Majulah!

[Youth Quake Reaction] Youth Parliament in Singapore?

2011-11-20T00:32:00.001-08:00

I attended the Youth Quake discussion on yesterday at the WP HQ, titled: "Youthquake: Is there Space for a Youth Parliament?"

I came in pretty late, but still managed to catch at least 30 mins of the "debate".

There were talks and issues raised about how the youth MP should be elected, what segmentation should be used to select the youths to be represented, many emphasis on representation, talks abt how it could be a grooming ground for future MPs, whether it should be held at the actual parliament house, etc...

I did not speak, as I thought I might raise the same questions as someone else or issues that is already discussed while I was still on my way there. But one stark problem about the discussion persisted and disturbs me the entire time I was there listening: the lack of fundamentals.

Running a country in a macro-scale (read: actual government) involves the most important pillars of life: food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, leisure/rest, education and transportation. As long as all these pillars are fulfilled: meaning everyone can earn enough to pay for food, shelter, healthcare, transportation and lastly clothing and leisure as well as good access to good education- you can be assured you will be in power for a long time to come (thats how PAP under LKY, and subsequently inherited by GCT and now LHL had managed to dominate the Singapore Politics for so long).

Thus for every policy and initiatives set out by the government, its MUST fulfilled one of the above mentioned pillars (meaning it will benefit the citizens) or it must help to boost the economy of Singapore (which in turns boost the earning of Singaporeans - theoretically). So where does having Youth Parliament stands in this context?

If its like what I heard in the discussion - its really nothing more than just a political brainwash of the youth to become more "political" (than politically aware) and for that handful to become egoistic because of their perceived "power" in holding that Youth MP seat (which, in accordance to what was discussed, likely to end up having the same group of youth dominating those seats).

Someone quoted an example of how a Youth Assembly was tested in Malaysia, which was dominated by the youth from the various political parties; to avoid it becoming to partisan, the rule changed it to be non-political - the same group of youth turned up, this time round, representing their schools. <--- this is exactly what will happen if we go down the route of having a Youth Parliament without a anchoring fundamental - What is the purpose of a Youth Parliament?

Some had argued that the Youth Parliament is to give power to the youth, to give the youth the voice to speak out and be heard; for the adults to take the youth more seriously and allow the youth to contribute to the proceedings and policy shaping in the Real Parliament, etc... - I totally DO NOT concur with this "fundamental" of having a Youth Parliament. It does not do economical good, does not keep food price or housing price low, does not make transportation better and cheaper, does not earn Singaporeans more money, does not pay for our ever increasing healthcare cost.... so whats left is education. But what kindda education is there in the above mentioned "purposes" - it more likely to create more Chee Soon Quans than Low Thia Kiangs or Lee Kuan Yews.

But also because the establishment of a Youth Parliament cannot apply to any of the pillars except Education; THEN EDUCATION MUST be the focus of having a Youth Parliament.

So what do you want to educate the youths of Singapore, through having a Youth Parliament?

To me, there are several things youths can learn through a sitting in a Youth Parliament:
- Critical Thinking (to above to see thru the haze and be constructive)
- Understanding how policies are made and shaped
- Understanding the hidden currents and hidden costs behind every policies that is crafted
- To allow the youth to think for the greater good
- To tap on the youth's creativity, thus to propose creative solutions that can be implemented by the government
- To allow the youth to become more politically aware (not becoming more political. its different)

Youth Parliament should be like what Internship for students are. It should be to experience what it is like to be in that position, understand the difficulties, the hidden problems - all in all, as an education.

Any talk abt electing the kids to the youth parliament, giving them power, telling them to discuss national issues which they would not understand the magnitude at their age, without guidance from actual MPs that were elected into the real parliament - would be prematured.

And if this is to be implemented, the Youth Parliament should be a mass participation initiatives, that every week or every session, the youths that fills up the seats are always changing and different. We do not want clouts or the same individual turning up all the time - it should never be a place to be grooming politicians. Perhaps it can be run by the People's Association or the Ministry of Education. It can also be run according to educational level, where you will not have a 14 year old (sec 2) debating against a 22 year old (undergrad).

IN CONCLUSION: Any establishment of the Youth Parliament must be of the right reasons and fundamentals. As long as it does not fulfill any pillars of life or of economic good - its can only be of the wrong reasons: of individual/partisan interest <--- which we must avoid at all cost.

National Day flagcounts...

2011-08-10T20:12:00.000-07:00

Its the National Day, but looking out from my window, at all the HDB flats - look at the number of household whom got hang the national flag, you know something is wrong....

Someone (a friend) commented, "if singaporean only hang during the national day, so does it mean they love the country only for a day?"

But is the question so simplistic?

There is 2 "simple" explanation: Either ppl dun bother to put (in an innocent way, like what happened to my household), or in a more political sense, ppl arent "thriving" nowadays.

"is the question so simplistic?"

To suggest that what was mentioned by my friend: is to move the entire talk down to a specific that is not debatable and is presumptuous on that the only reason ppl hang is because they love the country. I sincerely believe most Singaporeans loves Singapore a lot.

I'm making the statement (my status update) because it is something I have been observing closely over the years (as I'm a super patriot); from the days we first started having this flag hanging thing in the 90s, where everybody hangs up the flag (literally everyone voluntarily) - coincidentally a time where people are generally very happy with the government, and people are happy in general.

"This year is the one of the worst I observed, where on National Day, only 5% of the ppl are hanging the flag"

But over the years, are things start to get gloomier, prices rises, life get more difficult, incomes/salaries are stiff... you noticed less and less ppl starting to put up the flags. (although we cannot deny the every possibility that in the 90s, hanging flag is popular because of it novelty or maybe because there are too many foreigners nowadays whom dun really care, living in the hdb estates).

This year is the one of the worst I observed, where on National Day, only 5% of the ppl are hanging the flag (based on my vantage point outside my house). Those which have near 100% hanged are always because the RC members come and hang themselves (and they stole my flag when they collected all their flags, along with my one I hanged myself - a few national days ago...)

"and they (RC members) stole my flag when they collected all their flags, along with my one I hanged myself - a few national days ago..."

Something is obviously wrong. The question that beckons is, what's wrong?

A Review of LKY's Hard Truth Interview

2011-05-31T08:07:00.000-07:00

Watch the entire interview here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihiE4oGyYlQ

THE REVIEW
I totally concur with whatever was said by Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

As for the highly disputed topic on Muslim integration, my take is that, its being taken out of context and that because of the way how the question is ask and the incomplete snap answer that Mr LKY gave that created the misunderstanding.

Muslims "separate-ness" to me is best described as like a "Vegetarian-Christian with brotherhood (gotong royong)". Just like our vegetarian friends, they have unique needs in the stuff they eat (halal); they are religious like our Christians whom goes to churches; and uniquely, for the Malay Muslims, they have this unbreakable bond between them which is widely known as Gotong Royong, or the Kampung Spirit.

Muslims "separate-ness" to me is best described as like a "Vegetarian-Christian with brotherhood (gotong royong)"

But the separateness and distinctness would just be as starking if the Chinese is the minority, whom eats pork, drinks alcohol and dun go to the places of worship every week.

But ultimately, that's the beauty of Singapore - the beauty of diversity. And I sincerely believe if we were to go to war, we will fight alongside each other as brothers and be proud to die for one another. =} (hope that day wont never happen though)

Regardless the Result.

2011-05-07T02:43:00.000-07:00

Hi Dear Singaporeans,

Today, is Polling Day. As I'm writing this post, we are only 2.5 hours away from the end of Polling and the beginning of the transportation of the Ballot Boxes to the Counting Station/Centres.

Majulah! had been campaigning in support of the Opposition as its my personal belief that Singapore need a stronger slate of Opposition seats in Parliament to provide for check and balances against the overwhelming power of the PAP, in view of the poor performance by the PAP in the past 5 years. However, this by no means, saying that PAP had not done any good; PAP still have their good, despite their decreasing capability and increasing self-serving inclination.

Regardless of what is the final verdict today; regardless who is voted in.... Majulah! hopes that every Singaporean will give their best wishes to the winners, PAP or Opposition. Because, no matter what, it is a mandate given by the majority of our fellow Singaporeans. And in the faith of Democracy, it is a collective decision by Singaporeans and we should respect the final results.

Finally, Majulah! wish to appeal to all winners of this Election, to do their best for the People of Singapore; to serve with Integrity and Righteousness; to work towards making a brighter, fairer, more inclusive, more compassionate and most importantly, a happier Singapore for every Singaporean. A Singaporean Singapore.

Majulah Singapura!

What to consider on Cooling Off Day?

2011-05-05T09:24:00.000-07:00

This edition of the General Elections, it will be the first time where a "Cooling Off Day" is introduced by the PAP which disallowed any campaigning by the political parties prior to the Polling Day on Saturday.

Majulah!, not being too sure to what extend this new rule is being applied : "- The transmission by any individual of his personal political views to another individual, on a non-commercial basis, using the telephone, Internet or other electronic means"

To be safe, this will be the last Majulah! post prior to the Polling Day.

------

On this moment to the moment you step into the polling station, your thoughts (mainly the undecideds) will be switching back and forth whether to vote for the PAP or the Opposition.

My Take: Just vote for the Opposition.

The PAP had been too overwhelmingly empowered for too long. We were lucky to have Mr Lee Kuan Yew and his team to lead and bring Singapore from the 3rd World to the 1st World. But before you deciding to vote just because of this, please remember, the Election is about the Future you want; not to grade the PAP for their past glories beyond the previous term.

PAP led Singapore had been doing very well on a macro economic scale ever since Mr Goh Chok Tong took over the baton. But unknown to the Singaporeans then, Singapore the Republic is slowly transformed into Singapore Inc. Many of the corporations that were previously Government held are privatised and a profit-driven philosophy is installed. The years under Mr Lee Hsien Loong made matter worse as Singaporeans witnessed the worst ever performance by the PAP since their rise to power year prior to Independence.

HEALTHCARE
Today, healthcare cost is so high that ordinary Singaporeans are avoiding getting medical treatment despite their dire need. Many said, its better to die than to fall sick.

HDB
HDB deliberately reduced the number of HDB built, coupled with the increased population, forced HDB prices to rise like to new heights; even during the recession year, HDB pegged their apartment pricing so firmly that even the private developers wanted to compensate for the poor sales of their private condos units by lowering their prices, were unable to do so because they can't be selling condos below HDB prices. And of course, without the Free Market Correction, prices just continue to rise from where they left of.

TRANSPORTATION
The big squeeze everyday which I think I do not need to say more.

CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
Without enough Oppositions MP in Parliament, the PAP government could change the constitution anytime and in any way they want; the worst case scenario could be them, allowing the Permanent Resident voting rights so that they can tip that 51% they need amidst the increasing unhappiness against them.

ETC, etc... etc....

You get the drift.

PAP had a 25 years plan and while we are in the 10 or 15th year mark, they have no reason to let down and stop their plans. The lack of substance in the manifesto is a sign that they are intending to continue what they had been doing for the last 5-10 years: more foreigners, higher GST, higher ministerial salary, more ERP, higher healthcare cost, etc...

So dear Singaporeans, vote for the Oppositions, towards a more caring, more inclusive, fairer and more responsive First World Government.

PAP's GE2011 PR Catastrophe

2011-05-03T07:40:00.000-07:00

PM Lee's Day Rally Speech

"I feel sad for the PAP... literally.

....I was expecting much more from our Ruling party."

Today, our Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong apologised for the mistakes made by the PAP over the last 5 years, ranging from Mas Selamat's escape to the floodings and also the shortage of HDB flats built. And overall, it wasnt a bad speech either!

Objectively, its wasn't a bad thing, to apologise and admit one's mistake is admirable and respectful. But what is wrong, is the timing. He cannot choose a worse time to admit to PAP's imperfection and existence of gaffes & mistakes.

"what is wrong, is the timing. He cannot choose a worse time to admit to PAP's imperfection and existence of gaffes & mistakes."

Throughout the past 5 years, for every big incident/disaster, PAP's ministers kept quiet; pushing the blame away, and blatantly unrepentant about the problem that absolutely made under their jurisdiction. None of these PAP ppl admit to any mistakes and none of them, astonishingly, apologised at all.

Fast forward to today, in the red hot middle of the Elections period; of all the time and days in the world, PM Lee decided to apologise today. What a big mistake....

PAP's ministers kept quiet; pushing the blame away, and blatantly unrepentant about the problem that absolutely made under their jurisdiction. None of these PAP ppl admit to any mistakes and none of them, astonishingly, apologised at all.

Now, all the Oppositions jumped on his admission and trampled all over his effort to pull those former PAP supporters back to supporting the PAP.

There can only be 2 good time to apologise. FIRST, and as always the best policy, is to apologise IMMEDIATELY when the disaster strikes, regardless any investigation had been made or whether the fault is on "him" (as to the person in charge) or not. Which the PAP did not...

The only other good time, is when PAP returns to power on Election Day, re-elected once again, gaining the mandate of the people. PM Lee could have triumphantly thank the People of Singapore for keeping faith in the PAP, despite all the mistakes and gaffes that the PAP had made, and to promise the Singaporeans that PAP will do better this term.

PM Lee could have triumphantly thank the People of Singapore for keeping faith in the PAP, despite all the mistakes and gaffes that the PAP had made, and to promise the Singaporeans that PAP will do better this term.

But no........... he chose today.

This entire incident, together with all the other "self foot shooting" speeches/interviews, poor understanding of what will tick the heart strings of the people and gutter politicking shows that the PAP is poorly prepared for this General Elections, despite being the one deciding when it would take place.

PAP is the most powerful, richest and most resourceful Party in Singapore. They are the people who run the show in Singapore and the leaders whom are supposed to lead Singapore to a brighter future. But General Elections, probably the most important event on any PAP calendar, had suffered with such poor PR strategies and skills (public relations).

The various PAP teams do not seemed to be sharing the same ideology or election message; SM Goh shoots Wong Kan Seng just to protect George Yeo's butt (which at the same time, shoot every single other ministers); Every PAP speech sounds so scripted, too much macro talk, little substance and many fails to touch the heart of the people. Not to mention, failing to provide the plans and solutions for the problem they created themselves (which they in turn blame the world for it).

As a Singaporean, I totally concede that no matter what happen at the polls, PAP is definitely going to return back to power as a Majority. But the abysmal PR by the PAP highlights how weak, unprepared and disorganised PAP could become; especially in the face of such brilliant PR and organisational abilities shown by virtually all the Oppositions parties.

And thus, with the prospect of another 5 years under the PAP leadership, I'm really worried how well PAP could do, especially for the People of Singapore, when they can't even give a good clean fight against the Oppositions...

"the abysmal PR by the PAP highlights how weak, unprepared and disorganised PAP could become; especially in the face of such brilliant PR and organisational abilities shown by virtually all the Oppositions parties."

I really hope PAP would buck up... They had disappointed me in the way their fight had gone (despite me backing the Oppositions); I was expecting much more from our Ruling party.

I feel sad for the PAP... literally.

(Doesn't make sense since I'm taking the Oppositions' side, but really... I feel genuinely emotionally sad at the state of affairs of PAP)

Would PAP one day grant PR voting rights?

2011-05-02T19:51:00.000-07:00

As by my previous articles, citing the possibility of PAP granting PR voting rights in future elections, I am by no means saying the PAP will do it; but the PAP will have the option to do it if they feel that their positions threatened or compromised enough.

In 10 years time, PAP would have achieve their target population of 6.5 million people in Singapore. Of which by then, there would have been at least 1 million of them gaining PR status. With only the maximum of 3 million Singaporeans Citizen voters, PR voters whom are likely to vote for the ruling party together with staunch supporters of PAP (including Civil Servants whom believe they are obligated to vote for the PAP) would almost definitely ensure power for the PAP.

But this drastic constitutional change might not happen, as it would permanently damage PAP's reputation and trust among the true blue Singaporeans. But according to history, PAP had not restrained themselves from doing anything possible to defend their position of power, so there is always such possibilities as long as the Constitution is not protected with adequate number of seats held by Oppositions.

I'm not selling fear as the previous articles seemed (because I was genuinely frightened by the possibility), but at the same time, we cannot deny the fact that PAP could do it if they want to.

When that day really comes, Singaporeans will have no rights whatsoever to revoke the Constitutional change because.... we gave them the mandate and voted them in.

This revelation is meant as an education to the people as to the importance of Opposition in the house, an additional thing to consider who you should vote and please do not construe this as an direct attack against the PAP. I will still say the same thing if one day WP is in absolute power - no party should have absolute power.

The Regime of Fear and its Toll.

2011-05-02T18:44:00.000-07:00

Posting in support of the Opposition here, and on a personal level of Facebook apparently taken its toll on the people around me, and the people who cares for me.

The amount of pressure and risk taken by the Opposition candidate are thus beyond what I can imagine.

Just still 5 days from the Polling Day, my love one already pleading me to stop my campaigning for Opposition support. I do not fear (since I do not attack personalities thus dun run the risk of lawsuits), but fear strikes those who cares of those that are campaigning against the Ruling Party.

This regime of fear, and the perpetration of the fear of the PAP had reached a point where, it suddenly felt like the 1960s and 1970s all over again. It reminds me of the time where Mr Lee Kuan Yew consolidates his power through amazing political maneuvers as well as hard stances/actions against its opponents. Although I'm not in irk with what was done, because all along history, great leaders make hard and difficult decisions for the good of the majority. Churchill sent Allied Troops up the Normandy against one of the most fortified regions in Europe; Emperor Han Wu Di consolidated power thru his patience and foresight, making countless tough decisions.

But in today's context, the existence of the "fear factor" is disappointing. And to think that we are in a democracy, the existence of fear of the PAP is ridiculous and at the same thing, distraughting.

PAP will come back to power at the end of Election Day, that is for sure. I can only hope that PAP will take a bit more effort, fill in the gap that left behind in their pursue of revenue and GDP growth and get back some of the lost trust Singaporeans have had in them.

At least 1/3 of the Singaporeans are disappointed with the PAP, despite I know PAP do not need their vote (PAP only need 51% to win); I hope PAP would do the right thing, a good political party would do.

Who should the one providing the Future Plans of Singapore?

2011-05-02T10:37:00.000-07:00

Honestly, I'm very disappointed with the way how the election is going so far because until today, just 5 days from Polling Day, I still dunno what are the macro plans PAP have for Singapore. I still dunno HOW PAP is going to tackle of the issues that had arise from PAP's last 5 years in power.

What more joke-able, is that so many People of Singapore are scrutinizing the plans and proposals from the Opposition... Do you know that MM Lee, SM Goh and PM Lee might be laughing at this "game" thats happening, and we the Singaporeans are really as daft as they believe?

"MM Lee, SM Goh and PM Lee might be laughing at this "game" thats happening, and we the Singaporeans are really as daft as they believe?"

I can't really stress enough: NO OPPOSITION PLANS WILL GET THE GO AHEAD FROM THE PAP (if PAP returns to power as a Majority Party).

I repeat again: PAP WILL NOT GIVE POLITICAL TOKENS TO THE OPPOSITION TO FULFILL THEIR ELECTION PROMISES.

I still have to say again: OPPOSITION PLANS MEANS NOTHING WITHOUT PAP'S BLESSING!

SO... why the hell are you still reading and finger pointing the proposals and points made by the Opposition which you think will not work for Singapore? Dun you think its a bit too early to scrutinize the Opposition for a credible alternative plan when everyone knows that the PAP will return to power with a massive majority ultimately in this election?

ONLY THE PAP's PLANS WILL GO THROUGH. And so, this question beckons: What is PAP's future plan for Singapore? How are the PAP going to deal with all the issues that faces Singaporeans today?

...........* silence *.............

"Why would the PAP stop what they had been doing for the past 5-15 years when their plans are planned up to 25 years in advance and had been working extremely well for them and their "report card"?"

Honestly, you know why PAP is so quiet? Because they CANNOT reveal their plans to you.... because...
- they intend to continue to bring in more foreigners
- increase the population in Singapore to 6.5 million
- continue to build more ERPs
- continue to raise their salary
- continue to raise GST to 10% for some stupid reason
- continue to let HDB prices balloon
- continue to control the number of HDB built to create a scarcity to push the prices up
- continue to give more scholarships to foreigners together with allowances
- continue to set up work fairs in China to attract for Foreigners
- continue to raise transport fees to keep the transport companies profitable
- continue to allow medical fee to increase to keep the hospitals profitable (or more profitable)
- etc...

You get my drift? Why would the PAP stop what they had been doing for the past 5-15 years when their plans are planned up to 25 years in advance and had been working extremely well for them and their "report card"?

Nothing will change under PAP in the next 5 years. Mark my words. NOTHING will change.

[READ THIS] GREATEST FEAR after GE2011

2011-05-01T15:20:00.000-07:00

source: facebook, http://www.facebook.com/notes/windy-voice/spread-this-greatest-fear-after-ge2011/104752662945762

GREATEST FEAR after GE2011
by Windy Voice on Friday, April 29, 2011 at 1:47am

Dear fellow Singaporeans, friends, Alternative (Oppositions) Parties, PAP supporters and PAP moles who will be reading this.

This note is not going to tell a tale of whether to fire our maid anot or whether PAP is fair or unfair in the past elections or how badly or how good PAPhave perform for past 5 years but this note is going to highlight my GREATEST FEAR which so far I have yet seen any netizens posted out.

After watching TV broadcast about the WP rally host @ HG SMC, I have a chat/ discussion with my dad.I found out that for the past few elections, there're always so much viewers @ Opposition parties rallies. But however in the end, every elections, the Opposition parties do not get enough votes to get into the parliament. Hence, our parliament never have enough (>1/3) alternative voice to cancel any bills proposed by PAP.

After some research online, I've concluded something: That this election is not a joke! And do you know what I fear most? The unstoppable bills by PAP in Parliament House!

Kindly vote for all Alternative (Oppositions) Parties in your area! No matter if they are good or bad, new or old, even you trust or do not trust them! Why? Because this election we really need at least need 1/3 non-pap members inside parliament. Why?

Because if after this election, PAP still take >80 seats. Any bills proposed by them will passed through and cannot be block because we do not have enough non-pap members to voice out and reject those bills. If in the next 5 years, PAP suddenly make a bill like in Hong Kong (SAR) where they let all Permanent residents (PRs) to vote. Next election, we, the TRUE BLUE BLOOD Singaporeans' voting powers will be totally gone.Kindly take a look at this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elections_in_Hong_Kong

If in the next 5 years, PAP suddenly make a bill like in Hong Kong (SAR) where they let all Permanent residents (PRs) to vote. Next election, we, the TRUE BLUE BLOOD Singaporeans' voting powers will be totally gone.

[...Any Hong Kong permanent resident (PR) aged 18 or above may register as an elector in the geographical constituency in which he/she resides, except those mentally incapacitated and those serving in an armed force...
...Article 21 of The Basic Law of HKSAR stipulates:
Chinese citizens (PRCs) who are residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be entitled to participate in the management of state affairs according to law. In accordance with the assigned number of seats and the selection method specified by the National People's Congress, the Chinese citizens among the residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall locally elect deputies of the Region to the National People's Congress to participate in the work of the highest organ of state power...]

So, am I just another Chicken Little crying that the sky is falling? You may think PAP will not dare to create such a bill and even if they will, they would have created it long before. But think twice, if PAP create such a bill in the past, Singaporeans will be alert about there's a large inflow of PRs who can vote in elections. And the limited amount of PRs would not be able to vote and support PAP even if elections were held.

But story is different now, after these few years of largely import of Permanent Resident (PRs), we are totally surrounded by PRs, PAP are now able/ ready to propose such a bill. Anytime, just one time, they can just create a bill to allow PRs to vote in coming election 2016 and we are dead meat. These PRs will definitely vote for PAP to ensure they can stay here and replace ALL SINGAPOREANS.

Anytime, just one time, they can just create a bill to allow PRs to vote in coming election 2016 and we are dead meat.

That's why for this GE2011, if PAP are still holding at least 2/3 of the 87 seats, the Bills proposed by PAP will pass through like flowing water. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore_Parliament

In fact, there should never ever be any single party in a parliament in the first place because they act like a monarchy with total government powers in their hands. Any bills is exactly an orders. Whatever voting process they may go through are for public show. Tell me have you seen before who from PAP will dare to stand out and opposed their own PAP policies bill?

Hence, this GE2011 is very important, no, maybe I should say this is the MOST IMPORTANT election ever! PAP has already note on that this time the ground is not that sweet and there are many citizens are not happy with their policies. After GE2011, they try their best to make any bill to pass in Parliament in order ensure itself staying as incumbent. One of such bill maybe to let Permanent Residents (PRs) to vote to support them.

Wake up, my dear fellow Singaporeans. Do not overlook these details. Kindly avoid the same mistake again and again.We can not afford to make mistake again or we (PAP supporters and PAP moles included) will be totally replaced by PRs! Never give absolute power to a single party. Dun just think/ focus on PAP policies of economic growth, they are "icing on cake", PAP are going to replace us ALL with PRs after GE2011.

Hence, above briefly mentions my GREATEST FEAR for GE2011. Every Singaporeans, dun joke about for this election. Every vote counts. This is not a game. Vote wisely.

Vote the Alternative (Oppositions) Party in! Vote for any party! WP, SDP, SPP, NSP, RP, SDA!
Trust our future in their hands! In fact, actually we dun have a choice! It's now or never!
WE MUST REALLY HAVE >1/3 of the 87 seats filled with Alternative (Oppositions) parties!
In order to not get replace by the PRs!

Let us have a First World IDEAL Republic of Singapore - Majulah Singapura!

= Windy Voice 2011 =

---------

Above article is the work of Windy Voice. He/She happened to be advocating the same view as Majulah! ; but he/she went even further to highlight the potential threat that exist for Singapore - honestly, I am totally shocked by the prospect and the possibility, in fact, the existence of such law in Hong Kong already.

I strongly urge EVERYONE to VOTE AGAINST THE PAP.

PAP already have a lot of loyal votes, they wont get kicked out so suddenly. It is the undecided voters like you that will make the difference.

VOTE FOR THE OPPOSITION REGARDLESS WHO ARE THE CANDIDATES! WE NEED TO DEFEND OUR CONSTITUTION!

Oppositions' plans are irrelevant.

2011-05-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

"Most of the Oppositions proposals will never go through, because as long as they are not part of the Majority in Parliament, none of their plans will get the go ahead nor the fundings from the Government."

A lot had been discussed and debate or even argued among the voters abt the manifestos and plans proposed forward by the Opposition. Whereas, PAP's manifesto is nothing more than just some grandeur words backed by no concrete plans what-so-ever...

Yet... the interesting thing is that, there is little finger pointing towards the lack of detail by the PAP, and a lot of debating about the intricacies of the Oppositions' proposal, especially by PAP supporters.

Voters, please remember this: most of the Oppositions proposals will never go through, because as long as they are not part of the Majority in Parliament, none of their plans will get the go ahead nor the fundings from the Government. PAP have no reasons to help Oppositions gain political points by giving the Oppositions what they want to fulfill their election promises.

"PAP have no reasons to help Oppositions gain political points by giving the Oppositions what they want to fulfill their election promises."

So: Oppositions' Plans and Manifesto = Pointless.

So you may ask, why vote for the Opposition then?

The only reason left to vote for the Opposition is this: We need at least 28 Oppositions (1/3 of all the Parliamentary seats) to block any changes to the Constitution of Singapore that is not of benefit to People of Singapore.

This is very very important because the Constitution of Singapore is the Soul of Singapore. We must at least be able to protect it from any changes thats is negative to fellow Singaporeans. And its also because of the lack Oppositions that resulted in the existence of GRC, which ultimately increased the barrier for Oppositions or anyone whom would like to represent the people to get into Parliament.

"We need at least 28 Oppositions (1/3 of all the Parliamentary seats) to block any changes to the Constitution of Singapore that is not of benefit to People of Singapore."

As for most Bills that did not require a change in Constitution, all is needed is a simple majority, which is almost a given since the Majority Party (in our case, the PAP) is always going to get their bills passed despite any opposition to it. But the existence of Oppositions will give robust debates and corrections to any proposed bills, thus enabling the bills passed to be checked and at least more well thought through than what it used to be.

"For most Bills... all is needed is a simple majority, which is almost a given since the Majority Party (in our case, the PAP) is always going to get their bills passed despite any opposition to it"

---

So under no disillusion, its almost certain that PAP will return to power as a Majority come Saturday on Election Day. What is important is, how many Oppositions will win a seat in Parliament and represent the other 49% of Singaporeans which PAP do not need to return to power.

Hope this article give you a clearer understanding why we should vote for Opposition come Election Day.

If you feel that PAP did a good job, and we can trust them to the point that we do not need Oppositions to have any check and balance to any proposed Bills or existing Legislations, Please just vote the PAP.

If you feel that, as a result of the lack of Opposition, that we are experiencing a dip in our happiness and quality of life as compared to 5 years ago in the last election; and thus realising that there is a vital need to have more Oppositions to voice our concerns: Please just vote the Opposition regardless who they are.

"The existence of Oppositions will give robust debates and corrections to any proposed bills, thus enabling the bills passed to be checked and at least more well thought through than what it used to be."

The vote is with you. Vote wisely.

Voting is Secret. Voting is compulsory.

Sylvia Lim's Parliamentary Speech against Ministerial Salary Hike

2011-04-29T14:41:00.000-07:00

If you never knew that Worker's Party had ever raised a speech against Ministerial Pay hike, you should watch the fantastic speech by NCMP Sylvia Lim in the Parliament.

Do you still want to vote for PAP?

Some of the Majulah! articles you should read before voting...

2011-04-28T12:42:00.000-07:00

I'm digging out some of the old articles that I had written way before the election fever set in, and I want you people to be able to put things into perspective. NOTE: This articles are written during "peace" time, and is still relevant on this very critical juncture of Singapore's fate.

Foreign Labour Issue - PAP's addiction to Foreign Labour and its GDP boosting effect:
http://youngsingaporean.blogspot.com/2011/02/addiction-of-cheap-foreign-labour-drug.html

PAP's Psychology and a reminder of how they like to blame it on everyone but themselves:
http://youngsingaporean.blogspot.com/2011/01/fas-disband-national-team-saga-inside.html

Our CPF becoming more and more like Income Tax and that you will never get your money back
http://youngsingaporean.blogspot.com/2010/12/cpf-becoming-income-tax.html

Election Issues that worth you thinking about:
http://youngsingaporean.blogspot.com/2010/02/my-suggestion-on-some-policies.html

Overpopulation:
http://youngsingaporean.blogspot.com/2010/01/overpopulation-beginning.html

The "For Show" nature of PAP and their hypocrisy:
http://youngsingaporean.blogspot.com/2009/10/its-just-all-wayang.html

My Prediction that at least one GRC will be lost be PAP, more election issues you should think about (reminder, this is a 2009 article, and its still perfectly relevant and reminds us of some issues that we forgotten):
http://youngsingaporean.blogspot.com/2009/09/learn-from-obamas-administration.html

Singaporeans are underpaid:
http://youngsingaporean.blogspot.com/2009/08/singaporeans-underpaid.html

Another salary issue, for this one, I proposed that we should become a nation of entrepreneurs:
http://youngsingaporean.blogspot.com/2009/08/singaporeans-contemporary-coolies-my.html

My political disillusion and the unfairness of it all:
http://youngsingaporean.blogspot.com/2009/03/political-disillusioned.html

People forgot about this issue - Town Councils investing using our money:
http://youngsingaporean.blogspot.com/2008/11/town-council-use-our-money-to-invest.html

Happy Reading!

A "Dud" of money thats coming your way.

2011-04-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

These few days, PAP rebuff that the high GST is off-set by the Government payout from GST-Rebates and that the PAP shares the fruit of growth through the Growth Bonus. Every statement from the PAP big guns seemed to make sense and that in normal circumstances, the common man would really find it hard to deny the argument.

BUT...

The problem is that, this year is no longer the first year Singaporeans receive "money" from the Government; either through GST rebate or whatever nonsense they call it.

Unfortunately, it did not change the fact that ppl are still unhappy with PAP; i'm sorry, correction: ppl are increasingly unhappy with the PAP. Why is this so? Why are the people so pissed off with the PAP if the policies of rebates and "counter-measures" are on paper working perfectly fine.

"Its no longer a secret that PAP frequently hand you a carrot but extort you to return that carrot with compounding interest through other means."

The popular unhappiness with PAP is a very clear indication that the payout DID NOT do its job, it DID NOT elevate people from the difficulties they faced, it DID NOT make the people's life happier... Its a CLEAR INDICATION that there are a lot more other issues that's to be address.

"The popular unhappiness with PAP is a very clear indication that the payout DID NOT do its job"

Its no longer a secret that PAP frequently hand you a carrot but extort you to return that carrot with compounding interest through other means.

Problems compounded year on year. Why there isnt so many issues in the past and why there is this time round. Apparently something is not right.

Lets put things into perspective: For a bottom 10% uncle whom is already too weak and too old to earn much money, the GST rebates and Growth Dividends/Bonus are a welcomed relieve to the hard life.

But this very uncle will pay back all these payouts very quickly to the PAP government, thru the increasing cost of healthcare (this uncle probably rather die than going thru a much needed operation which he cannot afford to pay for), thru the GST and thru the increasing cost of Transportation in Singapore.

So what problem did the payout solve? Is the payout solving the root of the problem?

"Problems compounded year on year. Why there isnt so many issues in the past and why there is this time round. Apparently something is not right."

So dear fellow Singaporeans, do think through the entire spectrum of issues and perspective; imagine what PAP would do in the very near future (something they do after every election victory) and cast your vote wisely.

Fog of War; The issue we should be concern about.

2011-04-27T10:11:00.000-07:00

Of all the hurrah and mudslinging for the past weeks up to till now, the hottest election topic had been HDB and cost of living.

But in my opinion, more "costly" issues are at stake that were not talked abt or talked about enough: Healthcare Cost, Electric Bills / Privatisation of Power Supply, Education.

So far, from what I had seen, only SDP seemed to have covered every concerns I have for the future.

From my personal experience, Healthcare cost have reach a point where its becoming crippling for the average families. No one can afford to fall critically ill, and that the reason is not because of the welfare of the self, but because of the cost of the healthcare bill that follows it. People like my mum had to push back any operations or procedures, or simply follow the "long queue" to get diagnosed and appointment with the specialist at Public Hospitals. I'm sure many folks simply refused to get treated for their otherwise critical situation just because of the money sake.

My grandmother's stroke required all 6 of her children to fund the medical bills and the cost of hiring a elderly care giver; while me, staring at the prospect of paying my mum's inevitable medical bill all alone in the future when she is much weaker and frail. I'm not sure how well will our Medisave and Medicare work when that time come (considering the healthcare cost have never stop increasing for thus far, and I dun see it stopping either).

What about electricity? The privatisation of electric company and the intention to change to a prepaid system which we "buy electricity" from a device that would be installed in our home... the whole thing just sounds so.... I dunno...it disturbs me.

No matter who got elected, I just hope that their minds are on the side of Singaporeans and committed to make Singapore a better and happier place to live in (and i have to add: FOR EVERYONE.)

The Sim Ann Phenomena

2011-04-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

Today (technically, its yesterday), on Nomination Day at Greenridge Secondary School, SDP Holland Bukit Timah team lodged an objection against Sim Ann of PAP's candidacy as she is still under lawful employment in the Civil Service while she reportedly identified by herself as 'unemployed', thus effectively proved to be a 'misrepresentation' by the PAP team for the Holland-Bukit Timah team.

However, the objection is over-ruled without reasons by the Returning Officer at the point of time. There after, the Elections Department said in a statement later that the Public Service Division has confirmed that she is no longer in the civil service.

Based on understanding thru the sources online, the PAP candidate is still serving out the rest of her Notice of Resignation from the Civil Service and is technically still a civil servant at the point of nomination.

"The employee serving the notice of termination is still considered an employee of his current employer."

According to the Employment Act (http://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practices/employment-rights-conditions/contract-of-service-termination/Pages/contracts-of-service-and-termination.aspx)

Starting Work with New Employer while serving Notice of Termination with Current Employer

The employee serving the notice of termination is still considered an employee of his current employer. Unless his current contract of employment allows him to work with another employer before the date of termination, he has to seek written permission from his current employer to do so.

So technically, She is still a civil servant no matter what the Civil Service answered. Just like we guys in the military, we can only get back our pink IC on the very last working day of our service.

Right or Wrong, you decide.

Successful projects are lead by great visions - not tyrants.

2011-03-30T00:40:00.000-07:00

A response to this article: Why People-Powered Projects Are Ruled by Tyrants - http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/02/st_essay_assange/

Actually, because "democracy" leads to infighting; projects that are successful are often born of the vision of one or a few individual. These few individuals gives "power" and "freedom" to the masses where themselves continues to steers and control the "rules" to make sure its going the right way.

Facebook would become MySpace if you give ppl unlimited freedom. Wikipedia will lose its credibility as an encyclopedia.

So rather than saying it ruled by Tyrants, its more like "guided by the vision set forth by the creator; with rules/limitations set to keep the entire project in the right direction to create the desired outcome".

=}

--extended response as continued--

Living in Singapore, there is nothing more apt than using my country's history and personality as an example.

The best example would be Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Minister Mentor of Singapore, the former Prime Minister whom led Singapore from a 3rd world nation without any natural resources, to one of the most vibrant nation in Asia.

He is definitely in all aspects and perspectives, a Tyrant/Dictator; BUT, he is guided by a vision, a philosophy and a strong conviction. It is thus, this vision, philosophy and conviction that path the way for Singapore to what it is today.

The vision that the entire stretch of the west coast be used as the port of Singapore - Jurong Port. A vision so ambitious and ahead of its time, many detractors laughed it off as a joke in the beginning - until the groundwork began that people realised its going to happen.

It is also his principle that Singapore will not have a National Airline just for the sake of having a National Airline, survived by Ego and Pride. SIA began right at the beginning as a profit driven airline, and takes drastic steps to differentiate and became the top airline in the world.

He also credited for making Singapore a "Garden City"; a result of his vision of a green city, with plants planted everywhere, along the roads; importing of new species of trees and flowers that fits Singapore's climate and etc... Not to mention his investment into the cleanliness of the country which became the hallmark and the most remembered aspect of Singapore.

"Tyrant", in the form of the article, isn't always bad. But tyrants without visions and guiding principles are the ones that we should be worried about. As far as the history had shown: Tyrants without vision, without principles, without an ambition of greatness/benevolence will go nowhere; failure and infamy beckons.

The Addiction of the "Cheap Foreign Labour" Drug

2011-02-22T02:55:00.000-08:00

The latest hoo-ha for the recent days had been about the 2011 Budget, as well as the fierce debate about the relentless dependant on Foreign Labour in our work force.

On one side of the debate, "supporters" are saying things that are inline with what the PAP is advocating: that we Singaporeans should up one ante and go up the value chain instead on stagnating at our comfort zone.

One example I quote: "If more jobs are going to foreigners, we should reflect on why we are getting less competitive in the job market, compared to complaining about the government policies. The demand comes from the companies as there is a lack of talent almost everywhere. Why is the debate always centered around foreign talent being "cheap"? Closing the door is only going to lead us to death."

"The demand comes from the companies as there is a lack of talent almost everywhere. Why is the debate always centered around foreign talent being "cheap"? Closing the door is only going to lead us to death."

But on the other side (which I'm probably on), people are arguing that the Government's tweaking of the economy is causing things to go haywire and that its just an "easy/lazy" solution to pump up the GDP.

I quote: "If so, all the more PAP should not interfere the labour market. Let the labour market correct on its own based on supply and demand. If local engin supply is low, firms will have to increase wages to a level to attract back the supply, which will also allow Singapore to build its own local talents accordingly in that niche area. Instead of spending efforts to make engineering a more lucrative career, the PAP takes the shortcut, importing cheap labour from China and India, suppressing the local engineering wages. There's a limit to how many ppl u can fill up in this little island and the result is over-reliance on foreigners- a habit once addicted cannot be kick. And, once the foreigners made enough, they move back to their country while there are firms abusing this cheap foreign labour policy. What's the point of having locals in managing role whom only knows how to "talk" but cannot do real work? My view is such economic model may not be sustainable over the long run. What innovation hub can u create out of a labour system like this?

Go take a look at the welders, the technicians, the construction workers in Australia, for example. Why they can gets locals to fill up and why Singapore can't. It's addiction."

"My view is such economic model may not be sustainable over the long run. What innovation hub can u create out of a labour system like this?"

The thing is that, the existence of Cheap Foreign Labour is similar to the use of Drugs. Its an addiction thats difficult to kick, and had been served by the PAP for the past 10 years. Today, many of companies today are addicted and very dependant on Cheap Foreign Labour, and locals whom are doing the same job are relegated to excepting the "inevitable" and had to accept stagnation or even decrease of salary just to keep up.

I'm not too how much "upgrading" can do to actually increase your salary in most of the industry. Take my profession as a designer. I'm competing with foreigners whom are willing to take up lower than market-rate pays, just to secure a job and hopefully gain PR status very soon (many of them graduated in Singapore). And take your imagination on a ride, how different can a designer's job be or "advanced"; as an employer, you are given a chance to hire a cheaper worker - you would do it!

"And take your imagination on a ride, how different can a designer's job be or "advanced"; as an employer, you are given a chance to hire a cheaper worker - you would do it!"

A company or business owner have little incentive to "invest" in human resource when the margins can be increased just by sacrificing local workers and hire foreign ones (despite the increase is very little). The decision to not invest in the people would also mean that the company would not lightly be embarking on a strategy of offering higher value products and services (since they wont have the people to do it, nor the courage to take up such a risk) nor taking a serious look at improving "productivity" - since you cant expect newbies and PR-wannabes to perform extraordinarily.

"The decision to not invest in the people would also mean that the company would not lightly be embarking on a strategy of offering higher value products and services"

Remember, foreign talents, especially those PR-wannabes' focus is to keep their job until that get PR and thats it. Most of them do not have the mindset of excellence or have a look at advancement. The life and death of the company they are working is of the least of their concern. As such, cheap foreign workers and PR-wannabes have little loyalty or pride in their job and given the chance to slack, they would probably take it. (I'm not guessing, its based on conversations with business owners whom hires foreign workers and from observations)

The most disastrous thing now is that, Singapore is already addicted to this drug. We are now hooked by the ready and steady flow of cheap labour; and the government seemed keen and determined to continue on this short-term policy.

----

This reminds me of the story of our water supply in Singapore. Its purely because of our lack of water resources that Singapore decided to invest and develop our own water resources and technologies. Its because that water is in short supply that we innovate for solutions and increase it. If Singapore had taken the easy path of only importing cheap portable water from Malaysia and decided not to develop our own source of water supply like Desalination and NEWater, the future would not be as certain as it is...

And if we had not depend so much on Foreigners for labour, our industries would have innovated to make better use of the increasingly more expensive workers than the current situation of sticking to the same "proven" formulae; and our workers would have increased their productivity purely because of the companies initiatives to make better use of them, and not get criticised and humiliated by our PAP leaders whom thought they knew better.

FAS disband National Team Saga - A inside view of our Gov's belief system.

2011-01-15T02:34:00.000-08:00

For local football supporters, the past month had been the worst nightmare since Singapore was trashed by Malaysia at our National Stadium some donkeys years ago...

All local club competitions are won by foreign teams, Singapore kicked out of Asian Cup when they just required a draw to get through, Singapore knocked out of the group stage of the ASEAN Championship (Suzuki Cup), and many other bad press that still persisted till today.

But the biggest news (one that spread across all possible medium in Singapore) is the disbandment of our very own National Team.

In an interview with Channel News Asia, FAS President Zainudin Nordin (also MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC and the Mayor for Central CDC) said, "We have analysed the reports on what happened in 2010 and realise that for the good of football, I think, we have a major revamp of the national team. What is going to happen is that we are going to have a new slate of players, that means players that will be totally taken from ground zero.

"...means all the (existing) players will be dropped and the national coach and the technical team will do a (new) selection based on merit." - this literally mean that the coach and the FA had been selecting players without basing on merits and their performance for the clubs in the S-league."

"That means all the (existing) players will be dropped and the national coach and the technical team will do a (new) selection based on merit. From all the assessments, we believe this is the best thing to do, for the good of the future of Singapore football."

The problem with this 2 paragraph in the interview highlighted a previously unknown and unacceptable fact for a country pledge to meritocracy - "we are going to have a new slate of players, that means players that will be totally taken from ground zero. That means all the (existing) players will be dropped and the national coach and the technical team will do a (new) selection based on merit." - this literally mean that the coach and the FA had been selecting players without basing on merits and their performance for the clubs in the S-league.

Not to mention, FAS also uses a Foreign Talent Scheme which they basically "buy" the allegiance of certain "outstanding" players so that they can represent Singapore (which is why Mr. Goh Chok Tong was confident of "buying Singapore into the 2010 World Cup" with Goal2010.

The revelation confirmed what the fans had been obeserving and feared that the National Team is not selected based on merit. The finally revealed "truth" shocked the entire local football supporters community and quickly gain countless criticism from a huge cross section of the Singapore population.

"it is becoming obvious that this is quite self-serving and may reflect the bigger picture of what the PAP's belief of the method to achieving success is."

If in football, the organisation led by PAP leaders have the beliefs that importing foreigners and trashing out everyone except changing the management and leadership is the way to do things - it is becoming obvious that this is quite self-serving and may reflect the bigger picture of what the PAP's belief of the method to achieving success is.

Since all the messed ups in 2010 by PAP leaders, none had stand up to apologise and admit that the cock ups are their fault. This very public disbandment of the National Team just further show that the leadership will just keep protecting their own butt and will put the blame to the people below them whom had actually worked very hard but still fail because of the poor strategic and organisational decisions made by the leadership.

Gazetting of TOC - a sign of weakness?

2011-01-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

"The first reaction I had was that the Ruling Party is attempting to "shut down" TOC."

The breaking news yesterday was the announcement of the gazetting of The Online Citizen.

Based on the article, the TOC is required to reveal all the ppl behind the site as well as being gazetted as a political association - thus cannot receive any fundings for overseas at all.

The first reaction I had was that the Ruling Party is attempting to "shut down" TOC.

TOC, is infamous for their extremely one-sided and anti-PAP stance; to register with MDA, gazette as a Political Association and at the same time revealing everyone's identity is as good as opening themselves to potential lawsuits and even the controversial National Security Act.

"...revealing everyone's identity is as good as opening themselves to potential lawsuits and even the controversial National Security Act."

I personally do not endorse the sort of reporting by TOC, but do give them credit for doing a pretty good job at revealing the plight of fellow Singaporeans and mis-doings under the current Government's imperfect rule.

But on the other side of this developing story, the leadership of the PAP apparently had revealed indirectly of their vulnerability ahead of the coming election. They apparently know that their profit and GDP driven rule for the past 4 or more years is rated very badly by the people. In addition, last year (2010) was the worst ever year for PAP for as long as any Gen Y babies (1983 and later) can ever remember.

"They (the ruling party) actually knew that they had pushed the envelope too much."

They (the ruling party) actually knew that they had pushed the envelope too much; they finally realised that they can actually and possibly sank into their worst ever performance in an General Election since our nation's independence; they are afraid the status quo will no longer be able to be maintained. The gazette of TOC reveals all this.

The PAP had, since under Mr Goh Chok Tong's rule, started to play with carrots like HDB upgrades, Lifts Upgrade, Before-Election-Cash-Payouts, and many other less than impressive ideas... They assumed that most Singaporean are daft and will not be able to tell that they are manipulated through the use of these carrots; that even if they knew, they would still vote the PAP in because the oppositions just cannot make it...

"...a new Generation of voters (the Gen-Y) that a high percentage are expected to vote nay to PAP."

But the coming General Election is different... it would going to go down in history as the first election in a long time to be fully contested without a single walk-over. It is going to happen at the back of the worst ever "living-condition" and happiness level since independence... as well as a new Generation of voters (the Gen-Y) that a high percentage are expected to vote nay to PAP.

I just wonder, if TOC refuse the register, what is going to happen? =\

What will Singaporeans do if PAP decides not to have Elections at all?

2011-01-05T05:25:00.000-08:00

Honestly, being through and through Singaporeans, we totally understand our typical Singaporean nature of just keeping quiet, minding our own business and avoid "mafan" situation at all cost.

The many years of subdued situation and caused a muffling effect on the vocalness of Singaporeans about politics and public affairs. Political talks and criticisms can only be heard in small talks and occasional conversation with family members and taxi drivers. Although the internet forum and political portals like Temasek Review and TheOnlineCitizen is getting traction - it does not change the fact that its already part of our nature to be shy and reserved.

"so many incidents already, yet we still do not have any riots, public display of disapproval or anything of any sort."

Mas Selamat escape, YOG over budget, Temasek and GIC financial losses, rubbish comments from PAP politicians, multiple 50 a year floods, Wikileaks about Singaporean diplomats unkind words about fellow Asian countries - so many incidents already, yet we still do not have any riots, public display of disapproval or anything of any sort.

Suddenly I have this thought: What if PAP decides to scrap Elections totally?

"What if PAP decides to scrap Elections totally?"

Will this be enough to call Singaporeans into action to protest against such a move?
Will there be riots?
Will there be strikes?
Will there even be any strong reaction by the people???

It seriously worries me when I have such thought incepted into my mind (by myself; and now, by me to you). I suddenly sees the important of "freedom of speech" and "the rights to protest". Suddenly, the student riots in England does not seem silly anymore... Suddenly, I realised how vulnerable Singapore is now - just that its not because of Racial Differences - but Political Indifferences...

And common sense tells me that of all likelihood: Singaporeans might actually do nothing.

"Singaporeans might actually do nothing."

Will you stand up for democracy and freedom if that day ever comes?

CPF becoming Income Tax

2010-12-30T04:38:00.000-08:00

CPF was originally conceived as a mechanism to help Singaporeans save money for their retirement, in case they didnt do it themselves - a very legitimate and right thing to do, like many of the other policies created during the time when LKY is still in his prime, thinking clearly, connected to the ground and when the government is serving the people.

But over the years, after the government changed their philosophy from "serving the people" to "economic growth over everything", good intended policies starts to get corrupted and perverted.

"...the government changed their philosophy from "serving the people" to "economic growth over everything""

In recent times, the Government had announced that the retirement age will be raised from the original 55 to 65. As a result, the CPF will be freeze for another 10 years. That also mean that my mother whom is approaching 55, whom should be retiring soon, CANNOT retire and have to work for another 10 years. I wonder where...

In a country where prosperity was promised to be shared among everyone to make everyone's life better, it can't be further than the truth.

By raising the retirement age to 65, it effectively made CPF a form of Income Tax. And the payout, a form of welfare system which.... you actually paid it yourself - like Insurance with minimum interest rates.

"By raising the retirement age to 65, it effectively made CPF a form of Income Tax."

According to the statistics (http://www.singstat.gov.sg/stats/keyind.html), only less than 20% of the people at the moment now can live to the age of 65. It should increase in the near future BUT think abt this: in the modern day of polluted world, increased stress, increase health problems, and curse of diseases - how many can actually live past that 65. How many can still enjoy their life of retirement at 65?

According to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retirement), even in European countries, almost all the countries have less than 50% of the people past 60 still working in the work force. These are countries which also had their normal retirement age set at 65.

"...almost all the countries have less than 50% of the people past 60 still working in the work force. These are countries which also had their normal retirement age set at 65."

As a boss, would you want to hire even a 50 year old employee to work in positions in the lower rang of your company hierarchy? In the new economy (post 2010), the world is going to be increasingly competing through the use of innovation and design - in such a world, how does the older workforce find employment when everyone is looking for creative and trendy thinkers. Must a former director really go to be a taxi driver or a former manager become a kopitiam worker to fulfill that 65 retirement age?

What is retirement?
Retirement is the moment when people stop working and enjoy the fruit of their labour after over 30-40 years of toiling and struggling.

Even if I'm just 27 now, the thought of working to 65 is scary. CPF means nothing to me but just another name for a separate Income Tax (its based on your income isnt it?) and retirement age of 65 is simply the "marker" to qualify you for the welfare system camouflage as "CPF" (which the government kept saying they dun want to be a welfare state).

"...its just a branding exercise to make a 2nd Income Tax sounds NOT like an Income Tax."

Its simply the same thing as another country, setting a higher Income Tax level but have a welfare system to ensure you have money to stay alive after retirement - just that the government make it sounds like its doing it for you, but its just a branding exercise to make a 2nd Income Tax sounds NOT like an Income Tax.

The PAP politician I admired the most.

2010-03-17T19:57:00.000-07:00

He is the former deputy prime minister; the former (and most well loved) president, the late Mr Ong Teng Cheong.

This great man is one, whom advocated the construction of the MRT, fought against the PAP against messed up accounts during his reign as the President. No other PAP politician had come closed to his greatness, perhaps with very few exceptions like Dr. Tony Tan.

I am reminded by him, of all places, from SDP's Chee Soon Quan article on his party's website - http://yoursdp.org/index.php/news/singapore/3500-st-and-lhzb-censor-chees-letter-on-pap-undermining-singapores-interests

(on the site note, for the first time, i have to endorse his views. its a fair article from him that i concur)

Chee mentioned a part of history which i'm never aware of:

But perhaps the clearest indication that the PAP Government works against the interest of Singapore and her workers came from the late Ong Teng Cheong. In January 1986 Mr Ong, then deputy prime minister and NTUC secretary-general, had sanctioned a strike by the shipping industry which he did not inform the cabinet.

This was Mr Cheong's account: "The minister for trade and industry was very angry, his officers were very upset. They had calls from America asking what happened to Singapore - we are non-strike."

Why do American bosses need to call the PAP Government about a strike carried out by Singaporean workers? Why does it have to account to American businesses for what it does in Singapore? Who does the Government listen to, American MNCs or Singaporean workers?

Mr Ong Teng Cheong, actually, as the head of the trade union, did what trade unions should be doing - to fight for the rights of the workers; and actually sanctioned a strike. I'm hearted to know that my fav. PAP politician had always been that righteous and "for-the-people".

Younger PAP politicians, i hope you guys know what you guys are doing. learn from the right ppl...

New rulings for political chatters online.

2010-03-11T20:01:00.000-08:00

source: http://www.todayonline.com/Hotnews/EDC100312-0000157/Elections-advertising--OB-markers-to-shift

Elections advertising: OB markers to shift
by Zul Othman and Zul Othman 05:55 AM Mar 12, 2010

SINGAPORE - There will be slightly more leeway for Singaporeans to discuss political issues and promote online any contesting candidate in future General and Presidential Elections. But the consequences will be more robust if anyone falls afoul of the law.

These changes to Internet elections advertising were among the details revealed yesterday as the amendments to the Constitution and the Parliamentary and Presidential Elections Acts were tabled in Parliament. While operators of non-political party websites will not be required to register with the Media Development Authority for propagating political issues during the polls, they would have to take note of where not to tread.

For instance, publishing false statements about the personal character or conduct of a candidate incurs a new penalty of a fine or jail time of up to 12 months, or both.

The Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts also told MediaCorp: "They should be mindful that if what they do amounts to election activity which is done for the purpose of promoting or procuring the election of a candidate, they need written authorisation of the candidate or his election agent to do so."

But just as political parties are not allowed campaign on Polling Day - and now also on the day before that, which Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong previously described as a new "Cooling Off Day" - this rule will also apply to any election advertising, online or offline.

Those who engage in such advertising can be fined up to $1,000 or jailed up to 12 months or both.

Election candidates will have a defence, though, if third parties still campaign on their behalf on these two days - if the circumstances were beyond the candidate's control, and he or she "took all reasonable steps, and exercised all due diligence" to prevent any advertising.

'NON COMMERCIAL' SMSES EXCLUDED FROM BLACKOUT

Where the election advertising is already lawfully published or displayed before the cooling off period, such as posters and banners and websites, the ban would not apply so long as they remain unaltered. Non-citizens, however, will not be allowed to advertise at all.

Also excluded from the election blackout: Emailing, SMSing or MMSing political views by one individual to another, "on a non-commercial basis".

What will not change are the traditional television broadcasts by political parties on the eve of polling day and election coverage by the media.

Political observer and Singapore Management University law lecturer Eugene Tan told MediaCorp it was "quite clear" the Government is tabling "a comprehensive set of rules as to what candidates can or cannot do".

However, he felt it "remained to be seen" if these rules can cover every scenario. "The big unknown is how these rules would be enforced. It's important that the electorate can see that these set of rules are applied to everyone without fear or favour," he added.

Dr Gillian Koh, senior research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies, felt the written authorisation required from candidates to advertise on their behalf could work to the benefit of the bigger People's Action Party if it mobilises support online.

"But it is going to be challenging to get people to go to their sites when the public gets so much about it (election news) from the mainstream media," she added.

NOW SEIZABLE OFFENCES

The new rules come at a time when there has been a gradual political liberalisation. In recent years, the Government has made Speakers' Corner an unrestricted area.

During the election period, though, anyone who wants to hold election meetings - defined as public assemblies organised by or on behalf of a candidate to aid his campaign - will have to get a permit from the Commissioner of Police even at Speakers' Corner from the time of Nomination Day to Polling Day.

Many election offences - including displaying "any badge, symbol, set of colours, flags, advertisement, handbill, placard or posters as political propaganda" - on Cooling Off Day and Polling Day have been made seizable offences. This means the police can make an arrest without a warrant.

The amendments yesterday also give powers to the President to postpone Nomination Day in the case of, say, natural calamities or the threat of violence. If it is a Presidential Election, that power is vested in the Prime Minister.

The Returning Officer appointed for an election can also make postponements to polling at a polling station or the counting of votes in such cases. What was not set out in the amendments: The number of Group Representation Constituencies and Single-Member Constituencies. This will be done by the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee.

But the proposed changes did specify the maximum number of Non-Constituency MPs from any single GRC: Two.

Everything sounds alright in my opinion except for ONE PART:

"What will not change are the traditional television broadcasts by political parties on the eve of polling day and election coverage by the media."

This "election coverage by the media" MIGHT be the grey area... although its nothing new.

It would be interesting how things will pan out during the election period.

---

Also interesting to note is how the internet plane will be subjected to monitoring and moderation because of the new law. Its another potential grey zone, as how one defines "ppl writing or speaking on behalf of candidates". If i'm a supporter of Party A, of course i gonna be commenting or speaking in favour of Party A; does that consider me writing on behalf of Party A?

And the ambiguous ruling of candidates needing to do their due diligence to make sure they did everything to make sure that they arent "spoke on behalf by" others. This could become a "weapon" to smear the "opponent" or a backhanded approach if things "gets out of hand".

Another pitfall is the also new ruling of the strong deterrence against ppl from speaking falsely abt the personality, action and character of the candidates. This could be a tripping line for many of those activists online (Majulah! is not a activist organisation nor do we support any particular party; we are neutral) as from observations, tend to be pretty firebrand in their criticism on the ruling party.

So all political activists, observers, commentators should take note of the new ruling and not get themselves into unnecessary trouble.

ELECTION IS LOOMING... =}

A Prostitute Story (quoted from HWZ)

2010-03-11T19:41:00.000-08:00

This is an interesting story I read in the HWZ forum.

BuiBui wrote:
Once, there lived a south-east asian girl. She was beautiful and petite, much more attractive than many of her neighbours, who were ugly, lazy or even violent.

Many men loved her deeply, most even offering years of their lives to work as her bodyguard, protecting her from her neighbours.

One day, her grandfather called her into his room. “Ah girl, for the sake of our familee, you have to do this. There is no other choice.”

From then on, she became a changed person. She opened the gates to her house wide, allowing all kinds of people to cum inside her. These people come from the north/south, white, yellow, black, all nationality, large numbers (thousands) of them.

She worked hard to serve these customers, doing everything to appease them, to make them feel good, so they can tip her better. All this time ignoring the pleadings of the men who loyally protected her.

It was useless. In the house the grandfather makes all decisions. Who else can be more qualified? Not even the father can do anything, much less the lowly, lesser bodyguards.

Soon, her house became overcrowded with customers. There was no choice but to chase some of her bodyguards out. The remaining ones suffered a pay cut, with the hope that they will leave by themselves.

Overnight, her familee became very rich. Easily the richest familee in the whole region. Some people despise this method of making money, but it doesnt matter to the grandfather. Money is money.

It slowly dawned on the girl that all the people who cum inside her dun actually love her. For them, once they benefited from the short-term encounter, they leave. No obligations, no responsibilities need be answered.

After several months, the bodyguards who used to love her, who protected her, became really turned off by her love of money and promiscuity. She was no longer pure, no more beautiful, just a cheap tool of her grandfather.

Right now, they are reading this thread and wondering, should they continue to protect the girl and her grandfather, or should they give up?

Pretty extreme but it made the point.

disclaimer: i have no part in the writing of this story nor i endorse anything suggested from this article. Copyrights and credits remains with the original writer. DO NOT SUE ME. =X

Response to "Young PAP on Budget 2010"

2010-03-01T20:43:00.000-08:00

The "Young PAP on Budget 2010" is available at Young PAP's website or at this link - http://www.youngpap.org.sg/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=143:young-pap-on-budget-2010&catid=24:political-discussions

The reproduction of the article:

Young PAP on Budget 2010
Written by YP Activists from the North (Singapore)
Tuesday, 02 March 2010 08:45

A lot has been said about Budget 2010. We'd like to share our personal thoughts on some of the hot debate topics to date:

1) "Minimum Wage - why isn't this in Budget 2010?"
Some have asked for Singapore to have a Minimum Wage -- a mantra thickly repeated but thin on substance. Any Minimum Wage proposal needs to be clear on at least 2 questions. If the proposal hasn't answered them, you should ask why this information has been left out.
- Will a Minimum Wage be restricted to Singaporeans only?
- What is the level of Minimum Wage being proposed?

But even without these important details, one can see how a Minimum Wage policy would hurt ordinary Singaporeans.

If Minimum Wage is only for Singaporeans, it will encourage employers to fire Singaporeans and hire foreign workers -- because foreign workers will become even cheaper compared to Singaporeans.

If Minimum Wage is applied to both Singaporeans and foreign workers, mobile businesses will move their operations abroad, to places where the cost of labour is cheaper -- again losing Singaporean jobs.

It's clear: Minimum Wage would harm Singaporean workers - especially low skill workers whose jobs can easily be replaced when the employer relocates overseas.

Minimum Wage would hurt small businesses and SMEs with thin margins. Because these businesses have difficulty moving abroad -- so they may have to close shop instead.

Minimum Wage would disadvantage charities and social enterprises that hire Singaporeans and are trying to help fellow Singaporeans.

Yet despite all these bad effects, Minimum Wage would do nothing to help workers up-skill, retrain and find a new job.

2) "Shouldn't we reduce taxes and fees on the less well-off?"
Yes, that's precisely what Singapore has done through a progressive income tax system -- where high earners pay more income tax.

Furthermore, Singapore has a progressive system for redistributing the fruits of economic growth. Tax revenue comes from all taxpayers in Singapore regardless of their nationality. But Singapore's Budget transfers are aimed at Singaporeans. This gives more subsidy and transfers to less well-off Singaporeans.

3) "We should privatise Temasek and GIC and give the equity to Singapore citizens."
This is, in essence, a proposal to deplete Singapore's Reserves and give them away as a handout. It is good to help Singaporeans but wrong to squander Singaporeans' future away!

In recent times, some First World countries have seen financial difficulty, e.g. Greece and Iceland. Even the British Pound Sterling was attacked by currency speculators in the Black Wednesday incident of 1992 -- speculators later described as those who "broke the Bank of England".

Any proposal to drain Singapore's Reserves dry, no matter how carefully disguised, must be seen for what it is -- lowering Singapore's economic defences.

4) "Can't we get the private sector to do low cost housing? We can just give away the land for low-cost housing."

Low cost housing, without responsible stakeholders, can cause a race to the bottom in quality and safety.

There is also the problem of causing property prices throughout Singapore to fall. This will undermine the major investment of most Singaporeans who are homeowners.

Any "cheap deal" to create low cost housing out of nowhere in Singapore must be studied carefully. Will it compromise housing quality for less well-off Singaporeans? Will it destroy the value of Singaporeans' homes?

Last Updated on Tuesday, 02 March 2010 08:52

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The article is written by a group of PAP activist, whom call themselves "YP Activists from the North", whom shared their personal thought on certain "hot debate topics". Unfortunately, after reading what they got to say,they seemed to turn out to be a very shallow group of activists - single faceted and totally lack of the sensing of the ground temperament. At best, they are simply trying very hard to "back" the governing party's party lines. In summary, its simply a poor attempt to dismiss what the Oppositions got to say and encouraging ppl to resist "change for the better".

And I'm extremely unimpressed by their lack of "pride" to show their names and identity. And for their article to be published on the official youth wing of the PAP is, what i deem, a big SNAFU and a pathetic reflection what the Youth Wing of the biggest and more powerful political party can offer.

In a immediate response thru the facebook, this is the comment i made (in case they "censor" it):

-----------

all i can say is its a matter of perspective and how you gonna commit to our beliefs.

1) Just as a minimum wage you guys claim will hurt ordinary Singaporeans, the lack of minimum wage is already hurting "ordinary" Singaporeans. Aren't the foreigners already taking up a lot of jobs that Singaporeans were used to be doing. Just check out your neighbourhood Kopitiam. Minimum wage is not a single economic instrument that works on its own. It should be coupled together with immigration policies as well as other economic and social policies.

Just as i'm on immigration policy, why is the immigration so slack to the point where "unqualified" immigrants are taking up jobs that originally belonged to our less educated population?

To become PR or Citizen, one must be at least very rich, or they have to be skilled workers in order to be able to stay in Singapore. Now all these unskilled workers are taking up the jobs of our unskilled population (because they can accept even lesser pay as opposed to what is already very low pay)

2) I have no complains abt the taxation as the less well off already do not pay income tax.

3) Privatising of the SWFs does not mean it would deplete the Singapore's reserves. At the same length, you might as well close down the stock exchange as it would "bankrupt" all the floated companies. Your "fuller explanation" is in fact more dilute than the "summary".

4) I'm sure there is a much more "complete" plan towards whatever solutions or suggestion there is. I personally do not see a benefit of leaving building of low cost housing to private sector.

I'm sorry, i have to dismiss with your "analysis". I'm disappointed if this "article" is what Young PAP (Official Youth Wing of the ruling party) can come out with. Its extremely shallow; either its irrelevant or its single faceted.

---------

Additional comment towards their article:

They do not provide solutions and suggestions, but just pure dismissal of what the public is concerned abt. Their dismissal of these debatable topic is also done is an extremely one sided and bias approach - tanishing what "respect" one might held for the YP before reading the article.

If this is the quality of the "young leaders" within the Youth Wing of the PAP, there is no wonder why the PAP kept looking for talents beyond their own party hierachy, from the private sector. And it also re-assured my decisions not to be associated with them nor joining their youth wing, is correct.

With the election looming, this article is a pure political snapshot at the Opposition, which missed by a million mile unless the reader is really really shallow and have a total lack of sensing of the ground.

Childish; Disappointed; Disgusted.

My suggestion on some policies.

2010-02-21T00:39:00.000-08:00

The government had been touting abt them giving substantial state subsidies for education, health care and public housing.

Unfortunately, being a person whom had grown up from a lower income family, I had saw and experienced the effects of government's policy over time since i was still a kid. In summary, I can only say that the "standard of living" had been decreasing due to a increase in "cost of living".

My philosophy that what a government MUST do, in order to honour the principle that the government serves the people and not the other way round: is that basic fundamental needs MUST BE taken care of. Namely: Health Care, Accommodation and Education.

HEALTH CARE
As far as i'm concerned, I still feel that healthcare is too expensive (for surgeries, operations, etc... the major illness and diseases) for Singaporeans. There MUST BE SUBSTANTIAL, if not, NEAR COMPLETE healthcare subsidies or aids given to Singaporeans - If you want ppl to increase their productivity, then spare them the misery of forking out life savings to save themselves and the tragedy of skipping treatments and delaying operations due to a lack of money. (my mother did delay certain scans or checks because of financial issues).

ACCOMMODATION
The HDB's role was to ensure EVERY SINGAPOREAN have a roof over their head. Unfortunately, there had been news abt ppl living in the streets as well as pitching tents at campsites as a makeshift accommodation. This is particularly disturbing to me.

The entire HDB policy should be reviewed to keep up with times. As now that the country had been pretty developed, the HDB should reinvent and NOT BECOME like another real estate company which is trying their best to siphon money from the citizens. While at the same time, HDB flats SHOULD AND MUST be easily affordable and acquired by local citizens. The current practise is just a delibrate manipulation of the property prices, causing an unneccesary bubble and uncalled for encouragement towards "public property trade" (using HDB apartments as a tool to earn money).

Its a cause and effect - if the property will always rise in value in ridiculous rates, then people will definitely use the opportunity to earn money with it - and ultimately, the people who suffer will be people from my generation and the generations that follow ; BECAUSE it would be impossible to afford an apartment anymore in the future.

I have this vision that, the money paid for the flats would go into their CPF (a way to let ppl own a house while assisting them to save money for retirement) instead of money being deducted for payment for their flats. But perhaps, the owners will not be able to sell the flat, since they virtually paid nothing to stay in that apartment (since their money is "paid" into their CPF).

While this is just a seed idea, not a full policy suggestion, but its a new concept and perspective towards public housing. - The idea is that public housing is to ensure people have a house to stay. While there are definitely loads of people unable to afford their dream house or invest in one, but we should not deprive them of the opportunity to stay in one (albeit them might not be able to sell and earn from it).

The catch is that:

people can choose either to pay like what they are doing now, which gives them to chance to cash in by selling their apartment when the valuation is higher

OR

people can choose to "skip" that "upgrading process", and just be contented living in their dream apartment (while they still pay half the "market rates" of similar category of the apartment) but with their monthly "rent" paid into their CPF to help them save money for retirement or rainy days.

This idea still need improvements and fine tuning, since its just a concept. But I see promises of a better lives for many Singaporeans.

EDUCATION
To me, education is an investment by the country to ensure the sustainability and productivity of the future Singapore. Every single person who dropped out or unable to pursue their studies means a lost opportunity for Singapore to extract the best and maximise the potential of our single most important asset - the people.

To cut story short - a school should be created to teach entrepreneurship and business to those that dropped out of secondary school.

This group of drop outs are extremely isolated and with no "route of advancement" for them in life. ITE requires at least a 'N' level. Every single job out there requires at least an 'O' level, regardless if that job can be even done by a 12 year old. I see this as a failure on the part of the society and the government's policy - likened to the India's caste system.

Why entrepreneurship? Because many of this people just dun like studying/dun have the penchant for memorising/kicked out of school for not being compliant to the system (but many a time is because these kids matured ahead of their time)/misleaded and lack a purpose in life.

Teaching these kids and providing them the skills and perhaps some funds to kick start a small business; these kids with their young and creative minds, could do wonders. Even those who are delinquents, seeing that whatever they do now can earn them cold hard cash; they will definitely find a new and better purpose in life than to just hand around void decks and commit stupid crimes.

I met some people whom graduated from top local schools and these "elites" have a disdain and straightforward dismissal of people studying in Normal Tech Stream (which does not exist in their school) for being delinquents (while based on my experience, the worst lots of the students usually comes from Normal Academic Stream, but others also come from both Express and NT stream) and assumed that neighbourhood school students are inferior to them. These sort of elitism mindset carried by their elites would be brought into the parliament where these Elites comes into power.

I want this "worse than racism" paradigm to be changed.

Getting 'A's in school does not equal to success in life and better contribution to society and country.

Overpopulation. The Beginning.

2010-01-26T20:32:00.000-08:00

As we are now just into the 3rd year of a 20 years plan by the Government to increase Singapore's population of 4.5 mil in 2007 to 6.5 mil in 2027. While the fundamentals and reasonings behind the artificial increase of the population thru immigrants MIGHT be reasonable (while still very much debatable); the effect of such sudden increase of population is starting the test the very infrastructures that is never going to catch up with the numbers.

read abt the population plans here: http://www.littlespeck.com/content/people/CTrendsPeople-070217.htm

As people are starting to feel the "heat" with the very obvious change in the composition of the people in Singapore (notably PRC Chinese; they are everywhere now); MRT seemed to get more and more crowded, HDB Housing seemed more and more difficult to acquire for new couples (when it just seems so simple just 10 years ago) and now, the sudden explosion of population is straining the hospitals.

read abt the ridiculous "solution" to overcrowding at TTSH : http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1033252/1/.html

I'm not sure how many beds in TTSH or any other hospitals in Singapore had been added for the past few years. general feeling I got is that it had not changed much; I'm not sure how much the train frequency had increased; nor do i sure abt whether the increased in the building of HDB flats actually meets the demand - but i'm very sure all of them arent coping with the sudden increase in population.

Just like if a General wants to build a massive army, he need to consider other factors like increasing the accomodation, building the weapons and gears, increasing the amount of supplies to feed the massive army - but Singapore seemed to be lagging in those "other factors".

This trend is indeed worrying and the future seemed to be shrouded with caprice.

How to achieve world peace? Zuism's the Way.

2010-01-24T03:15:00.000-08:00

Seriously, looking upon the current trash world we are in that is dominated by greed and excessiveness; results in wars and tragedies... how could world peace ever be achieve.

This lofty dream might actually be possible (while impossible now) by a single simple new adjustment: a cap on how much a person can earn.

Just like in a game, where a character reaches the max level of 99, there is no longer the obsession in leveling up; no longer the obsession in gathering more money than what they actually really require...

Once man is taken away the need to endless creating excessive wealth for no good reasons; perhaps their vision can be changed to aiding ppl thats in need; contributing resources into meaningful scientific research; developing 3rd world countries that urgently need investments to build their infrastructures.... etc...

If the ultimate goals in life is simply become "level 99" and then become a hero and saviour to the world; ceaseless greed will cease... excessiveness will be redistributed... and the world, a more peaceful and harmonious place.

This is not communism.

I shall name this: Zuism or 足道（Zu Dao).

足 means Enough/Sufficient, thus 足道 means the Way of Sufficiency.

Disclaimer: This is not a religion, its just a belief that with an end to wealth creation, people will actually contribute in constructive ways for the good of human civilisation.

Locals lost again to "foreigners talents"; this time in football

2010-01-17T23:17:00.000-08:00

In the press conference held just hours ago by S-league, they announced the identity of the 12th team for the new season.

To the surprise and amazement of all the S-league fans, the winner of the coveted final spot went to Beijing Guo-An, rather than the highly committed and motivated, successful in previous 2 season, and now going ALL LOCAL, Yishun Super Reds (Super Reds).

Being a member of the hardcore local football fan forum, KallangRoar.com , the anger and disbelieve is evident.

I understand that this blog, is meant as a political blog, but I cant rub off the connection of how Football Association of Singapore (FAS) & S-League is ran, with how the Singapore Government works.

This probably "unnoticable" saga (very few Sleague fans) is in my opinion, a bigger indication of our government policy and how foreigners and money is rated way higher of the development of our local and very own Singaporeans.

If any one from the media whom read my this post; I strongly urge you to condemn the selection of 2 foreign teams over a local team.

Its just all wayang....

2009-10-08T11:33:00.000-07:00

Refer to the article by CNA below.
(just for info, i'm a hougang kid through and through, although i dun stay in the WP's ward, but Hougang nevertheless)

Its seems like all the "services" done by the PAP candidates is just for show; purely with the intention of getting the votes than to really serve from their heart.

According to the report below, Eric Low slapped a fee on the free medical check up, stopped his "meet-the-people" sessions and canceled the popular free breakfast for the needy - to describe this in a stronger tone - a retaliation against the what was perceived as a betrayal by the Hougang ppl in the last election. As for Sitoh Yih Pin, he just simply stopped everything and disappear like a wisp of smoke.

And now, as elections looms, our dear Mr Eric Low is "up-ing the ante". Launch a wheelchair loaning service, considering of resuming his "meet-the-people" sessions and day-care center for the old soon...

I say, COME ON LAH! Thats really way too fake.

Only at the impending election that he springs into action. Since when service to the people (for someone whom "really cares") get to rest (for reportingly a year) and refuse to "meet" the people whom sought for his help. If someone wanted help from you and approach you, do you tell them: "Wait after National Day can? I may consider meeting you..."

Does the people whom need help get to put their problems aside for a year able to wait for you???

I say, if you are really sincere abt making all this wheelchair loan thingy and the day care center thingy... you wouldnt wait till now and it should have a clear way of funding these stuff so that it can last forever.

My fear is that, this may just be another "political" move just like the free breakfast for the needy thingy. So you lost the election, then our needy no need to be taken care of and the free breakfast thingy should stop?

WTF is, "not to be taken for granted"??? [getting personal and emotional liaoz...]

You decide that this is a way to service the people and help the needy; THEN, it should never be considered into your plans that this is going to be a component in your election plans.

What is our Dear Mr Eric Low treating the Hougang Residents as??? Casino Chips? Chess Pieces? Dispensable Commodities?

DEAR POLITICIANS, Please serve from your heart and with sincerity. If you are sincere in serving the people and wanting the best for the people; you wouldnt care if you get elected or not - since if you can serve without being a MP, whats stopping you to continue serving even if you lost the election.

If Eric Low still want to fight in Hougang, I am confident he is going to lose again; and possibly with an even bigger margin.

Mark my words. People remember your words and actions!

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source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/282914/1/.html

Eric Low gears up for the fight again
By Loh Chee Kong,TODAY | Posted: 18 June 2007 1123 hrs

SINGAPORE: A year ago, a despondent Mr Eric Low fresh from a second straight morale-sapping electoral defeat at the hands of Workers’ Party (WP) chief Low Thia Khiang — decided that he would stop being taken for granted by Hougang residents.

So, he slapped a fee on his previously free health-screening programme and stopped his Meet-The-People sessions and popular free breakfast service for the needy.

But on Sunday, the 59-year-old Cisco Security general manager and defeated People’s Action Party (PAP) candidate told TODAY he was ready to up the ante again, in the Opposition stronghold.

“Since the elections, I have completed a renewal of my grassroots leaders and launched a few new programmes. And now that I’ve had one year’s rest, I’m considering recommencing my Meet-The-People sessions very soon,” said Mr Low.

He is expected to make the announcement at the constituency’s National Day dinner. The Hougang grassroots adviser, who gets a handful of letters each month from residents seeking help, said: “There has been quite a number of requests to see me. I may consider seeing them ... We shall see after National Day.”

In the General Election held in May last year, his WP opponent not only successfully defended his parliamentary seat, but also stretched his winning margin to more than 62 per cent of the votes in Hougang.

There have been doubts cast over Mr Low’s candidacy in the next polls, due by 2011. But the PAP stalwart, who entered the political fray in 2001, said he was encouraged by the enthusiasm of his new grassroots leaders and would “continue to do what I can”.

There are signs that he is stepping up his game: On Sunday, he was out and about with Minister of State for Finance and Transport Lim Hwee Hua, spreading the anti-dengue message to Hougang residents.

Last month, he launched a “wheelchair-for-loan” programme; next up is a day-care centre for senior citizens. He has also drawn up a five year activity workplan aimed at forging a “kampung spirit” in Hougang, despite not having been given any signal by the PAP leadership that he will be contesting the ward again.

Said Mr Low: “You do what you can as long as you are at it. Nothing is permanent in life.”

Over at the other Opposition-held ward Potong Pasir, however, Mr Sitoh Yih Pin — who also made his debut for the PAP in 2001 — has been keeping a low profile since his loss to Mr Chiam See Tong.

Resident Melvin Tan, 28, remarked: “It has been very quiet as compared to in the past. I’ve not seen Mr Sitoh or his people around.”

When contacted, Mr Sitoh said he had “no immediate plans” to resume his activities, including meet-the-people sessions, in Potong Pasir. According to grassroots leaders, residents have probably seen the last of the famous $2 shark’s fin soup and abalone porridge dished out at community events in the past.

Mr Sitoh’s right-hand man Chua Kian Meng said no community outreach events have been held since the elections. “So far, there’s been nothing. There’s also nothing planned,” he said.

But Mr Chua, who had earlier told the press he might resign as chairman of the Citizens’ Consultative Committee, now says he is staying on.

Shortly after the PAP’s defeat in the two single-seat wards, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong — who had thrown his political weight behind the two candidates - announced that both would cut back on their services to residents. They would also “act like an opposition” by pointing out faults in the two constituencies, Mr Goh had said.

Mr Low emphasised that he “didn’t want to be seen as a watchdog”, adding: “It’s best for residents to judge rather than for me to point out the faults.”

WP chief Low could not be reached for comment on Sunday, but Mr Eric Low’s perseverance has not gone unnoticed by Hougang residents. Said 60-year-old Mr Ng: “He is still working very hard. We still see him making his rounds regularly.”

A neighbourhood shop-owner added: “When you lose, you should continue to work hard, not less. You cannot abandon the people, especially those who need help.”
- TODAY/fa

My views on the "Marital Rape Controversy"

2009-09-26T02:56:00.000-07:00

There is an extremely heated debate in TOC (The Online Citizen) in regards to the topic of Marital Rape (because its not a crime in Singapore).

This below is my comment/reply to this issue:

My view is that the current problems we having is a direct result of our “modern thinking”, 1 wife ideology and philosophy abt equal rights, etc…

if we look back just a hundred years ago, our society is still in the state where the guy can have multiple wives and women mostly still remain as the maintainer of the household. This formulae had worked for the past 5000 years of Human history and in the last 100-200 years: we human beings decide that one guy should have only one wife and also woman should have more “freedom” and etc…

Not that i am against woman from studying, having a career and being successful , etc… (i got many female friends doing very well) ; but this alteration of the role of the female species disrupts the natural balance in human society.

Where males in the past get married and have kids during their teenage years, learn their trade from their father and elders, work and bring food back home; while the female also married in the teenage years, learn from their mother-in-law and learn how to take care of the family and raise the kids of the next generation. That was how it was is for the past 5000 years. And the concept of multiple wives holds fine, as the more successful a guy is, the more “wives” to kindda reward himself and more “offsprings” he would like to carry on his genes.

But now, as the western concept of 1 life partner came about, couples are now face with much greater limitations than before. Not to mention that we get married and learn abt responsibilities much later (used to be in teenage years remember?), the advent of woman “working habit” disrupted their biological duty of purely taking care of the family and rearing kids.

Yes, modern women will say they can deal with it, work and take care of kids: but ultimately, who is really teaching and taking care of the kids now? The granny? The maid? And like many young ppl now remember, they usually dun see their parents come home until they already fell asleep. And thus, the natural system of family bonding and inter-relationship is all messed up.

I crapped alot now, yes. But how it links to the Marital Rape?

If the woman truly loves the guy, and she had been waiting all day at home for the beloved husband to come home, what are the chances that she would reject sex when the husband wants it? (it might be the husband want to reject it because he might be too tired)

But in modern times, the women work too! So the woman come home shagged and no mood for sex; and the guy wants it? Then how?

Another thing abt Marital Rape is the way how the “rape” is conducted. If there is violence involved, then maybe we can call it rape or domestic violence. But its simply because the wife dun want but the husband insist, and then after they did it, she report to the police saying the husband raped her – then i think we need to rethink does it make any sense.

I personally believe that all the high divorce rate, relationship problems, etc… mostly is born from the fact that we had changed our society and social behaviour. Although the “old ways” might not be “perfect”, but at least you wouldn't hear abt oxymoronic things like marital rape.

And to make it even simpler and shorter: If the husband “rapes” you, just divorce him. Dun make such a big hoo-ha.

Learn from Obama's administration | Singapore needs CHANGE

2009-09-08T09:43:00.000-07:00

I just caught a LIVE broadcast online of Obama's speech to the students of United States. Feeling inspired, to the point, i wish to go back to school tomorrow and study like no tomorrow.

But as it ended, I ask myself: Why can Obama do all this "logical" things the moment he is president; knowing and understanding ppl's hardship, taking steps to elevate EVERYBODY's life... while in Singapore, the Government seemed to be reluctant to take steps to go "micro"; vehemently avoiding the OBVIOUS.

I can tell you guys today: The Opposition is going to win at least a GRC in the next election. And prepare to lose even more single seats

Its getting too obvious nowadays that EVERYONE is not happy. People are getting more vocal and more willing to talk abt their unhappiness abt the situation in Singapore. Seriously, I cant really see how PAP can defend their position any better in the next election, this term is probably the WORST term in the history of PAP's governance.

Connectivity had opened our eyes to the honest and truthful rule by Barack Obama, with all his goals and changes totally in line with what a politician SHOULD DO. On the other hand, Japan's election result sending shockwave throughout the world, especially to countries like Singapore, with their Opposition victory. With Logic (make sense policies of Obama) + Hope (of a victory against powerful incumbent) , the keyword "CHANGE" is become more impactful with the passing days.

Mr. Teo Ser Luck posted on his facebook status: "Change. Nothing will stand still. The outcome of the Japan election results really got me thinking. If we don't change, we will be changed. Whether in life or in career, we have to keep up with the pace of change. The environment would not change or wait for us. Like it or not, it is a never-ending race. We can never be complacent."

Even this major PAP politician knew that the wind of change in coming. But seriously, is PAP changing better or for worse? (based on that status update, it is suggested that PAP might had been changing, just not fast enough) Seriously, PAP HAD changed over the years, since Mr Lee Kuan Yew was Prime Minister; just that PAP seemed to change to become more "greedy" financially... It reaches a point where, all those giant reserve and huge government incomes that made Singapore rich, no longer had a link to the fortunes of Singaporeans.

Is it not logical that medical fees should be lower?
Transport companies do not need that much profit, as their purpose is to serve our people?
Town councils do not need to invest money?
Old folks should be taken better care of with better facilities and lower rents since they are the people whom built our nation to what it is today?
That Singaporeans should have more spare money to spend and save?
Students should be banned from dropping out and better policies to make sure we dun lose this potential talents?
That better policies and ideas should be made and executed to ensure more babies are being born and reduction in the cost of raising a kid?
etc...

Why can Obama do the obvious and PAP cant? Why PAP have to make it always seems so complicated and changes be sounded so treacherous?

Haiz...

Oppositions, the same question is posted to you: What can you do for the country and the people?

Learn from Obama, stop closing one eye and play politics.

(p.s: The moment politics stops, like how Obama treated his Israeli ally on the Palestinian issue, the world just stop and applause.)

[RECOMMENDED READ] Level the playing field for locals and foreigners in employment?

2009-08-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

I would like to recommend this read from The Online Citizen

http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/08/level-the-playing-field-for-locals-and-foreigners-in-employment/

Its about the inequality between Singaporeans and Non-Singaporean when comes to employment and certain "rights". The implications is that, it would cause business owners to have preference in employing foreigners than Singaporeans.

It also created a question, which is always on my mind... And its NOT "What it meant to be a Singaporean" (as in being proud of being Singaporean)... BUT, "What differentiates us Singaporeans from non-Singaporeans?"

Although, it can also be questioned as "What it meant to be a Singaporean" (but as in, why the fuck Singaporeans arent treated like we from this country).

Seriously, I have no idea whats the diff between PR and Singapore Citizen... NS and Polls? Somemore?

Singaporeans underpaid?

2009-08-21T09:30:00.000-07:00

For those whom had followed Majulah! (this blog) closely, you would have noticed that I am very concerned and conscious abt the lack of "development" in the amount of our pay for the past 10 years+...

This issue had become glaring in the latest survey by UBS on wage levels and living cost in major cities across the world.

Read abt it here: http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/sub/news/story/0,4574,346842,00.html?

Singapore is the SECOND MOST EXPENSIVE CITY IN ASIA after Tokyo. But workers in Tokyo are earning MORE THAN TWICE of what we earned in Singapore. And this is happening while Singaporeans are working longer hours (2088 hours per year) than people of Tokyo (1997 hours per year).

Thats is pretty astounding.

So even when Tokyo people are facing the most expensive living cost in Asia, they can easily deal with it because of their pay. But in Singapore, the case is extremely different. While we had to work harder, pay more for our daily expenses or for entertainment; we are actually "enjoying" only 50% of what the Japanese are enjoying.

And no wonder Singapore ranked so low for happiness and people in "The Online Citizen" hates PAP so much... = \

But for those who read: Dun start criticizing. Think of solution. Complaining is like solving an algebra by chewing bubble gum. So dun comment without thinking thru how can we make it better. Thanks.

[READ THIS] Who Holds the Sovereign Wealth of this Nation and Why? --- by Reform Party

2009-08-18T03:19:00.001-07:00

This is a recommended read by me.
Its an article from Reform Party's website, which I find really good.

source: http://www.thereformparty.net/?p=283

Who Holds the Sovereign Wealth of this Nation and Why?
August 8, 2009 by admin

excerpt from the article:

Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) are not a new idea. According to Wikipedia, the term Sovereign Wealth Fund was first used by Andrew Rozanov in an article entitled, ‘Who holds the wealth of nations?’ in the Central Banking Journal of May 2005. A SWF may be broadly defined as a state-owned investment fund composed of financial assets such as stocks, bonds, property, precious metals or other financial instruments.
Theoretically one can distinguish two types of SWFs. The first, and the oldest form of SWF, is one set up to manage revenues from an exhaustible resource such as oil, or one which derives its assets from government budget surpluses. An example of one based on resources, and arguably the first SWF was the Kuwait Investment Authority, a commodity SWF created in 1953 from oil revenues before Kuwait even gained independence from Great Britain. A more recent example is the Norwegian SWF which was set up primarily to ensure that the wealth represented by Norway’s oil reserves was not squandered on current consumption but turned into financial assets which would benefit future generations.
Temasek could be said to be an example of the first type of SWF. It was set up in 1974 to hold stakes in the various government-controlled companies, such as DBS, SIA and Singapore Technologies, that had previously been held by the Ministry of Finance. The Temasek Holdings website states that “Our investments are funded through dividends we receive from our portfolio companies, our divestment proceeds, commercial borrowings, a maiden Yankee bond issue in 2005 and occasional asset injections from our shareholder, the Minister for Finance (Incorporated).”

continue reading here: http://www.thereformparty.net/?p=283

Singaporeans = Contemporary Coolies? My Take.

2009-08-17T00:37:00.001-07:00

The article from SingaporeanSkeptic.blogspot.com highlighted a growing issue in Singapore.

Its the same problem I always highlighted to ppl (not sure if i did that in this blog), that the salary had not really increase much for the past 20 years (since I was 6-7 years old). Maybe at that time the starting salary is $1200. Now? Its isnt very must better, just $1600 to $1800. But then, taxi fare starts at $1.20 and now its already ard $3 the moment you get into the cab. And I havent talked abt bus fare (which is worse)

Expenses literally doubled (other than food...) but salary hadnt. Rents for shops and stalls had raised tremendously, until, what used to be profitable business, now become a struggle to continue - resulting in debts...

Singaporeans as a whole, we are really educated to be workers and employees. We are inculcated the "get a degree and get a high pay job" mentality throughout the past 30-40 years and this itself had even starting to evolve into "get a degree so that you can get a decent job".

Singapore had transformed tremendously since independence, but mentality and culture of Singaporeans had not. Even though the Government's foreign worker policy (from highly trained to construction workers) had made it easier for Government to keep the numbers up and business flowing; they had forgotten to consider what individual Singaporeans going to face in such demographic change in our workers' population.

Top jobs going more to foreigners and bottom jobs given to cheap labours from overseas. Singaporeans are left stucked in the middle. The middle class is historically weak and easily affected by policy change or recession. And this is exactly whats happening now.

My Hypothesis
So now that Singaporeans have gone thru life from the bottom: coolies, construction workers, factory workers.... to the middle class which lasted for the past 20 years: office workers, sales people, etc... PERHAPS, its time for Singaporeans to move up the ladder again. Lets start to be the people at the TOP of the food chain, managing "Middle Class Foreigners" and "Blue collar foreigners"

Perplex?

Its probably untenable for Singaporeans to continue to stay with their worker mentality and continue to subject themselves to availability of jobs and competition with increasingly smart and cheap foreign labour. Its only logical that Singaporeans should start to have more entrepreneurial mindsets and start to transform the demographic from a middle class majority, to a "top heavy one"; one that shows a tremendously high percentage of people are business leaders, entreprenuers, whom their business stretch beyond Singapore and into the regions around Singapore.

When I now use the word "Entreprenuers" , i'm not talking abt those Property Agents and Financial Consultants, nor those small businesses that just scrapping to earn those little money within our borders; I am talking about transforming Singaporeans to become creative and daring to scale their business bigger and bring their business overseas.

The Goal: is to make Singapore a business entreprenuership powerhouse.

Imagine a Singapore, which is already a financial centre and a jewel in South East Asia, that have the highest percentage of people running their own business in the world; many of our local companies stretch their arms into other countries in the region, providing high quality products and services into our neighbouring countries and in turn, bring in more cash back into Singapore.

Think this little Red Dot is becoming so satuated that its had to burst outwards with multiple arms reaching out for more "domination" in the business realm.

Think Japan's economic miracles and dominance. Think Silicon Valley (but instead of just IT stuff, but across ALL industries). Think of our Sovereign Weath Funds (SWF), that stretch aross seas to make their mark. Think Middleeast, where their petrol money is coming from all over the world.

This is the only viable way to go, and it will bring Singapore even more years of economic success and anchor Singapore as an ever more important country among the league of nations.

But I have reiterate, that this can only be achieve if our Government willing to pool resources in helping to train, educate and even fund the Singaporeans to become entreprenuers. It requires massive change in the educational system to help switch our mindset from worker to start-own-business mentality. Singaporeans then should make use of our favourable business environment in Singapore to build their business.

From a nation of workers, to a nation of business leaders. Imagine.

(p.s: might seemed a bit lofty and maybe i didnt organise my writings properly as well. But i do suspect PAP does understand this, and sec sch students are having "education" in entreprenuership based on my understanding... cheers anyway)

Singaporeans = Contemporary Coolies???

2009-08-17T00:18:00.000-07:00

This was an article link which was posted on Facebook by Reform Party's General Sec, Kenneth.J. Then after i read it... i have to say, it resonates with every common man and I want to reproduce it here.

source: http://singaporeanskeptic.blogspot.com/2009/07/is-this-life-you-want-your-children-to.html

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2009
Is this the life you want your children to have?

More than a hundred years ago, some of our ancestors were coolies. These peasants had a hard life working for little pay. At the end of each hard day's work, they would go home to their cramp squalid accommodations to rest and prepare for another day of back-breaking labour. Life was hard but they were powerless to do anything to change. No one helped or protected them. They had no labour union to protect them and they lived in constant fear of losing their only means of survival- their jobs.

Now in the 21st century, this coolie mentality is still prevalent in our society. We wake up every morning from our cramp HDB dwelling so that we could squeeze inside a tight MRT train to get to work. Because of the recession, we no longer work from 9 to 5 but 8 to 7. The hours are longer because of the unfortunate souls who got retrenched. But what can we do? If we complain, we could be the next to lose our jobs. Our unions are ,for all intents and purposes, non-existent. Why should our NTUC chief care? He receives a fat pay-check for being a minister and pleasing the government.

But we do nothing because it is in our cultural legacy to suffer. We only know how to endure suffering and not how to enjoy life. We learn it from our parents and they learnt it from their parents all the way back to the coolies. Nothing has changed except that instead of being ruled by an overseas master, our masters are now fellow Singaporeans who are overseas educated.

Yes, for some of us, our lives are miserable and this has to stop. Do you want your children to inherit this cultural legacy of servitude? Do you want them to break free from this cycle of lower wages and endless skills retraining? Do you want them to not go through what you have gone through.

If you want the best future for them, then educate them. Educate them not for the purpose of serving our PAP masters. Educate them to give your children the resources/skills to leave this Island. Imagine how much happier your son (and his sons) would be if he doesn't have to serve NS. Imagine how happy your daughter would be because she wouldn't need to work in a stressed out environment or live in a cramp HDB apartment.

Educate them so that they can leave. Because if they don't leave, some day they may have to explain to their own children why their manager father had to become a taxi driver.

After all, what is the point of your suffering if they have to experience it themselves when they grow up?

Excerpt from The New Paper. July 22 2009

--- quote ---
THE man had a simple question for his MP: I will be a security guard if I must, he said, but how can I encourage my children to do well in school if I can't find a good job despite my (tertiary) education?It was a statement that shook even a battle-hardened MP like Madam Halimah Yacob (Jurong GRC).'When he responded in that manner, I also started thinking,' she said.

Madam Halimah was raising this example with The New Paper last night after a hotly-debated Parliamentary discussion on how to help retrenched Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMETs).The man, a former manager in his 50s with an engineering diploma, was retrenched late last year. Unable to find a job, he became a taxi driver.

Madam Halimah said she told him to look at the positive side and show his children that despite the setbacks, he is still doing his best.'Look, this is reality. In life, there'll be ups and downs,' she said. 'It is important not to lose hope, to do our best, stay on course, and try to improve ourselves.'
--- quote ---

The Original TNP Article that inspired the above post.

PICKY? GRAD EXPECTATIONS IN DOWNTURN

TRICKY
- We focus on those willing to be helped, says Minister
- PMETs aren't simply being choosy, say MPs. This recession has hit them especially hard
By Ng Tze Yong and Ho Lian-Yi
July 22, 2009

THE man had a simple question for his MP:

I will be a security guard if I must, he said, but how can I encourage my children to do well in school if I can't find a good job despite my (tertiary) education?

It was a statement that shook even a battle-hardened MP like Madam Halimah Yacob (Jurong GRC).

'When he responded in that manner, I also started thinking,' she said.

Madam Halimah was raising this example with The New Paper last night after a hotly-debated Parliamentary discussion on how to help retrenched Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMETs).

The man, a former manager in his 50s with an engineering diploma, was retrenched late last year. Unable to find a job, he became a taxi driver.

Madam Halimah said she told him to look at the positive side and show his children that despite the setbacks, he is still doing his best.

'Look, this is reality. In life, there'll be ups and downs,' she said. 'It is important not to lose hope, to do our best, stay on course, and try to improve ourselves.'

Is enough being done for PMETs like him? MP Ho Geok Choo (West Coast GRC) told Parliament that she had received feedback that PMETs who do not go to job interviews arranged by career centres are given warnings that they will not be considered for future job vacancies.

'I'm wondering how we can guide the career centres to do a better job,' she said.

Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong replied: 'There are a lot of workers we need to help, and we need to be focused on workers who are prepared to be helped.'

He told Parliament that the Government has taken effective measures to reduce unemployment.

Tangible results

In just six months since Spur (Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience) started, more than 19,000 jobseekers have been placed in jobs, he said.

He said the Spur-Jobs scheme, implemented in May, saw 50 companies committed to hiring 1,200local workers in various industries in just one month.

He pointed out that, as of end-May, the Professional Skills Programme (PSP) had about 36,000 PMETs and fresh graduates trained or committed to training.

But the sense on the ground is that this is an especially tough recession for PMETs.

MP Liang Eng Hwa (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC) noted: 'Whereas in the past, PMETs may be more nimble and adaptable, the same does not hold true this time around.'

He added that nowadays, everything has a shelf life - even a degree.

Madam Ho urged more to be done for PMETs.

For example, she said retrenched PMETs can be teamed up to carry out stock checks and review procedures in companies.

'PMETs have the experience and they can return to the workforce as consultants,' said Madam Ho.

She also feels better training will be useful for staff helping with job-matching at government agencies.

'A bit of psychology training may help them understand how to handle someone who has just lost his or her job,' said Madam Ho.

Asking the right questions

They can also be trained on how to ask the right questions and phrase them the right way, and have the tenacity to follow up on the cases.

'It cannot be just a clerical staff telling people we have a vacancy here and a vacancy there,' she said.

Peter (not his real name), a grassroots leader who works closely with retrenched workers, said that 'people are not being genuinely helped'.

Government agencies like the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) and the Workforce Development Agency (WDA) are 'too focused on the numbers, because numbers equal more funding' from Spur, said Peter.

It has resulted in a lot of frustration on the ground, he said.

Instead, government agencies should be working more closely with employers to find out the nature and number of jobs that are available, to make their training more targeted, suggested Peter.

'After all, WDA and e2i have a lot of resources and a wide network of contacts in various industries,' said Peter.

'But they are not listening. Instead, it is always about training, training and training because that's the easier thing to do. What is the point of training thousands of people without knowing where the jobs are?'

Peter added that there are many organisations, such as the self-help groups, that want to help but are unable to 'because all the training is put under one roof, which is e2i.'

'Is this the many helping hands approach we always talk about?' he asked.

I will have my personal follow up post on this issue.

Excellent Article about Why the West hate Singapore.

2009-08-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

Source: The Straits Times, Singapore
Source: http://forum.football.co.uk/about156207.html (surprisingly, its from a football forum)

Why they hate Singapore
Western detractors are getting the jitters as others copy our model

SINGAPORE is small enough to be a suburb in Beijing, but it has something in common with the mammoth People's Republic. The little red dot and Red China are both countries the West loves to hate.
There are those who wish bad things to happen to the Beijing Olympics. Likewise, there are those who have had it in for the Lion City for years.

What's eating them? The easy answer is that both China and Singapore are authoritarian states. The freedoms taken for granted in the West - freedom of speech and assembly - come with more caveats in these two places.

But things are not so simple. There are plenty of authoritarian states around, but most do not attract as much attention as Singapore and China.

The real sin: Singapore and China are examples of countries which are taking a different route to development, and look to be succeeding.

Success grates, especially when it cocks a snook at much-cherished liberal values.

As Madam Yeong Yoon Ying, press secretary to Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, said last month: 'Singapore is an example to other countries of how the free market plus the rule of law, and stable macro-economic policies, can lead to progress and success, but without Western-style 'liberal' democracy.'

Don't believe her words? Read these lines from British journalist John Kampfner, writing in The Guardian last month, lamenting the spread of what he calls the Singapore model.

'Why is it that a growing number of highly-educated and well-travelled people are willing to hand over several of their freedoms in return for prosperity or security? This question has been exercising me for months as I work on a book about what I call the 'pact'.

'The model for this is Singapore, where repression is highly selective. It is confined to those who take a conscious decision openly to challenge the authorities. If you do not, you enjoy freedom to travel, to live more or less as you wish, and - perhaps most important - to make money. Under Lee Kuan Yew, this city-state built on a swamp has flourished economically.

'I was born in Singapore and have over the years been fascinated by my Chinese Singaporean friends. Doctors, financiers and lawyers, they have studied in London, Oxford, Harvard and Sydney. They have travelled across all continents; they are well-versed in international politics, but are perfectly content with the situation back home. I used to reassure myself with the old certainty that this model was not applicable to larger, more diverse states. I now believe this to be incorrect.

'Provincial governments in China send their brightest officials to Singapore to learn the secrets of its 'success'. For Russian politicians it too provides a useful model. These countries, and others in Asia and the Middle East are proving that the free market does not require a free society in which to thrive, and that in any battle between politics and economics, it is the latter that will win out.'

Mr Kampfner seems in a genuine intellectual funk. He cannot quite understand why otherwise normal, intelligent Singaporeans would trade certain freedoms for economic progress, and accept the Singapore political system for what it is.

But perhaps he has got the wrong end of the stick. The problem lies not in the Singaporeans, but in his own assumptions. Namely: If you speak English, if you are well-educated and well-travelled, you must also believe in Western-style democracy. They are a package.

I was on the receiving end of similar assumptions when I was in the United States in 1991-1992. When Americans asked me, 'Why is your English so good?', often it was not out of admiration but bewilderment. Their next question revealed all: 'Why then do you (i.e. your Government) ban chewing gum?'

Another telling indicator of Western assumptions about Singapore comes from a remark by Singapore's Ambassador to Washington, Professor Chan Heng Chee, who went to the US at the tail end of the Michael Fay saga.

One year into her posting there, in 1997, she arranged for a retrospective of the late choreographer Goh Choo San's works. Her Washington audience was awed.

'People suddenly remembered Choo San was a Singaporean. They may have known about Goh Choo San, but to connect him with Singapore was not so obvious for them,' she said.

Sub-text: World-class choreography does not fit their image of a country with corporal punishment.

So the real difficulty for the West is this: We are so like them, and yet so not like them. We speak, dress, do business and do up our homes very much the same way as them. Yet when it comes to political values, we settle - apparently - for much less.

One observer draws an analogy with Pavlovian behavioural conditioning. So conditioned have Westerners become to associating cosmopolitan progress with certain political parameters, they do not know how to react when they encounter a creature - Singapore - that has one but not the other.

So they chide and berate us, as if we have betrayed a sacred covenant.

Adding to the iniquity is the fact that countries - rich and powerful ones too, like Russia and the Gulf states - are looking to the Singaporean way of doing things to pick up a tip or two.

I can imagine the shudders of Singapore's Western detractors should they read about a suggestion made by Mr Kenichi Ohmae this week.

In an interview with Business Times, the Japanese management consultant who first became famous as author of The Borderless World, said Singapore should 'replicate' itself in other parts of the world.

What he meant was that Singapore should use its IQ, and IT prowess, to help organise effective economies in other regions, as its own had succeeded so well.

To be sure, his reasoning was economic, not political. But for those who hate Singapore, a Pax Singaporeana would be something to work against and head off.

Happy Birthday Singapore!

2009-08-09T06:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Singapore!!!

As Singapore celebrates the 44th National Day and the parade in full swing just not long ago; the celebrations arent just not limited to the physical world at Marina Bay, in front of our TV and in our hearts: In the internet, Singapore's Birthday had made an impact on the social networking websites as well!

In Twitter, the words "Singapore" and "NDP" made it into the TOP 10 threading topics at the very moment NDP just ended. To let you understand the extent of how significant this is: the top 10 treading topics is garnered from the ALL AROUND THE WORLD, the entire world' tweeting trend at the very moment. And Singapore made their mark.

A country of 5 million plus, just a speck on the globe, we got 2 words making the treading topic. Thats just how much we are celebrating now! =D

And on Facebook, I'm so proud to see that my fellow Singaporean friends are proud of their country and celebrating with pride. I'm touched.

Especially coupled with the fact that I had just watched the best National Day Parade ever... Every single part is meaningful and well executed (except that poor flutist whom's mike is not on...) I love especially the SOKA's part, where the Red Ball of Light represents the Little Red Dot Singapore is, in which, every Singaporean will always have that little red dot in them where ever they go to in the world. There will always be a part of Singapore in them...

Happy Birthday Singapore. I love you and I am proud to be a Singaporean.

Changing of Electoral Rules - A Masterstroke.

2009-06-01T08:58:00.001-07:00

sorry for the lack of "action" in this blog...
too busy..

Anyway, the biggest talking point on Singapore politics lately had been the new election rulings, abt the additional single seat wards, reduction of size in GRC, increase of minimum Opposition in parliament to 9, etc...

My view is this is a positive move by the PAP. Although WP can say all they want abt this changes is not enough or whatsoever, but think again, PAP can jolly well just continue on status quo; so lets be thankful that PAP is willing to give the Oppositions more chance to get into the parliament and put in their part in making Singapore a better place.

New single wards and reduction of GRC size is perhaps the most bewildering move, as far as PAP supporters are concerned. Because this is basically a weakening of PAP's dominance, given the history and fact that our Oppositions hardly able to build up a strong team to compete in the GRC. And additional SMC also means more chance for individual talented linguists to grab a seat for their parties.

Why such a move?
Perhaps it comes down to the lack of "quality" MPs within the PAP. As GRC is embraced, the number of the powerful-passionate-committed PAP politicians takes a dip (its just an impression). Weak PAP candidates, like Heng Chee How (who took on Low Thia Kiang and lost), is put into a GRC, to ensure their "qualification" into MP-hood.

To me, GRC is less of an avenue to protect minority groups, but more of an avenue to either putting "quiet" and "abiding" PAP members into the Parliament (which is more "strategic", to prevent infighting and less opposition within the PAP) or someone who is capable, but just cannot connect with the constituents (wish I hope is the case. But still usually, such ppl are still too quiet to make any decent contribution in Parliamentary debates).

As I mentioned earlier, the lack of "out-spoken" and "endearing" MPs from PAP could have started to backfire at PAP: losing ground support and respect; lack of contributions in parliament; just simply not "capable" enough. The general "standard" of PAP could be degenerating to a point where, the cabinet ministers close a blind eye anymore (in exchange for "parliamentary compliance"). Of course, all this is just speculations; DUN SUE ME.

Either way, quality is starting to prove to be more important than quantity, especially in the onset of a difficult era, a new age, a new world order. PAP can no longer just dominate the political scene (albeit with "mediocre" ppl) and just have the "quality" in the cabinet (the one whom really make decisions).

The new age, beyond the global economic crisis, is a treacherous one for vulnerable Singapore. In the past, manufacturing industry is easier to build up and grow Singapore; its very much a hardware thing... But the Singapore now, finance center, service sector, tourism, high tech reseach, bio-med science, IT, digital media, games development, movie industry... All the just mentioned is extremely volatile. Research can anytime be triumph by others with greater capacity and talents (China, Japan, US, etc...); games dev and movie dev is one of the highest risk possible in investment, they can just flop and you lose millions... not to mention how behind we are in term of digital media and games dev technology...

In the face of all this caprice and uncertainty, PAP must be worried abt the future, and one which they are now finding their "laid-back GRC tag-along" quite useless (or so i think).

On the other hand, Oppositions are starting to consolidate and gaining strength, in both wisdom and talents. With the leadership of Reform Party, under a man, whose credentials and paper qualifications matching, if not, beating many of the PAP members; the stability and growth of WP under Sylvia Lim and Low; its simply "untapped" Singaporean talents. Thus, with the introduction of 9 NMP slots for Oppositions, they get to acquire the views and input of the best and more talented 9 Opposition members. At the same time, it can also cause the Oppositions to "relax" on their drive to unroot the PAP, since they are like almost guaranteed a spot in the parliament; if to worst, cause infighting between Oppositions parties when they try to negotiate which wards they want to compete in (might even en up with 3 way fight, which will definitely benefit PAP).

Thus, to say the truth, this entire move, is a total masterstroke by the leadership of PAP; which kills many bird in one stone: get more talented ppl with gd views, visions and input to contribute to the parliament; reduce "animosity" of the Opposition (or appease them, but giving them almost guaranteed spots); discourage ppl from voting lousy Opposition candidates simply because they dun want to vote PAP; cause infighting among the Oppositions when they fighting for wards to compete in, especially when there are more candidates than possible seats to fight for; and lastly, put pressure on those "tag-along" PAP MP, whom their iron-bowl in parliament is perhaps, all but over.

Even for the Oppositions, there is simply nothing to lose, but all to gain. A surprising win-win situation... something that could never happen in politics, turns possible.

Lee Kuan Yew's Garden

2009-05-18T03:49:00.000-07:00

If its not for the press (if I am not wrong, The New Paper), I would not have known that the Garden City of Singapore, is in fact, a vision of the Great man himself, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

For I am already full of admiration and respect for our former Prime Minister, the Man who led us to who we are today; my liking for him went up a notch after reading the article.

His vision (or maybe preference) of covering all the articificial silhouette and buildings with the green of nature; the insistence of having all this done fast and done well; his ability to command the dedication and passion of our unsung heroes, the gardeners, to source for the ideal plants to bring back to Singapore; simply his love for nature and parks... is simply inspiring.

It reminds me of my own journey now, where I had my visions that I hope and want to achieve; the path and decisions I see myself taking; I very much similar to his passion and desire to make something that is probably a first in the world, into reality.

Thanks the reporter whom came out with that article; the gardeners whom had helped built Singapore's reputation as the Garden City; the cleaners whom kept Singapore clean and tidy; and Mr Lee, your commitment and unfaltering dedication to make it happen and maintain it.

I am proud to be a Singaporean.

Childish Saga of Aware.

2009-05-04T07:19:00.000-07:00

AWARE. So are you aware now? Of AWARE? Or AWARE being aware?

=X

The EOGM (Extraordinary General Meeting) of AWARE at the SUNTEC had became the national sensation and talking point. The fervent crowd opposing the allegedly "Un-Aware" ppl who won in their election to become the new Exco (executive committee) is probably the next most incredible scene of Singaporeans voicing out, after the Worker's Party's Election Rally.

Ppl were discussing and arguing, are the supporters of the Old Guards (the previous Exco) being ungraceful in the way they boo and disrupt the speeches of the "New Guards"? Or are the "New Guard" conspiring something that will hurt the reputation and meaning of AWARE? "SHUT UP!" and "Feminist Mentor" trash talk?

In my opinion, the entire saga resembles just like children's quarrel; simply childish. In fact, if the "New Guard" have ideologies of anti-gay rights and such, and thus joining AWARE to prevent, the alleged pro-gay education materials from continued used, are they going to prevent gays and lesbian from appearing in our society? I doubt so...

[side tracking warning] if in our conservative society, gays and lesbians can continue to appear, I dun see the point, going anti-gay or not mentioning of gay-ism, is going to change anything.

Somehow, the booing and discrediting on the ground of the EOGM reminds me of what i did during football matches at the stadium. LOL~ Just find it hilarious happening in a General Meeting. To say the truth, if the New Guards get their way, and speak all their hearts all, without interruption, about their Feminist thingy and ting-tongs which I apparently dun understand much (gender equality is already is tip towards the fairer sex in our law already anyway): are the ground going to cast confident votes for them? NAH!

Its already over even before it started, so why bother talking all the 大道理（Big Meaning “literally”），all their philosophy and watever, when ppl already discredited them beyond repair. What's worse is the Thio Thio whom self-styled herself as "Feminist Mentor".

Being successful in your own life doesnt make you a "Female Rights Leader". Abuthen, who is the "Masculinist Mentor" then? Maybe in Singapore is our dear, All Singaporeans Fav: MM Lee Kuan Yew. He made Singapore from nothing to really something. He can be the true "Masculinist Mentor" thus also MM. So he can be MM&MM Lee. =D (sarcasm)

You cant just start to call yourself something which includes other ppl, without other concurring with you.

Wat the hell is Feminist Mentor anyway? Girl are already female; you cant make a female more female right? And if my gf is going to mentored by that Thio Thio, I going to be very afraid....

----

At first, I was in support of AWARE to respect their electoral result, for the same reason, why we must support the PAP as long as they are in power, because they are whom majority had voted in.

But when revelation of most of the New Guard are from the same Church, and their Senior Pastor Derek Hong urged the women in his flock to ‘be engaged’ and support new president Josie Lau and ‘her sisters’ at AWARE; its apparent that it is something that was being said or probably instigated by their Pastor or in their sermons, or maybe someone whom is also from the same church, maybe that Thio Thio, that resulted in the sudden surge in membership of AWARE before the election and thus the surprise result in the election. And because of this, I agree with the supporters of the Old Guard that this Exco had to be replaced.

AWARE despite being well-reputated, isnt exactly a big organisation despite their great contributions to the society. So, to cause such a "problem" in election is quite easy, given the fact that a Church can have easily more members than a NGO like AWARE.

And thus, the voting of no-confidence vote in the EOGM can be seen as a more true reflection of the views of Singaporean women who cares.

So AWARE, pls add a new line to your "Constitution" - you cannot get elected without joining AWARE a year prior to the election, and must be involved in at least 1 "AWARE activity".

For those interested in how this Saga can become a lesson for PAP, read here: http://www.yawningbread.org/arch_2009/yax-1018.htm
Yawning bread's view is something i concur with~ =}

NTU Tragedy - Continued

2009-04-15T09:01:00.000-07:00

http://theonlinecitizen.com/2009/04/team-is-confident-that-davids-death-was-not-due-to-suicide/

Just for info for those interested. Apparently, the Indonesian side had a verification team whom examined the alleged antangonist, David Widjaja (NTU Student), and declared that he is murdered instead of the suicide as claimed in the papers in Singapore and by the local authorities.

Intriguing. But I have to say, there is very little they could do in my opinion.

If what the Indonesians said is true, that suggests cover up on the Singapore side, and in anyway, the cover up will be complete and thorough since it is deliberate. The local media will said nothing at all of the case anymore, and as I predicted, the media black-out will be complete.

Sorry for the family, but my guess is that, whatever they do, the "host" will win.

(disclaimer: I am speaking on the neutral point of view; everything written here is just my opinion, and SHOULD NOT be used as evidence or reference in court or any lawsuit.)

-edit-

I changed the word "alleged killer" to "alleged antagonist", because the "victim" did not die. Sorry for the mistake.

Just for those, like me didnt read very closely, the verification team comprises of 12 bloggers, led by Mr Iwan Piliang, a citizen journalist. (source: http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/printfriendly/0,4139,198202,00.html) And their main thus is to simply "verify what was really going on" (in their own words).

Thus their conclusion is not to be viewed on the same level as a statement by official authority or experts.

And if all the hoo-ha in Indonesia is simply for a lost cause or even an attempt to "confuse" everyone; i still think its a "interesting progress" to the tragedy that should made it to tabloids like The New Paper, as it could fans up more readership like what Huang Na did. Of course, this could happen if there is not media blackout and if the papers are interested; as of now, no one can be bothered abt it~

=}

AWARE not aware.

2009-04-15T08:41:00.001-07:00

Reading the drama of the women group, AWARE's AGM surprise shuffle in the papers really kindda sums up a lot about human nature.

As we stay in a job or organisation for sometime, we were then regarded as senior and expect respect from ppl whom just joined. But its also the reality of life that this hierarchical concept of thought does not always stay fixed.

So after many years of mingling in AWARE, the supposed leaders of the group got kicked out by a organized mass of newly joined. Now the defeated "clique" questions the intention of these newbies and pointed out that they should form their own grouping since they have differences in philosophy.

But if thats the case, why have AGM? Why have ppl to vote in the committee? And why give entry to the organisation so easily if you want to limit thus freedom? Its an irony and also a fact of life.

In another perspective, now that these "newbies" got voted in by majority vote, which thus means they are now the leader the majority wanted, thus they have the legitimacy to lead. They are like the Thai Rak Thai Party led by Thaksin few years back where he commands the majority support in the country. But these "elites" or "old birds" resents the new order, much like the Yellow Shirts, whom successfully ripped down the legitimate voted-in party (twice) to install their opposition politicians.

So in summary, not respecting the majority results in? ---> Chaos. Resentment. Hatred. Ultimately, Failure...

So the lao jiao of AWARE, I understand your pain, but perhaps, your time is up. Your opponents got more support. What you should do is to get MORE supporters of yours to join AWARE, and hopefully win back the seats in the next election. If not, just continue to do your part in the organisation and see how the new leaders do. Dun whine in the newspapers anymore; you simply lose more than you probably think you gain.

NTU Tragedy Review.

2009-04-06T03:02:00.001-07:00

Apparently, if anyone does read this blog, or you happen to chance upon the current post; I had previously posted regarding certain suspected cover up regarding the bizarre NTU tragedy where a Indonesian student was allegedly accused of stabbing his lecturer before "committing suicide", as well as the suicide of another guy whom are related to the two fore-mentioned person.

As I had predicted, there is a media blackout on this case ever since the initial reporting for the first week of the 2 incidents. Subsequently, in anti-tabloid style, the case had suddenly disappeared off the subsequent editions of ALL local newspaper.

With this case being more bizarre than Huang Na or the SAF Medical Officer's death, its unusual that it is no longer covered by the press or chased upon for more newsbreaking information by any of the reporters.

Neither did any of this conspiracy theories or flare ups online made it to any papers...

Bizarre case indeed.

p.s: I am not suggesting anything of controversy, just stating facts as it is. Dun sue me.

Singapore Politicians Highest Paid in the World!!!

2009-04-06T02:36:00.000-07:00

Today, i happened to got this links from my email forwards abt our local politicians pay; and we can safely say we just achieved another Number One. =X

In summary, the TOP 30 HIGHEST PAID Politicians are ALL from Singapore.

ALL TOP 30.

ALL...

ALL.......

........

April 01, 2009
The 10 highest paid politicians in the world

There is nothing like a scandal involving porn films claimed on Commons expenses to focus attention on the pay and perks enjoyed, sorry earned, by our public servants.

Even before Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary, was forced to apologise for her husband's blue movies there had been calls for the whole system to be overturned. The committee on standards in public life which has promised to report on MP pay and expenses by the end of the year is under pressure to do something radical.

Whenever MPs come under attack over pay they are quick to argue that compared to executives in the private and public sector they are not particularly well paid.

With the G20 leaders in the country we thought it was worth getting a snapshot of how much the highest paid presidents and prime ministers around the world earn. For comparison's sake all earnings have been converted into dollars. It also shows basic annual salary only, not the expenses claimed on top.

So, where does our own Gordon Brown stand?

1. Lee Hsien Loong - Singapore

Salary in dollars - $2.47 million

Salary in local currency - S$3.76 million

2. Donald Tsang Yum-Kuen - Hong Kong

Salary in dollars - $516,000

Salary in local currency - HK$4 million

3. Barack Obama - United States

Salary in dollars - $400,000

4. Brian Cowen - Ireland

Salary in dollars - $341,000

Salary in local currency - €257,000

5. Nicolas Sarkozy - France

Salary in dollars - $318,000

Salary in local currency - €240,000

6. Angela Merkel - Germany

Salary in dollars - $303,000

Salary in local currency - €228,000

7. Gordon Brown - UK

Salary in dollars - $279,000

Salary in local currency - £194,250

8. Stephen Harper - Canada

Salary in dollars - $246,000

Salary in local currency - C$311,000

9. Taro Aso - Japan

Salary in dollars - $243,000

Salary in local currency - Y24 million

10. Kevin Rudd - Australia

Salary in dollars - $229,000

Salary in local currency - A$330,000

source: http://timesbusiness.typepad.com/money_weblog/2009/04/the-10-highest-paid-politicians-in-the-world.html

The TOP 30 highest paid politicians in the world

The TOP 30 highest paid politicians in the world are all from Singapore:
1. Elected President SR Nathan - S$3.9 million.
2. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong - S$3.8 million.
3. Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew - S$3.5 million.
4. Senior Minister Goh Chok Thong - S$3.5 million.
5. Senior Minister Prof Jayakumar - S$3.2 million.
6. DPM & Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng - S$2.9 million.
7. DPM & Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean - $2.9 million
8. Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo - S$2.8 million.
9. National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan - S$2.7 million.
10. PMO Miniser Lim Boon Heng - S$2.7 million.
11. Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang - S$2.7 million.
12. PMO Minister Lim Swee Say - S$2.6 million.
13. Environment Minister & Muslim Affairs Minister Dr Yaccob Ibrahim - S$2.6 million.
14. Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan - S$2.6 million.
15. Finance Minister S Tharman - S$2.6 million.
16. Education Minister & 2nd Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen - S$2.6 million.
17. Community Development Youth and Sports Minister - Dr Vivian Balakrishnan - S$2.5 million.
18. Transport Minister & 2nd Minister for Foreign Affairs Raymond Lim Siang Kiat - S$2.5 million.
19. Law Minister & 2nd Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam - S$2.4 million.
20. Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong - S$2.2 million.
21. PMO Minister Lim Hwee Hwa - S$2.2 million
22. Acting ICA Minister - Lui Tuck Yew - S$2.0 million.
23 to 30 = Senior Ministers of State and Ministers of State - each getting between S$1.8 million to S$1.5 million.

Note:

1. The above pay does not include MP allowances, pensions and other sources of income such as Directorship, Chairmnship, Advisory, Consultancy, etc to Gov-linked and gov-related organisations or foreign MNCs such as Citigroup, etc.
2. Though it is based on an estimate, the data cannot be far off the official salary scales.

source: http://mysingaporenews.blogspot.com/2009/04/top-30-highest-paid-politicians-in.html

Dun believe? Believe it.

political disillusioned...

2009-03-07T10:01:00.000-08:00

Although we cant be sure if the conspiracy abt the NTU case is true or not, but somehow, I got a sense of disillusioned as regards to politics; the fakeness and wayangness of it...

This even which most likely going to cause a big stir is the trigger, but the thought is a result that had laid layer over layer over a period of time. Somewhat similar to my disillusion with SAF's wayanging routine; but this is worse, because i cant quit it. Its part of my heritage in fact.

Somehow, i kindda understand the frustration behind some infamous opposition dudes like JBJ, Chee Soon Quan, Low Thia Kiang and those frustrated ah peks(still i am no sympathizer with Chee Soon Quan; i still think he is an idiot); the feeling of seeing injustice or crappiness, but you have no power to change or stop anything.

Like how our ah pek and ah mm started digging the rubbish bins for aluminium cans; how living cost had been rising non-stop while the basic pay remain largely the same; how nurses are underpaid even when their course in poly is so much more demanding than most of the other course, which ironically pays much higher; how town councils can have so much money till they can go do investment on their own while at the same time still can collect even more money; how useless our oppositions are; how elitism is practiced to unassailable levels; how the fuck can certain officers can even become officer; how certain great guys have to salute those fuck up officers; how officers pay can keep increasing while specialist remained stucked; how our minister suggested that we should send the people who helped to build this country to what it is today, to the slums of Johor to see out their final years; how money-minded our government had become; how Mr Lee Kuan Yew isnt stopping and changing all of the above i mentioned; etc...

I ever thought of going into politics, but also discouraged myself from doing so, as it does not really serve much of a practical purpose; because i believe that if you want to serve, you do not need to be a minister or a MP, as long as you can have the money, you can do your part in improving the society...

But now, i cant even see the point of going into politics or even staying in Singapore...

To be able to see what many cant also means to see more crappy stuff than most ppl can.

I want to make Singapore a better place, but I just cant see Singapore surviving for another 100 years... Greed will probably consume our nation one day. And that day, no one in Singapore would want to pick up arms and defend the elites that are enjoying the privileges of being up there, and the country they called home. Because home do not seem to fight for them, thus the lack of the need to fight for home as well.

When we have so much money, and yet our ppl have to work till 65 in order "have enough money to retire"; come on... something must be wrong somewhere. And I still cannot pardon the thought by a certain elite that our old folks should be sent to Johor's old folks home because its cheaper....

THEY ARE THE ONES WHO BUILD THIS NATION. and this is the way we pay our gratitude...

Fuck off....

I dun believe in our leaders anymore. Not PAP, not WP, not SDA, not SDP.

I believe its up to the new generation to CHANGE what is wrong. I dun question the need to be financially power; but not at the expense of our old folks whom build this country and pledge their loyalty to PAP and Mr Lee K Y, for those puny amount of money and land, that is PEANUTS to the elites.

Dear Government, Ministers, MP, and leaders: Please ask yourself why you serve. And if its money and power with no regards for Singaporeans; Pls quit and go into the private sector.

For now, i will just blame myself to be so poor and powerless in changing my country.

NTU tragedy - Got cover up???

2009-03-07T02:04:00.000-08:00

The official Straits Times article abt David Hartanto Widjaja's death is here: http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_347185.html

There is a comment made on the Strait Times' website, i copy and paste it here, in case it got deleted for whatever reason, as it suggested a cover up and intentional mis-reporting by the media:

ladiesman217
Today, 04:04 PM
I can see that Singapore's Strait Times has again stated prejudiced and false allegations concerning Mr. David Hartanto Widjaja. Now I can truly see the ignorance of Singaporean people and newspaper. Mind you all Strait Times reader that DAVID HARTANTO WIDJAJA'S DEATH WAS NOT CAUSED BY SUICIDE BY HIM CUTTING HIS WRIST, IN YOUR SINGAPORE POLICE REPORTS IT IS CONFIRMED THAT HE DID NOT HAVE ANY SLITWOUND WHAT SO EVER ON HIS WRIST. WHAT HIS FAMILY WITNESSED INSTEAD WHEN THEY ATTENDED THE REVEALING (NOT THE AUTOPSY) OF DAVID'S BODY, WAS THAT DAVID SUFFERED SLASH WOUNDS ON HIS NECK (THROAT) AND ALSO ON HIS BACK

THE STORY OF HIS DEPRESSION FROM LOSING HIS SCHOLARSHIP WAS ALSO A LIE. STORIES SAYING "HE KEPT HIS PARENTS IN THE DARK ABOUT IT" WAS ALSO A LIE GENERATED BY YOUR SINGAPOREAN MEDIA.
DAVID HAS ALREADY INFORMED HIS PARENTS OF HIS PROBALE CONDITION OF LOSING HIS SCHOLARSHIP SINCE 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE DAY HE DIED. AND HIS FAMILY BEING A MIDDLE CLASS FAMILY HERE IN INDONESIA HAVE EXPRESSED CASUALLY WITH DAVID THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE A PROBLEM IN PAYING HIS LAST SEMESTER TUITION FEE.

STATEMENTS STATING THAT DAVID GOT ANGRY AT PROFESSOR CHAN KAP LUK FOR GIVING BAD GRADES FR HIS FYP, CANNOT BE FARTHER FROM THE TRUTH , SINCE HIS PAPERS WERE NOT YET DUE, NOT YET SUBMITTED, AND NTU HAS NO POLICY IN INFORMING STUDENTS REGARDING THEIR GRADES BEFORE THE OFFICIAL ISSUE.
This link is a record of the interview made with David's father and brother by a reputable Indonesian Television RCTI in Seputar Indonesia. They have not been permitted to see David's body immediately, and was disappointed to see how the crime scene - professor Chan KapLuk's office was wiped clean from any evidence and blood spatters in as soon as 7 hours after the incident.

WITH ALL DUE RESPECT I DEMAND THAT SINGAPOREAN PUBLIC AND MEDIA REFRAIN FROM MAKING SUCH PREJUDICED STATEMENTS, ONE SUCH AS THIS ONE

"On Monday, David Hartanto Widjaja, 21, an Indonesian student whose scholarship was terminated, stabbed Associate Professor Chan Kap Luk, 45, in the back during a discussion in his office at the NTU campus, then slit his own wrists before fleeing and falling four floors to his death shortly after.
Prof Chan, who suffered injuries to his back and right hand, has been discharged from hospital and is on medical leave."
IT IS ALREADY MARCH 7 2009, AND A TOP MEDIA SUCH AS STRAIT TIMES HAVE NOT INDEED GET THEIR FACT STRAIGHT. WHEN WE INDONESIANS HAVE ALREADY BEEN AWARE THE EMERGING TRUTH SINCE THE DAY AFTER DAVID'S DEATH. (2/3/2009)

AND CEASE ALL ATTEMPTS TO CONCEAL NEW FINDINGS AND EVIDENCE SUCH AS THE KNIFE (WHICH HAS LOST IT'S HANDLE MIRACULOUSLY-CONVENIENTLY OBSCURING WHO'S FINGERPRINTS WAS ON IT), DAVID'S WOUNDS, AND PROFESSOR CHAN KAP LUK HIMSELF, WHOSE WORD HAS BEEN SOLELY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT ON WHAT REALLY HAPPENED THAT DAY.
http://video.okezone.com/play//2009/...uh-kejanggalan

AND FOR ALL OF YOU TO KNOW, CLAIMS OF DAVID BEING A DEPRESSED LONER, AN INTROVERT ON THE VERGE OF LOSING IT, A POTENTIAL KILLER - WERE ALL LIES.
ASIDE FROM HIS POSITION AS PRESIDENT IN ONEOF NTU'S MATH GROUP (THEREFORE HE HAS TO BE POPULAR AMONGST HIS PEERS), HE WAS ALSO REMEMBERED BY ALL HIS FRIEND BE IT IN HIS GAMING COMMUNITY OR HIS HIGHSCHOOL, ANDEVEN AMONGST NTU STUDENTS THEMSELVES TO BE A POSITIVE, CHEERFUL, OUTGOING FRIEND. ONE OF HIS FRIEND AT HIS GAMING FORUM, PEOPLE WHO HAS NEVER KNOWN HIM IN REAL LIFE DESCRIBE HIM AS A BRIGHT SOUL BEHIND THE USERNAME "MAJIN" (IN COMPLETE TERA MAJIN= EARTH DEMON IN JAPANESE)
DONT BELIEVE ME? ENTER THIS LINK:
http://destiny.enjoymmo.com/forum/vi...age%3D1&page=1

I understand that you singaporeans are reasonable and a proud nation, please do not tarnish your international reputation by obstructing justice here. Show that you are a true Singaporeans by pushing your government to COMMENCE A THOROUGH AND TRANSPARENT INVESTIGATION REGARDING DAVID'S DEATH. SINGAPORE MEDIA HAS INDEED INFLICTED PAIN BEYOND IMAGINATION TO DAVID'S FAMILY BY THEIR FALSE REPORTS, and I encourage you to challenge them for TRUTH! Any less would be humiliation and disgrace for the departed.

Also, start an investigation on Chan Kap Luk! for goodness sake he is the only living link to the whole thing!

source: http://comment.straitstimes.com/showthread.php?t=17551&page=2

----------

this thingy as opposed to what the papers are publishing, is creating a big stir among NTU students (also as opposed to "going back to normal")

other links regarding the conspiracy theory:

http://www.gabrielsai.com/blog/2009/03/a-conspiracy-theory-on-deaths-in-ntu.html
http://justlimz.blogspot.com/2009/03/david-case-high-profile-crime-not.html
http://wayangparty.com/?p=6028

http://mistabird.wordpress.com/2009/03/06/ntu-stabbing-brother-of-dead-student-wants-indonesian-police-to-investigate/

news report in indonesian media:
http://video.okezone.com/play//2009/03/05/236/7951/keluarga-nilai-kematian-david-penuh-kejanggalan

----------

Apparently, this is getting so huge (online) that its hard to ignore. If the family of David as well as the Indonesian media is having a totally different story, and Indonesians getting angry at the way how Singaporean media is publishing this story (the wrongness of facts); i am quite sure this is going to be the BIGGEST controversy, shrouding all previous tabloid stuff like Wang Na, the Mongolian Model's murder, Chee Soon Quan, etc...

And the latest news that another death, a suicide by NTU Officer Zhou Zheng, came just less than a week and in the same campus (not to mention the 3 "victims" are related); its hard not to feel that there is something fishy about this.

My GUESS (pls reminded this is just pure speculation, dun sue me), that Zhou Zheng might have something to do with the slashes the prof and David received, and thus committing suicide for his crime or something... This is pure speculation i say again.

I am now interested to see how this tragedy is going to pan out (i wasnt fazed at first by this news of NTU student stabbing his prof and die kindda thing).

I have to say, one controversy after another (referring investment loss, Ho Ching's quitting of Temasek, now this)... the government's fengshui really need a change.

The Gods are angry!!!

2009-02-28T09:13:00.000-08:00

The Gods are so furious with Singapore, for losing so much tax payers money as GIC and Temasek failing spectacularly in their investment; that they took their anger out on our National Icon - The Merlion.

The very ROOT of our problems.

2009-02-18T19:03:00.000-08:00

Jose Mourinho recently commented about local football and the lack of competitiveness in the Sleague.

He mentioned the need for promotion and relegation to improve the competitiveness of the league and more to be done in youth development in order to unearth the next Fandi Ahmad.

While many, like me is excited abt The Special One commenting about local football and Fandi, some do questioned the logic in being excited abt such "obvious" stuff advised by Jose himself.

Of course we know abt the need for promotion and relegation, the need for investment in youth, but as far as what i had noticed, it is mainly circulating within this forum. No press or big shots had been talking abt such "basic" stuff regarding local football.

thus, rather than being "enlightened" by the Special One, i prefer to interpret the reaction of excitement/delightfulness/pseudo-enlightenment by most here as simply, the feeling of relief that our thoughts are "acknowledged" by a person of great reputation and influence. Or Him "joining our cause" in pushing for greater change in our local football.

---

but seriously, its more than what Mourinho had mentioned is required. The true root of the issue is the lack of a sporting culture in Singapore. Look at the USA. They had a great sporting culture; parents play sports with their kids, bring them to watch games (whatever the sport), strong recognition of the sport competitions among the colleges and institutions, strong work and professional ethics by those competing athletes (including the high sch and the college students, many of them probably worked harder in the gym and their training than our sleague footballers)

When there is a strong base in sporting culture, then more attention will be given to local sports competition including the sleague; also to say, spectator numbers will also increase tremendously towards sports of all kinds. And with all this attention and interest, media coverage will increase, sponsors will increase, funding will increase, sportsmen's pay will increase, standard of infrastructure as well as standard of local sports will increase as well.

Savvy?

Thus, i am not enlightened by Mourinho, since making Sleague more competitive and having more youth potential being tapped doesnt really equate to improvement to local football as a whole.

Just like Sleague standard had improve tremendously compared to the year when it started. So what? The attendance actually dropped compared to the first year. Sleague had become nothing else but a joke to most Singaporeans: "huH!? watch sleague? You siao ah~" - i am sure you heard this before... I suspect even the Sleague coverage in the papers are paid for by FAS to ensure Sleague "appears" in those papers.

-----

First step SSC should do to create that sporting culture in Singapore - STOP ELITISM and MEDAL HUNTING.

Only when people (the common ppl) can play sports without being mindful of failure, worrying abt results; can then allow us enjoy a life full of sports or even consider career as a sports person if they excel in any of them. Foreign Talent Scheme in most part only discourages the average Singaporeans to pursue a career into sports of any kind; why should anyone risk failing in the light that the NSAs would simply bring in Foreigners anytime and put them in front of the pecking order?

SSC and probably the Government failed to understand that FTS kills off the desire of most ppl to pursue sports as a career, given that a career in sports is a very short affair, and the potential of being cast as a reserve to a certain few foreign talents is simply no prospect at all for anyone sensible. Career in Sports in not the same as career in the business world: i can go on staying in the shadow of a foreign boss for maybe 10 years, but i know that one day, i can grow strong enough to start my own company or prove myself as the more capable guy; but how long can a person in sports last under such circumstances? 10 years? Then the prime would had been over....

FTS in team sports, i can accept, as the FEW foreigners can help raise the bar for the rest of the team. but in individual sports? Sorry... I dun see the benefit other than short cut to success.

Internet "not an effective self-regulated regime"

2009-02-09T00:27:00.000-08:00

Recently, RADM(NS) Lui Teck Yew, Senior Minister of State in MICA, made some interesting comments in Parliament about the internet not being an effective self-regulated regime.

I agree with him on one point, the mean-spirited comments about the MP who got burnt were uncalled for and cruel.

But to take one incident and draw such a big conclusion to it? Well, he might have been a tad hasty. Here's some of my rebuttals.

1. He doesn’t seem to understand the culture of forum users. The reason why most didn’t respond to their mean-spirited comments? Because most ignored it. In the internet forum culture, it’s not what type of responses you get. It’s HOW MANY you get. If it’s stupid, most wouldn’t want to help “publicise” the stupidity by bumping up the post.

2. Next, in forums, the replies are not linear in response. One reply doesn’t mean it’s in direct response to the one before. And sometimes it doesn’t make sense until you read the FIRST post and then link to what replies were talking about, or the post before it (much easier than it sounds).

3. This also brings up the issue on HOW Lui is reading these posts. From my experience, usually the tracking software comes up with a lot of hits, say 1000. A lower ranking staff member sieves through it to extract what he/she deems appropriate or useful. Then the next level person does the same. Eventually, after 3 or 4 rounds of sieving and narrowing it down, the “best” posts, maybe only 50, are sent to the top level guy to read. In this long process, things are lost, contexts are lost. Results? The top guys sees what his staff what him to see. Maybe that’s why Obama fought so hard to keep his blackberry. The higher up you up, the more alienated and closed-in you are from the ground. You need to be personally savvy and pro-active in following the news / trends by yourself, without depending on others to pass you selected information, without the big picture.

4. The internet is a place for people to vent, especially in countries where the mainstream media is so “buddy” with the government. So they vent, saying stupid things that they wouldn’t dare to say out loud. And most of the time, they don’t mean them or they know they are just talking nonsense. No one puts much weight into these comments… well, except the government or people who take everything too seriously.

5. I ask the question, how does Lui define self-regulation? Is it when it benefits them? When the main party gets attacked online, it's a lack of regulation. When the opposition is attacked online, they keep quiet. This seems to indicate that regulation is whatever suits them, what helps them. This isn't how the internet works.

In a subsequent speech, Lui said that others had "misconstrued my (earlier) remarks as “a desire for more regulation on the Internet”". He pointed out that bloggers were the one who brought up this issue. It sounds like a "he started it first" finger-pointing excuse to me. Bloggers, in their everyday interaction with the internet, understand how it works, and how group-regulation actually happens on the internet. They were mentioning something they saw everyday. Yet, Lui took one incident and turned it against them, as proof that it doesn't work. I'm more liable to trust the bloggers compared to someone who probably never reads a blog unless he has to.

"Perm Sec, Tan Yong Soon Scandal" in perspective.

2009-01-20T04:49:00.000-08:00

http://wayangparty.com/2009/01/08/senior-civil-servant-boasted-about-spending-s46500-to-learn-french-cooking/

So, there is this damn rich civil servant spending silly money on silly stuff (at least to the common man) and tio slammed silly on national papers....

Seriously lah, its his damn money, he can spend whatever he wants. This is my thinking. In fact, i can't be bothered even if PM Lee drives a Ferrari around Singapore. He got the money, so why cant he spend it?

So ppl, do you really want all those on top of us, be hypocrites, acting like they are all honest and thrifty, like as if they are god-like, money is not impt kindda thing? pls wake up your idea.

This world is ruled by money, and like the saying goes: Money makes the world goes round.

So just admit it, a Perm Sec is equivalent as a one or 2 star General in the SAF. Their pay per month is 5 digit. At least 10k+++. So why cant they spent they kindda of money to enjoy their life.

YES, its a bad time, recession in Singapore and around the world. But thats the lure and good thing about public service or government job, your pay continues to come on time. So when some of you guys get 6 months or 1 year bonuses, we civil servants continue to get stucked with the most 3 months bonus (usually dun have so much). Civil servants are also usually paid lower than outside jobs. So dun complain when they seem rich during bad times, because thats the trade off.

And just in case you dunno, its the civil servants that continue to keep consumer spending at a certain level when times are bad, so the economy dun crumble when everyone stop spending. There is benefits for civil servants to be paid quite well.

So just get on with it. Not happy with their high pay? Try increase your earning more, or swallow your pride and forget it.

Without those high pays for top jobs, no talents wants to serve in the civil service job liao...

------------

Or lets see it in this perspective:

When you are eating good, sleeping good, got cable vision, got car, got credit card, got proper roof over your head, got maid; did you consider what your maids or the construction workers' thought?

Did you care about their feelings? They earning meager pay to do super tough and demanding jobs, while you shake your leg reading newspaper and slam our civil servants for spending silly money on silly stuff with caring about your feelings?

Come on.

Dun even compare these top civil servants life and those who choose to sleep in the streets. If those who strayed in the streets arent getting help for the 10k++ earners, you arent helping these folks either. I bet, you would be finding ways to even avoid these "liu lang hans" (vagabonds).

Want me to go on? I wont go so far as Africa, lets just say Indonesia or even Cambodia. They are plenty of ppl living poor life in poor environments. Can say its beyond their control to even improve their life any better than its already is. Did you help?

Until the common man attains god-like generosity and grace; dun blame all the shit on rich ppl. (i am not rich just for info)

Singapore, singapore.... haiz...

Bush's final day in office. Hail Obama!

2009-01-20T03:53:00.000-08:00

just blame it on Frodo... [above, Bush with The One Ring]

finally....

after 8 years of decline and disruption by Mr. George W Bush, life is going to return to the better; because today is the last day, President Bush jr will be in office, as the President of the United States of America.

Under his reign, Afghanistan is smashed, Iraq is messed up to the brink of civil (luckily Al Qaeda got to the nerve of the common man, and resulted in the civilians fighting the terrorists), sub-prime crisis, credit crisis, global financial meltdown, closure of Lehman Brothers, deteriorating relations with N.Korea, Iran, EU, in fact, almost everyone. Reputation as the protagonist of the world turns into public enemy no.1 ; USA suffered under the rule of the Bush.

With the end of his reign, the world hails the 1st african-american President, Barack Hussein Obama with joy and celebration, amidst great hope and anticipation of a better future.

In matters of hours, the now, President-Elect Obama will be sworn in as the President of the most powerful country in the world. The entire recession and crunch originated in the U.S, and they being the biggest consumer market in the world, its really up to this remarkable man, to turn the fate around for the entire world.

And when USA recovers under the ambitious policies and plans of Barack Obama, so will the rest of the world.

And thus, the world awaits: for the new President of United States of America : Barack Obama.

Town Council use our money to invest???

2008-11-09T05:37:00.000-08:00

The fall of Lehman caused lotsa revelation throughout the world; from regulations to the over-deregulations, as well as what the mini-bond is all about. A few days ago, something new is revealed by the crash of the giant: Town Councils investments.

I am totally caught off guard that the money we paid to the Town Council is used to do investment.

What does that means? That our public fund is actually more than what they really need to service our town needs? Then why collect so much at the first place? Why arent we paying for what we need than always paying more than what is required, as a result, having enough surplus to do huge investments (one of the town council is actually a major share owner of Creative).

Come on... What is the job of the Town Council. We must be very clear here. No matter how you look at it, investment with people's money is never their job. We have CPF, GIC, even Temasek, not withstanding insurance, personal investments etc... Not to forget, the Government already collecting tax from GST, ERP, Income Tax, COE, etc... Still not enough money to serve Singaporeans???

I always wondered how the Worker's Party's Town Council able to collect so little money from their people while PAP's need to collect so much more. And eventually, Hougang under Worker's Party actually looks more beautiful and cleaner as compared to the other half of Hougang New Town.

Town Councils should collect just enough for the upcoming projects and planned projects. If there are surplus, then they should reduce the amount collected thus not putting additional pressures on the people, especially those who are earning hardly enough to save.

I had enough of seeing those Ah Ma and Ah Peks digging rubbish bins for used aluminium cans. The Government is formed to serve Singaporeans, not to make profits after profits without giving back to the people in substantial ways. (not by giving cash that you would eventually tax back)

If got excess money, keep it or invest it (on 100% guaranteed safe investments) until the next collection, and reduce the collection for the next round. There should not be over-collection on the part of the Town Councils, and if there is any ad hoc need of additional funds, it should be gotten from the Government or relevant ministries.

Ridiculous.

"Is S'pore ready for a minority PM?" - HELLO!? Open Your Eyes.

2008-11-07T06:46:00.000-08:00

3 Lessons from the US Elections

IS S'PORE READY FOR A MINORITY PM?

Can we see beyond the colour? Not yet, but young are more colour-blind

By Tan May Ping - November 07, 2008

OVERNIGHT, American voters put us to shame.

They voted in a black president, while Singaporeans will still baulk at accepting a non-Chinese prime minister, say some political top guns and many observers.

In the evolution of democratic politics, Americans just took a giant step forward.

Meanwhile, Singaporeans are still lumbering along like Third World tribes, dragging our baggage of racial hang-ups.

Of course, not all Americans are enlightened voters.

Half of the country's population, who are older and mostly white, are still living in the past and might well view President-elect Barack Obama as an 'uppity nigger'.

As one academic commentator noted: 'Today's radical Republican Party represents a large segment of the population that believes that abortions and same-sex marriages are immoral, God sent America to Iraq...'

So while Mr Obama was the favourite in polls, many expected whites to reveal their true colours when put to the test.

Well, they did the right thing by putting race in the background. Can they continue to do so as America attempts to heal itself after bruising campaigns?

And could Singaporeans do the right thing and ignore the skin colour of a future prime minister?

The leaders of the People's Action Party believe that Singaporeans do vote on racial lines, said Dr Gillian Koh, senior research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS).

Dr Koh said: 'They feel that there are social faultlines that divide us, especially on race, so Singapore is no where near to being a de-racialised country.

'And that is the whole basis of the GRC system.'

The GRC or group representation constituency was introduced in 1988 to protect Parliament's multiracial composition.

The need for such a scheme shows clearly that we're still tribal folk, flocking together like birds of a feather.

But the immediate post-65 generation, said Dr Koh, would probably be more ready for other ideas as to who the PM can be.

'They were brought up to think One Singapore, One Nation, and would probably not be averse to the idea because of the political ideals of their time,' she added.

The young and the cosmopolitan are likely to be even more colour-blind, say some observers.

They will let the best man lead.

Political analyst Terence Chong from the Institute of Southeast Asia Studies said: 'Many Singaporeans, especially younger ones, are ready because the ideologies of multiculturalism and meritocracy have become part of the Singaporean myth.'

Singaporeans are very pragmatic, and will look for leaders with management ability and people-skills, IPS' Dr Koh said.

Citing an IPS post-2006 election survey, Dr Koh said respondents indicated they voted their members of parliament based on whether they thought they would be effective, fair and have a heart for the people in general.

Another survey last year by two academics at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) on race and religion also produced surprising results.

It found that over 91 per cent of all races polled said they would accept a prime minster of another race, while at least 92 per cent said they would vote an MP or a Singapore president of a different race.

Among the Chinese, 94 per cent did not mind if the PM was an Indian, and 91 per cent, if he was a Malay.

Referring to the topic of race as an old issue, Workers' Party's organising secretary Yaw Shin Leong said: 'If we truly believe in merit and capabilities, then so long as the person is Singaporean and can do a good job, there should be no reason why the person can't be given the top job.

'To say that certain ethnic groups are not suitable or ready for top office is regressive'.

All that debate might be purely academic given that the electoral system here is focused on political parties, not individual candidates.

The party which has the majority forms the government and chooses the prime minister.

Dr Koh said: 'I think we would need a fully functioning two-party system before we ever reach that scenario.'

The question of race and prime ministership was on then-PM Lee Kuan Yew's mind back in 1988.

He publicly said then that he would have considered then-National Development Minister S Dhanabalan for the PM's job if not for his Indian ethnicity.

Singapore, Mr Lee said, was not ready for an Indian prime minister.

Mr Dhanabalan himself did not think Chinese Singaporeans were ready to accept a non-Chinese PM. In a Straits Times report in November last year, he said that such cross-racial acceptance takes time.

Referring to the RSIS race survey, Mr Dhanabalan felt that the respondents probably gave 'politically correct' answers that did not reflect their real feelings.

He said then: 'I'm not quite convinced. It will take a bit more time. You look at the United States. How long, how many years were they a nation before a Catholic could be elected?

'Let's don't even talk about blacks. Now Barack Obama is the first one. Well, he may not even make it through the primary, right?

'So these are very deep feelings. I'm not saying it's not possible, but I think it will take some time.'

Fast forward a year later.

Mr Obama has done it, despite the widespread fears of voting along racial lines.

Commentators even spoke openly of the prospect of his assassination by a white supremacist group.

But, as in Malaysia's general election, many voters surprised even the experts by rejecting race to 'do the right thing'.

All this gives Singaporeans good reason to gaze in the mirror and ask ourselves how deep runs a tribal instinct and how far we want to evolve as a society.

extracted from The New Paper :http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/news/story/0,4136,182629,00.html?

Seriously, I feel like giving the writer a slap first before I start.

I am seriously angry and felt insulted the very first line of the article.

I want to question you, Ms/Mdm Tan May Ping, how did you get the impression that Singaporeans are not ready for a non-Chinese Prime Minister? And how does that going to put Singaporeans to shame?

First, lets talk facts. The United States took more than a hundred years to arrive at this stage. The African Americans were first brought into the continent as slaves and labourers. They are forced labours. Badly treated and discriminated. The hatred between the 2 races goes beyond you and our understanding. So on this first context, you are already making a very bad assumption or presupposition that the different races in Singapore are hostile against each other, or at least in the state of serious racism.

Singapore had lasted the past few decades based on meritocracy, and equality among all. I have Indian friends, I have Malay friends, not to mention Indonesian, Burmese, PRC nationals... Do I have any issues with them? No!

2ndly, you are neglecting the fact that, despite the country is governed by the Prime Minister; It is the President that is the head of state. The President is above all and is the only one who can grant a 2nd chance for a person of death sentence. So by choosing PM as the topic of contention, you are making a big mistake, out of context, and insulting our President. And talk about the President, all 4 races were represented throught the rotation of Presidents. So when President S.R Nathan became the President, do any Singaporeans complaint or resented? In fact, we cheered for him every National Day Parade. Thats Singapore for you.

3rdly, while the U.S President is, may I emphasize?, VOTED IN by the citizens of United States, but our Prime Minister aren't. The choice of the Prime Minister is based on who the Cabinet and the incumbent PM choose, based on one's ability to carry out the important task of leading our country and care for the people. So by this context, YOU cannot imply that Singaporeans REFUSED to have a minority to head the nation. And again, this previous sentence is still wrong, because the President IS the head of state, not the Prime Minister.

So after the 3rd point, that brings us to the 4th point that I want to make: The President IS voted in by the People of Singapore. And we had been representated well by former Presidents of all the 4 races: prominently, President Yusof bin Ishak, President Benjamin Sheares, President Ong Teng Cheong, and the current President, S.R Nathan. Despite I understood that the Presidential election only began with Mr Ong Teng Cheong, its still without doubt that they holding the highest position in the Government of Singapore.

So now, I come to the next point, about practical steps a minority lawmaker should take, in order to "convince" the general public, especially the majority Chinese that you make out to be "colour-bias".

First we should look back to Mr Lee Kuan Yew's early political life. If you realised something, while he is a Chinese, he spoked in Malay. Big Hint.

If one minority wants to command respect among ALL races, especially from those Chinese aunties and uncles, those Ah ma and Ah peks; they need to learn to speak Mandarin. Its not a must seriously, but if you notice that Mr Lee Hsien Loong speaks in Malay during the National Day Rally, you should understand that I am not joking.

To connect with the people, especially those less well off and less educated, you MUST speak their language, to let them know that you understand them and know their need. Imagine the impact of a Malay politician or an Indian politician speaks fluent Mandarin or even Hokkien to the crowds during the Rallies before the election. Can you imagine the impact, especially on those Ah ma and Ah peks whom only understand Mandarin? But of course, this works best with the Opposition since that commands the biggest and easily impressed crowds. Those Ah Ma and Ah Peks might very well voted the minority in...

So, stop making false accusations at your fellow Singaporeans. If JBJ can be voted in at Anson against a Chinese PAP politician, there is no reason why we are still at this question of Racism and Biasness.

After all, the Prime Minister is not of our choice. If Mr Lee Kuan Yew, then thinks that after him, Singapore is not ready for an Indian Prime Minister, then so be it. We should look forward and see how is the best capable person to "memberi kita kepada masa depan yg lebih baik".

Understand what I meant?

Obama wins; a Global Victory.

2008-11-05T01:09:00.001-08:00

Finally, after 22 months of gruelling campaign, Barack Obama beats John McCain and become the FIRST Afro-American U.S President ever, just a few days after Lewis Hamilton became the FIRST ever Black driver as well as the youngest ever driver to win the World Championship.

It looks like, finally, the world had made progress over racism and discrimination of the black ppl.

Not just paradigms had finally been broken, this victory ushers in a new era where the promise of a better future under Obama's America might come through the ashes of the Global financial crisis.

Upon knowing Obama had clinched the victory, the hype and adrenaline about the election result fade almost immediately; for me, i sense that this is not the end.

THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING.

Even when Obama struggled hard against tough competitors in the form of Hillary Clinton and John McCain, his victory just marks the end of the first step towards the beginning of a long and hard journey to make America and the World a better place.

I am happy, but more, I feel for the amount of work that awaits Obama.

But for now, lets just celebrate this amazing victory.

Condolence to Barack Obama

2008-11-03T14:04:00.000-08:00

U.S Presidential hopeful, Barack Obama's grandmother had just passed away in Hawaii.

Majulah! pays our condolences as well as tribute to this lady whom brought up the impressive man, we now know as Barack Obama.

We also wished to pay our tribute to Barack Obama, for his sacrifices in putting his nation before himself, not being able to be by his grandmother's side in her final days (only 1 single day, where he stop campaigning for a day to go to Hawaii to visit her) and continue to strive hard to fight for his cause.

Sorry to hear this news.

Respect.

A Better Face for Singapore Government

2008-11-03T11:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday (Monday), I went for a Focus Group Discussion, organised by Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore for MICA; help at the IDA office at Suntec Tower 3.

The discussion is "On The Design for Singapore Government Website".
More specifically, www.gov.sg.

If you do visit this website before (me on blue moon occasions), will find it rather useless. LOL!

I mean, how many dudes out there in Singapore really cares about everything the government is doing. I mean, other than the usual suspects: ERP, COE, HDB Price, handouts, GST hikes, and every single other stupid hikes, Singaporeans mainly are ignorant, or simply cant be bother about politics.

Face of Singapore they said...

So for its function, said to be "The Face of the Singapore Government", looks pretty dull, plain, and downright "Organised". Not to mentioned my lack of understanding on why is it so "blue". Just to push a bit further, the website simply lack of purpose, and totally uninteresting.

But at least someone did find a use, when he once needed to get to a certain contact to a certain department to get to do certain things. So when he gave up on the stupid phone calling operation, he decided to look for it on the internet, and he found it on this site.

So practically, SINGOV (the what-I-call nickname) is useless and serves no purpose (or even failed its purpose) up till now.

But halfway through the discussion, we were shown the new mockup (not a working one yet though), and its redder and looks more appealing. Information is repackaged into 5 main portions and with the "Events/Calendar" proving to be a hit with all of us; breathing so purpose to the site.

So in a way, Gov.sg (its new name) will in the future, serve much better purpose in promoting and putting awareness as regards to any major events that will happen in Singapore; albeit being government related-corporate stuff or simply government sanctioned stuff like Chingay and the F1 Singapore GP.

Major improvement that are expected are consolidation of all the news and press releases into a single entity. RSS feeds will be provided for all information. Featured events will be shown prominently on the main page, as well as a seem-to-be more efficient way of looking for the point of contact.

By their active engagement in the public for feedbacks and studying suggestions made by us, I am impressed and found myself liking our government sector that little bit more.

I believe they should have a good team behind, toiling behind the scene at IDA to make this website a "Good Face" for our Government.

Lets hope to see this new site soon.

---------

Some of you must be wondering why I went for such stuff? Or even post like as if I became an agent for PAP. Nah~

I am politically neutral for a start. I simply got interested to be part of a web development process for the government's website, hoping that I could help make it a more user-friendly and helpful website for everyone (but I then realise what I wanted to help improve is ecitizen.sg).

Another reason is that I am curious about how the Government conducts their feedback and consultation sessions.

In a way, I find it - again - efficient, organised and that bit less SAF-like. I kindda almost brain-washed by how SAF conducts their stuff, especially by MCMD's courses... So felt kindda happy that at least I taste something different from another Government agency.

Just one interesting thing to note - I realised some do take the opportunity to make this a networking session....OMG... I got 3 namecards. I gave none. Because I didnt bring mine (an outdated one).

Sorry, Prof of Strategy, Linda Lim of University of Michigan, I dun agree with you.

2008-10-26T01:07:00.000-07:00

QUOTE:

Singapore
Published October 25, 2008

Is Singapore trying to excel in too many areas?

WHY aspire to be a second Boston or second London and not a first-rate Singapore?

PROF LIM S'pore's growth model may not be sustainable as it tries to do too much and achieves too little in terms of delivering returns --
It's time - particularly during a global crisis - for Singapore to rethink its economic model and employ niche targeting right where it has unique strengths to become a world leader, rather than stay a follower in various sectors, an economist suggests.

While highly successful so far, Singapore's growth model - built on wooing multinationals to drive key sectors here - may not be sustainable in the changing environment, says Linda Lim, professor of strategy at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business and director of its Center for South-east Asian Studies.

A Singaporean academic who has been in the US for some four decades, she was a speaker at the Singapore Economic Policy Conference yesterday.

In her view, the Singapore growth model has both tried to do too much - going against what theories such as comparative advantage and diminishing returns propose - and achieved too little in terms of delivering returns for Singaporeans relative to foreigners and foreign firms.

'Singapore cannot be internationally competitive and a world leader in semiconductors, life sciences, healthcare, education, financial services, creative industries and casino tourism, all at the same time,' she says in her paper for the conference.

Speaking to BT, Prof Lim said: 'Of course you can make an argument for doing 10 sectors instead of three; you say diversify. But if we do all, everyone becomes uncompetitive; all face rising costs as they compete with each other for scarce land and talent.'

Outlining her alternative strategic vision, she says that the starting point is to take stock of 'what you have, including your geographic location'.

Then look for a strategy of differentiation: 'What do you have, what can you do that nobody else can do? You want to develop a blockbuster drug? Any number of places in the world can do it. You have to look at what is specific about you.

' Perhaps it may be that if we want to have financial services, then we cannot have life sciences, integrated resorts. You have to make a choice, you cannot have everything. You choose the thing you can do better than anybody else.'

And one indicator of a 'market advantage', she says, is whether a country needs to provide 'inducements, or investment incentives, otherwise known as subsidies' to attract talent.

'If people are naturally coming here, that's fine.'

And not least, 'let the private sector do it', she says, suggesting that capital and talent be released to local entrepreneurs, to be allocated according to market forces. When and if private enterprise fails, it will take only small parts, rather than big chunks, of the economy down with it, she argues.

Singapore is particularly well-placed for a whole cluster of economic activities 'from finance to forestry and fisheries', Prof Lim says.

'Where are we? We're next to the biggest forests in the world. Why not be a carbon finance centre? People are doing this in San Francisco! They are doing Indonesian . . . avoiding deforestation . . . out of San Francisco! Why can't we do it from here?

'Why do we want to be a second Boston or second London? We want to be a first Singapore. There are already second, third and fourth Singapores all over the world - people are copying our strategy.'

Singapore could also be a centre of expertise in creative fields such as traditional and modern Asian arts and culture. Already, Singapore is the best place in the world to do South-east Asian studies, Prof Lim says.

Economic growth here has focussed on quantitative targets, but it may be time to look at the qualitative aspects such as its 'purpose' and nature.

'I'm saying, look at net value creation for citizens. 'People for growth' - growth as an end in itself - is not the same as 'growth for people', growth as a means toward greater welfare for people.'

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/sub/news/story/0,4574,302734,00.html?

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I seriously dun agree with her. I think one a many of you guys might be "duped" by her simply "make-sense" analysis but here we examined why her words cant be taken at that.

First, despite her superb resume of being the ,professor of strategy at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business and director of its Center for South-east Asian Studies, bombastic isn't it?; we must take into account that she is a "Singaporean" whom had been living and looking at Singapore half a globe away (physics will tell you she can only see stars), for 4 DECADES.

4 DECADES!!!

40 YEARS.

So how is she to judge when she didnt even live through the struggles and miracles of this little red dot called Singapore?

Being Singaporean doesnt make one an expert in Singapore's affairs.

She quoted saying that Singapore's current policies are "going against what theories such as comparative advantage and diminishing returns propose" is inaccurate and simply a wild shot hoping that it could hit something.

If one were to predict Singapore will become a first class port, handling a huge percentage of cargo, boasting the World's Best and Most Valuable Airline, being the only country that have 0 slums, a financial center in the middle of turmoil-easy neighbours in the laid-back waters of South East Asia; any sane guy will tell you, you must be crazy.

Same for the current pursuit of the country. We are no longer the cheap and highly trained labours who manufacture goods and electronics efficiently; that role is now China's area of expertised. Singapore had transformed from a manufacturing nation to one which must depend heavily on service-centric businesses and acting as the safe-water for MNC to park their regional HQ as well as their funds; all together with what we already had been doing.

To further our livelihood and survivability, we need explore into the tourist dollar, which had already shown to be a important contributor to our GDP; we must get a head start into new sectors like Life Science, Health Science R&D, Nano-Tech, as well as the ever bigger Electronic Gaming & Animation industry. All the just mentioned are new frontiers, and for a country as nimble and flexible, coupled with strong financial backing, we must not wait for these technologies to flourish THEN we get into it.

We cannot beat India and their army of IT experts and really smart ppl, nor the economic power of China with their limitless resource making them almost near god-like in their potential to become a powerhouse in nearly every industry you can imagine (think Baidu vs Google). So for Singapore to have an edge in the global stage, WE MUST engage into all these various sectors.

We cant make every Singaporean financial ppl nor, just concentrate on just 3 sectors like the writer mentioned; what about ppl like me who majored in Design? What I eat then? There are always ppl for every industry; foreign investment remains as important as ever, Singapore must not slow down an compromise.

Like most PAP's decision, most of the time, they are going to be right.

I glad this Mdm Linda Lim still cares for "her country", but be realistic, we no need to be a 2nd Hong Kong. (HK is mainly a financial center, with service sector being the biggest GDP contributor, other than that, nothing.)

Obama already heralded as President by press?

2008-10-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

The amazing thing that I notice in the papers these few days (in Singapore) about the U.S Presidential Election, is that many of the editors/columnist had already started to herald Barack Obama as the next U.S President.

Its amazing how they fluidly and easely state Obama taking over George W Bush as the next US President, without even suggesting a single bit about Obama's adversary, and the fact that "their fact" has not even turned "fact" at all, as the U.S Election had just gone underway with the Early votings.

Not like how most opinion votes, snap polls, as well as the "iftheworldcouldvote" results shows; that Obama is leading by a hell lot, the voting so far still suggest that McCain still have the chance to fight back. (omg... i mentioned his name~ LOL!)

But not surprisingly, that the press are already ignoring McCain, when you look at how the world look at this election:

Barack Obama	87.1% (378,136 votes)
John McCain	12.9% (56,029 votes)

Total number of votes:	434,166
Countries voted from:	200

As of time of post.

Such is the margin that Obama is proved that is charisma had not just penetrated in the American ppl, but as well as all the people around the world.

Even the police forces in U.S had been on alert for this election in fear of riots outbreak on the event of a shock McCain win: You need to note this, even the police acknowledge that Obama is really way ahead in the popular opinion.

Lets hope nothing goes awry...

Republicans? OMG...

2008-10-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

I am seriously doubtful about who would vote for John McCain and Sarah Palin into the top job in United States, possibly the most important job in the entire world...

And just when I was comtemplating for like 2 weeks on how am i going to "condemn" them on Majulah! , i saw this today:

John McCain 'endorsed by al-Qaeda supporters'
Supporters of al-Qaeda have said they would prefer Republican candidate John McCain to win the US election because he is more likely to continue the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Last Updated: 5:43PM BST 22 Oct 2008
Senator McCain supported by his wife Cindy in Bensalem, Pennsylvania Photo: AP
In a message broadcast on the password-protected al-Hesbah site, the group said they would also welcome a pre-election terror attack on the US because that would make a McCain win more likely.
In an endorsement that will not be welcomed by Mr McCain's flagging campaign, the group said that if al-Qaeda wants to exhaust the USmilitarily and economically, the "impetuous" Republican presidential candidate is the better choice.
"This requires presence of an impetuous American leader such as McCain, who pledged to continue the war till the last American soldier," the message said.
"Then, al-Qaeda will have to support McCain in the coming elections so that he continues the failing march of his predecessor, Bush."
"If al-Qaeda carries out a big operation against American interests," it said, "this act will be support of McCain because it will push the Americans deliberately to vote for McCain so that he takes revenge for them against al-Qaeda. Al-Qaeda then will succeed in exhausting America till its last year in it."
Mark Salter, a senior McCain adviser, had no immediate comment.
The message is credited to a frequent and apparently respected contributor named Muhammad Haafid. However, Haafid is not believed to have a direct affiliation with al-Qaeda plans or knowledge of its operations.

So its kindda... wtf...

What those this show? Even Al Qaeda believes that John McCain is more less the same type of "Enemy" as George W Bush.

John McCain for the past week had been reduced to simply using negative tactics to smear Obama's name, rather than putting up a head to head fight to see who can come up with a grand plan to save America and save the World from further degradation...

Reminiscenes of our own Opposition party of the past which went firebranding into battle against the PAP. Which of course, any "smearing" is dealt with in the most "appropriate" manner. But of course, United States do not have such stuff.... Imagine Obama sueing McCain for compensation for damages of reputation... = \

The funny thing is that, Sarah Palin, herself, condemned the smear tactic deployed by John McCain; what an Ally he got there.

The best part about Sarah Palin also appeared in the papers today:

Republicans spent more than $150,000 on Sarah Palin's clothes
The Republicans have spent more than $150,000 (£92,000) on clothes and accessories for Sarah Palin and her family since she was chosen as the vice-presidential candidate in August.

By Tom Leonard in New York
Last Updated: 7:53AM BST 23 Oct 2008
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Sarah Palin's bills for campaign accessories include a $75,000 shopping trip Photo: AP
Questions over the legality of Mrs Palin's wardrobe bill – paid for out of campaign donations – prompted her spokesman yesterday to say that the clothes would not be kept but donated to charity.
According to financial records obtained by Politico.com, a US politics website, the fashion spending spree started in early September.
The spending on so-called "campaign accessories" included bills from the fashion chain Saks Fifth Avenue in St Louis and New York that came to a total of $49,425.
There were also a couple of hefty splurges at another expensive fashion store, Neiman Marcus, in Minneapolis, including one worth more than $75,000.
The Republican National Committee also spent $44,716 on Mrs Palin's hair and make-up in September after reporting no such costs in August.
The rest of the Palin family made do on rather less. Around $295 was spent at Pacifier, an upmarket baby store, and just under $5,000 at Atelier, an expensive men's clothes shop.
The legality of such expenditure was questioned by campaign finance experts who cited the Federal Election Commission's opposition to campaign money being used to buy items for personal use.
Federal campaign finance law prohibits the use of campaign funds for personal use, which it defines as any expense "that would exist irrespective of the candidate's campaign or duties as a federal officeholder".
After initially refusing to discuss the spending, the McCain campaign issued a new statement as criticism mounted.
"With all the important issues facing the country right now, it's remarkable that we're spending time talking about pantsuits and blouses," said a McCain spokesman.
"It was always the intent that the clothing go to a charitable purpose after the campaign."
Tax experts said Mrs Palin will be liable to tax on the clothes, even if she eventually gives them away.
Excessive primping and preening by presidential candidates is fraught with risk. John Edwards was lambasted over his $400 hair cuts in 2007 as was John McCain over his $520 Ferragamo shoes.
In 2006, Hillary Clinton was teased after she spent $3,000 for two sessions at the hairdressers.

I am speechless about the extend of how messed up the Republicans made of themselves and the Presidential Campaign.

God bless America. = P

My Response towards the Open Letter

2008-10-05T20:36:00.000-07:00

QUOTE: (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=26481019410)

OPEN LETTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER AND HIS CABINET

30 September 2008

Dear Prime Minister & Cabinet Members

By all accounts, we have lost a figure of uncommon strength and conviction in Mr JB Jeyaretnam.

No matter which side of the political fence we stand, it is undeniable that Mr JBJ, as he will be fondly remembered, has fought long and hard for what he believed was good for Singapore and, good for Singaporeans.

Mr JBJ did all he could with all he could. In staying the course, he has undoubtedly performed a public duty as a citizen of Singapore and, amply demonstrated the public spirit, the commitment to country and, the "nation before self" maxim that the government has sought to propagate.

As Singaporeans we are proud that such a man as Mr JBJ walked among us. We appreciate the sacrifices Mr JBJ has made for his beliefs in serving the people of Singapore . We are equally proud that the government, in spite of its political differences, has acknowledged the same resilience and service to nation in Mr JBJ.

Mr JBJ is an icon - an individual who stood up to serve the country and who stood tall for his beliefs and principles. As citizens of Singapore , we hope that Mr JBJ's public spiritedness and love of the law can be preserved in the following manner:

1) a professorial chair in the name of Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam be created in the Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore and,

2) A scholarship fund in the name of Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam for graduate studies in political science and/or constitutional law and/or civil society studies.

We also humbly ask the government to further demonstrate its commitment to public spiritedness and active citizenry by taking the lead to provide the seed fund for the above honours for others to follow.

We look forward to your encouragement as we mourn the loss of one of Singapore's better sons.

The above is the open letter sent by some JBJ supporters.

Point to note is their request for a professorial chair in the name of Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam be created in the Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore and, a scholarship fund in the name of Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam for graduate studies in political science and/or constitutional law and/or civil society studies.

In a way, i feel that its quite appropriate for such request to be fulfilled, as JBJ will remain in history as the legendary man who broke that Opposition's duck as well as being infamously passionate towards his course. Not to forget his big heart towards the ppl who needed help. His strive in the political circle (one though fiery but constructive) marks that he deserve to serve as a role model for the younger generation of Singaporeans, especially the political science students, as to what is Patriotism and Loyalty to Country is all about.

I applause what the open letter sought to achieve. But I am kindda skeptical if PAP or the Lee family would cede to such a request. It seems that this could be especially difficult given the personal rivalry between JBJ and MM Lee...

But if PAP do cede to this 2 request, I think Singaporeans will truely respect the magnanimousness that the government would display.

I think a person like JBJ's calibre and legacy in the non-PAP world do deserve that is proposed. I applause the person who seed this idea as well. =}

This request is actually beyond my expectation. It probably marks a more civilised approach from the non-PAP side of Singapore. A memorial in which is, in my opinion, acceptable, not too flamboyant, and totally within "reach" and nearly doesnt cost anything. Totally "un-opposition-like", given how oppositions tendency to ask for the impossible, this is a markly different approach.

Hopefully in the future, the Oppositions can be more constructive as the above request; one in which ppl can respect and not find it wanting.

End of an Era: Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam

2008-10-01T01:47:00.000-07:00

YESTERDAY, 30 Sep 2008 marks the end of an era, as Singapore lost one of the most legendary opposition leader in Singapore history: Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam.

Despite I cannot agree on many of his manifesto and political beliefs, but no doubt, have my utmost respect for his fiery determination to fight for the rights of fellow Singaporeans.

His legacy of his Anson by-election victory, the first man to break PAP's monopoly; his Chengsan GRC that gripped the nation at the edge of their seats where they were so close to winning Opposition's first ever GRC. Not to forget his countless barring from elections, how he is sued for defamation till bankruptcy, his amazing victory in court thru the Privy Council that stunned both PAP and the nation, his struggle of selling his books at various places in Singapore, his presence/influence in the most recent election, his forming of the Reform Party, as well as the challenging the Prime Minister to held a by-election this year, which the court session will be one that he will never be able to stand for.

With his passing, it probably marks the end of the era of fire-brand opposition politicians, that had made my childhood's political scene so interesting. With the Mr Chee totally crippled as a politician (almost everyone I spoke to, many of them taxi drivers, condemned him), the days where Opposition leaders launches into frenzy screaming and shouting is probably over.

I hereby pay my respect to this man, whose dedication to the People of Singapore is unequal among the men of so few against so many.

Rest in Peace.

Anwar D-Day

2008-09-16T03:00:00.000-07:00

Today is the supposed D-day, anniversary of the formation of the Federation of Malaysia, that Anwar say he is going to form the new government.

And on the news, Anwar said he gotten 31 lawmakers from Barisan Nasional to join his coalition. Abdullah Badawi, the Prime Minister reject that claim.

So everything seemingly stucked in the air somehow.

But I kindda happy, in fact wanted, Malaysia to be headed by Anwar and his non-BN coalition.

Reason : It will mark the end of the Bumiputera Policy

The Malay superiority policies had actually hampered the growth of Malaysia more than the BN government like to believe. And with the UMNO (United Malay National Organisation) looking more and more racist, and their increasingly disregard towards the Chinese and the Indians Malaysians; it had no doubt that one day, this aggression might be directed towards my country: Singapore.

Singapore left the Federation because of the disagreement on the same issue that Malaysia is STILL facing today.

Malaysian Malaysia or Malay Malaysia?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysian_Malaysia

Mr Lee Kuan Yew's vision of an equality society marked by meritocracy, more or less rejected by the PM of Malaysia then, Abdul Rahman, eventually strived in the little Lion City to the south. While Malaysia pushed itself forward to becoming one of the most looked up to Islamic Country in the world, the social fabric remained very very fragile.

Mainly due to Minister Mentor Lee's power and success that built up over the years, he made calculated potshots at Malaysia's Bumiputera policy; saying that the the attitude of neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia towards Singapore was shaped by the way they treat their own ethnic Chinese minorities.

"Our neighbours both have problems with their Chinese. They are successful. They are hardworking and therefore they are systemically marginalised," he said.
Indonesia and Malaysia "want Singapore, to put it simply, to be like their Chinese — compliant", Lee said.

MM Lee's words seems sinister and very deliberate, perhaps the revenge for expelling of Singapore from Malaysia; but with his influence and power today, he know he can pull it off.

And true enough, Malaysia goes into racial turmoil; not once, but twice. With the local minorities agreeing with MM Lee's words while of course, the main Malay papers and the government condemning it. But the damage is done.

As Malaysia decides their fate during the election just months ago, everything becomes very clear: Malaysian want changes.

What changes exactly i dunno. The minorities definitely rides on the promise of the Pakatan Rakyat's intention to put an end on the Bumiputera Policy, while the Malays, perhaps fed up with the probable corruptions, worsening crime rates as well as Malay Elites dominance through the exploitation of the Bumiputera Policy.

Anwar definitely gains from all these. Anwar had proven during his term in government, good knowledge of economics and seemed to understand that for some long term benefit for the country, short term pains must be endured (Singaporeans are so used to this till we are immune to such pains). He was sent to prison before he can implement his widely opposed plans. Now he is back, and I reckon that Malaysia will grow stronger with him as leader.

A stronger and more prosperous Malaysia will also add on to the growth of Singapore; and of the whole of ASEAN.

Not that i dun not like Badawi, but its just that i dun not like the Bumiputera Policy that is enforced by his party.

Anwar should be able to succeed in his "change the sky" operation, i guess, no minority in Malaysia would want the disputed policy to continue any longer.

other articles abt Lee Kuan Yew's "accusation":

http://lawmanthoughts.blogspot.com/2006/09/non-malays-marginalised-in-malaysia-and.html

http://www.jeffooi.com/2006/10/marginalised_chinese_harry_lee.php

http://www.overseassingaporean.sg/forums/index.php?showtopic=375

An SMS I received...

2008-08-31T09:52:00.000-07:00

This is a sms i received from a friend.... Its ridiculously funny yet very true:

Dear Prime Minister, We citizens of Singapore urge u to PLEASE MIND UR OWN BUSINESS.

We DO NO NEED ur help. Everytime u mention HELP, we have to run 4 cover!!

Help the Poor? Raise GST!

Help the Traffic? Ur ERP!

Help passenger Service? Up MRT/Bus Fare!

Help us get Taxi? Raise taxi Fare!

Help us get good Government? Raise Minister/Civil servant salary!

Everytime U want to HELP, We all PAY 4 IT!!

Thank u & Tolong Lah, please, we will HELP OURSELVES.

How true is it??? You decide.

Barack Obama | Respect.

2008-08-29T08:35:00.000-07:00

i think i had been won over...

Barack Obama, a man that probably what the world needs most now, especially for United States. I happened to switch to CNN as they are covering LIVE the Democratic Party's presidential nomination event.

I watched in anticipation, especially at the official acceptance of the nomination by Obama, and what historical speech he is going to log into US' history books. He did not disappoint.

I witnessed the most incredible political speech ever; one that captures the heart and soul of all Americans. Even me, a Singaporean, half a globe away from those fanfare, I am touched. I am so touched that tears are threatening to overwhelm my eyes.

Its that inspiring...

Of course while i successfully fought back my tears, countless American succumbed to it.

Obama hit where it matters most: heathcare, education, tax, jobs, people, the common man. He did not stand there and give a Bush-like speech of grandeur and crap, but he showed what being a leader of a country, whatever the country, is all about...

...its about the people.

He proposed revolutionary ideas, giving hope to not only the Americans, but to the world as well; diminishing the reliance for Middle East oil totally in a decade, full scale development of next generation energy, making the world most efficient vehicles and become the leader in it, etc...

An America without the need to tap on the Middleeast oil = a more stable global power = peace.

He hits the jackpot in virtually every single area of contention and topic.

He MUST get elected.

He will not only bring USA out of their shit holes, but also bring back the stability that is now lost thanks to the ridiculous rule of George W Bush. 8 years of crap, 8 years of economic difficulty; even to us Singapore.

Barack Obama is a person whom the first moment i noticed his presence, thanks of TV about him wanting to go for the presidential election; the moment i heard one of his early speeches abt a year+ ago, i knew it, that this is the MAN, the ONE who will change the world.

Its all about Change isnt it? his campaign...

I hope, our opposition politicians can look up to Obama and learn from him, what is it about being a politician. Not to fight the government, not to just be a check (or for show) towards the accountability of PAP, not being an alternative, BUT... to be an entity that will make the comman man's life better; collaborating with PAP or not, that should be the goal.

But for now, i declare i am a fan of this man: Barack Obama

Paiseh~

2008-08-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the inactivity here. Too busy with my life.

Got lotsa topics to cover~

Hopefully can spend some time covering some stuffs here~

Happy Birthday Singapore

2008-08-08T13:02:00.000-07:00

As Singapore celebrates its National Day, i shall now hereby launch my blog on Singapore.

I will use this avenue to discuss my socio-political views, as well as anything pertaining to Singapore~