dr Mahathir to take a leading role in promoting democracy, human rights, freedom of speech in South-east Asia."

Which prompted a whole lot of support and some disagreement from Singaporeans (my impression was that most comments were supportive, but I could be projecting), and this sarcastic comment:

As usual PAP misses the point and the opportunity.
What PAP (and Minister Shanmugam) should point out is how egalitarian SG society and politics are.
In the US for example, you have to be a candidate for President (and eventually POTUS), before you can invite a foreign leader to intervene in your politics and your election.
In Singapore, you don't even need to be a billionaire or a presidential candidate, let alone be President. Or even an MP.

Now THAT'S what I call Free.
Or as Singaporeans would say, "too free, ah?"