Minister Yaacob Ibrahim also congratulates Dr Tony Tan on behalf of Muslim community
04:46 AM Aug 31, 2011
SINGAPORE - The results of the recently-concluded Presidential Election showed there was "strong support" for the ruling People's Action Party, even though voters were divided between two "very good" candidates in the form of former Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan and former Ayer Rajah Member of Parliament Tan Cheng Bock.
This was the view of Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts Yaacob Ibrahim, who was speaking to reporters yesterday after attending morning Hari Raya prayers at the Assyafaah Mosque.
Dr Yaacob, who is also Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, congratulated President-elect Tony Tan on behalf of the Muslim community.
Adding that Dr Tony Tan has done a lot for the Muslim community, Dr Yaacob noted that Dr Tony Tan was at Assyafaah Mosque some years back - following 911 - "trying to reach out to the Muslim community, trying to explain what is it we can do together with the country, with the nation, to strengthen social cohesion."
Dr Yaacob disagreed with suggestions that Dr Tony Tan's razor-thin winning margin of 0.34 per cent reflected a political divide among Singaporeans.
Pointing out that the combined vote share for Dr Tony Tan and Dr Tan Cheng Bock - both former PAP MPs - was about 70 per cent, Dr Yaacob said:
"There's strong support for the party in that sense. But it's clear that there are people who are divided, as explained by the Prime Minister, (who) were basically having to decide between two very good candidates."
In a press statement issued after the official results were announced on Sunday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong noted that voters "faced a difficult choice between Dr Tony Tan and Dr Tan Cheng Bock".
Mr Lee had added: "This explains why the winning margin is so narrow, and why the winner only gained slightly more than one-third of the total votes. Nevertheless, under our first-past-the-post system, the election has produced an unambiguous winner, who has the mandate to be the next President."
Dr Yaacob said the process of electing Singapore's seventh President reflects a maturing democracy, "that we're able to agree to disagree".
He added: "But most important thing is, as the Prime Minister has said, now we have to move forward and build the nation together."
Speaking to reporters at the Istana's Hari Raya Puasa open house yesterday, outgoing President S R Nathan - who will step down from office today - described Dr Tony Tan as "a highly capable person, very approachable, a person who carries himself well". Mr Nathan said: "I'm sure he will be a great asset and the pride of Singapore... I'm sure he's got the experience and the ability to deal with it."
I try to refrain from writing about the PE2011 since the result is heart wrecking and I more or less have moved on but the papers keep printing boot licking articles praising Tony’s amazing win is really too much for me to swallow.
Now Yacob is thinking we are as stupid as him and is trying to score points for PAP.
In the first place the presidential election is not supposed to be political and the candidates cannot be from any political parties and should be non partisan.
Yacob now trying to add politic into this election result thinking Singaporean are stupid by basically is adding up the 2 formal PAP’s members votes and claiming victory for the incumbent.
This has brought the art of self denial to a whole new level. Amazing!
The fact about PE2011 is Tony had won, scraping through by winning 35% of the votes.
He has won but majority of Singaporean did not want him to be the President of Singapore.
This is the hard truth.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
The invasion
I took the bus home last week. It was later then usual and I happened to be awake on the journey home.
I suddenly had a feeling that I was in a foreign land.
On the bus there were about 40% Singaporean, 40% Filipinos, 10% Chinese National and 10% Indians.
I guess most Singaporean drive these days and now I know why no one bothers about the standard of public transports these days.
I counted at one bus stop there were 20 Filipinos who got off and zero Singaporean.
Everywhere I go I see people from All over the world that come to Singapore to suck it dry. They Foreigners are here, without servicing NS, to compete with Singaporean for Job, Seats on Bus, Seats at hawkers etc etc.
The elites who run this country are still living in their ivory towers.
I wonder how many Foreigners does PM or the President bump into daily in their sheltered world.
I suddenly had a feeling that I was in a foreign land.
On the bus there were about 40% Singaporean, 40% Filipinos, 10% Chinese National and 10% Indians.
I guess most Singaporean drive these days and now I know why no one bothers about the standard of public transports these days.
I counted at one bus stop there were 20 Filipinos who got off and zero Singaporean.
Everywhere I go I see people from All over the world that come to Singapore to suck it dry. They Foreigners are here, without servicing NS, to compete with Singaporean for Job, Seats on Bus, Seats at hawkers etc etc.
The elites who run this country are still living in their ivory towers.
I wonder how many Foreigners does PM or the President bump into daily in their sheltered world.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Cooling off Day thought.
On the eve of the Singapore Presidential Election, I share a quote for the man who had set the standard.
“Some people still ask whether my long previous association with the PAP will stop me from acting independently. The answer is no. My loyalty is first and foremost, to the people of Singapore. It has always been so, and will always remain so”
Ong Teng Cheong, August 1993
“Some people still ask whether my long previous association with the PAP will stop me from acting independently. The answer is no. My loyalty is first and foremost, to the people of Singapore. It has always been so, and will always remain so”
Ong Teng Cheong, August 1993
Thursday, August 25, 2011
此地无银三百两. (There is no 300 tales of silver buried here.... YEAH RIGHT!)
Tony Tan's sons refute online allegations on NS record
By Zakir Hussain
Dr Tony Tan's three sons - Peter, Patrick and Philip - have described as 'lies' allegations concerning their National Service that have been circulating on the Internet and reinforced by their father's opponents over the past few days.
In a statement early this morning, they said: 'Our reputations and the institution of National Service have been maligned, simply to attack our father, Dr Tony Tan.
'We fulfilled all obligations in accordance with the rules, regulations, and deployment policies of Mindef (the Ministry of Defence)'.
They also said: 'Like all other Singaporeans, we are proud to have served Singapore during our National Service'.
Dr Tan's sons, aged 45, 42 and 35, have been the subject of insinuations that they were given special treatment during their NS stints even though they were combat-fit.
Dr Tan was defence minister between 1995 and 2003.
These claims were also alluded to by speakers at the rallies of Mr Tan Jee Say and Mr Tan Kin Lian on Tuesday and Wednesday night respectively.
Last month, Dr Tony Tan described as 'false rumours' online talk that he helped his son Patrick avoid NS by arranging for him to do medical research work.
He said then that all three of his sons had served their NS fully and he never intervened in their postings, and that he was 'deeply disappointed' by these online allegations.
Then just give us the raw facts and the people of Singapore can decide whether you are lying or not.
Look like a desperate attempt to save Daddy.
Can the Peter, Patrick and Philip tell us what is their PES Status in NS and what is their rank and vocations during NS and when is their enrolment dates, disruption dates and ROD’s dates?
And tell us beside them who else hold these special vocations if so.
Also tell us how many in-camp cycles did they gone through please.
Tony doesn’t have to intervene in his sons posting. His Generals had done it for him. Can Tony say none of his son’s superior during NS time knew they were his son?
If you are an aspiring Officer in the army and will you screw your Boss’s sons or will you choose to treat them super nice so that your rice bowl will not be jeopardised?
The answer is obvious my friends.
Gosh Tony is digging his own grave here. We all know there are always some special treatments for white horses in NS and accepted it as a way of life. So please stope treating us as idiot and try to lie, it makes me sick!
I have served NS and seen enough.
Note some people never serve also became MP. So Tony why you so worry Singapore get to know your sons got special treaments in NS?
By Zakir Hussain
Dr Tony Tan's three sons - Peter, Patrick and Philip - have described as 'lies' allegations concerning their National Service that have been circulating on the Internet and reinforced by their father's opponents over the past few days.
In a statement early this morning, they said: 'Our reputations and the institution of National Service have been maligned, simply to attack our father, Dr Tony Tan.
'We fulfilled all obligations in accordance with the rules, regulations, and deployment policies of Mindef (the Ministry of Defence)'.
They also said: 'Like all other Singaporeans, we are proud to have served Singapore during our National Service'.
Dr Tan's sons, aged 45, 42 and 35, have been the subject of insinuations that they were given special treatment during their NS stints even though they were combat-fit.
Dr Tan was defence minister between 1995 and 2003.
These claims were also alluded to by speakers at the rallies of Mr Tan Jee Say and Mr Tan Kin Lian on Tuesday and Wednesday night respectively.
Last month, Dr Tony Tan described as 'false rumours' online talk that he helped his son Patrick avoid NS by arranging for him to do medical research work.
He said then that all three of his sons had served their NS fully and he never intervened in their postings, and that he was 'deeply disappointed' by these online allegations.
Then just give us the raw facts and the people of Singapore can decide whether you are lying or not.
Look like a desperate attempt to save Daddy.
Can the Peter, Patrick and Philip tell us what is their PES Status in NS and what is their rank and vocations during NS and when is their enrolment dates, disruption dates and ROD’s dates?
And tell us beside them who else hold these special vocations if so.
Also tell us how many in-camp cycles did they gone through please.
Tony doesn’t have to intervene in his sons posting. His Generals had done it for him. Can Tony say none of his son’s superior during NS time knew they were his son?
If you are an aspiring Officer in the army and will you screw your Boss’s sons or will you choose to treat them super nice so that your rice bowl will not be jeopardised?
The answer is obvious my friends.
Gosh Tony is digging his own grave here. We all know there are always some special treatments for white horses in NS and accepted it as a way of life. So please stope treating us as idiot and try to lie, it makes me sick!
I have served NS and seen enough.
Note some people never serve also became MP. So Tony why you so worry Singapore get to know your sons got special treaments in NS?
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
PA and HDB shows PAP's true colour
MND, PA on leasing sites on HDB land in Aljunied
They explained in joint statement the reasons behind leasing 26 sites on HDB land within Aljunied town.
Wed, Aug 24, 2011
The Ministry of National Development (MND) and the People's Association (PA) explained in a joint media statement the reasons behind leasing 26 sites on Housing & Development Board (HDB) land within Aljunied town.
The following is the joint statement.
At the request of the PA in May, the HDB has leased 26 sites on HDB land within the Aljunied Town, to PA for them to organise community activities.
Such requests are not unusual. From time to time, HDB has received similar requests from other Government agencies or civic organisations, including religious bodies. Where they are legitimate, HDB has approved such tenancy requests.
In this instance, PA has explained to HDB the reasons for their request. First, PA has been using such sites frequently to conduct community activities.
PA intends to continue organising such activities in order to carry out their mission of promoting bonding among the residents.
Second, PA has had no difficulty getting access to sites managed by the PAP Town Councils. However in Hougang, PA and the local grassroots organisations have had many difficulties getting access to Town Council sites.
PA was concerned that they might encounter similar difficulties in Aljunied. To avoid unproductive wrangling, PA decided that it would be best if they could lease their own sites.
PA has further assured the HDB that they would ensure that their leased sites would be fully open to all residents so long as the activities were non-political in nature.
HDB had carefully assessed the request and approved it. The Aljunied Town has many open areas. In approving the request from PA, HDB has ensured that there will be sufficient open areas to meet the demand from other users.
Indeed, there have been occasions when organisers of grassroots and community events applied to use sites managed by Aljunied-Hougang Town Council (AHTC), and were told that they were expected to invite the local MP.
It was only on August 19, 2011, that the Chairman of AHTC stated publicly that the town council would not impose any condition on whom the organisers could invite, when using sites managed by AHTC.
PA welcomes this new position of AHTC, and is likewise lifting its current restriction on invitees for events organised by non-GROs on sites leased by PA from HDB, as long as they are of a non-political nature
More on Worker Party’s ELECTED MP being unfairly treated by HDB and PA.
MND and PA issued a press statement trying to justify what they did. Gosh even the loser PAP Desmond had a mini press conference complaining he had difficulties securing venue for his God’s know what even using God’s know whose money in Hougang.
Loser Desmond is not even ELECTED, he is just like you and me, ordinary Singaporean who is serving his master more then the people of Hougang.
PA should states incident on all occasion when and where did they failed to access to Hougang Town Council Sites. They may be already booked for other events in the first place! Idiot!
Stupid PA even slap itself in the face by justify its action of taking over sites in Aljunied so to prevent “unproductive wrangling”.
Stupid HDB shoot itself in the head by handling over these sites without telling anyone. Now they are indeed in deep shit for siding with PA.
Moreover why suddenly PA want to take over sites in Aljunied only? Are you sure only this Town Council is “unproductive”? In fact to be fair you should take over all sites in Singapore and manage them yourself till you faint.
Now who say PA is for Singapore. Just look at who are on the board.
They explained in joint statement the reasons behind leasing 26 sites on HDB land within Aljunied town.
Wed, Aug 24, 2011
The Ministry of National Development (MND) and the People's Association (PA) explained in a joint media statement the reasons behind leasing 26 sites on Housing & Development Board (HDB) land within Aljunied town.
The following is the joint statement.
At the request of the PA in May, the HDB has leased 26 sites on HDB land within the Aljunied Town, to PA for them to organise community activities.
Such requests are not unusual. From time to time, HDB has received similar requests from other Government agencies or civic organisations, including religious bodies. Where they are legitimate, HDB has approved such tenancy requests.
In this instance, PA has explained to HDB the reasons for their request. First, PA has been using such sites frequently to conduct community activities.
PA intends to continue organising such activities in order to carry out their mission of promoting bonding among the residents.
Second, PA has had no difficulty getting access to sites managed by the PAP Town Councils. However in Hougang, PA and the local grassroots organisations have had many difficulties getting access to Town Council sites.
PA was concerned that they might encounter similar difficulties in Aljunied. To avoid unproductive wrangling, PA decided that it would be best if they could lease their own sites.
PA has further assured the HDB that they would ensure that their leased sites would be fully open to all residents so long as the activities were non-political in nature.
HDB had carefully assessed the request and approved it. The Aljunied Town has many open areas. In approving the request from PA, HDB has ensured that there will be sufficient open areas to meet the demand from other users.
Indeed, there have been occasions when organisers of grassroots and community events applied to use sites managed by Aljunied-Hougang Town Council (AHTC), and were told that they were expected to invite the local MP.
It was only on August 19, 2011, that the Chairman of AHTC stated publicly that the town council would not impose any condition on whom the organisers could invite, when using sites managed by AHTC.
PA welcomes this new position of AHTC, and is likewise lifting its current restriction on invitees for events organised by non-GROs on sites leased by PA from HDB, as long as they are of a non-political nature
More on Worker Party’s ELECTED MP being unfairly treated by HDB and PA.
MND and PA issued a press statement trying to justify what they did. Gosh even the loser PAP Desmond had a mini press conference complaining he had difficulties securing venue for his God’s know what even using God’s know whose money in Hougang.
Loser Desmond is not even ELECTED, he is just like you and me, ordinary Singaporean who is serving his master more then the people of Hougang.
PA should states incident on all occasion when and where did they failed to access to Hougang Town Council Sites. They may be already booked for other events in the first place! Idiot!
Stupid PA even slap itself in the face by justify its action of taking over sites in Aljunied so to prevent “unproductive wrangling”.
Stupid HDB shoot itself in the head by handling over these sites without telling anyone. Now they are indeed in deep shit for siding with PA.
Moreover why suddenly PA want to take over sites in Aljunied only? Are you sure only this Town Council is “unproductive”? In fact to be fair you should take over all sites in Singapore and manage them yourself till you faint.
Now who say PA is for Singapore. Just look at who are on the board.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Try to score some point for Tony but scored own goal.
The man whose passion is Singapore
Aug 23, 2011
by Teo Xuanwei
Former Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan gave an almost embarrassed chuckle when this reporter asked whether his old Casio watch - which he has kept for over 30 years - or his battered wallet - from which he fished out S$5 for a street busker - were signs of him being sentimental or frugal.
"It works well, so I don't see any point changing it. I don't believe in changing things so long as they work. I use it until it sort of falls apart," explained Dr Tan, in his trademark matter-of-fact manner.
Dressed casually in slacks and New Balance track shoes, Dr Tan has been meeting Singaporeans from all walks of life and all races, shaking hundreds of hands a day.
Despite being stopped every few steps by Singaporeans wanting to snap a picture with him, the 71-year-old kept up a pace that this 20-something reporter found challenging to keep up with.
Dr Tan's schedule thus far has comprised four to five events each day, starting as early as 8am and ending only at 11pm after a nightly review at his campaign headquarters.
How has he managed to stay in tip-top shape amid a gruelling campaign?
His secret, he says, is his wife.
"My wife looks after me very well. She makes me a lot of chicken soup," he said.
Also his exercise regime of daily 3km jogs, swims and gym workouts is "no longer a matter of enhancement but a matter of maintenance". He added: "I don't think one can (contest the Presidential Elections) half-heartedly. Once you decide to do it, you must be prepared to cover the ground."
When asked about his passion in life, Dr Tan replied without hesitation: "Singapore."
A topic he spoke readily about at length and with passion, sharing his views on a variety of topics such as the complex challenges facing the nation, or the painstaking efforts that went into building the unique socio-political situation that the Singapore society finds itself in.
But when it came to more personal questions - including those about his family - Dr Tan was more circumspect.
"I try to keep the privacy of my family as much as possible," said Dr Tan, who has been a public figure for several decades, after he was elected as a Member of Parliament for Sembawang in 1979 in a by-election. While he retired from politics in 2006, Dr Tan remained in the public eye in his positions at Government organisations such as the National Research Foundation.
Nevertheless, Dr Tan shared with this reporter the three guiding principles of his life: Honesty, having the right motivation to do things and determination.
He said: "One has to be frank and open about what he wants to do and why he wants to do it ... When you set your mind to do something, you must have the determination to see it through."
During his Presidential candidate broadcast speech last week, Dr Tan shared that he met his wife, Mary, at university. But they could not hold their wedding dinner because of curfews imposed after the deadly riots in 1964. He added in his speech that the couple celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary this month "with our four children, their spouses and five grandchildren".
Towards the end of the interview, this reporter asked his wife what attracted her to him. At this point, Dr Tan turned to his wife and asked, with a hint of child-like nervousness: "Do you want to answer that?" They laughed a little, and then apologised, saying they had to continue their walkabout in Jurong Point shopping mall.
But as Dr Tan turned and started walking away, Mrs Tan whispered: "He's always been a gentleman."
Oh please spare me for trying to portray Tony as Frugal just because of his wallet and watch. Please ask him how many Mercedes he owned and where is he staying now.
Oh and also asked him how much of our money in GIC did he lose. Frugal my….
In fact Tony has reviewed that he doesn’t believe in changes as along as it works. Mmm… so guess he will be Nathan No.2 if he is elected.
No change no even for the better, lazy if you ask me.
Vote wisely fellow Singaporean.
No change = More Foreigners, Same PAP jokers in Cabinets, Same CPF limits, Same housing problem, Same Transport problem oh but different President’s and Cabinet salaries.
Aug 23, 2011
by Teo Xuanwei
Former Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan gave an almost embarrassed chuckle when this reporter asked whether his old Casio watch - which he has kept for over 30 years - or his battered wallet - from which he fished out S$5 for a street busker - were signs of him being sentimental or frugal.
"It works well, so I don't see any point changing it. I don't believe in changing things so long as they work. I use it until it sort of falls apart," explained Dr Tan, in his trademark matter-of-fact manner.
Dressed casually in slacks and New Balance track shoes, Dr Tan has been meeting Singaporeans from all walks of life and all races, shaking hundreds of hands a day.
Despite being stopped every few steps by Singaporeans wanting to snap a picture with him, the 71-year-old kept up a pace that this 20-something reporter found challenging to keep up with.
Dr Tan's schedule thus far has comprised four to five events each day, starting as early as 8am and ending only at 11pm after a nightly review at his campaign headquarters.
How has he managed to stay in tip-top shape amid a gruelling campaign?
His secret, he says, is his wife.
"My wife looks after me very well. She makes me a lot of chicken soup," he said.
Also his exercise regime of daily 3km jogs, swims and gym workouts is "no longer a matter of enhancement but a matter of maintenance". He added: "I don't think one can (contest the Presidential Elections) half-heartedly. Once you decide to do it, you must be prepared to cover the ground."
When asked about his passion in life, Dr Tan replied without hesitation: "Singapore."
A topic he spoke readily about at length and with passion, sharing his views on a variety of topics such as the complex challenges facing the nation, or the painstaking efforts that went into building the unique socio-political situation that the Singapore society finds itself in.
But when it came to more personal questions - including those about his family - Dr Tan was more circumspect.
"I try to keep the privacy of my family as much as possible," said Dr Tan, who has been a public figure for several decades, after he was elected as a Member of Parliament for Sembawang in 1979 in a by-election. While he retired from politics in 2006, Dr Tan remained in the public eye in his positions at Government organisations such as the National Research Foundation.
Nevertheless, Dr Tan shared with this reporter the three guiding principles of his life: Honesty, having the right motivation to do things and determination.
He said: "One has to be frank and open about what he wants to do and why he wants to do it ... When you set your mind to do something, you must have the determination to see it through."
During his Presidential candidate broadcast speech last week, Dr Tan shared that he met his wife, Mary, at university. But they could not hold their wedding dinner because of curfews imposed after the deadly riots in 1964. He added in his speech that the couple celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary this month "with our four children, their spouses and five grandchildren".
Towards the end of the interview, this reporter asked his wife what attracted her to him. At this point, Dr Tan turned to his wife and asked, with a hint of child-like nervousness: "Do you want to answer that?" They laughed a little, and then apologised, saying they had to continue their walkabout in Jurong Point shopping mall.
But as Dr Tan turned and started walking away, Mrs Tan whispered: "He's always been a gentleman."
Oh please spare me for trying to portray Tony as Frugal just because of his wallet and watch. Please ask him how many Mercedes he owned and where is he staying now.
Oh and also asked him how much of our money in GIC did he lose. Frugal my….
In fact Tony has reviewed that he doesn’t believe in changes as along as it works. Mmm… so guess he will be Nathan No.2 if he is elected.
No change no even for the better, lazy if you ask me.
Vote wisely fellow Singaporean.
No change = More Foreigners, Same PAP jokers in Cabinets, Same CPF limits, Same housing problem, Same Transport problem oh but different President’s and Cabinet salaries.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Hsien Loon say one thing but do another.
On Straits Time Online front page today.
Note the 1st and Last Headlines.
Isn't this ironic?
Yes work together for you I guess.
PAP dirty politic
Chen Show Mao banned from attending 7th month dinners with residents by Paya Lebar CCC
Temasek Review
Workers’ Party MP Chen Show Mao has been banned from attending Seventh Month dinners in his Paya Lebar division of Aljunied GRC by the Paya Lebar CCC (Citizens’ Consultative Committee is under the People’s Association)!
The Seventh Month dinners are organized yearly in Singapore during the Seventh month of the Chinese Lunar calender to celebrate the ‘Hungry Ghost Festival’. They are usually held in open fields and courts which are under the purview of the People’s Association.
In a note posted on his Facebook yesterday, Mr Chen wrote that the organizers were not allowed to use venues in their neighborhood if they invite their MP to the event.
“The last such dinner I was scheduled to attend took place last week, a few weeks after the organizers called to let me know that they could no longer have me show up at the event as they had originally hoped. The organizers as in previous years had planned to hold the festivities on a hard court in the HDB estate, but this year were told by the Paya Lebar CCC that, as a condition for receiving CCC approval to use the venue, they may no longer invite their MP to the event. Future approvals will be withheld from errant organizers.”
However according to one Aljunied resident, ex-Aljunied MP Cynthia Phua had attended such dinners during her term as PAP MP in the last ten years and there was never any issue with the CCC.
One Aljunied resident Wilson Pang whose father is a member of the Seventh Month Organising Committee for the Blk 18 Hougang Ave 3 first highlighted the matter to Mr Chen on his Facebook two weeks ago:
“While applying for the permit this year, they were informed by the PA that they will only be allowed to use the open space if opposition MPs did not participate in any of the activities. Mdm Cynthia Phua, as MP for the ward, has always participated in the celebrations and been present at the dinners in previous years.”
“It pains me that they felt so embarrassed to pass me the news. Regrettably, this is not the first time it has happened since I was elected,” he added.
In contrast, PAP MP Tin Pei Ling attended a 7th month dinner in Aljunied Crescent (under Marine Parade GRC) last night and even made a speech on stage.
Ms Tin also attended a 7th month dinner in MacPherson on 11 August 2011:
Why are PAP MPs allowed to attend 7th month dinners to mingle around with their residents but not non-PAP MPs? How are they supposed to perform their duties as MPs if they are not given the opportunity to know their residents better?
The People’s Association is supposedly a statutory board funded by taxpayers’ monies, but has been ‘converted’ to become the PAP’s de facto ‘grassroots’ branch over the years.
CCCs, CCs and RCs are usually led by PAP branch secretaries and members. In the case of Aljunied GRC, losing PAP MP Ong Ye Kung was appointed as an ‘adviser’ of its grassroots organizations though Aljunied voters had clearly rejected him in the May election.
Speaking to a delegation of visiting Chinese officials two years ago, PAP supreme leader Lee Kuan Yew boasted that “all CCCs, CCs and RCs are part of the PAP.”
While Aljunied residents are not allowed to invite their elected MPs to grace their 7th month dinners, RC boards are allowed to hang banners of PAP-endorsed presidential candidate Tony Tan.
With the CCCs, CCs and RCs under the iron-fisted control of the totalitarian PAP regime, it will be an impossible task for Singaporeans to vote the PAP out of office via the ballot box in the future especially with the increasing number of new citizens the PAP is currently recruiting into these “public” organizations funded by taxpayers’ monies.
The incumbent has never failed to amused and disgust me with their unfairness, under the belt shot at their oppositions, their childishness, their arrogant and their total lack of connection with the ground.
Yet again the Men In White are doing themselves harm but making life hard for the Worker Party MPs to work in their wards.
For GOD’s Sake, just let them do their job and be treated with dignity and fairness as may I remind the incumbent that they did win the Votes of the people of Singapore to be in parliament. Not like that MG Chan whatever who piggy backed his way into parliament and has been talking cock since.
OK and thanks for the reminder on how ridiculous Tin Pei Ling is and how amazingly she got away with the cooling off day incident. Now whenever I seen a Kate Spade bag I will have a vision of bimbo Tin with her Kate Spade bad and the V post. (GOSH this is your MP People of Macpherson!)
A person with good integrity and has the heart to server the people of Singapore should be in the parliament of Singapore no matter what political party he or she is from.
These little moves by the PAP is only making the party look worst and lost more vote from Singaporean and I do hope your Tony won’t moving in to Istana despite all the advantages he got.
Temasek Review
Workers’ Party MP Chen Show Mao has been banned from attending Seventh Month dinners in his Paya Lebar division of Aljunied GRC by the Paya Lebar CCC (Citizens’ Consultative Committee is under the People’s Association)!
The Seventh Month dinners are organized yearly in Singapore during the Seventh month of the Chinese Lunar calender to celebrate the ‘Hungry Ghost Festival’. They are usually held in open fields and courts which are under the purview of the People’s Association.
In a note posted on his Facebook yesterday, Mr Chen wrote that the organizers were not allowed to use venues in their neighborhood if they invite their MP to the event.
“The last such dinner I was scheduled to attend took place last week, a few weeks after the organizers called to let me know that they could no longer have me show up at the event as they had originally hoped. The organizers as in previous years had planned to hold the festivities on a hard court in the HDB estate, but this year were told by the Paya Lebar CCC that, as a condition for receiving CCC approval to use the venue, they may no longer invite their MP to the event. Future approvals will be withheld from errant organizers.”
However according to one Aljunied resident, ex-Aljunied MP Cynthia Phua had attended such dinners during her term as PAP MP in the last ten years and there was never any issue with the CCC.
One Aljunied resident Wilson Pang whose father is a member of the Seventh Month Organising Committee for the Blk 18 Hougang Ave 3 first highlighted the matter to Mr Chen on his Facebook two weeks ago:
“While applying for the permit this year, they were informed by the PA that they will only be allowed to use the open space if opposition MPs did not participate in any of the activities. Mdm Cynthia Phua, as MP for the ward, has always participated in the celebrations and been present at the dinners in previous years.”
“It pains me that they felt so embarrassed to pass me the news. Regrettably, this is not the first time it has happened since I was elected,” he added.
In contrast, PAP MP Tin Pei Ling attended a 7th month dinner in Aljunied Crescent (under Marine Parade GRC) last night and even made a speech on stage.
Ms Tin also attended a 7th month dinner in MacPherson on 11 August 2011:
Why are PAP MPs allowed to attend 7th month dinners to mingle around with their residents but not non-PAP MPs? How are they supposed to perform their duties as MPs if they are not given the opportunity to know their residents better?
The People’s Association is supposedly a statutory board funded by taxpayers’ monies, but has been ‘converted’ to become the PAP’s de facto ‘grassroots’ branch over the years.
CCCs, CCs and RCs are usually led by PAP branch secretaries and members. In the case of Aljunied GRC, losing PAP MP Ong Ye Kung was appointed as an ‘adviser’ of its grassroots organizations though Aljunied voters had clearly rejected him in the May election.
Speaking to a delegation of visiting Chinese officials two years ago, PAP supreme leader Lee Kuan Yew boasted that “all CCCs, CCs and RCs are part of the PAP.”
While Aljunied residents are not allowed to invite their elected MPs to grace their 7th month dinners, RC boards are allowed to hang banners of PAP-endorsed presidential candidate Tony Tan.
With the CCCs, CCs and RCs under the iron-fisted control of the totalitarian PAP regime, it will be an impossible task for Singaporeans to vote the PAP out of office via the ballot box in the future especially with the increasing number of new citizens the PAP is currently recruiting into these “public” organizations funded by taxpayers’ monies.
The incumbent has never failed to amused and disgust me with their unfairness, under the belt shot at their oppositions, their childishness, their arrogant and their total lack of connection with the ground.
Yet again the Men In White are doing themselves harm but making life hard for the Worker Party MPs to work in their wards.
For GOD’s Sake, just let them do their job and be treated with dignity and fairness as may I remind the incumbent that they did win the Votes of the people of Singapore to be in parliament. Not like that MG Chan whatever who piggy backed his way into parliament and has been talking cock since.
OK and thanks for the reminder on how ridiculous Tin Pei Ling is and how amazingly she got away with the cooling off day incident. Now whenever I seen a Kate Spade bag I will have a vision of bimbo Tin with her Kate Spade bad and the V post. (GOSH this is your MP People of Macpherson!)
A person with good integrity and has the heart to server the people of Singapore should be in the parliament of Singapore no matter what political party he or she is from.
These little moves by the PAP is only making the party look worst and lost more vote from Singaporean and I do hope your Tony won’t moving in to Istana despite all the advantages he got.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
What the President's candidates symbols meant for me.
I like Tan Jee Say’s symbol. As least he shows he got heart.
Tan Kin Lian make me feel he like to connect to the people in a fun way.
Tan Cheng Bock’s makes me think he is trying to reach out and provide shelter and smart enough as it has his Chinese character of his name.
Tony is just outrightly put himself in the centre of attention, self centre one might say?
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
4 in the Running
So one of the four Tan will be the next President of Singapore.
If you ask me er.... Tony look a bit weird in this picture from Straits Time.
PAP openly endorse Tony
PE: PM Lee on what Presidential Election is about
16 August 2011
SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said that getting a Certificate of Eligibility to contest the Presidential Election does not necessarily mean that candidates are all "equally qualified to be President".
Four hopefuls have been issued the Certificate of Eligibility. They are Dr Tony Tan, Dr Tan Cheng Bock, Mr Tan Kin Lian and Mr Tan Jee Say.
Mr Lee stressed that his government will work with the man chosen by voters, whoever he is.
The Prime Minister weighed in on the Presidential Election just a day before Nomination Day.
Meeting the local media at the Istana on Tuesday, Mr Lee said he felt the need to speak on the issue not because of what any of the presidential hopefuls has said, but because he felt Singaporeans need to know his views and to give them something to think about when they go to the polls.
Mr Lee reiterated the role and responsibility of the President under the Constitution.
The President has blocking powers in only five areas, such as over the country's reserves and key appointments.
In all other areas, the President must act in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Mr Lee also took the opportunity to talk about how his government has worked with President S R Nathan.
He cited the example of how the government had drawn on the reserves during the 2008 global financial crisis.
The proposal was put to the President and the Committee of Presidential Advisers.
Mr Lee said: "They asked questions, they spent several days thinking the matter over, asked and finally, only after satisfying themselves that this was in Singapore's best interest and the situation was serious enough to need the draw (on the reserves), that they approved the draw.
"The result was we were able to stabilise the economy, to boost confidence and to recover strongly when the storm passed, but also importantly, we were able to demonstrate how the Presidential safeguards were meant to work and could work in a tight situation."
Mr Lee said it is important for both the government and President to have a mutual understanding and constructive relationship and this is how he hopes to work with the next President.
He added that given the troubled global economic landscape, it is important that Singaporeans choose a capable President who can make well-judged decisions in the country's best interests.
The President also plays an important ceremonial role.
Mr Lee reminded Singaporeans that the President is a unifying figure and he also represents Singapore on the international stage.
For example, Mr Lee said President Nathan's grasp of international relations helped greatly to enhance Singapore's friendly relations with many countries.
Asked if a candidate's association with the ruling People's Action Party could work against him, Mr Lee said "no".
"When he becomes President, then he is in a different role, he's no longer a PAP member and he no longer takes instructions from the party. He's his own man, as Mr Ong Teng Cheong showed when he became President, and I think that is the way it has to work," said Mr Lee.
"Singapore is a very small society, and if you say you want people to come from completely different corners of the world and never had had any connection with one another, and then that counts as being independent, I think that is not possible," added Mr Lee.
Of the four presidential hopefuls, three have links to the PAP. Dr Tony Tan had served as deputy prime minister and Dr Tan Cheng Bock was a former MP, while former NTUC Income chief Tan Kin Lian was a former PAP member.
While Mr Lee did not want to be drawn into commenting what he thinks of the aspirants, he did repeat his endorsement of Dr Tony Tan.
"I think Dr Tony Tan is eminently qualified and a very good candidate. But I leave it to Singapore voters to make their judgement and I have every confidence they will make a good judgement," he said.
If there is a contest on Nomination Day, Singaporeans will go to the polls on August 27 in the country's first Presidential Election in 18 years.
Ah… no PM is adding his 2 cents worth on the President race on the eve on nomination day.
I was questioning his purpose ask he talk on old issue and again emphasis how idiotic PAP think Singaporean are assuming we can’t think for ourselves.
But his true intend for this press conference came at the end. His endorsement for Tony.
So in summary, Hsien Loong is tell you and me that although all 4 president hopeful got the COE but there is one that is more qualify and you know the President is very important one as he er… do….er….hmm… but he has blocking blocking powers in ONLY five area ,such as over the country's reserves and key appointments plus he can have informal talk to air his view privately to Hsien Loong but end of the day he can’t do nothing if the cabinet want something out of his wish.
Hsien Loong then go on about how the President represent Singaporean internationally and he prefer someone with this experience for President. Then he openly supports Tony.
Well Hsien Loong this is only your view.
One man one vote, we are all entitled to vote for someone who will not be a PAP yes man and demand a better Singapore’s society that is really Democratic, have real Justice, as well as Equality, and able to achieve Prosperity and Progress.
16 August 2011
SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said that getting a Certificate of Eligibility to contest the Presidential Election does not necessarily mean that candidates are all "equally qualified to be President".
Four hopefuls have been issued the Certificate of Eligibility. They are Dr Tony Tan, Dr Tan Cheng Bock, Mr Tan Kin Lian and Mr Tan Jee Say.
Mr Lee stressed that his government will work with the man chosen by voters, whoever he is.
The Prime Minister weighed in on the Presidential Election just a day before Nomination Day.
Meeting the local media at the Istana on Tuesday, Mr Lee said he felt the need to speak on the issue not because of what any of the presidential hopefuls has said, but because he felt Singaporeans need to know his views and to give them something to think about when they go to the polls.
Mr Lee reiterated the role and responsibility of the President under the Constitution.
The President has blocking powers in only five areas, such as over the country's reserves and key appointments.
In all other areas, the President must act in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Mr Lee also took the opportunity to talk about how his government has worked with President S R Nathan.
He cited the example of how the government had drawn on the reserves during the 2008 global financial crisis.
The proposal was put to the President and the Committee of Presidential Advisers.
Mr Lee said: "They asked questions, they spent several days thinking the matter over, asked and finally, only after satisfying themselves that this was in Singapore's best interest and the situation was serious enough to need the draw (on the reserves), that they approved the draw.
"The result was we were able to stabilise the economy, to boost confidence and to recover strongly when the storm passed, but also importantly, we were able to demonstrate how the Presidential safeguards were meant to work and could work in a tight situation."
Mr Lee said it is important for both the government and President to have a mutual understanding and constructive relationship and this is how he hopes to work with the next President.
He added that given the troubled global economic landscape, it is important that Singaporeans choose a capable President who can make well-judged decisions in the country's best interests.
The President also plays an important ceremonial role.
Mr Lee reminded Singaporeans that the President is a unifying figure and he also represents Singapore on the international stage.
For example, Mr Lee said President Nathan's grasp of international relations helped greatly to enhance Singapore's friendly relations with many countries.
Asked if a candidate's association with the ruling People's Action Party could work against him, Mr Lee said "no".
"When he becomes President, then he is in a different role, he's no longer a PAP member and he no longer takes instructions from the party. He's his own man, as Mr Ong Teng Cheong showed when he became President, and I think that is the way it has to work," said Mr Lee.
"Singapore is a very small society, and if you say you want people to come from completely different corners of the world and never had had any connection with one another, and then that counts as being independent, I think that is not possible," added Mr Lee.
Of the four presidential hopefuls, three have links to the PAP. Dr Tony Tan had served as deputy prime minister and Dr Tan Cheng Bock was a former MP, while former NTUC Income chief Tan Kin Lian was a former PAP member.
While Mr Lee did not want to be drawn into commenting what he thinks of the aspirants, he did repeat his endorsement of Dr Tony Tan.
"I think Dr Tony Tan is eminently qualified and a very good candidate. But I leave it to Singapore voters to make their judgement and I have every confidence they will make a good judgement," he said.
If there is a contest on Nomination Day, Singaporeans will go to the polls on August 27 in the country's first Presidential Election in 18 years.
Ah… no PM is adding his 2 cents worth on the President race on the eve on nomination day.
I was questioning his purpose ask he talk on old issue and again emphasis how idiotic PAP think Singaporean are assuming we can’t think for ourselves.
But his true intend for this press conference came at the end. His endorsement for Tony.
So in summary, Hsien Loong is tell you and me that although all 4 president hopeful got the COE but there is one that is more qualify and you know the President is very important one as he er… do….er….hmm… but he has blocking blocking powers in ONLY five area ,such as over the country's reserves and key appointments plus he can have informal talk to air his view privately to Hsien Loong but end of the day he can’t do nothing if the cabinet want something out of his wish.
Hsien Loong then go on about how the President represent Singaporean internationally and he prefer someone with this experience for President. Then he openly supports Tony.
Well Hsien Loong this is only your view.
One man one vote, we are all entitled to vote for someone who will not be a PAP yes man and demand a better Singapore’s society that is really Democratic, have real Justice, as well as Equality, and able to achieve Prosperity and Progress.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
The talk cock Banker.
Many clients welcome telemarketing calls, replies bank association
ST Forum 16 Aug 2011
WE THANK Mr Lee Pheng Soon for his feedback ('Bank's reply omitted vital details'; Forum Online, July 26).
From time to time, banks offer new products and services to their customers through telemarketing calls.
Feedback from our member banks reveal that many customers have found such calls beneficial as they serve to inform customers of the new products and services being offered by their banks.
Customers who do not find such telemarketing calls beneficial can request their banks to put them on the do-not-call list. Banks subscribe to the telemarketing guidelines for the financial industry issued by the Contact Centre Association of Singapore (CCAS). Under the telemarketing guidelines, banks are committed to maintain a do-not-call list.
Customers who have requested not to be called by their banks or their telemarketing agents will be put on the do-not-call list. Banks and their telemarketing agents will refrain from making telemarketing calls to such customers.
If customers have feedback on any telemarketing issues, they can e-mail ABS at banks@abs.org.sg and provide details such as the name of the bank/telemarketing agent and the date and time of the call.
ABS will follow up with the relevant bank to ensure that the bank in question adheres to the telemarketing guidelines.
Ong-Ang Ai Boon (Mrs)
Director
The Association of Banks in Singapore
This is the most ridiculous statement by the Association of Banks in Singapore. Well guess this Ang Ai Boon is just trying to save the business she is in.
I have talked to many people and most and if not all find telemarketer are a bunch of pests.
This Ang Ai Boon claims that you can request your bank to put you on the do not call list if you do not want such harassments (Service) but judging from my own experience, I got call from Banks who I totally have no dealing with.
Moreover, these banks sub-contract this telemarketing service to multiple 3rd parties companies who do not follow to the rules. I personally receive caller who refuse to indentify themselves, hang up immediately when I question where they got my contacts and I even received call from different companies representing the same bank in the same day. Heck! I even receive call from company representing Standard Chartered Bank 1 year later after I told them to put me on their DO NO CALL LIST.
So the banks are big corporations like APPLE and NIKE that sub contract their job to 3 parties sweat shop and scum companies so these big corporations on the paper have a clean set of rules but they will claim ignorance of what their sub contractors are doing.
I will appreciate if this Ang Ai Boon can share where the hell did she get the evidence that MOST of the clients welcome telemarketing calls? Else she is just talking for the sake of talking. Dumb.
ST Forum 16 Aug 2011
WE THANK Mr Lee Pheng Soon for his feedback ('Bank's reply omitted vital details'; Forum Online, July 26).
From time to time, banks offer new products and services to their customers through telemarketing calls.
Feedback from our member banks reveal that many customers have found such calls beneficial as they serve to inform customers of the new products and services being offered by their banks.
Customers who do not find such telemarketing calls beneficial can request their banks to put them on the do-not-call list. Banks subscribe to the telemarketing guidelines for the financial industry issued by the Contact Centre Association of Singapore (CCAS). Under the telemarketing guidelines, banks are committed to maintain a do-not-call list.
Customers who have requested not to be called by their banks or their telemarketing agents will be put on the do-not-call list. Banks and their telemarketing agents will refrain from making telemarketing calls to such customers.
If customers have feedback on any telemarketing issues, they can e-mail ABS at banks@abs.org.sg and provide details such as the name of the bank/telemarketing agent and the date and time of the call.
ABS will follow up with the relevant bank to ensure that the bank in question adheres to the telemarketing guidelines.
Ong-Ang Ai Boon (Mrs)
Director
The Association of Banks in Singapore
This is the most ridiculous statement by the Association of Banks in Singapore. Well guess this Ang Ai Boon is just trying to save the business she is in.
I have talked to many people and most and if not all find telemarketer are a bunch of pests.
This Ang Ai Boon claims that you can request your bank to put you on the do not call list if you do not want such harassments (Service) but judging from my own experience, I got call from Banks who I totally have no dealing with.
Moreover, these banks sub-contract this telemarketing service to multiple 3rd parties companies who do not follow to the rules. I personally receive caller who refuse to indentify themselves, hang up immediately when I question where they got my contacts and I even received call from different companies representing the same bank in the same day. Heck! I even receive call from company representing Standard Chartered Bank 1 year later after I told them to put me on their DO NO CALL LIST.
So the banks are big corporations like APPLE and NIKE that sub contract their job to 3 parties sweat shop and scum companies so these big corporations on the paper have a clean set of rules but they will claim ignorance of what their sub contractors are doing.
I will appreciate if this Ang Ai Boon can share where the hell did she get the evidence that MOST of the clients welcome telemarketing calls? Else she is just talking for the sake of talking. Dumb.
Monday, August 15, 2011
A thought on NDP rally 2011.
I did not actually sit through the entire speech by PM yesterday as I don’t find him sincere and basically he said the same time last year and last last year and even during his GE speech in May.
He really shows us that PAP has disconnected from the people and ok they are trying to connect back but are too lost or proud to do it properly and therefore came across as insincere.
I read his speech carefully and there are a couple of his points that really bother me.
4. So from personal perspective, many citizens feel pressures in daily lives. They ask themselves:
a. Why has my cost of living gone up?
b. Can I or my children afford to buy homes of our own?
c. What about my healthcare costs when I grow old?
d. In sum: Singa¬pore may be progressing, but can I be part of the success story?
5. Fully understand and empathise with concerns. We are tackling them
a. Building more flats
b. Improving public transport
c. Managing inflow of foreign workers and immigrants
d. Will take a while, but things will get better
e. Please be patient
So why did we end up here? Where cost of living gone up? Why there are flat shortage? Expensive health care and long wait for public Health care? Why we have a screwed up Public Transport system? Why influx of Foreign workers?
I tell you why.
Cost of living is up because of high rental set by the government to feed their greed.
Store or office rental gone up and the retailer has not choice but to sell their product at a higher price to keep themselves in business.
Prices of flats gone up due to shortages as flood gates for Foreigners was opened for many years.
Again this to feed the government’s greed.
More Foreign workers here to drive the labour cost down and therefore more profit for those at the top of the food chain.
Why we ends up today are due to PAP’s flaw policies over the years and PM tried to appease us by kicking the clowns Ministers in charge out of the cabinet. This also proved the paying top dollars does not mean you will get top quality person.
Jobs
47. Even then, slowing down the inflow of foreign workers means accepting lower economic growth
a. Some companies may be deterred from investing or expanding their operations in Singapore, and choose to close-down, move or invest elsewhere
b. Less vibrancy in our economy and society
c. Less resources to improve the lives of Singa¬poreans
d. Fewer opportunities for our people
Putting Singaporean first in the job market is a very sensitive issue as all Singaporean men need to server NS service. (Unless you are some Dr who even ends up as MP for God’s know what reason left the country and skip NS).
I do not agreed that slowing down inflow of foreign wokers means accepting lower economic growth. This is utterly rubbish.
You look at the quality of foreigner in Singapore. Yes there are a few good one but the rest are just crap.
At the lower end they are cheap labour but have no quality.
At the top end they are expensive but also have no quality.
To me you must attract the CORRECT kind of foreigner to help your country grow not any Tom, Dick and Harry there are reject from their own countries that come here as they know we are sucker for foreigners.
The only way for Singapore to grow and be a good place to live in is a drastic change in government policies. If the PAP can’t do it then somebody have to do it.
I will gladly accept a lower pay, slower economy growth for a country with a slower pace, good health care and a wonderful quality of live that enable me to spent time with families, friends and my hobbies.
Till then I will keep a look out for another country beside Singapore.
He really shows us that PAP has disconnected from the people and ok they are trying to connect back but are too lost or proud to do it properly and therefore came across as insincere.
I read his speech carefully and there are a couple of his points that really bother me.
4. So from personal perspective, many citizens feel pressures in daily lives. They ask themselves:
a. Why has my cost of living gone up?
b. Can I or my children afford to buy homes of our own?
c. What about my healthcare costs when I grow old?
d. In sum: Singa¬pore may be progressing, but can I be part of the success story?
5. Fully understand and empathise with concerns. We are tackling them
a. Building more flats
b. Improving public transport
c. Managing inflow of foreign workers and immigrants
d. Will take a while, but things will get better
e. Please be patient
So why did we end up here? Where cost of living gone up? Why there are flat shortage? Expensive health care and long wait for public Health care? Why we have a screwed up Public Transport system? Why influx of Foreign workers?
I tell you why.
Cost of living is up because of high rental set by the government to feed their greed.
Store or office rental gone up and the retailer has not choice but to sell their product at a higher price to keep themselves in business.
Prices of flats gone up due to shortages as flood gates for Foreigners was opened for many years.
Again this to feed the government’s greed.
More Foreign workers here to drive the labour cost down and therefore more profit for those at the top of the food chain.
Why we ends up today are due to PAP’s flaw policies over the years and PM tried to appease us by kicking the clowns Ministers in charge out of the cabinet. This also proved the paying top dollars does not mean you will get top quality person.
Jobs
47. Even then, slowing down the inflow of foreign workers means accepting lower economic growth
a. Some companies may be deterred from investing or expanding their operations in Singapore, and choose to close-down, move or invest elsewhere
b. Less vibrancy in our economy and society
c. Less resources to improve the lives of Singa¬poreans
d. Fewer opportunities for our people
Putting Singaporean first in the job market is a very sensitive issue as all Singaporean men need to server NS service. (Unless you are some Dr who even ends up as MP for God’s know what reason left the country and skip NS).
I do not agreed that slowing down inflow of foreign wokers means accepting lower economic growth. This is utterly rubbish.
You look at the quality of foreigner in Singapore. Yes there are a few good one but the rest are just crap.
At the lower end they are cheap labour but have no quality.
At the top end they are expensive but also have no quality.
To me you must attract the CORRECT kind of foreigner to help your country grow not any Tom, Dick and Harry there are reject from their own countries that come here as they know we are sucker for foreigners.
The only way for Singapore to grow and be a good place to live in is a drastic change in government policies. If the PAP can’t do it then somebody have to do it.
I will gladly accept a lower pay, slower economy growth for a country with a slower pace, good health care and a wonderful quality of live that enable me to spent time with families, friends and my hobbies.
Till then I will keep a look out for another country beside Singapore.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Will you vote for the Enemy?
PE: 4 get Certificates of Eligibility for presidential polls
11 August 2011
SINGAPORE: The stage is set for a contest not seen in Singapore's history.
Four hopefuls were on Thursday issued eligibility certificates for the Presidential Election on August 27.
The last time there was a contest was in 1993, when the elected presidency was introduced.
The Presidential Elections Committee said it received six applications.
And in assessing the suitability of each hopeful, it was satisfied that Mr Tan Kin Lian, Dr Tony Tan, Dr Tan Cheng Bock and Mr Tan Jee Say are all men of integrity, good character and reputation.
That's one of the criteria for eligibility.
Other criteria include a candidate having served at least three years as a chairman or CEO of a statutory board or company with a paid-up capital of at least S$100 million, or having served in a similar capacity under a special clause.
Dr Tony Tan and Dr Tan Cheng Bock were deemed to have met the first criterion, while Mr Tan Kin Lian and Mr Tan Jee Say qualified under the special clause.
The committee noted that Mr Tan Kin Lian had been the Chief Executive Officer of NTUC Income Insurance Co-operative Limited for more than three years.
The committee said NTUC Income, although a co-operative, had a paid-up capital of more than S$100 million in the years preceding Mr Tan Kin Lian's departure in 2007.
And this is comparable in size and complexity to a company with a paid-up capital of the same amount.
Mr Tan was the NTUC Income CEO from 1977 to 2007.
As for Mr Tan Jee Say, the committee said that as regional managing director of AIB Govett Asia, he had overall responsibility for the company's operations.
He therefore held a position similar to a CEO.
The committee added that AIB Govett Asia is an organisation of equivalent complexity when compared to companies in Singapore with a paid-up capital of
S$100 million.
The two hopefuls who were deemed not eligible are retiree Ooi Boon Ewe and former JTC Corporation Group Chief Financial Officer Andrew Kuan.
The committee said Mr Ooi had submitted an incomplete application form. He had also acknowledged that he did not meet the eligibility criteria.
As for Mr Kuan's second attempt at running for the presidency, the committee maintained that his seniority and responsibility as Group CFO between 2001 and 2004 are not comparable to what have been set out under the Presidential Elections Act.
The committee's decision is final.
So this is it. Four are qualify to submit their name on nomination day next week to try to become the 3rd elected President of Singapore.
To me the elected President has always be a strategic move by the PAP to back them up on their policy. Although they might have miscalculated on the capability of our dear late President Ong.
So the 2nd “elected” President Nathan is pretty much useless in looking after Singaporean interest in the last 12 years and he did not anything to check on the Singapore government nor our reserve yet he still got a fat pay check.
This year we all know that Tony is the PAP endorsed one and the other 3 each has their own agenda for running but I can be sure they have not got the backing from the Men In Whites.
A four corner fights will definitely benefit Tony, so I am worry about this. .It does not help that the other 3 who are not so active until recently. In fact this might be what the PAP want.
You have to say Tony has been in the lime light since his PAP days and is a seasoned politician. (Although he screwed up on the handshake with the fishmonger). And yes he did get some unfair advantage with the media brainwashing tactics used on us.
So who to vote for?
The famous ex-DPM Tony who got the backing from PAP, The Tan Clan, 7 Unions and maybe the Malay business Association?
Tan Kin Lian, Tan Cheng Bock or Tan Jee Say?
Well I just ask you a simple question.
Say you want to hire 2 security guards to look after your billions of cash in a remote island, will you hire the 2nd guard if you know she is the wife of the first one? Or would you rather hire someone neutral so to ensure your interest and not the interest of the 1st security guards are taken care of?
Ask yourself this before going to the poll my fellow Singapoearn.
Now I will wait and see what Tan Kin Lian, Tan Cheng Bock and Tan Jee Say got to say.
Tony? Nah I heard enough.
11 August 2011
SINGAPORE: The stage is set for a contest not seen in Singapore's history.
Four hopefuls were on Thursday issued eligibility certificates for the Presidential Election on August 27.
The last time there was a contest was in 1993, when the elected presidency was introduced.
The Presidential Elections Committee said it received six applications.
And in assessing the suitability of each hopeful, it was satisfied that Mr Tan Kin Lian, Dr Tony Tan, Dr Tan Cheng Bock and Mr Tan Jee Say are all men of integrity, good character and reputation.
That's one of the criteria for eligibility.
Other criteria include a candidate having served at least three years as a chairman or CEO of a statutory board or company with a paid-up capital of at least S$100 million, or having served in a similar capacity under a special clause.
Dr Tony Tan and Dr Tan Cheng Bock were deemed to have met the first criterion, while Mr Tan Kin Lian and Mr Tan Jee Say qualified under the special clause.
The committee noted that Mr Tan Kin Lian had been the Chief Executive Officer of NTUC Income Insurance Co-operative Limited for more than three years.
The committee said NTUC Income, although a co-operative, had a paid-up capital of more than S$100 million in the years preceding Mr Tan Kin Lian's departure in 2007.
And this is comparable in size and complexity to a company with a paid-up capital of the same amount.
Mr Tan was the NTUC Income CEO from 1977 to 2007.
As for Mr Tan Jee Say, the committee said that as regional managing director of AIB Govett Asia, he had overall responsibility for the company's operations.
He therefore held a position similar to a CEO.
The committee added that AIB Govett Asia is an organisation of equivalent complexity when compared to companies in Singapore with a paid-up capital of
S$100 million.
The two hopefuls who were deemed not eligible are retiree Ooi Boon Ewe and former JTC Corporation Group Chief Financial Officer Andrew Kuan.
The committee said Mr Ooi had submitted an incomplete application form. He had also acknowledged that he did not meet the eligibility criteria.
As for Mr Kuan's second attempt at running for the presidency, the committee maintained that his seniority and responsibility as Group CFO between 2001 and 2004 are not comparable to what have been set out under the Presidential Elections Act.
The committee's decision is final.
So this is it. Four are qualify to submit their name on nomination day next week to try to become the 3rd elected President of Singapore.
To me the elected President has always be a strategic move by the PAP to back them up on their policy. Although they might have miscalculated on the capability of our dear late President Ong.
So the 2nd “elected” President Nathan is pretty much useless in looking after Singaporean interest in the last 12 years and he did not anything to check on the Singapore government nor our reserve yet he still got a fat pay check.
This year we all know that Tony is the PAP endorsed one and the other 3 each has their own agenda for running but I can be sure they have not got the backing from the Men In Whites.
A four corner fights will definitely benefit Tony, so I am worry about this. .It does not help that the other 3 who are not so active until recently. In fact this might be what the PAP want.
You have to say Tony has been in the lime light since his PAP days and is a seasoned politician. (Although he screwed up on the handshake with the fishmonger). And yes he did get some unfair advantage with the media brainwashing tactics used on us.
So who to vote for?
The famous ex-DPM Tony who got the backing from PAP, The Tan Clan, 7 Unions and maybe the Malay business Association?
Tan Kin Lian, Tan Cheng Bock or Tan Jee Say?
Well I just ask you a simple question.
Say you want to hire 2 security guards to look after your billions of cash in a remote island, will you hire the 2nd guard if you know she is the wife of the first one? Or would you rather hire someone neutral so to ensure your interest and not the interest of the 1st security guards are taken care of?
Ask yourself this before going to the poll my fellow Singapoearn.
Now I will wait and see what Tan Kin Lian, Tan Cheng Bock and Tan Jee Say got to say.
Tony? Nah I heard enough.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Satisfaction for public transport had gone up. Yeah right!
Commuters more satisfied with public transport
Customer Satisfaction Index by SMU's Institute of Service Excellence (ISES) saw an increase of 5.3 points for buses and 3.7 points for the MRT.
Thu, Aug 11, 2011
A study by the Singapore Management University (SMU) has shown that communters here are more satisfied with public transport now, compare to a year ago.
Data from a Customer Satisfaction Index by the university's Institute of Service Excellence (ISES) saw an increase in customer satisfaction with public buses, from 61.1 points to 66.4 points.
Satisfaction with the MRT system also rose by 3.7 points to 67.8 points, reported the Straits Times.
ISES academic director Marcus Lee said the data showed that local residents feel they are getting more value out of their bus rides.
This could be due to the implementation of distance-based fares last year, as well as the addition of bus trips, he added.
This propaganda article is published to support the 1% fare hike in pubic transport.
ISES does not help by not reviewing the sample size nor what people did they sampled from.
As I have mentioned before. I can publish a paper using survey from just 3 people and if 2 out of 3 say the transport system is good the I already score a 60 points.
Moreover I can also more or less tweet the result by selecting the people to do my survey.
For example if I want to find out how good the PAP is and if I want to score a positive points, I will select grassroot leaders and high level civil servant to do my survey.
And if I want a negative result, I will select people from Aljunie and Hougang to do my survey.
So these surveys are useless.
And if you ask me on public transport satisfaction, I will give both the buses and MRT operators 1/100 each.
Customer Satisfaction Index by SMU's Institute of Service Excellence (ISES) saw an increase of 5.3 points for buses and 3.7 points for the MRT.
Thu, Aug 11, 2011
A study by the Singapore Management University (SMU) has shown that communters here are more satisfied with public transport now, compare to a year ago.
Data from a Customer Satisfaction Index by the university's Institute of Service Excellence (ISES) saw an increase in customer satisfaction with public buses, from 61.1 points to 66.4 points.
Satisfaction with the MRT system also rose by 3.7 points to 67.8 points, reported the Straits Times.
ISES academic director Marcus Lee said the data showed that local residents feel they are getting more value out of their bus rides.
This could be due to the implementation of distance-based fares last year, as well as the addition of bus trips, he added.
This propaganda article is published to support the 1% fare hike in pubic transport.
ISES does not help by not reviewing the sample size nor what people did they sampled from.
As I have mentioned before. I can publish a paper using survey from just 3 people and if 2 out of 3 say the transport system is good the I already score a 60 points.
Moreover I can also more or less tweet the result by selecting the people to do my survey.
For example if I want to find out how good the PAP is and if I want to score a positive points, I will select grassroot leaders and high level civil servant to do my survey.
And if I want a negative result, I will select people from Aljunie and Hougang to do my survey.
So these surveys are useless.
And if you ask me on public transport satisfaction, I will give both the buses and MRT operators 1/100 each.
Your sure you want him as President?
President not a separate power centre: Tony Tan
While the elected President can have influence, he "is not — and should not be — a separate power centre," believes presidential hopeful Dr Tony Tan.
What the President can and should do is address the concerns of Singaporeans and take them into account when exercising his or her powers, said Dr Tan.
"These concerns can also be raised formally or informally through appropriate channels. The choice of channels to pursue depends on the individual situation," he said.
Outlining his understanding of the President's role in a statement on Wednesday, he added the President must also have "a heart for all Singaporeans" and know how to reflect their concerns effectively in the context of national and international affairs.
"One can, of course, imagine very different roles for the President that would require a constitutional amendment. But the Presidential Election itself is the wrong forum for this," said Dr Tan.
"Candidates should run for the office that exists, not for the one they wish to have."
His comments come in the midst of an ongoing debate on the role of the highest office in Singapore, most recently stemming from Law Minister K Shanmugam's comments at an Institute of Policy Studies forum.
He said the President "can speak on issues only as authorised by the Cabinet; and he must follow the advice of the Cabinet in the discharge of his duties".
Dr Tan, who attended the IPS forum, said many have pressed him for his thoughts on the issue.
Other Presidential hopefuls have also raised their views. Both Tan Kin Lian and Dr Tan Cheng Bock agreed the President should work within the boundaries of the Constitution.
Tan Kian Lian disagreed, however, that the President could not speak without the Cabinet's approval. He urged the government to "adopt a more open approach towards the issues of the people" and engage the public on their concerns.
Dr Tan Cheng Bock took issue with Minister Shanmugam's comments that the influence a President depends on who the President is. Dr Tan Cheng Bock urged for mutual respect between the government and the President.
Judging from this report, Tony already declare that he will be the president without a mind of his own and will only happily do say what the PAP/Cabinet authorized him to say.
Then may I ask you why we need a $4M guys who do only what the PAP want him to do? We might as well do without the President and saved the $4M and used it to help the poor.
Tony also states that the President must have "a heart for all Singaporeans", yah I wonder when was the last time he took the public transport or eat at a hawker center (Last Sunday newspaper even quote he has his favourite prawn noodle bought for him).
He already shows us what his heart is like with his handshakes with the fishmonger.
So vote wisely my fellow Singaporean. We don’t need a inert $4M man who has no sincerity, do only the what the Men In White does and got away with a white horse son.
While the elected President can have influence, he "is not — and should not be — a separate power centre," believes presidential hopeful Dr Tony Tan.
What the President can and should do is address the concerns of Singaporeans and take them into account when exercising his or her powers, said Dr Tan.
"These concerns can also be raised formally or informally through appropriate channels. The choice of channels to pursue depends on the individual situation," he said.
Outlining his understanding of the President's role in a statement on Wednesday, he added the President must also have "a heart for all Singaporeans" and know how to reflect their concerns effectively in the context of national and international affairs.
"One can, of course, imagine very different roles for the President that would require a constitutional amendment. But the Presidential Election itself is the wrong forum for this," said Dr Tan.
"Candidates should run for the office that exists, not for the one they wish to have."
His comments come in the midst of an ongoing debate on the role of the highest office in Singapore, most recently stemming from Law Minister K Shanmugam's comments at an Institute of Policy Studies forum.
He said the President "can speak on issues only as authorised by the Cabinet; and he must follow the advice of the Cabinet in the discharge of his duties".
Dr Tan, who attended the IPS forum, said many have pressed him for his thoughts on the issue.
Other Presidential hopefuls have also raised their views. Both Tan Kin Lian and Dr Tan Cheng Bock agreed the President should work within the boundaries of the Constitution.
Tan Kian Lian disagreed, however, that the President could not speak without the Cabinet's approval. He urged the government to "adopt a more open approach towards the issues of the people" and engage the public on their concerns.
Dr Tan Cheng Bock took issue with Minister Shanmugam's comments that the influence a President depends on who the President is. Dr Tan Cheng Bock urged for mutual respect between the government and the President.
Judging from this report, Tony already declare that he will be the president without a mind of his own and will only happily do say what the PAP/Cabinet authorized him to say.
Then may I ask you why we need a $4M guys who do only what the PAP want him to do? We might as well do without the President and saved the $4M and used it to help the poor.
Tony also states that the President must have "a heart for all Singaporeans", yah I wonder when was the last time he took the public transport or eat at a hawker center (Last Sunday newspaper even quote he has his favourite prawn noodle bought for him).
He already shows us what his heart is like with his handshakes with the fishmonger.
So vote wisely my fellow Singaporean. We don’t need a inert $4M man who has no sincerity, do only the what the Men In White does and got away with a white horse son.
Monday, August 08, 2011
I have left the country without a passport.
Venue: Pair ris White Sand Kopitiam
Date: 04th Aug 2010
FT from Philippine: I want meal no. 43 take away.
Store assistant from China: 你要什么？
FT from Philippine: 43 take away 打包.
Store assistant from China to me: 他要三十几？
Me to Store assistant from China: 他要四十三打包。
No thanks from anyone. Next time I will tell the Filipino to learn Chinese and the Chinese to Learn English.
Geez… still wonder why I spent 15 year in the army to defend this crap piece of land that is not even inhabited by Singaporean.
Date: 04th Aug 2010
FT from Philippine: I want meal no. 43 take away.
Store assistant from China: 你要什么？
FT from Philippine: 43 take away 打包.
Store assistant from China to me: 他要三十几？
Me to Store assistant from China: 他要四十三打包。
No thanks from anyone. Next time I will tell the Filipino to learn Chinese and the Chinese to Learn English.
Geez… still wonder why I spent 15 year in the army to defend this crap piece of land that is not even inhabited by Singaporean.
Law Minister don't know the Law?
Elections do not change president's powers
By Tessa Wong
LAW Minister K Shanmugam said on Friday that the process of direct elections does not change the scope of the Elected President's powers as set out in the Constitution.
And the Constitution states that the President can speak on issues only as authorised by the Cabinet, he said at a Institute of Policy Studies forum.
"If a head of state challenges the Government, he will be acting unconstitutionally," Mr Shanmugam added.
The 1991 amendment to the Constitution, which made the presidency an elected position, gave the president veto powers in five areas, including the spending of past reserves.
He was speaking at an Institute of Policy Studies forum on the role of the roles, responsibilities and power of the elected president. Ambassador-at-large Professor Tommy Koh and constitutional expert Professor Thio Li-Ann also spoke at the forum, which was held at Orchard Hotel.
Every once in a while one of these over paid brainless goof will say something that is totally STUPID and therefore make themselves the laughing stock for the rest of their life.
What this Idiot basically is telling you that the incumbent do not fear the President as he is their Puppet.
“the President can speak on issues only as authorised by the Cabinet”
To me I think Shanmugam has just shot himself in both his feet.
He is showing how dumb he is and how arrogant the PAP is.
Now one more of these PAP guys go into the History of stupid quotes.
By Tessa Wong
LAW Minister K Shanmugam said on Friday that the process of direct elections does not change the scope of the Elected President's powers as set out in the Constitution.
And the Constitution states that the President can speak on issues only as authorised by the Cabinet, he said at a Institute of Policy Studies forum.
"If a head of state challenges the Government, he will be acting unconstitutionally," Mr Shanmugam added.
The 1991 amendment to the Constitution, which made the presidency an elected position, gave the president veto powers in five areas, including the spending of past reserves.
He was speaking at an Institute of Policy Studies forum on the role of the roles, responsibilities and power of the elected president. Ambassador-at-large Professor Tommy Koh and constitutional expert Professor Thio Li-Ann also spoke at the forum, which was held at Orchard Hotel.
Every once in a while one of these over paid brainless goof will say something that is totally STUPID and therefore make themselves the laughing stock for the rest of their life.
What this Idiot basically is telling you that the incumbent do not fear the President as he is their Puppet.
“the President can speak on issues only as authorised by the Cabinet”
To me I think Shanmugam has just shot himself in both his feet.
He is showing how dumb he is and how arrogant the PAP is.
Now one more of these PAP guys go into the History of stupid quotes.
I scratch you back and you scartch mine OK Tony?
10,000-strong Tan Clan backs Tony Tan for president
By Cai Haoxiang
THE 10,000-strong Federation of Tan Clan Associations has thrown its weight behind former deputy prime minister Tony Tan's bid for the presidency - the first group here to publicly do so.
Secretary-general Tan Lian Ker, 80, explained yesterday that the decision to endorse him over three other aspirants with the Tan surname - Dr Tan Cheng Bock, Mr Tan Kin Lian and Mr Tan Jee Say - was due to Dr Tony Tan's association and contributions to the federation.
Dr Tony Tan, 71, has been its honorary adviser since 2006 and his professional assistance and contributions had enhanced the image of the federation and its members, he added.
Speaking to reporters after a dialogue between federation members and Dr Tan, he said it was only proper the federation back Dr Tan over the others, who are not involved in the clan's umbrella body.
Wah lau eh!!!
Look like the Tan Clan is playing safe and put their money on the favourite horse to win so they can get some kick back if he is elected.
It will be useful if the Tan Clan can disclose how and what each of the Tan candidates contributed to the Clan. Giving MONEY? Using their position to help them? Help to distribute food to the poor?
This way the public can judge for themselves what sort of character President Tan is like and also how much can the Tan clan be bought for.
By Cai Haoxiang
THE 10,000-strong Federation of Tan Clan Associations has thrown its weight behind former deputy prime minister Tony Tan's bid for the presidency - the first group here to publicly do so.
Secretary-general Tan Lian Ker, 80, explained yesterday that the decision to endorse him over three other aspirants with the Tan surname - Dr Tan Cheng Bock, Mr Tan Kin Lian and Mr Tan Jee Say - was due to Dr Tony Tan's association and contributions to the federation.
Dr Tony Tan, 71, has been its honorary adviser since 2006 and his professional assistance and contributions had enhanced the image of the federation and its members, he added.
Speaking to reporters after a dialogue between federation members and Dr Tan, he said it was only proper the federation back Dr Tan over the others, who are not involved in the clan's umbrella body.
Wah lau eh!!!
Look like the Tan Clan is playing safe and put their money on the favourite horse to win so they can get some kick back if he is elected.
It will be useful if the Tan Clan can disclose how and what each of the Tan candidates contributed to the Clan. Giving MONEY? Using their position to help them? Help to distribute food to the poor?
This way the public can judge for themselves what sort of character President Tan is like and also how much can the Tan clan be bought for.
Friday, August 05, 2011
Brainwashing quietly.
Union leaders should draw own conclusions about candidates: NTUC
Aug 05, 2011
SINGAPORE - The labour movement will break with tradition for the coming Presidential Election.
While it had thrown its support behind a candidate during the previous Presidential Elections, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) will adopt a "consensus-building approach" this time, labour chief Lim Swee Say told reporters yesterday.
Noting that the traditional top-down approach - which had seen the NTUC formally endorse the late Mr Ong Teng Cheong and Mr S R Nathan in their respective Presidential campaigns - "may be less relevant" now, Mr Lim said the labour movement will, instead, facilitate opportunities for union leaders to meet the presidential hopefuls and let them decide who to support.
And by the time Singaporeans head for the polls in three weeks, the NTUC may decide to back a candidate if its unions reach a consensus, or the different unions may end up supporting different candidates, said Mr Lim, who was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a National Day observance ceremony at the NTUC headquarters.
Mr Lim added: "The reason why we've not come out to give a formal endorsement is because we want the union leaders to see for themselves, to judge for themselves, to come to their own conclusions ... (and) decide what will be good for the labour movement, and good for the workers."
Mr Lim pointed out that while Mr Ong and Mr Nathan were formerly the NTUC's secretary-general and Labour Research Unit director, respectively - thus easily rendering them as its candidates of choice - the current hopefuls did not come from the labour movement.
"If there are unions who feel that Candidate A is better than Candidate B, as a labour movement, we're not going to come down hard on them and say 'no unions are allowed to support different candidates'. It's more a process of consultation and consensus," he said.
On Wednesday, the labour movement held a closed-door dialogue with former Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan, one of the presidential aspirants.
Mr Lim said the NTUC may invite other presidential hopefuls if there are requests for a dialogue with them, and its central committee members will also continue to share its assessment of the various candidates with union leaders.
Mr Lim noted that the NTUC is attaching "tremendous importance" to this Presidential Election because "the world of the future is going to be a lot more challenging one" due to stiff external competition and certain domestic issues, such as a widening income gap and an ageing population.
The next Elected President must thus be able to strengthen the Republic's standing internationally as well as unite Singaporeans to "give us the best hope of continuing to succeed in this new world", said Mr Lim.
Firstly it is absolutely stupid to have a PAP guy as the general secretary of the Union.
This also shows the Union is in control by the PAP as the party whip can literally control him like a puppet.
This idiot also never give the reason why he only invited one of the cadidates for air time and not the rest.
Secondary why should any sane adult listen to what the Union says and support the candidate that the union backed?
Everyone should have a mind of their own and listen to what the candidates promised and judge what kind of character he is and finally make his or her own decision to vote for the candidate that is the most sincere and convincing.
We all know who the Union, which is the PAP sub-branch, is backing for this election.
But because the person is having some bad publicity so Lim Swee Say probably got a note from the Secretary General to back up a little and remain neutral on the surface.
And if you read this article carefully, there is a sublime message in there.
Note that only one candidate's name is mentioned and one might even think that he is the only one in the running for this election. Or maybe he will be the only one granted the COE to run.
Aug 05, 2011
SINGAPORE - The labour movement will break with tradition for the coming Presidential Election.
While it had thrown its support behind a candidate during the previous Presidential Elections, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) will adopt a "consensus-building approach" this time, labour chief Lim Swee Say told reporters yesterday.
Noting that the traditional top-down approach - which had seen the NTUC formally endorse the late Mr Ong Teng Cheong and Mr S R Nathan in their respective Presidential campaigns - "may be less relevant" now, Mr Lim said the labour movement will, instead, facilitate opportunities for union leaders to meet the presidential hopefuls and let them decide who to support.
And by the time Singaporeans head for the polls in three weeks, the NTUC may decide to back a candidate if its unions reach a consensus, or the different unions may end up supporting different candidates, said Mr Lim, who was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a National Day observance ceremony at the NTUC headquarters.
Mr Lim added: "The reason why we've not come out to give a formal endorsement is because we want the union leaders to see for themselves, to judge for themselves, to come to their own conclusions ... (and) decide what will be good for the labour movement, and good for the workers."
Mr Lim pointed out that while Mr Ong and Mr Nathan were formerly the NTUC's secretary-general and Labour Research Unit director, respectively - thus easily rendering them as its candidates of choice - the current hopefuls did not come from the labour movement.
"If there are unions who feel that Candidate A is better than Candidate B, as a labour movement, we're not going to come down hard on them and say 'no unions are allowed to support different candidates'. It's more a process of consultation and consensus," he said.
On Wednesday, the labour movement held a closed-door dialogue with former Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan, one of the presidential aspirants.
Mr Lim said the NTUC may invite other presidential hopefuls if there are requests for a dialogue with them, and its central committee members will also continue to share its assessment of the various candidates with union leaders.
Mr Lim noted that the NTUC is attaching "tremendous importance" to this Presidential Election because "the world of the future is going to be a lot more challenging one" due to stiff external competition and certain domestic issues, such as a widening income gap and an ageing population.
The next Elected President must thus be able to strengthen the Republic's standing internationally as well as unite Singaporeans to "give us the best hope of continuing to succeed in this new world", said Mr Lim.
Firstly it is absolutely stupid to have a PAP guy as the general secretary of the Union.
This also shows the Union is in control by the PAP as the party whip can literally control him like a puppet.
This idiot also never give the reason why he only invited one of the cadidates for air time and not the rest.
Secondary why should any sane adult listen to what the Union says and support the candidate that the union backed?
Everyone should have a mind of their own and listen to what the candidates promised and judge what kind of character he is and finally make his or her own decision to vote for the candidate that is the most sincere and convincing.
We all know who the Union, which is the PAP sub-branch, is backing for this election.
But because the person is having some bad publicity so Lim Swee Say probably got a note from the Secretary General to back up a little and remain neutral on the surface.
And if you read this article carefully, there is a sublime message in there.
Note that only one candidate's name is mentioned and one might even think that he is the only one in the running for this election. Or maybe he will be the only one granted the COE to run.
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Movie : Seediq Bale 賽德克‧巴萊
Saw the trailer in Taipei and its on my must watch list this year.
The film is produced by John Woo and directed by Wei Te-Sheng魏德聖 which directed Cape No.7海角七號.
The film is produced by John Woo and directed by Wei Te-Sheng魏德聖 which directed Cape No.7海角七號.
The film has been selected as one of the films in competition at the 68th Venice International Film Festival.
The film is base on the Wushu Incident in 1930 Taiwan where the oppress aborigine upraise against the Japanese.
The cinematography looks good and should expect noting less from Wei Te Sheng.
Offical Website.
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
Pre National Day thought.
I enjoy travelling.
I love the taste of the food and drinks, the smell of the air in a foreign land, observing the behaviour of the locals and I do treasure all these experience.
After been an avid traveller for so many years, I could help to compare the countries I have been to with my county by birth Singapore.
Every county has its pros and cons, including Singapore.
I must say the little red passport is indeed one of the best in the world where you are saved on the hassle of visa in most country in the world. (Trust me those that still required Visa are countries I certainly will not like to end up in)
When I was younger I realised Singapore has more pros then cons when compared to the countries I visited.
But I gradually began to see the scale is being tipped.
With decade of economy growth and policy change I realised the Singapore of today is totally different from what it was.
Yes we may be one of the richest, safest, cleanest countries in the world but do we have a high quality of life?
I love the taste of the food and drinks, the smell of the air in a foreign land, observing the behaviour of the locals and I do treasure all these experience.
After been an avid traveller for so many years, I could help to compare the countries I have been to with my county by birth Singapore.
Every county has its pros and cons, including Singapore.
I must say the little red passport is indeed one of the best in the world where you are saved on the hassle of visa in most country in the world. (Trust me those that still required Visa are countries I certainly will not like to end up in)
When I was younger I realised Singapore has more pros then cons when compared to the countries I visited.
But I gradually began to see the scale is being tipped.
With decade of economy growth and policy change I realised the Singapore of today is totally different from what it was.
Yes we may be one of the richest, safest, cleanest countries in the world but do we have a high quality of life?
The PAP tactic - Tell, Confuse, Apologize, Cry.
Singapore in uncharted territory, says Tony Tan
He said Singaporeans must be aware of global economic issues and how they may affect the country. -myp
Wed, Aug 03, 2011
Singaporeans must be aware of global economic issues and how they may affect the country, presidential hopeful Tony Tan said yesterday.
Citing the current United States debt crisis as an example, Dr Tan, 71, asked whether uncertainties on a global level would "overwhelm" Singaporeans.
"We are in uncharted territory here. What does it mean for the jobs? How can (workers) keep themselves relevant?...Will prices continue to rise?" he said.
"I see major difficulties that lie ahead of Singapore."
Making sure that workers "have the skills in order to raise their productivity if costs rise", is crucial, he added.
Dr Tan was speaking to reporters at the NTUC Centre in Marina Boulevard, after an hour-long closed-door dialogue session in which he fielded questions from union leaders.
The dialogue, organised by the Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute, aims to engage key personalities on issues affecting the workforce.
The former deputy prime minister - one of five potential candidates vying to contest the upcoming presidential election - described union workers as the "heart" of Singapore's economy.
Explaining his role at the dialogue, Dr Tan said that many of the union leaders are understandably "very worried" about the implications of such a crisis.
"So I wanted to discuss with them all of these issues, give them a better understanding of what is happening, what could happen, and see how we could all work together in order to help them overcome some of these difficulties."
Asked if the labour movement would be endorsing Dr Tan in his presidential bid, Mr John De Payva, president of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), said that it has not formally decided to do so.
"We are mindful of who we think should be president but we have not decided whether to endorse. We may, we may not," he said, adding that a formal decision would come only after discussions with NTUC's Central Committee and its union leaders.
However, Mr De Payva said that Dr Tan "fits the bill" of what NTUC wants in a president: someone with stature, exposure and an understanding of the fundamentals of the role of the president.
Dr Tan - who has had links to the labour movement since 1979, when he became chairman of NTUC's Investment Committee - was invited to the dialogue at the request of union leaders.
A week away and when I come back and still Ex-DPM Tony’s airtime given by his ex-company SPH is unrivalled compare to the other Presidential hopeful.
Employing the same old PAP’s tactic, now he is threatening Singaporean by highlighting the bleak global economy, the probably high unemployment rates etc etc….
Oh spare me Tony, I head the same thing over and over again by the Men In White.
So this is exactly why we need a change of government as they had screwed up over the years and had not been held accountable for and are still drawing their million dollars salaries.
Tony what I want to hear from you is how you will check on the government if you are elected and what plans you have for making life of ordinary Singaporean better.
Oh and please be honest about your son’s deferment. We all knew about white horse privileges in the SAF so don’t lie to us please.
I think he will apologize and cry next.
He said Singaporeans must be aware of global economic issues and how they may affect the country. -myp
Wed, Aug 03, 2011
Singaporeans must be aware of global economic issues and how they may affect the country, presidential hopeful Tony Tan said yesterday.
Citing the current United States debt crisis as an example, Dr Tan, 71, asked whether uncertainties on a global level would "overwhelm" Singaporeans.
"We are in uncharted territory here. What does it mean for the jobs? How can (workers) keep themselves relevant?...Will prices continue to rise?" he said.
"I see major difficulties that lie ahead of Singapore."
Making sure that workers "have the skills in order to raise their productivity if costs rise", is crucial, he added.
Dr Tan was speaking to reporters at the NTUC Centre in Marina Boulevard, after an hour-long closed-door dialogue session in which he fielded questions from union leaders.
The dialogue, organised by the Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute, aims to engage key personalities on issues affecting the workforce.
The former deputy prime minister - one of five potential candidates vying to contest the upcoming presidential election - described union workers as the "heart" of Singapore's economy.
Explaining his role at the dialogue, Dr Tan said that many of the union leaders are understandably "very worried" about the implications of such a crisis.
"So I wanted to discuss with them all of these issues, give them a better understanding of what is happening, what could happen, and see how we could all work together in order to help them overcome some of these difficulties."
Asked if the labour movement would be endorsing Dr Tan in his presidential bid, Mr John De Payva, president of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), said that it has not formally decided to do so.
"We are mindful of who we think should be president but we have not decided whether to endorse. We may, we may not," he said, adding that a formal decision would come only after discussions with NTUC's Central Committee and its union leaders.
However, Mr De Payva said that Dr Tan "fits the bill" of what NTUC wants in a president: someone with stature, exposure and an understanding of the fundamentals of the role of the president.
Dr Tan - who has had links to the labour movement since 1979, when he became chairman of NTUC's Investment Committee - was invited to the dialogue at the request of union leaders.
A week away and when I come back and still Ex-DPM Tony’s airtime given by his ex-company SPH is unrivalled compare to the other Presidential hopeful.
Employing the same old PAP’s tactic, now he is threatening Singaporean by highlighting the bleak global economy, the probably high unemployment rates etc etc….
Oh spare me Tony, I head the same thing over and over again by the Men In White.
So this is exactly why we need a change of government as they had screwed up over the years and had not been held accountable for and are still drawing their million dollars salaries.
Tony what I want to hear from you is how you will check on the government if you are elected and what plans you have for making life of ordinary Singaporean better.
Oh and please be honest about your son’s deferment. We all knew about white horse privileges in the SAF so don’t lie to us please.
I think he will apologize and cry next.
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