Javert's World

The root of the problem had spoken

2012-01-19T10:32:00.001+08:00

Lee Kuan Yew defends competitive ministerial salaries
18 January 2012

SINGAPORE: Singapore's former Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew has defended the need for a competitive ministerial pay to attract committed and capable people who will serve the country.

In a letter sent to the media on Wednesday after a parliamentary debate on political pay, Mr Lee, who had fought strongly for competitive political pay when he was in the Cabinet, noted how with a different generation, political attitudes change.

But he said unless Singapore has a steady stream of people to serve as ministers, Singapore as a little red dot will become a little black spot.

He pointed out that Singapore did not get from Third World to First by "head-hunting ministers willing to sacrifice their children's future when undertaking a public service duty."

He said the leadership took a "pragmatic course that does not require people of calibre to give up too much for the public good."

Mr Lee added that Singapore must not be reduced to another ordinary country in the Third World by dodging the issue of competitive ministerial remuneration.

Mr Lee said Singapore cannot underpay ministers and argues that their sole reward should be their contribution to public good.

"Every family wants to provide the best for their children, to go to a good university. We were pragmatic and also paid competitive salaries in order to have a continuous stream of high calibre people to become MPs, and then ministers. They put their careers at risk and undergo an uncertain and unpredictable election process," he said.

He pointed to the heavy responsibilities of ministers in making Singapore a success.

"A PM and his ministers carry heavy responsibilities for the nation. If they make a serious mistake, the damage to Singapore will be incalculable and permanent. Their macroeconomic policies will decide the GDP of the country, which was more than S$300 billion in 2010, with per capita GDP of S$59,000."

The MP for Tanjong Pagar had spoken.

MP Lee again rubbished that if Singapore don’t pay high salary to Ministers we will be reduced to another ordinary county in the third world….. HUH?

Yes I agreed that every man has to take care of his family and Ministers as well, they should be paid well so they can send their children to good university and get themselves a big houses and a few big cars.

But there is something not right if they are over paid!

With the current salaries, these jokers can send their next 5 generations to good universities and get each and every of their grand children a car and a house, all with tax payer money.

If each and every Minister is so important then they should stand for election on their own and not in GRCs. So if they screwed up we can removed them in the next elections.

Look at the standard of passed DPM Wong Kang Seng and Minister Mah.

They are hopeless but still got away with it.

PAP is made up of Elites for the Elites, they has lost connection with ordinary Singaporean long ago.

There is no excuse for Greed.

2012-01-17T10:17:00.002+08:00

Drawbacks on pegging ministers' pay to that of foreign leaders
Mr Teo pointed out the differences between Singapore and other countries in terms of size, make-up of population and philosophy of governance
Tue, Jan 17, 2012
my paper

There are drawbacks with the suggestion that ministers' salaries here should be benchmarked to those of foreign leaders, said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean yesterday.

Mr Teo, who is also the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, said: "Political pay levels and structures based on domestic political considerations in one country may not correlate with the conditions in another."

It is thus more apt to benchmark and structure political salaries here to local economic and social conditions, such as employment level.

Mr Teo was putting forth the motion to endorse the recommendations of the Committee to Review Ministerial Salaries set up by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong last year.

Beyond political factors, Mr Teo pointed out the differences between Singapore and other countries in terms of size, make-up of population and philosophy of governance.

He went on to explain how Singapore has to assemble the Cabinet from a smaller pool of able people, as compared to places with larger populations such as Britain and Japan.

Reiterating the importance of Singapore's leadership selection "more so than in other countries", he said: "We are a small, multi-ethnic country, set in a volatile region and facing the full force of global competition; our challenges are complex and many."

He added: "We are a city-state which is critically dependent on good governance to survive, sustain ourselves and achieve success."

The key recommendations of the committee include pegging the ministerial pay to the median income of the top 1,000 Singaporean earners, with a discount of 40 per cent.

With the proposed changes, which the Government intends to accept, Mr Lee's pay will be equivalent to that of the 382nd Singapore Citizen income earner - with a total annual salary package of $2.2 million.

Mr Lee had stood at the 175th position in 2010 with a salary of $3.1 million.

Mr Teo also revealed that the top 1,000 earners here earn $1.3 million or more, based on data from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore.

The data also showed that 48 per cent of them held senior- management positions across industries such as retail and health care.

During the debate which followed, Workers' Party Member of Parliament (MP) Chen Show Mao proposed pegging ministerial salaries as multiples of an MP's allowance as they "are first and foremost elected as MPs to serve and represent the people".

With ministerial pay pegged to that of the top earners here, MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC Inderjit Singh called for high standards of accountability.

He said: "If a minister consistently performs poorly and less than satisfactorily, the Prime Minister should be quick to replace him, as is done in the private sector."

Actually it is interesting to see what kind of lame excuse PAP give for having the most expensive cabinet in the world.

The fact is it is totally wrong and no matter what excuse they give is ridiculous.

Look at Teo’s explanations, it only makes him look like an idiot or maybe they think Singaporeans are just plain stupid.

Teo explain we need higher pay because we have a smaller pool of people to get into politic.

Huh? But are these people qualified? Isn’t it easier to run a smaller country? Isn’t it more difficult to run the United States, United Kingdom and China?

And I am pretty sure we are not the only "small, multi-ethnic country, set in a volatile region and facing the full force of global competition; our challenges are complex and many." in the whole word.

I don’t care about Hsien Loong pay position in the country has dropped. The fact is he is being paid by tax payers and his salary is way above what an average Singaporean get.

This is morally wrong.

In fact if he or any of the cabinet think they want to be rich then they should jolly well join a private sector which they claims they can easily get in to and then they can be the number 1 paid Singaporean in this country.

The real thoughts of our millionaires

2012-01-05T10:32:00.002+08:00

President, MPs react to pay cut
04 January 2012 1847 hrs (SST)

SINGAPORE: Singapore's President Tony Tan Keng Yam has welcomed the recommendations of the Ministerial Salaries Review Committee announced on Wednesday.

In a statement, a spokesman for the Office of the President said Dr Tony Tan has informed the prime minister he will adopt the president's salary as recommended by the committee, backdated 1 September last year, the day he was sworn into office.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament (MP) for Jurong Group Representation Constituency (GRC) David Ong said: "Personally, for me, with the reduction of the MP allowance and removal of the GDP Bonus, it won't affect my performance at all, as an MP.

"I'm elected to serve the people of Singapore, my residents in Jurong GRC, and I'll continue to do that.

Mr Ong added he believes there are Singaporeans who will be prepared to step forward and serve the country despite significant cuts to political salaries.

Mr Ong told MediaCorp it is important that the financial sacrifice, however, not be too steep as this will affect the government's ability to attract top-calibre leaders.

"There will be some challenges, but hopefully with this adjustment of the pay package we can attract people with the heart to want to serve and give a little bit more discount in terms of their material gains, and step forward to serve the country," he said.

The president, who only gathered 30% of the nation votes, and Ministers must be feeling quite bad now due to the pay cut but they have no choice as PAP has the worst election result last year.

Well can’t believe one who suffered pay cut can still say nice things but again its on national media.

Therefore I try to think what some their real thoughts may be(with disclaimer):

Tony Tan: Lucky Nathan, I should have stayed at GIC and SPH. ##$@!%#

Lee Hsien Loong: I am still the best paid politician in the world.

Teo Chee Hean: So many portfolio still kenna pay cut. Wah lau still have to explain to the other guys since I am in charge of Civil Service pay.

Tharman: Sian… the other ex-DPM got some much over the years and now I first year kenna pay cut liao… should have gone to work for the world bank.

Lim Swee Say: Evertime I look at my CPF I wonder why I feel poorer.

Yaacob: Huh? What pay cut?

Khaw Boon Wan: Guess has to look for HDB flats now.

Vivian: Please don’t rain again! Else no bonus this year.

Shanmugan: Lucky George

Lui Tuck Yew: Shit! Look like really have to take public transport now.

Heng Swee Keat: Wah lan! Kenna con into politic.

Chan Chun Sing: Wah Wah Lan!!! Kenna con into politic and now no one call me Sir anymore.

Mah Bow Tan: Heng Hah. Now only take MP pay can really relax.

Wong Kang Seng: Si Bei Heng man! Must call Bow Tan out and gossip.

Pay cut of Minister

2012-01-04T16:39:00.001+08:00

Wage cuts between 36 and 53% recommended for political appointments
04 January 2012 1208 hrs

SINGAPORE: The Review Committee, appointed by the Prime Minister to look at Ministerial salaries, has recommended cuts of between 36 and 53 per cent.

This was disclosed by Committee Chairman, Gerard Ee, on Wednesday at a news conference.

The Committee was appointed after the general election in May last year, and had submitted its report to the Prime Minister on December 30.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had announced the review at the swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet in May last year.

Among the recommendations made are the Prime Minister's annual salary to be cut by 36 per cent, to S$2.2 million.

The annual salary of ministers will be cut by 37 per cent, to S$1.1 million.

The President's annual salary is reduced by 51 per cent, to S$1.54 million.

The Speaker of Parliament will see the biggest percentage cut of 53 per cent, to S$550,000.

Previously, salaries were pegged to the median income of the top 48 earners in Singapore, with a one-third discount.

Now, they will be pegged to the median income of the top 1,000 earners who are Singapore citizens.

A 40 per cent discount will then be applied.

Based on 2010 figures, the proposed salary for entry-level ministers works out to S$1.1 million.

The committee also recommended changes to bonus payments, pensions and benefits under the new pay structure.

The committee has recommended that the GDP bonus be removed, and replaced by a National Bonus.

The National Bonus comprises four elements - including the unemployment rate, real median income growth, GDP growth and the real income growth of the bottom 20 per cent of wage earners.

Chairman Gerard Ee said the salary must be a "clean wage" with no hidden perks.

He said: "Our recommendations, while it is a severe cut, should be able to attract not all, but some of the talents to come forward.

"But preserving the message that you're coming forward to serve in a political capacity, and there is some sacrifice to be made.

"The 1,000, basically is, first take note that it's based on Singaporeans only, and eliminate the PRs and everybody.

"So we say if the talent pool from which we want to tap, if we were to hunt for them, we believe if they were to be functioning outside of politics, that's where we're going to locate them."

The new salary will be backdated to 21 May last year, when the new government took office.

MPs will debate the report when Parliament sits for a second session 16 January.

Parliament's first sitting for this year will be on 9 January. It's expected to focus on several questions tabled on the recent flooding and the spate of MRT disruptions.

We are know there will be a pay cut as this is PAP means of pacifying people what had shown their unhappiness during the election in 2011.

But is it enough?

I still think the PM salary is still high, a comfortable $1Million should be enough for him note all his medical are already covered for and not forgetting he still sit on a few Boards.

For Minister I think they should be pay about $500K a year. This is already a whopping $40K a month, much more then an average Singaporean.

It is good that there will be no more pensions for Minister as they already are millionaire.

The new National Bonus is more fair but they should also include the birth rates in there or national happiness index.

I also think the salaries of Perm-Sect should be review as well. They useless people are commanding salaries equivalent to Ministers and they are not doing a fantastic job too.

Another thing… I am wondering what new minister like Chan Chun Sing is thinking now. Got conned by Men In white?

Also Mah Bow Tan must be thinking Heng Man.... I still get my MP pay but no more doing Minister Job liao!

But again this is just a proposal, Hsien Loong may not agreed to everything. Lets wait and see.

Goodbye to a turbulance 2011 and Hello 2012

2012-01-03T10:47:00.003+08:00

A good think about keeping a blog is like a diary. Reading back the post on my new year resolution for 2011 and the summary of 2010 let me keep a check on myself on what I have achieved in 2011 and did I fulfilled my resolution? This also help me setting goals for myself in 2011.

Gosh it also reminded me the prices for electricity fee went up a year ago on the exact same day this year on 1 Jan 2012!

Looking back 2011:

I travelled to Tokyo in Feb, Seoul in March and Taipei in May and Aug.

I have fulfilled my National Duty and officially MRed in Feb.

I also got to vote for the first time in my life not once but twice! Sadly the outcome remained the same.

I got my Shodan in Aikido in May and still going strong in my八卦掌and I also took up形意拳.

Mobile phone contract expired and I renewed with an I-Phone 4S. Yes I have joined the dark side.

I think I also achieved my goal of living a healthier life as I do feel healthier in 2011 compare to 2010.

I will continue to live a healthy life, work less, play more and spending more time with friends and family in 2012.

I think this year will be a difficult year for Singapore. The world is facing recession and inflation and we still got the same clowns in the cabinets. Half year had gone but nothing significant has change for Singapore, we still getting the floods.

Finally I like to share this article. It reminded me the priority in life and I hope it will for you too.

Happy new Year!

2011-12-22T10:33:00.001+08:00

SINGAPORE: Singapore's second guide dog for the blind has arrived.
21 December 2011

Bred and trained in Australia, she has found her new home in Bukit Panjang in central Singapore.

Esme looks just like any two-year-old Labrador, but she's not a pet when she has her working harness on.

For vision-impaired Cassandra Chiu, Esme acts as her pair of eyes, and an indispensable guide.

So too much friendly attention is not always a good thing.

"This is a working dog, it would be best if she's not distracted with pats and treats because she has to stay focused on what she's doing in getting me safely from one place to another," said Ms Chiu.

Singapore law allows for guide dogs on trains and buses, and also in restaurants.

But not everyone welcomes Esme.

Dr Francis Seow-Choen, chairman of the Guide Dogs Association of the Blind, said: "Cassandra, in the last few days has been going on the MRT, buses, but in the more individualised forms of transport like taxis, there are queries, there're rejections. When you go into malls there're still rejections.

"(The guide dogs) are very well trained, they don't make a noise, they don't bark, they don't chase little animals or children. Therefore people can put their fears to rest that these dogs will cause a disturbance, because they will not."

After undergoing training almost her entire life in Melbourne, Esme is now in the final stage of her settling-in programme in Singapore.

For this, her Australian trainer Aaron Horsington was here for a week.

"Working with people like Cassandra, and being able to see the dog moving on and providing that person with a service... that's very meaningful. Seeing that end product really is what keeps me going back again, and starting with the next group of dogs," he said.

The cost of training guide dogs is high - about S$40,000 per dog for a two-year programme.

But for Ms Chiu, The Singapore Guide Dogs Association of the Blind paid for Esme and her training.

Ms Chiu will be responsible for Esme's daily maintenance, but this, Dr Seow said, is inexpensive.

"The costs, once you get the dog, are minimal. We encourage our clients to feed their dogs dry food, which actually comes up to about S$1 a day," said Dr Seow.

Dr Seow said they are also looking at insurance for their guide dogs in the future.

"Unfortunately, the symbol of being vision-impaired in Singapore has been the white cane for a very long time. Hopefully, in time to come, Singaporeans will recognise that there is a different form of mobility for vision-impaired individuals as well," said Ms Chiu.

With both Ms Chiu and Esme leading the way, the association said it is expecting four more guide dogs from Victoria next year.

I didn’t know how rare guide dogs are in Singapore. Esme is only the second one in Singapore.

I had the fortune of meeting the first, Kendra and her owner Mr Alvin Ng not once but twice!

Kendra was really lovely and obedient and she sat quietly under the seat on the bus which I didn’t even notice until she got up.

I first know about guide dog almost 30 years ago when I watched a documentary on TV. I am a little surprise that Singaporeans are still ignorant of them and the rights they have.

What greed had done to this county.

2011-12-21T10:41:00.001+08:00

SMRT suspends bus driver as coma victim's condition worsens
20 December 2011

SINGAPORE: Bus operator SMRT has suspended the driver who was said to have braked abruptly and caused a passenger to fall on Sunday. The victim, 54-year-old Madam Ding Weibo, has since slipped into a coma and her condition has apparently worsened.

Mdm Ding's husband, Mr You Bujia, said: "There are now complications with her lungs, and she has started to develop a fever. Her urinary tract is also infected. Her brain has also started to swell, so that's not good news. When my daughter heard the news, she almost fainted."

Mr You said the doctor has told him to be prepared for the worst.

An SMRT spokesperson said the company has an intensive training programme, of up to one-and-a-half months, to ensure its bus captains or what it calls "Service Leaders" (SLs), are equipped with customer service and safe driving skills.

The spokesperson added: "Trainees will go through a Service Proficiency course which comprises operating technical and safety features on the bus, dealing with demanding passengers and emergencies, and understanding the public transport system such as the fare structure and bus schedules, to name a few.

"In addition, SLs are required to undergo a ten-day on-the-job training to familiarise themselves with their bus routes."

After the first year on the job, they also have to attend a two-day refresher course to learn about advanced safe driving techniques.

SMRT also revealed that the driver involved in this incident has worked in the company for two years.

SMRT has suspended the Singaporean driver from his duties, as investigations continue.

This is sad that it causes someone life to surface the problem of lousy training programme and the poor quality of drivers of public transport.

Personally I felt the quality of bus driver had dropped over the years.

I remember when I was young the ride was much smoother and the drivers more helpful.

Nowadays you get unmotivated drivers who drive like shit.

Taxi drivers are not much better, these days I keep getting taxi driver declaring they don’t know the way to where I am going and ask if I know.

Note it is not asking me which why I would like to go and I am not going to some super remote island but these idiots actually are totally clueless!

F you lah! Have some pride and study the street directory if you want to be a taxi driver.

So what happened to our “world class transport system?”

The main reason is they had all became like our Men In White, Money Money Money.

They all want maximum profit so the CEO can get big fat pay cheques.

So they cut down on maintenance, trainings and staff cost.

Therefore trains and tracks break down, drivers get lost, more accidents due to in-experience drivers, etc.

On top of these poor standards, they still increase fares!

Amazing!

You screwed up big time and you still want more profits.

These greedy people have a first class ticket to hell now.

Overpaid idiot.

2011-12-16T17:34:00.003+08:00

SMRT CEO apologises for train disruption
16 December 2011 CNA

SINGAPORE: SMRT CEO Saw Phaik Hwa on Friday offered her sincere apologies to all commuters affected in Thursday night's five-hour MRT network breakdown on the north-south line.

Speaking at a news conference Friday afternoon at the SMRT Headquarters, Ms Saw promised a full investigation into what caused the breakdown.

She said SMRT will learn from the incident and improve on giving better information.

"We do apologise especially those who experienced considerable inconvenience... What we can promise is that we will spare no effort in preventing such an occurrence," said Ms Saw.

"I will personally look into improving our incident management plan, especially in the areas of giving timely and better information, as well as crowd management, in both our stations and in the trains," she added.

SMRT cited a possible alignment problem in the rail system as the cause of the disruption, and deployed some 60 staff to test for alignment on Thursday night after the incident.

However, the exact point at which the alignment was off has not been established yet.

The disruption affected 127,000 passengers, and some 1,000 commuters were also trapped in each of the four trains that stalled.

More than 300 staff who were not working at that time were activated to help commuters.

SMRT acknowledged that the rail network has grown, and hence is more complex. It said this made it difficult for the operator to execute its emergency plans.

SMRT said it will review its standard operating procedures.

SMRT also said it will be working to improve its communication strategies. This includes possibly broadcasting recorded announcements in four languages.

SMRT has also apologised for the "income opportunity" template that was used by SMRT Taxi on Thursday following the train disruption.

It said this was a "very bad mistake", and the right template should have said "service disruption".

With her million dollar salary she still can screwed up.

This is what we call pay lots of money but still get monkey.

She should be sacked!

Sad Singapore

2011-12-15T10:40:00.000+08:00

Youths arrested for stealing money from newspaper vendor
CNA 14 DEC 2011

SINGAPORE: Police have arrested two youths, aged 11 and 12, for stealing from an elderly newspaper vendor.

Madam Son Ah Hon, 71, sells newspapers at Block 174 Yishun Avenue 7.

The two primary school student suspects stole from her twice on December 2 and 7.

On both occasions, Mdm Son was manning her news stand alone.

Mdm Son said: "I told them I didn't have the newspaper they wanted and told them to leave. After a while, they came back again and kept asking for newspapers. They kept walking around and banging on the back door of the stall. All of a sudden, they grabbed the money and ran. They snatched my purse. One took the cash container, the other took my purse. I screamed for help, but no one came."

The suspects fled with cash totalling nearly $100.

Police arrested the youths on Tuesday.

The two youths are now released on bail pending further investigation.

When I first saw this report during yesterday evening news I was totally disgusted and disappointed with what our youth and society had became.

These 2 bastards not only prey on the weak but they bloody did it twice.

To me they should be shot as I doubt they will be of any use to the society.

I absolutely hate people who prey on the weak, if you have balls, you go and rob the banks or Lee Kuan Yew. Bloody weak ass targeted this old poor woman who still has to work at 71 to feed herself.

These news reported all the sad facts on what our society has become, youth with no moral, seniors still have to struggle to make ends meet and lack of social courage as no one came to help Madam Soh.

Substandard

2011-12-14T10:18:00.003+08:00

Husband used wife's IC to enter casino 9 times
ST online 14 Dec 2011

A man who used his wife's identity card to enter a casino was on Tuesday fined a total of $6,000.

His wife was fined a total of $3,000 after pleading guilty to two charges of abetting him to use her IC to enter Resorts World Sentosa casino last December.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Elena Yip told the court that on the evening of Dec 20 last year, Philip Oh Choon Aik suggested to his wife that he could use her identity card to enter the casino.

The 45-year-old, who is self-employed in the piping industry, could not enter as he had applied for a National Council for Problem Gambling exclusion order.

I think the Casino should be fined as well and the security sacked for letting a man entering the casino with a women's IC.

Either she look like a man or he look like a woman, the joker on duty is sleeping on the job.

Lost and Found. Really?

2011-12-13T10:50:00.001+08:00

The most common misplaced item at Changi Airport
12 December 2011 CNA

SINGAPORE: Are travellers getting more careless? Well, between January and November this year, some 15,600 items were lost and found at Singapore's Changi Airport - more than the 14,000-odd belongings recovered in 2010.

So what's the most common misplaced item? The answer: mobile phones.

In 2010, 1,800 mobile phones were found. Between January and November this year, some 1,700 mobile phones were recovered.

At the airport's "lost and found" storeroom, there's a treasure trove of various odds and ends, much like an antique junk store. Here, the items are catalogued according to the months in which they were found.

For example, in November 2011, someone left behind a giant mirror. In December, a walking aid was found. There is also a stuffed dog. And, get this - someone left behind a giant television set.

Changi Airport Group's senior assistant for ground operations, Aslihan Tanay, said: "When we receive a lost item, we'll generate a report. Items will be kept for about 60 days, after which we'll incinerate it. This is because we want to protect the privacy of the owner. Perishable items such as bread, cakes, flowers, will be disposed within 24 hours."

Changi Airport Group's customer service officer, Germaine Victoria, said: "We had this Indian couple transiting through Singapore going back to India. And they actually lost their bag which contained their travel documents as well as valuables and 10,000 Australian dollars. We actually managed to find the bag for them within a few hours and they were able to make it back home with their bag and they were very happy."

So, if you misplace something at the airport, there's hope you can get it back.

In 2010, 57 per cent of lost items were returned to their rightful owners.

I wonder how many percent of people who lost their belonging actually managed to get them back in Singapore on the whole. CAG claims 57% in the airport.

I knew a few people who lost mobile phone in taxi and public places in Singapore and none of them actually manage to get their phones back even after extensive search and report to the authorities.

I guess there are lots of greedy people out there.

I also doubt whether CAG is telling the truth that they will incinerate unclaimed lost item after 60 days.

What if you find a wallet with USD$600 in it? Is it illegal to incinerate notes?

I hope the donate money found.

What if you find a 500 years old classic violin that may be one of it kind? Don’t tell me GAG actually burnt it to ash.

I knew some organisation do auction off these unclaimed property after a period of time and the money are donated to charities. I think this is a much logical way of dealing with lost properties.

Maybe you can incinerate phones and hard disks which may contain sensitive information and may cause you a lawsuit but who care about your privacy if you lost a stuff dog, walking sticks or a book at the airport in a foreign land.

Cyclist problem

2011-12-12T11:56:00.000+08:00

Fewer people caught for illegally modifying electric bikes
11 December 2011, CNA

SINGAPORE: Fewer people were caught for illegally modifying their electric bicycles in the first four months of this year.

The number dropped by more than 10 percent to 264 compared to the same period last year.

But some like Mr William Ong were caught repeatedly.

Mr Ong has been caught three times in five months for riding an illegally modified bicycle.

He had paid some S$1,000 for an electric bicycle which had been approved by authorities.

But he was slapped with a S$500 fine for adding a button that powers up the bike automatically.

Mr Ong said he knew it was illegal to do so, but added the modification allows him to ride uphill with ease, because he has leg problems.

He was fined S$300 the first two times when he borrowed his friend's illegally modified bike to ride.

Mr Ong said the modifications were done by someone at a bicycle shop, who had warned him that it is illegal to do so.

But when Channel NewsAsia news team visited the store, the shopkeeper denied having done so.

In a reply to Channel NewsAsia, the Land Transport Authority said merchants who illegally modify electric bicycles may be fined up to S$500.

Repeat offenders may be charged in court.

Fewer people caught do not imply there are fewer offenders. It also can imply that less enforcement is being carried out by LTA or Traffic Police.

There is a increase in motorised bicycle in Pasir Ris and also I have encountered many near missed personally by cyclist riding on pedestrian walk ways.

Many of these cyclists have no proper lightings and travelled in a high speed.

Not once did I see any enforcement.

The police are busy protecting the VIP and I don’t know what LTA suppose to do.

The case above involved Mr Ong is a mockery to the law as well.

He was caught 3 times in 5 months but still no one is stopping him. Shouldn’t he be charged in courts the 3rd time?

LTA please explain why he was not charged as per your reply to Channel News Asia.

Over the years many pedestrian are injured, some fatal, by cyclists travelling on pedestrian walkway and so far the authority are not doing enough to prevent the problem from getting worst.

I am just waiting for the day when a cyclist kills a VVIP doing his walkabout. Till then nothing will be done for peasants (lesser mortals) like us.

So keep a lookout for the killer on wheels next time when you talk a stroll home.

Comfort Fucked up way of increasing profit.

2011-12-06T15:45:00.001+08:00

Post here for my reference. Bloody blood sucker.

Half hearted effort

2011-12-05T11:36:00.000+08:00

Lim Boon Heng 'to work on retaking Aljunied GRC'
ST Online 02 NOV 2011

The ruling party's fight to take back Aljunied GRC is on. To helm the task, it has roped in its former party chairman Lim Boon Heng.

Party sources told The Straits Times that Mr Lim, a former Cabinet minister and MP for Jurong GRC who left politics before the May General Election, has started recruiting People's Action Party (PAP) activists to join a task force to win the group representation constituency back from the Workers' Party.

He met a number of branch activists individually in October, said a source who was invited…….

If you ask me this is a half hearted attempt to “retake” Aljiunied GRC.

First they sending in cry baby Lim Boon Heng who to PAP is a expired Minister which has nothing to lose, lots of money and still a big ego that still need to be fanned.

If they are serious about taking back Aljunied why not let Lee Hsein Loong, Chan Chun Sing or Heng Seng Keat to lead the charge?

I don’t think PAP will want to risk losing another Minister which they are grooming.
In fact I don’t think anyone in the current cabinet is better then George and PAP will still fall no matter who they send to Aljunied during the 2011 GE.

In fact I am just curious which Minister will they send to re-take Aljunied? PAP has not lost a Minister in a GE before and whoever they sending there in 2016 will be risking his million dollar pay check.

So now Lim Boon Heng is working the ground, note PAP did not say he will be the one leading the team in Aljunied, but my guess it will most likely be him if he is still around.

If PAP still continue with their arrogant attitude and still choose to ignore the voices of ordinary Singaporean they will not only risk to lose Aljunied but other GRC in 2016.

Paying lots for shits

2011-12-01T10:25:00.001+08:00

Civil Service 'will adapt as needs change', says top civil servant
Top civil servant calls for more heart in policy making, implementation
ST Online 1 Dec 2011

Singapore's public servants are known for formulating policies with their heads, but they will have to craft policies with more 'heart', and move away from a 'one size fits all' approach.

This is a key way in which the Singapore public service will adapt in response to a changing relationship between the state and its people, said Head of Civil Service Peter Ong on Wednesday.

He was delivering a lecture at Malaysia's Razak School of Government, in the inaugural Chief Secretary Forum meant for heads of civil service from other countries to share their experiences in leading and serving their respective countries.

In his first overseas speech since becoming Singapore's top civil servant last year, Mr Ong emphasised the need for the public service to be nimble in the face of global uncertainties and changes in the citizenry.

Strangely the efficiency and remuneration of Civil Servant are not proportional.

In fact judging from the attitude and pay they should rename Civil Servant to Civil Boss or Civil King.

Sadly we are attracting the wrong kind of people for the top to “Serve” the people.

A good read is this SDP paper on Minister Salaries.

Why SPF Commissioner should be sacked.

2011-11-29T10:36:00.003+08:00

After 27 years on the run, the law caught up with him
TODAY Nov 29, 2011

SINGAPORE - Over the past two decades, Lee Hong Mun involved himself in charitable acts, such as providing free haircuts and spiritual advice through his dual trade as a barber and a medium.

The law, however, caught up with the 57-year-old, who had been on the run for the past 27 years over a fatal slashing incident.

In the High Court yesterday, Lee was convicted and jailed seven years for manslaughter.

The incident took place in November 1983, when Lee and his childhood friend, Chan Whye Keong, fought with stall assistant Ng Tian Soo over a mahjong debt.

Court papers showed that Mr Ng had owed money belonging to one of Chan's friends and that Lee was roped in to help to recover the debt. Lee had used a kitchen knife to slash Mr Ng, who was then 37 years old, several times, while Chan used his belt to strike the victim.

Chan was subsequently arrested and jailed for seven years but Lee fled to Hong Kong that same year.
Lee returned to Singapore from Malaysia five years later by hiding in a car boot.

However, he did not turn himself in to the authorities and continued to live his life normally - operating his King George's Avenue hair salon and raising two sons.

It was only in April last year that the police eventually arrested Lee during a routine check at a betting outlet.

In the High Court yesterday, defence lawyer Josephus Tan argued in mitigation that, although Lee was armed with a knife at that time, it was for self-defence. He also pointed out that Lee had no criminal record and "led a useful and opened life".

Justice Lee Seiu Kin, who presided over the case, acknowledged that Lee lived his life productively but agreed with prosecutors that he should be jailed not less than seven years. "A life was lost ... (and) society must exact penalty," he said.

This show how “efficient” the Singapore Police Force is.

A man committed a serous offence can hide in tiny Singapore for 22 years and live a normal live. In out custom did a good job by allowing him to enter Singapore in a car boot.

In fact this guy is just unlucky that he was being caught during a routine check which imply the police is not actively look for him, in fact I think they stop looking for him 27 years ago.

Meanwhile they probably are using their man power to do this and this.

Elite got special report for doing ordinary things

2011-11-28T10:47:00.000+08:00

Sim Ann gives birth to baby boy, 1st MP to do so while in office

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Law, Ms Sim Ann, has become Singapore's first MP to give birth while in office.

Her son, weighing 3.2kg, was born at 3pm on Tuesday, four days earlier than expected.

'I feel good. The recovery was quick and the baby is fine,' she told The Straits Times last night.

'So far, so good. We're getting used to each other,' said the mother of three. She and her husband, Dr Mok Ying Jang, 44, have a seven-year-old son and a daughter, aged five.

I was browsing through the states publication over the weekends and beside being bombarded with news or our MEN IN WHITE conference I saw the above.

First thought was SO WHAT?

Hundreds of Singaporean gave birth everyday so what if one of the party members did.

Maybe it Sim Ann likes to declare to the world she is not attending the party conference because she has better thing to do?

Congratulation to Baby Mok for entering the world with no money, career and education problem for the rest of his life and he already got a head start from the average Singaporean.

So now Sim Ann will enjoy her free medical care and maternal leaves out of tax payer money.

The extend of their Greed

2011-11-23T10:40:00.003+08:00

How ministers qualify for pensions
Yahoo News 22 NOV 2011

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that retiring ministers must serve at least eight years in office to be eligible for a pension.

Replying to a question by opposition Member of Parliament for Aljunied GRC Pritam Singh on Monday, he disclosed that the pension is based only on the pensionable component of the salary and not on the total monthly salary.

This pensionable component has been fixed since 1994, and so it has been decreasing in proportion to the total monthly salary, reported Channel NewsAsia.

Other components of the annual salary such as the 13th month payment, annual variable component and performance bonus are also not pensionable, said the prime minister.

He pointed out that a minister is only eligible for the maximum pension after he has served for 18 years as an office holder and will receive less if he serves a shorter period.

The maximum pension is about 10 per cent of his annual salary before his retirement.

Lee also said the value of pension a minister is able to receive upon retirement is fully considered when ministerial salaries are set against the benchmark.

He said a committee reviewing the ministerial salaries – due to release its findings in December – also includes a review of the ministers’ pension scheme.

There is absolutely no end to these people greed.

I am totally disgusted by our Minister’s endless demand of money and they even twist law and argue ridiculous to squeeze more money from Singapore Citizen.

First let talk about figure.

Hsein Loong’s annual salary is about US$2,856,930 our dear Minister’s is about US$1,6M.
Say 10% pension works out to be US$280,000 a year for Hsein Loong and US$160,000 for our Minister that mean Hsein Loong will get US$28K a month and out parrot Ministers will get US$16K month. Even more then current Member of parliament.

Mind you these are tax payer money and this money is on top of the free medical they will be getting till they go to hell.

Pension scheme still are available for these super rich Elites while the rest of us have CPF.
Why this double standard Hsien Loong?

I can only come up with one think in mind. Greed.

These bastards are so greedy that I think they can enter the Guinness Book of Record for it.

Half hearted effort from the Transport Ministy

2011-11-22T11:40:00.002+08:00

LTA studying commuters' travel patterns to ease jam
21 November 2011

SINGAPORE: The Land Transport Authority is studying how to manage train travel patterns and will make their ideas known soon.

Minister of State for Transport and Finance, Josephine Teo, gave this update in Parliament on Monday.

She said parallel buses have been introduced along train lines where loading levels have been heavy.

But commuters still prefer trains as taking buses may mean a longer travel time due to road conditions.

She added that the upcoming Downtown Line should ease travel loads when it opens. And changing travelling behaviour of commuters may need more work.

Mr Cedric Foo, the chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Transport, said: "Other than just supply-shaping, can we look into demand-shaping?

"In other words, how to further incentivise commuters to travel pre-peak hours through discount?

"Today, there's a 30-cent discount but can that be increased?"

Mrs Josephine Teo said: "Since the enhanced discount for pre-peak travel was introduced, the numbers are not completely in yet.

"But anecdotally, the shifting of behaviour has not been great.

"And it looks like more needs to be done to encourage people to travel earlier.

"The feedback that has been given is that often, our commuters value their sleep more than what they have to pay."

I will be keeping a look out for the study report. I hope it will not be another “this is it but we cannot do anything” report.

But end of the day I personally think the solution is not that difficult but rather do the government and the transport operators want to do it or not.

Firstly to ease peak hour crowd, the bus and train operator just have to increase the frequency of trains and buses to the max. E.g let say you have 20 stations on the East West line you just have to pack the maximum allowable trains that the infrastructure can take say about 20 trains, one for each station, running at the same time. I guess that squeeze in even more.

Josephine said commuters still prefer train over parallel buses that have been introduced along train lines where loading levels have been heavy. Try reducing the fare for these buses by 50% and I am sure more people will take the bus.

Frankly I don’t mind taking a longer time if I can get a seat and it is cheaper when I take the bus.

Cedric brought up a good point. 30 cents definitely is not an incentive for you to travel before peak hour, in fact what can you buy for 30 these days.

Try to give 50% discount off the fare and I am sure there will be more off-peak commuters.

Note for off-peak travel they are asking you to go to work early. How come they are not encouraging you to go to work later? The government is scheming for you to work longer hours.

In fact I think a good way to ease traffic congestion is to stagger working hours and let people work from home.

Singapore's Isabelle

2011-11-17T10:46:00.003+08:00

SEA Games: Singapore complete clean sweep in table tennis
17 November 2011

JAKARTA: Before they went into action here at the 26th SEA Games, Team Singapore's table tennis stars walked the playing hall and the streets without any fuss.

It was a very different story on Wednesday.

The team of eight were mobbed by local fans at the Soemantri Brodjonegoro Sports Complex after sweeping all five of the gold medals on offer in table tennis.

It was an all-Singapore affair on the final day of table tennis, with world No 4 Feng Tianwei claiming the gold medal in the women's singles and Gao Ning emerging as the men's singles champion.

Feng, 25, proved too good for her younger team-mate, Isabelle Li, the 17-year-old debutant.

There was tremendous support for the two Singapore women in the stands, that also featured a contingent of Team Singapore supporters, including chef-de-mission Dr Tan Eng Liang.

Feng was never troubled, wrapping up the final 4-0 (11-3, 11-4, 11-9, 11-5) in 35 minutes.

Said the defending champion, who also picked up a gold in the women's doubles: "I think today Isabelle was not so used to my style and I played better and was more steady.

"Isabelle is a player with a lot of promise. She's good and she just needs to work on her aggression and attack."

Feng returns to Singapore on Thursday before departing for London on November 21 to compete in the ITTF Pro Tour Grand Finals.

Watched by her family members and friends, last year's Youth Olympic Games silver medallist Isabelle was delighted to finish second on her debut.

"There is still a gulf in standard between us, and it was a hard match for me. This is my first time competing against Tianwei and it was a very special moment for me playing against a world champion and world No 4," said the teenager.

In the men's singles final that followed, it was sweet revenge for veteran Gao Ning, who notched a 4-0 (11-6, 11-9, 12-10, 11-8) victory over team-mate Yang Zi. The 29-year-old had lost the Commonwealth Games gold to Yang in New Delhi last year,

Gao Ning, who claimed his third successive singles gold in the event, said: "It's a good feeling. I think I prepared more sufficiently this time around and clinched the crucial points."

With five golds and four silver medals from five events, table tennis is the most successful sport for Singapore here.

Selection issues had dogged the paddlers ahead of the SEA Games, as the Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA) got into a tangle with the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC).

It was eventually resolved, and speaking on Wednesday, STTA president Lee Bee Wah said: "I'm very proud of them, especially our younger players Xuejie and Isabelle. I think the results speak for itself ... the STTA wants to groom younger players.

"In future, the policy of sending one set of senior players to get medals and another set of younger ones for development will remain (for SEA Games)."

Chef-de-mission Tan, a vice-president at the SNOC, personally congratulated Lee on the team's success.

"Our congratulations to the paddlers and the association for winning five gold medals. They deserve our fullest and heartiest congratulations.

"The younger players, especially Isabelle and Pang, they have done well to reach where they are, and it's good for them and table tennis," he said.

I am so happy and proud of Isabelle being a true blue Singaporean and manage to beat a China Born “Singaporean”.

Just imagine if there is no Feng in the team, Isabelle may just be the SEA game’s champion.

Personally I do not support these “buying” of foreigner, give them a citizenship and let them represent Singapore.

It is different if one migrated here and Singapore developed him or her to represent Singapore.

If he or she is already trained and just because his/her home country has quota of sending them to world championship and these players has to seek second home in Singapore then it is not too correct.

To them Singapore is just suckers for putting someone on the world map of sports.

In fact I think fame is not so important. We don’t have to win an Olympic medal by importing foreigners.

We should spend more time and effort to develop our own people. True blue Singaporean.

Isabelle stands a good chance of being one of the world best. I think we should be spending more money on Table Tennis then those idiotic swimmers who try to speak like American.

Looking forward to see more or Isabelle in the future, and congratulation for winning the silver medal.

MP talking rubbish.

2011-11-14T12:12:00.002+08:00

We’ve become a more gracious society: ESM Goh
Sat, Nov 12, 2011

Over the years, the level of graciousness among Singaporeans has improved, said Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong on Sunday.

Speaking as the guest of honour at the first Singapore Kindness Movement conference, Goh noted that the habit of spitting in public is not as widely visible and common as compared to the past years.

He also observed that Singaporeans have grown more polite when speaking on their mobile phones at the public places, albeit there are still cases of people being inconsiderate.

“In my view, I think we have become more gracious,” said the former prime minister.

The Member of Parliament also mooted the idea of creating a “4G Home” which stands for “Great, Gracious, Generous and Green home” for the whole of the Marine Parade group representation constituency, which he represents.

This movement could later on be extended to the other parts of the country, he added.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for National Development and Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin, who is also MP for the GRC, said that Singaporeans can choose to be kind and gracious or not to those around them.

“We all make those choices every day. How we treat our family members, how we treat our neighbours. When we walk out and we see them, do we smile? Do we greet them? When we know they’re rushing, do we hold the lift for them,” he asked.

“All these little actions doesn’t cost you anything,” he pointed out, adding that doing such acts of kindness would eventually become second nature in people if done regularly.

Tan also reminded parents that they also had a role to play in instilling positive values in their children. For instance, he said that the way parents interact in public could have an influence on the behaviour of their children.

“Do we as parents pay attention to the way we talk in front of our children, the comments we pass about the neighbours, about people out there. We are sometimes very loose in the way we way talk,” he said.

William Wan, general secretary of the Singapore Kindness Movement Council, also stressed that the kindness movement is not a top-down but more of a bottom-up approach.

“This is a movement; this is not a government thing. This should be a people thing,” he said.

And this year’s campaign theme “Say Thanks, Make Someone’s Day” aims to ensure that Singaporeans are able to participate even through the simplest act of kindness, he said.

The conference was held in conjunction with the World Kindness Day which will kick off at Orchard Road on Sunday. Around 30,000 yellow gerbera daisies will be given out to the public and they are encouraged to spread the idea and pass it whenever they witness any act of kindness.

Has this guys been living in the cave for too long or maybe he built his ivory tower too high?

It is a joke that Goh comments that our society is more gracious, maybe when compare to 1 day ago but to me it has definitely gone from bad to worst.

If it is really a more gracious society now as Goh, MP for Marine parade, said then what are we even wasting tax payer money to launch this year Kindness movement reminding Singapore to say a simple “Thank you”.

Look around you Goh, look at the tissue reservation culture in our hawker. Opps I forgot you don’t have you daily meal there.

Look at people not giving up reserved seats to those in need. Opps I forgot you don’t travel on public transport.

Look at the amount of litters over the weekends. Look at the mess people created during meals. Do people thank those aunties and uncles who clean up the tables at foodcourts?

Step out of your damned comfort zone and see with you own eyes before passing useless views. You don’t live like normal Singaporean so you have experience how “Gracious” we have became.

More stupid Elites

2011-11-11T10:23:00.002+08:00

Smaller flats have not lowered quality of life: HDB CEO
Nov 11, 2011

SINGAPORE - The shrinking size of public flats here has not lowered Singaporeans' quality of living, according to Housing and Development Board's (HDB) CEO Cheong Koon Hean.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a housing forum yesterday, Dr Cheong noted that there are now fewer people living in one flat which works out to increased living space per person.

"Our families are smaller. In the old days, we have very large families living in a flat. Today, the family is two, three, four (people)," she said.

As a result of rising land costs and the need to keep flats affordable, the size of HDB flats has shrunk by 5 to 10 per cent over the last two to three decades. For example, a five-room flat in Bukit Batok Central built in 1989 has a floor area of 121 sq m, compared to 110 sq m for a similar unit built in 2003.

Based on official surveys, the average household size was 3.5 last year. In 1980, it was 4.9.

This means an occupant of a 110 sq m five-room flat today will have 31 sq m of space, while a resident of a 121 sq m five-room flat in the '80s had about 25 sq m of space. Dr Cheong added that interior design also plays a part in creating good living space.

"In many global cities of the world or big cities, people do pay attention to how they do the inside of the flat as well as optimising the use of furniture and storage. It can be a very comfortable living environment," she said.

PropNex chief executive Mohamed Ismail concurred with Dr Cheong: "The modern Singapore family is much smaller and living in a bigger place compared to previous generations, and with amenities. The quality of life is not affected."

Mr Ismail added: "And people have a choice to buy three, four or five-room flats."

Still, Mr Ismail noted that with the high property prices, the lower income with many children will be most affected as they have "no choice but to buy within their means, and that means a smaller flat".

Size matters

Suntec Chesterton International head of research and consultancy Colin Tan disagreed with the suggestion that the smaller flat sizes have not compromised the quality of living.

Mr Tan pointed out that today's modern family needs "at least" a three-bedroom flat with one room for the domestic help or the in-laws.

"And when the children grow up, families will want separate rooms for daughters and sons," Mr Tan said.
Mr Tan noted that unlike the private sector, the HDB does not reduce the size of the kitchen. Instead, it builds smaller bedrooms and this is where Mr Tan believes has the "biggest impact" on the quality of life.

He also argued that Singaporeans, who have become more affluent, have a greater number of possessions which require space. Said Mr Tan: "People who have lived in bigger flats will feel that their quality of life has gone down."

Some flat owners pointed out that it is the size of the unit that affects a couple's decision on the number of children to have. Ms Priscilla Raj, 28, who lives in a five-room Build-To-Order flat, said she was not satisfied with the size of her flat, which might deter her from having more children.

The mother of one said: "(The size) will affect your quality of life - there's no space to have your in-laws or friends to stay over. The cramp makes you feel that you're living in a cell."

Bravo Cheong Koon Hean, you made yourself sound like an idiot on public media trying to justify your organisation greed by building smaller flats while selling them at record prices.

First of all I bet this Koon Hean doesn’t even live in HDB nor she has many friends living in one of her product.

Here is like having someone who eat shark fin everyday telling the person who drink tap water it is good enough to have water as long time ago people dink from the drains.

This again highlighted the poor quality of leadership in government stats boards who are appointed without knowing the needs and hardships of average Singaporean. (Remember the SMRT CEO?)

How will you expect these Elites to do a good job providing the needs of the peasants?

They do not use the product the sell and they are out to maximise profit for their company.

Now we know they are quite stupid as well as they try to tell us how good HDB flats and SMRT are.

"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt."

Casio Scum

2011-11-10T11:44:00.001+08:00

MBS jackpot winner to finally get her dues
Nov 10, 2011

SINGAPORE - A hawker who got into a dispute with Marina Bay Sands (MBS) after she was denied her full jackpot winnings will be getting the money after all. The MBS said yesterday that it has agreed to pay Madam Choo Hong Eng 58, the full sum of S$416,742.11.

An MBS spokesperson said in a statement: "Marina Bay Sands regrets any confusion over the numbers displayed when Madam Choo Hong Eng won the Lotus Evora slot jackpot in our casino ... After carefully reviewing this matter, Marina Bay Sands will pay the patron the amount that was displayed on the slot machine."

The spokesperson added: "We deeply regret the inconveniences caused."

Mdm Choo had visited the casino at MBS on Oct 18. She hit the jackpot but the casino told her that the machine had malfunctioned. She was offered a sports car worth S$258,962 and S$50,000 in cash instead. But Mdm Choo refused the offer, in the knowledge that there was CCTV camera footage and witnesses to support her account.

Mdm Choo told Channel NewsAsia yesterday that she was notified by her lawyer of MBS' decision to pay her the full winnings in a letter dated last Friday when she was in Taiwan.

Mdm Choo, who had earlier asked the Casino Regulatory Authority to intervene, signed the letter of acceptance at her lawyer's firm yesterday. According to Mdm Choo, she will receive the money three days after MBS receives the letter of acceptance.

Mdm Choo said she will donate about half of her winnings to charity.

Damned these big establishments. Trying to con and threaten normal people on the street.
What you expect when you run a casino? Only want people to lose money in your premises?

Casino owner are indeed the biggest scum around.

Another reason not to gamble, casino is around because you are losing lots of money.

My 6th mobile phone

2011-11-09T10:45:00.002+08:00

Ok to me it is just a phone.

I am neither pro-apple nor anti-apple.

I know people out there who swore by apple and keep boasting about it and also there are some who are at the other extreme condemning it.

Well everything have pro and cons, to me it is just a smart phone.

Looking back this is my 6th phones for the past 12 years. This can be considered as little compare to people around me.

I can say I am clever person in this aspect and not like those that keep changing to the latest phone whenever they are available.

Technology has indeed come a long way.

Decay of Moral in Singapore

2011-11-09T10:43:00.000+08:00

MOE develops tool kit for character education
08 November 2011

SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Education (MOE) has developed a resource package to help schools create their own curriculum for Character and Citizenship Education (CCE).

The tool kit provides checklists and broad approaches that teachers can take.

Teachers will need to be supported through professional development courses and relevant research materials.

But Minister for Education Heng Swee Keat said parents must not be left out of the equation.

"Parents play the most critical role in the upbringing of the children, in inculcating the right values and building the character of their children," he said.

"Indeed, parents are the ones who know their children best. So there has to be a very strong partnership between the parents and schools, and also between the schools and the broader community.

"If you look at the sources of influence on the values and the character of our students, the sources are much more diverse and varied than it was in the past.

"Therefore, it's important to pull all these elements together into a coherent whole."

The tool kit sets out several broad approaches.

These include integrating CCE into the school's academic subjects, co-curricular activities and staff development programmes, as opposed to treating it as a standalone subject.

Schools should also customise their programmes based on the profile of their students.

In North View Primary School, for instance, students put themselves in the shoes of others during lessons on empathy.

They take turns manoeuvring their classmates on wheelchairs, and picking out safety pins from rice while being blindfolded.

These are some ways to give students a feel of what it is like to be disabled.

Primary 6 student Wong Xin Pei said: "I was starting to get irritated after only a while. Then I realised how hard it was for the visually handicapped to go through their entire lives without being able to see what's around them."

Examples such as what's taking place at North View Primary are included in the new tool kit, to guide teachers along.

The tool kit lays out some broad approaches, including treating values not as a separate subject, but something to be integrated into everyday school life.

Teachers will be given the flexibility to customise programmes based on the family background and profiles of the students, and they'll also be given the support and resources to do so.

But schools can't do it alone.

Unlike other subjects, determination, responsibility and self-confidence can't be tested.

Mr Heng said the effort will take time to bear fruit, and the only gauge is how well students internalise these values.

North View Primary said it will form focus groups involving students and parents to ensure that the teaching of values is on the right track.

It’s about time they start to emphasis more on the moral of our youth.

They may be too late as the parents of these youth already has not much morals and they certainly will influent their children more then what the school can.

I have seen countless selfish parents letting their child run wild, screaming their head off at public area causing a nuisance to the pubic while they either chat with their friends or doddle on their phones.

I have seen countless parents behaving badly in front of their kids not settling a good example.

They grab as more they can eat at buffet, cut queues, litter and are rude to others.
So what moral will a child have if he or she grows up in this kind of family?

Children imitate adult and they spend more time at home then school.

If you don’t have time to love, educate and discipline your child then don’t have kids.

They will only grow up to be another irritating adult.

No wonder youth these days have screwed up life and even beat up their parents.

"I enjoy, you suffer". A good idea indeed.

2011-11-03T10:20:00.001+08:00

Government policies won't please all: DPM Teo
Government's job is to make decisions after taking in different feedback
ST 03 NOV

If everybody wants an MRT service, someone will have to suffer the dust and noise of a station being built, perhaps near his home.

And if roads are to be widened, people will have to accept that some trees may have to be cut down to make space.

Citing these examples of trade-offs that decision-makers have to make, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean on Wednesday sought to show that not everyone will be happy with every decision made by the Government.

Nevertheless, it is the Government's job to make decisions, even when they are tough and unpopular, he said

The question is, are you will to suffer a little by giving up part of your pay package for the well being of average Singaporean.

It’s easy to ask other to scarify while you and the Elites enjoy all the fruits and champagne.

Highest paid Puppet

2011-11-02T12:40:00.000+08:00

S'poreans have limited understanding of Elected Presidency: survey
01 November 2011 1100 hrs

A survey by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) found that Singaporeans appear to have a limited understanding of the Elected Presidency.

The survey was conducted within two months of the August presidential election, Singapore's second since 1991 when the Elected Presidency was created.

The first was in 1993, when former Accountant-General Chua Kim Yeow and former Deputy Prime Minister Ong Teng Cheong contested.

The IPS survey sought to understand the factors behind voters' choices.

The 2,025 respondents were asked which of 11 statements described the roles of the President.

Of these 11 statements, only five were aligned with the government's interpretation of the office.

Forty-two per cent got six or more correct and only one per cent was able to identify all "correct" and "incorrect" statements.

Representing Singapore in foreign relations was the most recognised role, with 94 per cent answering correctly, but respondents were unclear over whether the President is allowed to speak publicly on national issues.

Fifty-seven per cent agreed with the official view that the Elected President could not speak unless advised by the government.

Seventy-five per cent said 'yes' when asked if the Elected President could speak on issues he thinks are important.

The survey found that among the top three roles that shaped a voter's choice, the top two did not fall within the official interpretation. These were, "to ensure that the government manages the economy wisely" and "to ensure that the government does what it promised in the general election".

The third most important role was the President's veto powers over the reserves. This, IPS said, reflects the level of opinion and expectation the public has over the office.

Presenting the results on Tuesday, Dr Gillian Koh of the Institute of Policy Studies said the gap in understanding corresponded with statements made by candidates in the presidential election during campaigning period.

The senior research fellow said more education is needed.

She said: "I think the level of opinion in our findings can be due to a couple of things. First, [that] the institution of the Elected Presidency is very young, is extremely complex. And second, it is put to the vote. So people feel that with a mandate that is from the ground, it should actually allow the President to do much more than what is actually stipulated."

As for characteristics of candidates, respondents valued honesty, fairness and the ability to represent the country well, with a score of 4.5 and above out of five points.

Independence from political parties mattered less, scoring 3.5 points. The majority of those who said it was important were from low-income groups and the lower occupational classes.

Respondents were also less concerned about picking a candidate whose views on national issues ran parallel to theirs.

The survey found that in general, the higher the income and education levels of respondents, the more knowledgeable they were.

This same group also tended to be more critical of the system, and more likely to support change. For instance, they were more likely to agree that political parties and social organisations and unions should not be allowed to endorse candidates.

As with the May general election, the Internet played a significant role as a medium of communication, particularly among younger respondents earning higher incomes.

However, newspapers and television remained the top two sources of information across respondents and also had a bigger influence over voting decisions.

Among websites cited, Facebook was the most commonly read while Channel NewsAsia website was rated highest among respondents aged 21-29, those who were most highly educated and who were most knowledgeable about the Elected Presidency.

People generally don’t care about the role and function of our President simply as we did not have a say on who we want until recently since Mr Ong time.

If you ask the man on the street, the general feeling is that our President is just a puppet, opps, a symbolic one.

The role and functions are not clear and I remember is just keep changing and only until the recent presidential election that we got some surprising enlightenment from the cabinets on the limiter power or shall I say non existing power he have.

Then why is he pay so much?

Maybe Tony should get 1/3 of the pay since only 1/3 of Singaporean voted for him.
Just wondering is he still getting his pension on top of his president’s salary?

Grossly imbalance our society is if you ask me.

Again PAP ask you to change instead of themselves

2011-10-31T10:34:00.001+08:00

Parliament's for "serious discussion, not just criticism"
30 October 2011 1840 hrs (SST)

PERTH, AUSTRALIA: Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said that Parliament is a place for serious discussion and not just criticism.

Mr Lee added that Parliament is not just a place to hold either the government or opposition to account.

Instead both sides should participate in solving problems together, or Singapore would be worse off for it.

He was speaking to the Singapore media at the end of the three-day Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth on Sunday.

Earlier this month, Singapore's Parliament sat for the first time since the May General Election, and members shared their thoughts on the measures needed for the country to prosper.

Mr Lee said that while the opposition had put a lot of effort into their parliamentary speeches, it remains to be seen if they will participate in helping to solve problems.

"This is not just a show, it's not just theatre. This (Parliament) is a place where we are discussing very serious business and where we have to make very difficult choices for Singaporeans on behalf of our voters," he said.

"And I think as government, it's our responsibility to speak the truth to Singaporeans and I think it's the opposition's responsibility also to acknowledge the truth and to speak it, whether or not it's politically advantageous to them," added Mr Lee.

On Singapore's economy, Mr Lee said that there are dark clouds on the horizon, referring to the latest report from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

The MAS report said that Singapore's economic growth will stall over the next few quarters before seeing a modest recovery late next year because the long-term structural problems in Europe will not disappear soon.

Prime Minister Lee added that Singapore is also facing slowing growth because the economy is more mature.

"For a developed economy, 3, 4% (growth) is not bad. Of course, we've been used to 5,6,7 (percent), or even more in the past, but it's a different phase. When you're an adolescent, you grow and shoot up inches every year. When you're mature you hope to grow, not necessarily taller but wiser and better," said Mr Lee.

On the government's move to raise the minimum qualifying salaries for foreign professionals and skilled workers, Mr Lee said that the government knows it has been painful for employers.

He added that accepting a lower growth rate is the price to pay for managing the population size in Singapore.

Even with these challenges, Mr Lee said Singapore should not be too downbeat. He said Singapore hopes to have quality growth - improved productivity for better wages.

Mr Lee also pointed out that he had met various leaders at CHOGM, all of whom expressed admiration for Singapore and said the country has done very well.

Referring to his meeting with Western Australia's Premier Colin Barnett, Mr Lee said it is keen to develop links with Singapore.

Mr Lee concluded that Singapore is "not doing badly", but can do better.

On CHOGM which had focused on reforms, Mr Lee said it would not be easy to transform the Commonwealth.

Calling the Commonwealth an "old boys' club" brought together by a shared history, he said members work together where they can but they also have disagreements.

On the failed proposal to appoint a watchdog for human rights, Mr Lee said Singapore's support will depend very much on whether such a commissioner will be productive.

The proposal for an independent commissioner on human rights, democracy and the rule of law was one of the reforms called for by an "Eminent Persons Group" that CHOGM itself commissioned two years ago to help it maintain relevancy.

I agree that the parliament should be a place for constructive debates.

But how many times did the government put bill up for debates when it had already been passed?

How many times did the PAP government themselves drawing their million dollars salaries but still call for assistance? Waste of tax payer money if you ask me.

I have no problem with the government making mistakes.

My main problem with this administration is their gross salaries.

Are these people worth being the most expensive cabinets in the world?

I admit there are a few good men in there but they are also what I call “YES MAN” which cannot do anything as long as there is a party whips in the PAP controlling these Member of Parliament.

But don’t forget, it is the people from your constituency that voted you in the represent them, strictly speaking you work for them and not for your party. Gosh they even pay your salary as well.

For Hsien Loong to make this statement, he must look at his own policy.

Can the current government open to criticisms and put bills for parliament debates before passing them?

Can the PAP for once work and think for the man on the street rather for themselves and the elites?

Can Hsien Loong stop thinking debates with the opposition parties are a waste of time and he need to “fix” them?

Talk is cheap. Just do it and the people will see for themselves Hsien Loong.

Modern day slaves

2011-10-25T11:54:00.001+08:00

S'poreans' top worries: All about $
Lack of money is one of the causes of all unhappiness among Singaporeans.
Tue, Oct 25, 2011
my paper

AS THE age-old adage goes, money is the root of all evil. But money - or the lack of it - is also the root of all unhappiness among Singaporeans.

The top three causes for unhappiness here: Insufficient personal savings, growing expenditure in the last six months and the current state of the economy. In addition, the most unhappy group of citizens are young adults aged between 18 and 29 years old.

These are the findings of The Happiness Report, a study on the happiness quotient of Singaporeans released yesterday by integrated marketing-communications agency Grey Group Singapore. The study was conducted in June on 200 Singaporean respondents of all races aged 18 and above.

Happiness was also hotly debated in last week's parliamentary sessions, after Aljunied GRC MP Sylvia Lim suggested that Singapore use an index of happiness and well-being to gauge the country's growth instead of relying on just gross domestic product.

In a separate study on the effect of material success on perceived quality of life, Dr Christie Scollon, associate professor of psychology, noted that material wealth is an important part of Singaporeans' conception of "the good life".

"There is a shared consensus that material wealth equates to the good life," said Prof Scollon, who teaches at the Singapore Management University's School of Social Sciences.

"Think of the 5Cs and how everybody knows what they are," she added.

Rising inflation may have also played a part in making Singaporeans unhappy.

The latest figures released by the Department of Statistics yesterday showed a 5.5 per cent increase in the consumer price index last month, compared to that one year ago, due to higher costs for housing, transport and food.

The Happiness Report also noted that a higher percentage of working women are unhappy as compared to their male colleagues.

Grey Group Singapore chief executive Subbaraju Alluri called this "the most revealing finding of the study".

He said that, with 57 per cent of women here in the work force, this points to the fact that a large number of them are juggling their roles and responsibilities at work and in their families.

"Roles for women in Singapore have become more stressful than ever before. The other potential reason could be the corporate glass ceiling that some women face, with the long hours they put in not being reflected in their career progression," said Mr Alluri.

Added Prof Scollon: "They may have so many roles and obligations to fulfil that they often feel guilty while doing one thing, because it means not being able to do something else.
"In short, the modern woman is overly burdened."

First I think the sampling size of 200 is too small. 200 out of 1 million Singaporean in the workforce is like 0.02%. Not even the tip of the iceberg.

So this Grey Group Singapore make itself sound not very professional here. I wonder what their point of publishing this “finding”. Publicity perhaps?

I got to say the findings are nothing new and I bet the result will be more negative if the sample size increases. So maybe the Grey Group don’t want to make the government look too bad while trying to have some publicity at the same time?

Back to the findings.

Singapore is well know for high cost of living, long work hours, competitive education system, inefficient public transports system, place with the most expensive private transports in the world, moronic Ministers and absent of basic consumer rights.

In short I don’t think Singaporean are a happy bunch, the only happy people in Singapore are the Foreign Trashs…. Talents I meant.

With high cost of livings, Singaporeans have to work longer hours with no minimum wages while competing with cheap foreigners workers. While our government slipping champagne in their ivory towers.
The county has became an efficient money making machine with slaves tied town by housing loans and expensive health care. We have forgotten how to take time off, go for long holiday giving up some material wealth like cars and condominiums.

The quality of our Ministers are shocking.

2011-10-24T11:59:00.000+08:00

Low: Better, faster and perhaps cheaper ministers?
Yahoo! Newsroom – Sat, Oct 22, 2011

Workers' Party chief Low Thia Khiang and Labour chief Lim Swee Say from People's Action Party (PAP) locked horns during the final day of the 12th Parliament's first meeting on Friday.

As the last speaker to speak from the opposition bench, Low -- the MP for Aljunied GRC -- took aim at Minister Lim Swee Say’s oft-repeated slogan of “cheaper, better, faster” and said that “perhaps we will start to see better, faster ministers at work and perhaps cheaper (ones) after the ministerial salary review is completed”.

He also urged the government to ask itself why Singaporeans commonly perceived the government to be "more concerned with paying its ministers well than about the welfare of the people."

In reply, Lim – who is the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office as well as chief of the NTUC labour movement —said that his “cheaper, better, faster” slogan was referring to products and services and that comparisons were unfair.

“There’s a fundamental difference,” he said in his speech. “What the NTUC and the tripartite partners and pursuing are cheaper, better, faster products and services, and a cheaper, better, faster economy, not a cheaper, better, faster workforce.”

The East Coast GRC MP also said he was at a loss for words when Low said he felt that ministers served out of self-interest, accusing opposition MPs of taking credit for "the good things" that the government has done since the May General Election by saying that the presence of opposition MPs have brought about policy changes.

Separately, Low also urged the People’s Action Party to refrain from using “doom and gloom” scenarios when debating health care and welfare policy trade-offs.

“I urge the PAP to step out of the shadow of doom and gloom of certain pitfalls of Western liberal democracy and work towards a First World Parliament in our own way,” he said.

Low was defending Non-Constituency MPs Gerald Giam and Yee Jenn Jong's earlier calls for the government to spend on affordable and adequate health care, housing and retirement financing.

Both NMPs were then reminded by Minister of State for Trade and Industry and National Development, Lee Yi Shyan, of the pitfalls of a welfare state, citing the example of a debt-ridden Greece and its welfare system.

In rebuttal, Low said "it is high time the PAP MPs refrain from using this as a red herring to kill debate on alternative solutions and mechanisms to those proposed by the government."

Low added that the government had used the term "policy trade-offs" to defend decisions that benefited them instead of the people. Low gave the example of the decision to build the integrated resorts with casinos and the government "highlighted the benefits to our society over the related gaming and social ills -- never mind the trade-offs," said Low.

Low however did commend the PAP for its "resilience in response to ground reaction" and added that it was not the opposition MPs, but rather the voters that should really claim the credit for recent changes as they had voted more opposition in and that the result is that the PAP takes a serious look at what is happening.

Both Lim and Low also eventually agreed that national interest would remain above their own partisan ones.

In my opinion Lim Swee Say is just another useless Minister.

Think carefully what had he contributed since taking office since 1996. Now he is a Minister in Prime Minister Office doing God’s know what.

What Low pointed out here is nothing new and the Men-In-White had been smoking out and pushing the reality away again and again.

It just gave the man on the street a feeling that the Men-In-White are not willing to scarify there high salaries for the progress of the national at all. They also chose to bury their head in the ground telling themselves there is not much problem with the county since they win most of the parliament seats.

But they forgot how unfair the election process was.

The fact is our Minsters are over paid for the quality of work they provided. Period!

So take a damn pay cut and work you ass off dear Ministers!

People will see and judge for themselves and will choose to keep you around if they deem you are good.

No need to fight for the credits with the opposition. This only reflects how desperate you are.

Lee Yi Shyan also sprouted nonsense but saying it will be the end of the world for Singapore if the government makes health care, housing and retirement financing more affordable.

If the government can’t even or don’t want to work to improve the basic necessity for its people then it is only correct that it is to be replaced.

Shocking quality of our defence minister.

2011-10-21T10:45:00.002+08:00

All NS men treated equally regardless of background: Ng Eng Hen
20 October 2011

SINGAPORE: Singapore's Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said his ministry is acutely aware that all NS men must be treated equally, regardless of their background.

Dr Ng said the equal treatment for national service has been and must remain a cardinal principle, because without strict adherence to this fundamental tenet, the commitment to NS will be severely eroded and the institution of NS weakened.

Replying to questions in Parliament on the disruption of Dr Patrick Tan, the son of President Tony Tan Keng Yam, Dr Ng said the disruption was in accordance with prevailing policies to obtain his medical degree. Also, a longer period was granted to those admitted to US medical schools.

He assured Singaporeans that neither Dr Patrick Tan, nor any other individual who has disrupted, was given any preferential treatment because of their "connections".

Dr Ng said the policy to allow full time national servicemen to disrupt for medical studies in Singapore dates back to 1973. However, he added that from 1992, disruption for overseas medical studies was no longer allowed as the number of local medical graduates had met SAF's needs.

Dr Patrick Tan deferred his NS for 12 years for a PhD. He re-enlisted in 2000 after having obtained both his medical degree and PhD, and was deployed to the Defence Medical Research Institute in view of his training.

Dr Ng said: "There was no preferential treatment given to Patrick Tan, or any other individual who has disrupted, because of their 'connections'. Let me emphasise to all, including commanders on the ground, that no NS man should be accorded preferential treatment.

"I would like to further assure Singaporeans that Mindef implements a policy of selective disruption for university studies fairly and openly, in accordance with existing criteria. Mindef shall henceforth publish the list of all those disrupted for university (education) annually on a routine basis for public scrutiny."

Isn’t it amazing that the sort of crabs one can says.

Can MINDEF please explain why did you ask me to declare do I have a relative in the SAF and if so what is his/her rank on the first day of my recruit life if there is no preference treatment?

Oh I forgot Cedric Foo answered that a few years ago, he practically said MINDEF indentified white horses so to ENSURE they will not be given preference treatment.

Dumb ass! If really no preference treatment, there should not be any identification at all so commanders have to be fair to each and every soldier.

Ng Eng Hen is beating around the bush here when trying to explain Toni’s Son case.
Basically he just blamed it on old policies.

He failed to explain base on what did Patrick was granted his disruption, he failed to give a statistic on how many applied and rejected during that periods and who is in the committee that review these.

Was Tony Tan the then Minister of Defence in the reviewing committee? If not did the committee know Patrick was Toni’s Son?

This is important as, Gosh! Who will reject your boss son’s application you tell me.

Eng Hen also failed to tell us how many other were given a 12 years deferrer and how many others were posted to Defence Medical Research doing lab work while attaining a Sergeant rank during National Service.

Was this post specially created for Patrick? If not which other NSF were in this position before and after Patrick and please do also tell us what Patrick contributed during his time there.

We are not stupid like you Eng Hen.

Failed to do your job? Well just put others down.

2011-10-20T10:50:00.001+08:00

Bhutan is not the 'Shangri-la on earth', says Khaw
19 October 2011

SINGAPORE: The measure of happiness has been a topic of debate in Parliament over the last few days, and constant references to Bhutan have been made as well.

National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan joined the debate, saying he visited the small nation a few years ago and the romanticised version of the ancient kingdom did not fit the reality he saw there.

In his speech in Parliament on Wednesday, he said Bhutan is not the "Shangri-la on earth" that some make it out to be.

Mr Khaw said: "Most of the time, I saw unhappy people, toiling in the field, worried about the next harvest and whether there would be buyers for their products. They have studied us because Singapore is also a tiny nation, living next to big neighbours.

"We have successfully transited from third world to first, and managed to create a functioning and harmonious society for our people. In their minds, Singapore could well be the Shangri-la and they want Bhutan to emulate Singapore."

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Manpower and National Development Tan Chuan-Jin weighed in on the discussion on what some perceive to be the government's obsession with economic growth at all costs.

He said the pursuit of GDP should not be an end but a means to an end.

Mr Tan said the main preoccupation at weekly Cabinet meetings has been to provide for Singaporeans and Singapore.

He added that the government is not perfect and there are things that it can do better and it will do its utmost.

"Life cannot be whittled down into an efficient equation, however effective it may be. Not everything is an economic digit; some of the most important things in life cannot be quantified. At the end of it all, it is about us as Singaporeans, and the future we want to build for our children. And we as the government must have the courage to play our role to lead and do the right things," said Mr Tan.

Instead of doing his job improving the life of Singaporean and making Singapore a nice place to live in, Khaw Boon Wah has to gunned down Bhutan as they are measuring their people happiness index.

So Boon Wah said he saw many unhappy people there toiling the field, worried about the next harvest and whether there would be buyers for their products. Hey you don’t have to go all the way there to see unhappy people. Look at your own country!

Isn’t most Singaporean working long hours days after days worrying about our rice bowl and high cost living and whether will there be a pay cut or will we lose our job to cheap foreign workers soon.

In my mind Singapore in the last county in the world that will be the Shangri-la and I nearly chock on my breakfast when I read Boon Wah suggestion.

For God’s sake we are not even close, Boon Wah where have you been?! Come down from your ivory tower and see for yourself!

Newbie Minister Chan went on saying the government is not perfect. Well if you are the most expensive team in the world you jolly well be damned it!

Equality is what the Elites tell you when they need your votes

2011-10-14T11:53:00.003+08:00

Our diversity must not divide us: President Tan
10 October 2011

SINGAPORE: President Tony Tan Keng Yam has called on Singaporeans not to allow diversity to divide the country.

A key theme of his Opening Address to the 12th Parliament is how Singapore has to manage an increasingly diverse population, with different demands, expectations and needs, and still remain a cohesive society.

Dr Tan acknowledged that Singapore's politics is becoming more diverse and open, as more people are contending to represent different groups and interests.

"This is positive for Singapore. But in the heat of the political tussle, we must not forget that we all share the same goal, namely serving the people," he said.

"Hence all sides must take a long-term, national perspective, put society's interests above their own, and find the right way forward together despite different views and preferences. Only by getting our politics right and keeping it constructive and responsible will Singapore make progress."

President Tan shared a word of caution that Singaporeans should not forget to be sensitive to issues which can divide society.

"Our diversity must not divide us. Fault lines in our society have to be carefully managed. We have done well in strengthening racial and religious harmony. Now we must try hard to prevent a new fault line from forming between local-born Singaporeans and recent immigrants," he said.

"The government is slowing the inflow to ensure that new arrivals not only contribute economically, but also embrace our values and integrate into our society. Singaporeans, for our part, should help them become part of our Singapore family, just as our forefathers settled here in earlier generations."

President Tan said the govern¬ment will work closely with the people, engage Singaporeans more extensively on issues, tap their ideas and foster a greater sense of shared ownership.

"Singaporeans are active partners in our shared future, not passive bystanders as we progress. Citizens need to make the effort to think through the issues, weigh the options, and make the compromises and choices," he said.

One platform for such an engagement is the new media.

However he added: "On the Internet, truth is not easily distinguished from misinformation. Anonymity is often abused. Harsh, intemperate voices often drown out moderate, considered views.

"Other countries struggle with this problem too. We must find ways to use the new media constructively, to connect with the digital generation and sustain fruitful conversations on issues concerning us all."

President Tan also outlined some of the plans the government has in mind for different segments of society including the lower income, middle income and those who have done exceptionally well.

He also mentioned senior citizens and the younger generation. He said the underlying objective of the government's programmes for the people is to ensure that all citizens will always have a place in Singapore regardless of their background, religion or race.

Dr Tan said: "To achieve this, our economy must grow. This is basic to improving our lives. High rates of growth will become more challenging as we grapple with the limits of our land area and population size, and as our income level reaches that of developed countries. But we should still make 3-5 percent growth per year, and bring everyone along, provided we work together closely and wisely."

He added: "Our success is defined not just by material progress but also by our values and ideals. We want a fair and just society that ensures the well-being of every citizen; a gracious and compassionate community whose members care for one another; and a truly special Singapore, where our children can grow to be the best that they can be."

For lower-income Singaporeans, Dr Tan said Singa¬pore will continue to be a country where they could improve themselves and do well as the country progresses.

For the majority in the middle, President Tan said Singapore will always be a country where they can enjoy the fruits of their labour and have ample opportunities to move ahead.

For those who do exceptionally well, Singapore will continue to offer many opportunities to excel - a secure, nurturing base camp from which they could scale the heights of the world, said the President.

For senior citizens, Dr Tan said Singapore will always be their home where they can spend their silver years with peace of mind.

And for the young, "Singapore will be the place to pursue your dreams and fulfil your promise", said the President.

Concluding his address to the Parliament, President Tan said that very few countries have been able to achieve what Singapore has done and he called on every Singaporean to build on the strong foundation together for a better life and a brighter tomorrow.

Undoing community bonding
ST FORUM 13 OCT

LAST Saturday, a friend invited me to an event organised by the People's Association (PA) at Cheng San Community Club.

The ticket cost $12 per person, and a high-tea buffet was included. In attendance were Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Ang Hin Kee and PA chief executive director Yam Ah Mee.

While I appreciate the efforts of the PA and community clubs in organising such community-bonding events, it left me with reservations.

I was flabbergasted to discover that the organising committee, judges, sponsors and other VIPs enjoyed their high-tea in a closed air-conditioned room while the rest of the guests had theirs outside under a tent.

Why was there a 'divide' for an occasion aimed at community bonding?

On the same day, across the road from the PA event, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was officiating at an event marking the completion of an upgrading programme.

According to press reports, he emphasised that the Government was determined to improve citizens' lives, and this included community bonding.

What happened was unfortunate because the grassroots leaders who organised the community-bonding event were undoing what the Government is trying to achieve.

Lum Yan Meng

I simply love it when the Government scored own goals.

Actions speak louder the words and this double standards by PA just threw Toni’s words out of the window.

I borrow a quote from Animal Farm:

“All Animals are equal, but some are more equal than others” - George Orwell, Animal Farm.

The miser

2011-10-11T10:43:00.000+08:00

Govt to give US$100k to Red Cross for flood-hit nations
The Singapore Government will contribute $127,000 to kick-start the Singapore Red Cross' appeal. - Tue, Oct 11, 2011

The Singapore Government will contribute US$100,000 (S$127,000) to kick-start the Singapore Red Cross' appeal for donations for Thailand, Cambodia and other countries in the region affected by recent floods, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.

Talk about being a miser, and what ironies that the most expensive government in the world is donating a mere US$100,000 to various countries affect by the flood.

For God’s sake if you so stingy please don’t report this as you will become a joke.

To put into perspective Lee Hsien Loong’s Salary is about US$2,856,930 and our Minister earn about US$1,600,000 a year.

Gosh US$100,000 is even less then the monthly pay of the greedy PM, hey it’s even less then what a Minister’s monthly salary.

Sad.

Yet another reminder of their greed.

2011-10-10T10:08:00.002+08:00

They tried to do it quitely but here I am keeping it on record for yet anther fare increase for our public transport.

So folk you already paid more over the weekend.

Bloody blood suckers.

Long overdue.

2011-10-06T10:48:00.003+08:00

Six PAP Central Exco members step down
The memberse had proposed to step down to facilitate leadership renewal in the party. -myp
Thu, Oct 06, 2011

The People's Action Party (PAP) Central Executive Committee (CEC) has accepted the resignation of six members who had proposed to step down to facilitate leadership renewal in the party.

They are Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Mr Goh Chok Tong, Mr Lim Boon Heng, Mr Wong Kan Seng, Mr George Yeo and Mrs Lim Hwee Hua.

The CEC has also decided to confer upon Mr Lee and Mr Goh the title of Honorary Past Secretary-General, in recognition of their outstanding service and seminal contributions to the PAP and Singapore.

The new members to fill these six vacancies will be chosen through a poll of PAP branch chairmen and cadres representing PAP branches, district committees, the Women's Wing and Young PAP.

The selection is expected to be completed by next month's party convention.

It is only right that they step down and they are no more in the cabinet. I can’t believe it took Lee Kuan Yew 11 years after he step down as Prime Minister and Goh Chock Tong 7 years to do this.

I guess that pay must be good.

Please note the infamous Mah is still in there!! Gosh!

But I still think Lee Kuan Yew will still has some influent in the Party one way or another.
So now Woody has a super long title.

Honorary Past Secretary-General of People Action Party Emeritus Senior Minister MP for Marine Parade GRC Goh Chock Tong!

Must need a very big name card to fit all that in.

Smoke out by Lui.

2011-10-04T11:41:00.003+08:00

Transport upgrading plans on track
Bus-stops islandwide to be expanded into 'bus hubs'; MRT network to reach more commuters
Oct 04, 2011

SINGAPORE - Besides getting commuters onto the train or the bus, Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew is also looking at improving their journey to the station, while arming passengers with more timely and accurate information to decide on their commute.

Mr Lui revealed in a media interview that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is starting an internal trial this month to test out a commuter information system which would state "the condition of the bus" - whether the commuter can sit, can stand or must wait for the next bus. The trial is to last for three months.

Yesterday, the LTA announced it would be upgrading and expanding 35 major bus-stops islandwide into bus hubs. When completed by end 2013, the upgraded bus-stops will come with lengthened bus bays, expanded bus shelters, and real-time bus information panels.

These improvements will reduce the amount of time a bus has to spend at the bus-stop and, in turn, help shorten waiting times and improve journey times for commuters. About six in 10 of the 5.5 million public transport journeys made daily are on buses.

The Transport Minister, however, noted that trains currently remain the preferred mode of transport among commuters. Thus, plans are being finalised for additional lines and extensions beyond 2020 as part of the 2011 Concept Plan Review to improve the rail network and serve new areas.

These plans are beyond the S$20 billion invested in existing rail lines and the S$60 billion for new rail lines committed under the Land Transport Masterplan, unveiled in 2008.

The new rail lines under the masterplan include the Thomson Line and the Eastern Region Line. Mr Lui said that the Thomson Line alignment is "almost done", but the Eastern Region Line is proving "more challenging" and "needs to be look at more carefully".

The minister, however, declined to disclose further details on the alignments, citing commercial sensitivities. But he added that new housing concentrations and new sub-regional centres will be factored in when planning the new rail lines.

Mr Lui revealed the Circle Line Extension from Promenade to Marina Bay will be opened in January.
With more rail lines being planned and built, the aim is to double the number of households that live within 400m or 600m of an MRT station. Currently, around 400,000 households live within 600m of an MRT station, while 200,000 households live within 400m.

Mr Lui is also aiming to improve pedestrian connectivity to transport nodes and to "make the walk a little more comfortable".

Thus, pedestrian connectivity to transport nodes will be enhanced, through the development of more sheltered walkways, underground pedestrian networks, and links to nearby buildings.

The fact is I do not see much improvement from the Transport Operators.

In fact I am already getting too tired to write in to complaints against them as these idiots are just greedy corporation that want to pay their CEOs millions at the expense of poor public transports users.

The solution to improve public transport system is simple but no body actually want to look at is seriously as it will affect bottom lines.

Firstly, just improve the frequency of trains and buses damned it!

Overcrowding is the main problem in this country with more the 5 millions resident.

Secondly, has dedicated bus lanes in all major roads to speed up buses.

Increasing train’s networks is a good idea too.

Commuter information system is crab if it keeps telling you the next 3 buses are full and too bad you can’t get on.

There is a lot we can do to improve public transports in Singapore but do identify the core problems and solve it.

Do not pacify the pubic by just having some cosmetic improvements.

This will cause the public to vote for a new Minster next time.

Stupid events that seem harmless.

2011-10-03T11:51:00.004+08:00

2011-2012 :: The Biggest Eating Competition in the Region

Stomach this! CP Biggest Eater Competition returns for a second year – bigger, more exciting and challenging than ever!

To be held in 4 major cities across the region: Melbourne, Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok, the event is slated to be the biggest eating competition yet in Asia and outside the USA.

A myriad of international professional eaters including top-ranked eaters in the world will come together to showcase their jaw-dropping eating skills and battle for coveted honours at the various legs of the competition. The event will also see the first regional male and female champions crowned in Bangkok, Thailand – home to CP Foods!

Will World No. 1 Eater, American Joey Chestnut's eye-popping record of 380 shrimp wontons in 8 minutes be broken? Can World No. 2 Female Eater, US-based Chinese Juliet Lee retain her title as the biggest female eater with a clean sweep of 160 wontons?

Saw an advert on TV over the weekend promoting the above event.

I am surprise that eating competition is still happening in Singapore. To me it is just plain stupid.

Maybe people had forgotten this in 1989:

Coma youth who choked on mooncake dies

The youth who slipped into a coma after choking on a piece of mooncake in an eating competition last month died at the Singapore General Hospital yesterday morning.

Mr Suie Peng Cheong, 20, had been in a coma for 51 days days.The Secondary 5 student of St Teresa's High School was taken to the hospital where he was put under intensive care soon after the incident during a mooncake eating competition on Sentosa on Sept 9.

The contest was held to usher in the Mooncake Festival. It required contestants to eat a normal size mooncake in the shortest possible time and was jointly organised by the Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) and Shin Min Daily News.

A SDC spokesman had said that Mr Suie, who "ignored advice to drink tea to help wash down the mooncake", choked and then appeared to suffer from a fit.

On the way to hospital, two SDC staff members applied heart massage and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on Mr Suie, who had difficulty in breathing.

On Sep 25, doctors operated on Mr Suie to allow him to breathe more easily.

The operation, known as a tracheostomy, involved cutting a small hole in the throat.

Mr Suie's mother, Madam Leong Lai Keng, confirmed that her son died at about 5 am yesterday. She said she was not with him when he died.

Madam Leong, 49, who had kept a daily vigil at her son's bedside, said: "I normally visit him in the day and leave in the evening. Friends and relatives would take over at night. I think some friends were with him when he passed away."

She added that early this month, Mr Suie's condition had improved a little.

"He was able to open his eyes a little and roll his eyeballs in our direction when we called out his name. He could slowly move his hand from the stomach to the chest level."

But Mr Suie's condition took a turn for the worse last week. Madam Leong
said: "He could not open his eyes anymore."

This article was first published in The Straits Times on October 30, 1989

There are many other ways to promote your brand or activities organiser can come up with to create vibes.

Eating competitions are dangerous and damaging to one health.

Check out more death around the globe,here, here, here and here.

The silent killer.

2011-09-30T10:22:00.001+08:00

Last December I went for the 2nd company sponsor medical check up and all was well just that I am slightly overweight and has a high Triglyceride level. (Too much oil in blood) and my blood pressure are slightly high.

My triglyceride level last year was like at a border high but it did drop from a high from 2 years ago.

This has partly due to my effort of exercising more and also the reduction of unhealthy food intakes.

My company is promoting a healthy lifestyle this year and for this month we all got free basic health test in the company.

They took my blood and now I am just waiting to see how my Triglyceride level.

My blood pressure was 130/85. A moderate high and it shows a pre-hypertension signal.
This may be due to my family history of hypertension.

It is not serious yet but at least it again reminds me to watch my diet, keep myself stress free and to exercise more.

This health screening findings did not surprise me as I do go for my bi-annual health check which give me a indication of my health level so I can force or motivate myself to eat right and spend more time sweating it out.

But this is not the case for a few of my colleague.

They all look ok and are quite skinny.

One of them blood pressure was like 200+ which indicate a level 2 hypertension. She was shocked as she felt nothing.

Another’s cholesterol level was sky high and he was quite depressed as he can’t enjoy his sea food as much as he wants now.

Funny thing is, even though this health screening is free, many of my colleague did not bother to sign up for it.

A few gave me reasons like no time; they feel fine and some even said they don’t want to know what is wrong with them inside!

I keep telling them that early detection is the best cure for any disease but they just brush me off.

I knew a few colleague and friend’s parents passed away recently suddenly for various reasons but they scary part was they all looked healthy.

An obese person may know he needs to watch his diet but a skinny person may think he is healthy and literally eat his way to the graves.

There are many diseases out there that won’t give us any signal but they all can be cured if detected early.

So I do urge all my friends to go for you medical check up at least once every 2-3 years.
It only cost you a few hundreds dollars and a few hours of your time.

As I always say, health is priceless.

Toothless Tiger

2011-09-29T11:34:00.003+08:00

Abercrombie & Fitch ad 'indecent' but will stay for now
Watchdog calls for its removal but has no legal right to enforce decision

The advertisement featuring a topless man that is plastered on the Orchard shopfront of American fashion retailer Abercrombie & Fitch breaches the local advertising code of decency, said a watchdog.

The Advertising Standards Authority of Singapore (ASAS), which made the ruling, has called for the ad - put up after April - to be removed.

But there is a hitch - ASAS has no legal rights to enforce its decision. The picture of a model wearing a pair of low-slung jeans, which spans the entire four-level shopfront, remains on display at the Knightsbridge mall in Orchard Road for now.

Some people who found the ad to be lewd and inappropriate for the prominent location wrote to The Straits Times' Forum page last month, urging for it to be taken down.

Ok firstly I find nothing wrong with the advertisement. If so all topless men in Singapore need to be arrested.

Think the authorities in Singapore are over conservative and think we are virgin. Please lah! Secondary and even primary students in Singapore are already having sex.

Not that I am agreeable to it but I urge the authorities to put their priority right.

They should spend more time improving the moral of our youth then go around calling a picture of a topless man to be removed.

Then again the advertisement has been there like months and if I am not wrong, A&F is due to open in December this year so it has only 3 months max for display so why only now that this ASAS is asking it to be removed. Wayang?

The best part is ASAS has no enforcement rights. So why is it going around comment on things if it has no authority? Something does not gel here.

From the internet:

What ASAS does
• Provides advice and guidance when advertisers, advertising agencies and media owners are in doubt over the acceptability of advertisements – particularly before publication. However, ASAS is not intended to be a clearing-house for the approval of all advertising.

• Handles complaints about advertising practices. ASAS is able to rule on disputes between members of the Singapore Advertisers Association, the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents, Advertising Media Owners’ Association of Singapore and the Association of Broadcasters.

• Advises on any advertisement prepared and/or published by persons or companies outside the four Associations, provided that it is brought to the attention of ASAS in accordance with the procedure of lodging a complaint.

• Issues sanctions:
o Withholding advertising space or time from advertisers, and withdrawal of the trading privileges from advertising agencies. Both these sanctions are applied by the media owners.
o Adverse publicity. ASAS has the option of publishing details of the outcome of the investigations, ie. naming those who may have offended against the code. This is particularly so for recalcitrant offenders.

Seem like ASAS are in charge of handling complaints. So I guess that this advertisement may has received a few complaints and ASAS knowing it can’t do nothing about it just have to go public and ask the advertisement to be removed.

Look like another “jia liao bee” authority.

"The word Authority is derived mainly from the Latin word auctoritas, meaning invention, advice, opinion, influence, or command. In English, the word 'authority' can be used to mean power given by the state (in the form of Members of Parliament, Judges, Police Officers, etc.), by academic knowledge of an area (someone can be an authority on a subject). "

Health is Priceless

2011-09-27T10:40:00.001+08:00

One in 2 put money and career above health
They ranked other priorities, such as money or their career, above health. -myp
Tue, Sep 27, 2011

About one in two people here rank other priorities, such as money or their career, above health, a survey commissioned by pharmaceutical firm Pfizer and released yesterday showed.

The study had polled 214 people.

50% of these people have their priority all wrong.

To me Health is priceless.

With Health you can live life to the fullest and you don’t need lots of money to enjoy simple things in life.

So what if you are rich but instead are bed- reddened and need a machine to breath for you.

So what if you are going places with you career but you are spending most of your life in the office rather then back home playing with your kids or travel to see the world.

This just remind me of the china teenager who sold one of his kidney for a I-pad2 and I-phone 4.

Sad.

Screwed up MRT

2011-09-26T10:25:00.000+08:00

Train fault caused 8.5-minute delay at peak hour
Sep 24, 2011

SINGAPORE - A train fault caused an 8-and-a-half minute delay for passengers at peak hour yesterday evening reported the Straits Times today.

The report said about 2,880 passengers were affected by the delay on the East-West line towards Pasir Ris that happened around 7.25pm last night.

An SMRT spokesman said passengers on an east-bound train were asked to alight at City Hall MRT station due to a train fault.

To minimise disruption, passengers on a west-bound train were asked to alight at Bugis MRT station so the train could turn around and serve east-bound passengers, the spokesman added.

SMRT must explain exactly what when wrong and the passenger are to be compensated.
The hint for the fault actually begun much earlier.

I happened to be at Pasir Ris at about 6.50pm and I waited about 10min for the train during peak hour. When I arrived at the platform, there were like already lots of people so I don’t even know how long have the waited.

As usual the train was really packed when it left the station. I have to literally squeeze my way out when I reach Outram Park Station.

So much for world class transport system.

Mark Up - Improving Self Worth

2011-09-20T10:17:00.001+08:00

Currently I am busy doing UAT(User Acceptance Test) for a new software system in my company.

Initially my company sourced for consultant to develop this software and lowest quote they got was like $1Million!

So being a ‘prudent’ company, we told the consultant to go fly kite and got one of our own engineer to do it.

With some external help he managed to develop the system at with a budget of about $10,000.

To me he did a good job! His system work and look great too.

Then it got me thinking, how much profit the consultants tried to mark up.

Ok even minus the fee and overhead, we are looking at a different of $980,000! Branding?

My thought then brings me back to the Singapore Armed Forces.

We all know when we lost of damage some equipment in the Army we have to pay for it. (Yes we have to!) But we also know how ridiculously expensive they are.

I remember once we damaged a rotating light and the cost per unit according to SAF is $400! In the end we got one which is exactly the same from a commercial store at $70.

So is SAF also trying to earn profit by making up their equipment cost to cover loses somewhere else or is it just plain inefficient.

If you look carefully, there are several marked up activities happening around you.

Take you monthly conservancy fee. How many percent of it actually go into maintaining your estate?

Gosh these blood-sucking town councils can even invest your money by over collecting.

Finally we have the mother of all marked up, The Singapore’s cabinets.

These jokers’ performances are nothing to shout about in recent years and yet the command obscene salaries.

We are constantly threatened about the end of the world for us if we don’t pay for top talent and ends up with incompetent leaders.

Strangely live still goes on for us with these idiots around for so many years; I don’t see the end of the world yet.

Most if not all retired minister ends up working for the government. I doubt they can command the salaries they claim they are worth in the commercial world.

We don't trust the Men In White

2011-09-15T12:18:00.001+08:00

1 in 3 S'poreans are 'cynics'
Sep 15, 2011

SINGAPORE - A new study has found that about a third of Singaporeans are "cynics" - deemed as those who do not trust politicians. The survey, conducted by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), covered 1,092 Singaporeans, aged 21 and above, and was conducted about nine months before May's General Election.

The study's definition of cynics include people thinking they are often manipulated by politicians. However, the study did not differentiate whether the politician is from the ruling or opposition parties.

Compared to other liberal democracies like the United States - which sees a higher percentage of cynics of between 47 and 73 per cent - researchers say the 30 per cent figure for Singapore is not huge.

Still, they say the data gives politicians food for thought. IPS deputy director Arun Mahizhan, who noted "some disaffection with the delivery of public goods" such as transport and housing, wondered whether these are "permanent features". He added:"To what extent are these immediate reactions? This is yet to be determined. But this survey suggests that there is a significant minority who are cynical and there are ways in which the cynicism could be addressed."

Liberals are seen to be more cynical, but the study also found that there is no significant relation between a cynic and his income or education levels. It says the difference is not a socio-economic one but a political one, which means cynics in Singapore cut across the entire section of the community.

Cynics in Singapore are also not influenced by mainstream media. Rather, 12.8 per cent get their news from alternative new media sites. So experts say policymakers should exploit the Internet and new media in their engagement efforts, on top of deepening relations both online and offline.

"We need to encourage inter-personal discussions directly between politicians and citizens," said Dr Zhang Weiyu, an Assistant Professor at the Department of Communications and New Media at the National University of Singapore. "So it's not just politicians trying to send their message through mass media to the citizens because we find that inter-personal talk has a big influence on your political psychology."

The study though, also showed that mainstream media, including those online and offline, complement alternative new media sites. For example, 72 per cent turn to television for news, while 71.6 per cent read the newspapers for their main source of information.

Another group that needs to be engaged further are those who claim they do not consume any news, be it through traditional or alternative media sources.

They constitute about 14 per cent of respondents.

I am quite surprise that only 1/3 of us are cynical, I was expecting at least ½ but again the date could be manipulated after all it’s the Straits Time.

Actually the survey does not reveal things that we don’t already know.

Of cause cynical person use alternative media for news as all of us know by now that SPH has always been used by the PAP to their own advantages and the same goes for TCS.

The fact is Reporter without Border rank Singapore 136 for press freedom along side with Mexico, Turkey and Ethiopia. Gosh even Cong and Uganda is better then us!

Note the press try to help the PAP by highlighting that the survey did no differential which party the politicians are from who people feel cynical towards.

Well if you have 81 PAP members and 6 WP members in the parliaments then I would say PAP get 93% of the cynics’ votes.

The survey also claims that 71% of get their news from the mainstream media trying to justify the existence of them?

May I ask how many people believe what is written in the newspaper in Singapore?

To me Politician has a lot to do beside wearing whites and counting their millions to win the heard of Singaporean.

Dumb move of the year.

2011-09-13T10:17:00.002+08:00

Wong Kan Seng to be special advisor for Economic Co-operation
PM Lee has appointed Mr Wong Kan Seng as special advisor for Economic Co-operation to the Prime Minister.
Mon, Sep 12, 2011

SINGAPORE -Mr Wong Kan Seng has been appointed as a Special Advisor for Economic Co-operation to the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong appointed Mr Wong to advise him on Singapore's economic co-operation programmes with China and other Asian countries.
In a related announcement, the former Deputy Prime Minister will be made chairman of Sinbridge from Oct 1.

He will take over from former Cabinet minister Lim Chee Onn; Sinbridge is wholly owned by Temasek Holdings.

Mr Wong Kan Seng has been the MP for the Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC since 2007, he also held the portfolios of Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1991-1994 and Minister for Home Affairs from 1994 to 2010.

I am speechless.

Hsien Loong is doing himself no favour by keeping such loser around.

Looking forward to Election 2016.

Talk is always easy.

2011-09-12T11:54:00.001+08:00

S'pore needs more informal occasions for family bonding: President Tony Tan
11 September 2011

President Tony Tan Keng Yam says Singapore needs to create more informal occasions for multi-racial and multi-generational family bonding.

President Tan said this to reporters at the Singapore Zoo on Sunday evening where he attended the "Moon Night" celebrations for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The festival is an occasion for family and friends to gather and admire the harvest moon.

With a host of educational activities about the moon's effect on animal behaviour, the event also raised awareness about biodiversity and nature conservation.

As part of the programme, President Tan released fireflies into the Zoo's mangroves, as part of ongoing efforts to reintroduce the insect into Singapore's mangroves.

He said: "I don't think wildlife is a charity but it's an attraction. I think it's something which is well worth supporting. And of course I'll be very happy to help the Wildlife Reserves in their effort to attract more corporate sponsorship from companies. Not only the Zoo of course, but the Night Safari, and of course the Bird Park. I think all of these are wonderful amenities for Singaporeans."

Tony is correct to say that family bonding is important and there is a need to create more occasions for it.

But he did not mentioned how to achieve it. Talk is always easy.

With a high standard of living, Singaporeans are hard at works putting in longer and longer hours to make ends meet. We have become slaves for the Nation, a digit and contribute to the annual GDP.

Many don’t even have time to make babies; those which do don’t even have time for them. They just leave them to the maids.

The build on family bond, the government has to look at more concrete measure.

Lower the cost of living, have a pro-family work environments, have more public holiday or even have a 4 and a half days working week.

Singapore has one of the lowest numbers of annual public holiday in the region. 11 days.

While in Hong Kong they have 17 days, Indonesia and Malaysia have 19 days, even Brunei have 14 days.

The question is does our government really want to scarify some economic growth for a more family orientated environment? I doubt so. How can they afford the millions dollars pay cheques to the cabinet if so.

Talk is easy my friend.

PAP is good at self delusion

2011-09-09T12:01:00.001+08:00

PM Lee: PAP needs to sharpen its skills
Mr Lee added that the party needs to "sharpen its skills" to listen actively.
Fri, Sep 09, 2011

THE People's Action Party (PAP) needs to adjust its policies to serve people better and improve its engagement and outreach on issues affecting Singaporeans, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

This is despite the strong mandate won by the party in the recent General Election in which it won 81 out of 87 seats and 60.1 per cent of the popular vote.

Making these remarks in the latest issue of Petir, the party's magazine, he said that younger Singaporeans have different life experiences, outlooks and aspirations.

"We must earn their trust by respecting their views, supporting them in their quest to realise their hopes and dreams."

Mr Lee added that the party needs to "sharpen its skills" to listen actively, to build support for policies, to anticipate and counter attempts to score political points by those who do not want the PAP to succeed, and to gain recognition for the Government's good work.

I can’t believe PAP still does not get it after 2 poor election performances.

No wonder, they still think willing 60.1% of the vote is a strong mandates. Gosh this is like a B4 in GCE O Level.

To win people hearts you just have to shut up, listen and show genuine concern for the people. Shutting yourself up in your ivory towers and drawing millions is not helping.

Oh please do more the listen as well. Else it will just become another talk for the sake of talking and listen without action. This is will ensure your votes going southward in the next election.

Easy solution that don't deserve million dollars pay checks.

2011-09-07T14:21:00.001+08:00

Low fertility rate, no in-migration will lead to S'pore's population decline
07 September 2011

SINGAPORE: Singapore's resident population will decline and become extremely aged if the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is extremely low and if there is no in-migration.

This is according to a landmark study on future population growth and change for Singapore published on Wednesday by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS).

The IPS study started in 2007 worked with different scenarios - of constant low fertility with no immigrants, with 30,000 immigrants and 60,000 immigrants.

The study says with TFR at 1.24 births per woman and zero net migration, Singapore's population will decline to 3.03 million in 2050.

With 30,000 migrants added annually, the population projection is 4.89 million in 2050.

And with 60,000 migrants added annually, population projection is 6.76 million in 2050.

The study also looked at a situation where TFR can be raised to 1.85 births per woman by 2025 with no new immigration.

With such a scenario, the study says population size can still only hit 3.37 million in 2050.

If fertility rate remains low, the study also projected that there will be fewer young people in Singapore.

The number of young people under 14 years of age will go down by more than half from 699,000 in 2005 to 274,400 by 2050.

This report has no value. It is just another piece of propaganda by the incumbent to strike fear by announcing our population will be extremely aged if there is no migrants.

So what if its so?

Economy slowing down? Less progress?

I would gladly give these up for a better quality of life.

We were at 2 millions before and we did quite well.

So who is getting the benefit from the influx of migrant? The government no doubt.

Wealth is not equally distributed in this country. The government and elites only want you and me to work long hours, squeeze into smaller buses and train so to generate more profit for them.

If we are facing ageing problem, the government should look into the root cause.

They should ask themselves why we are not producing but instead they choose to do the easy way by letting in migrant. Don’t forget they age as well and will contribute to the ageing population in the future. So what to do then? Let in more migrants?

This is a good example of overpaid idiots doing a crab job and they still dare to talk about unity.

Smoke screen by PAP

2011-09-06T14:50:00.001+08:00

Lee Kuan Yew cautions against turning political divide into national divide
05 September 2011

SINGAPORE: Singapore's former Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew has cautioned Singaporeans against turning the current political divide into a national divide.

He said Singapore could achieve high income growth as compared with its neighbours because during its independence, it had an undivided society that was solidly behind a meritocratic system.

Mr Lee was speaking to 1,800 students at a dialogue session at the Nanyang Technological University on Monday evening. The dialogue - also attended by Education Minister Heng Swee Keat - is part of the annual ministerial forum series organised by the NTU Students' Union.

During the dialogue, Mr Lee acknowledged that the one thing which will change in Singapore and which has already happened is the political divide.

He said as long as the political divide does not degenerate into a national divide, it will not have much impact on the growth of the country.

But Mr Lee warned that if the political divide turned into constant bickering, like what is happening between the Democrats and Republicans in the United States, then Singapore will become just "another ordinary country".

Mr Lee also explained that as Singapore grows more segmented with more diverse educational levels, the country will not have the same homogeneous mass of people to rally behind a single policy.

He said: "What's good for the middle income will be seen by the lower income as unfavourable to them. What is good for the higher income will be resisted by the middle income.

"It is a different society that we face and, therefore, the political leaders will have a much more complicated job of getting the society as a whole to accept a programme which is segmented to meet the needs of various stratas of society."

Another subject of concern during the dialogue was Singapore's immigration policy.

Mr Lee emphasised that a major worry for Singapore's leaders is the fast ageing population, coupled with a drop in fertility rates. Last year, the total fertility rate was at an all-time low of 1.15.

He said: "The birth rate today, the fertility rate, is 1.01. In other words, for every couple, you have 1.01 babies.

"Having said that, the Institute of Policy Studies have the grim statistics of 60,000 migrants a year to keep our economy young. We can't digest that. 20,000 maybe, 25,000 - that's a stretch - but certainly not 60,000."
Mr Lee said the answer is to get couples to have a fertility rate of 1.8 babies or better still, 2.1 babies. Then the population can replace itself.

Mr Lee was also asked about the impact of the recent handing over of the KTM Railway land to Singapore. He said it will benefit ties between the Republic and Malaysia.

Turning to the future, the founding father of modern Singapore stressed that his worry is whether Singaporeans will have the best people in the best jobs.

He said: "My worry about the future is whether we'll have the same national solidarity, the same desire to increase education levels and increase performance and having the best people in the best jobs or holding the most important jobs. Once we veer away from that meritocratic system, our performance will drop."

Political divide will turn into National divide if the incumbent political party are attracting only the ELITES which policies does not benefit the poor and middle income of the nation population.

If you look at PAP, their initial policy in the 60s are good, they generally improve the life of most Singaporean then. However it has since lost it main focus and is working for the benefit of it own rather then for Singapore.

Look at the recent People Association saga. PAP is using tax payer money to champion the party goal rather then the goal of Singaporean.

Look at how PAP treats the Singaporean living in opposition wards.

For many years the PAP itself is splitting the Nation by the way they work in Hougang and Potong Pasir.

I totally disagreed with the old man’s statement:

"What's good for the middle income will be seen by the lower income as unfavourable to them. What is good for the higher income will be resisted by the middle income.”

Bullshit!

Lower the standard of living, lower medical cost, shorten working hours and have a pro-family national policy.

This will benefit all Singaporean and even solve your ageing population problem altogether.
And we are not a true meritocratic society my friend.

May I remind you of Tin Pei Ling. I am sure Tan Chee Say can do a better job then her in parliament.

Father's life is good, it will too be for son.

2011-09-06T10:30:00.002+08:00

Dr Yaacob Ibrahim's son will serve NS
His press secretary confirmed on Monday that the minister's son will serve NS.
Tue, Sep 06, 2011

SINGAPORE - Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, the Minister for Information, Communication and the Arts, has refuted online speculation that his son will not serve National Service (NS).

Dr Yaacob's 16-year-old son carries dual citizenship in Singapore and the United States. He was issued US citizenship as his mother is an American citizen by birth.

The issue of his son's citizenship was made public when a leaked US diplomatic cable published by WikiLeaks identified the minister's two children as US citizens.

It then made its way into online forums where some netizens speculated that Dr Yaacob's son will not serve NS. Other netizens called for Dr Yaacob to clarify the matter.

Dr Yaacob's press secretary confirmed yesterday that the minister's son will serve NS just as his father did.

Seem like Yaacob is fast becoming the Minister of the month after Vivian in May.

Well I agreed with him this time that people should leave his private life out of the picture as “innocent” teenager has been targeted because daddy is not very popular.

However we should also asked ourselves why there are so much critics and why are Singaporean has so much dissent towards the Elites and PAP?

It is because the Elites has been abusing their power, pulling string and get their relative into favourable positions.

I believe Yaccob’s son will serve his NS and take up Singapore citizenship in the first place.

Hey why not since Daddy is a demi-god in this country and your place in university and the government sectors are all secured!

Lift is good here! While back in US where you are just a nobody.

Then again I am sure Yaccob’s son name is already on MINDEF white horse list.

I bet he will have a great time serving his nation, becoming either an officer, clerk with a 9-5 job or maybe a sergeant working as a defence scientist!

Unity = You suffer I enjoy.

2011-09-02T10:11:00.000+08:00

President Tan calls for unity
He urged that we must now move forward together as one people and one nation. -myp
Fri, Sep 02, 2011

NEWLY sworn-in President Tony Tan appealed yesterday to Singaporeans of different political views to be united, and promised to be a unifying figure for the country.

"Whatever your political views, whatever your station in life, I will strive to the best of my abilities to represent you," he said.

The former deputy prime minister was addressing the 220-strong audience, which included Singapore's founding father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, at his swearing-in ceremony.

Dr Tan, 71, was elected to the office with a 35.2 per cent mandate - just 0.34 percentage points ahead of election runner-up Tan Cheng Bock.

He took his oath with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong by his side. Prior to the ceremony, a farewell parade was held for former president S R Nathan.

In his first speech made as Singapore's seventh President - and the third elected to the office - he said that he is "humbled" and "honoured" by the presidency. Calling it the "most challenging appointment in (his) three decades of public service", he pledged to apply himself to his tasks "with all my ability, with all my energy, and with all my heart".

He also said that the office of the President is a symbol to embody all that is good in Singapore and its people.

He reassured Singaporeans that he would strive to strengthen the common bonds of the society "regardless of race, language, or religion".

He noted the recent calls for unity, including those made by other candidates, such as Dr Tan Cheng Bock.
"We must now move forward together as one people and one nation. This is vital for our stability and prosperity," he said.

And as Singaporeans did in 1965, President Tan said that Singaporeans "need to come together as one people to face challenges with confidence and build our future together".

His call for unity was echoed by PM Lee in his speech yesterday.

Mr Lee acknowledged that society is changing and politics here will evolve.

This change, said Mr Lee, is "natural and necessary" to respond to the changing social conditions and aspirations of the younger generation.

He said: "These social and political changes manifested themselves in the recent General and Presidential elections."

The debates during the Presidential Election were intense and "even divisive", he said.
"But now, both elections are over and voters have decided. We need to come together again and move forward," added Mr Lee.

He said that President Tan has an important contribution to make in promoting national unity.
"You are a symbol of our unity and nationhood," he said.

Even though this representation is sometimes described as "ceremonial", Mr Lee pointed out that they are "serious and important" ones, especially in times of uncertainty.

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen also stressed the need for unity in the country.

He said: "The purpose of the elections is to elect leaders to take us forward. Having done that, we must all be focused on moving ahead."

On the new President, he said: "I worked with him for many years. I am sure he will be - in his own words - a president we can all be proud of."

For once I agreed with Tony. Unity.

But how to achieve this?

To these PAP idiots and Elites, Unity is for you to scarify your pays and lifestyle so they can enjoy theirs.

Not once did I see the PAP nor Elites reach out to the people, they still refuse to step down from their ivory towers, not open to suggestion and critics .Damned! They are not even willing to take a pay cut for UNITY SAKES.

Look at the recent People Association Fiasco.

PA is behaving like a gangster who use tax payer money to act as a political tools for the PAP.
Finger to you man!

Best still openly admit it. Arrogant or stupid? Look like more votes down the drawn Hsien Loong.

Oath of Office of President of Singapore

2011-09-01T14:49:00.002+08:00

I hope Tony will meant what he will be saying for the next 6 years.

The Oath:

"I,(name), having been elected President of the Republic of Singapore, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully discharge my duties as such to the best of my ability without fear or favour, affection or ill-will, and without regard to any previous affiliation with any political party, and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Republic, and that I will preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore."

Amazing words from a PAP Minister.

2011-08-31T12:12:00.003+08:00

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.

The invasion

2011-08-29T16:35:00.001+08:00

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.

Cooling off Day thought.

2011-08-26T10:19:00.000+08:00

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

此地无银三百两. (There is no 300 tales of silver buried here.... YEAH RIGHT!)

2011-08-25T10:23:00.003+08:00

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?

PA and HDB shows PAP's true colour

2011-08-24T10:49:00.001+08:00

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.

Try to score some point for Tony but scored own goal.

2011-08-23T10:39:00.002+08:00

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.

Hsien Loon say one thing but do another.

2011-08-22T12:08:00.002+08:00

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

2011-08-22T10:30:00.001+08:00

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.

What the President's candidates symbols meant for me.

2011-08-18T12:33:00.002+08:00

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?

4 in the Running

2011-08-17T14:34:00.004+08:00

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

2011-08-17T10:38:00.001+08:00

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.

The talk cock Banker.

2011-08-16T10:30:00.001+08:00

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.

A thought on NDP rally 2011.

2011-08-15T10:52:00.001+08:00

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.

Will you vote for the Enemy?

2011-08-12T10:35:00.002+08:00

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.

Satisfaction for public transport had gone up. Yeah right!

2011-08-11T15:28:00.002+08:00

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.

Your sure you want him as President?

2011-08-11T11:52:00.002+08:00

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.

I have left the country without a passport.

2011-08-08T14:17:00.001+08:00

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.

Law Minister don't know the Law?

2011-08-08T10:26:00.001+08:00

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.

I scratch you back and you scartch mine OK Tony?

2011-08-08T10:02:00.001+08:00

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.

Brainwashing quietly.

2011-08-05T10:40:00.003+08:00

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.

Movie : Seediq Bale 賽德克‧巴萊

2011-08-04T15:29:00.003+08:00

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 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.

Pre National Day thought.

2011-08-03T13:11:00.000+08:00

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?

The PAP tactic - Tell, Confuse, Apologize, Cry.

2011-08-03T10:22:00.004+08:00

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.

We screwed up so give us 3-5 years where we show result just before the election.

2011-07-25T16:40:00.003+08:00

Years to correct supply-demand imbalance for HDB flats: Khaw
24 July 2011

SINGAPORE: National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan said it will take 3 to 5 years to "substantively resolve" the problem of high resale flat prices and for prices to stabilise.

He said there is currently an imbalance between supply and demand - and new Build-To-Order (BTO) flats take three years to build.

Mr Khaw said this in response to questions from reporters on the sidelines of a community event on Sunday.

He also expressed confidence that resale flat prices will stabilise but stressed that the problem of high prices cannot be solved overnight. He urged Singaporeans to be patient.

On Friday, figures from the HDB showed prices rising by 3.1 per cent in the second quarter of this year, nearly twice the previous quarter's 1.6 per cent.

"Why do prices go up? It's very simple, because there's an imbalance in supply and demand. Supply means... build more. (But) you won't see the flat until three years later. New housing plans will have effect on the resale market. So the more I push out, I'm sure there's some influence," said Mr Khaw.

On the demand side, Mr Khaw advised young couples who have a place to stay in currently, not to get too excited and jump into the resale market. Instead, they should continue to apply for a BTO flat. He also urged upgraders who already own a flat to hold off on their plans, so as not to crowd the market.

Mr Khaw added that the property cooling measures implemented by the government have reduced unnecessary demand stemming from speculation.

Mr Khaw also explained why the HDB stopped releasing the median Cash-Over-Valuation (COV). The minister said the figure is "misleading" and cannot be used to judge if COV has gone up or come down.

He added that the median figure is dependent on the house type and location of flats that are sold, which can change from month to month.

Instead, the HDB will continue to offer a breakdown of COV according to location and house type, which Mr Khaw said, is the information Singaporeans need when they decide on whether to buy a home.

The golden question is why is there such imbalance now?

The answer is simple, it was done purposely to inflate the price so the government can maximised the profit.

Remember the ex-Minister for National Development who keep telling Singaporean we have enough flats?

Also the influx of Foreigner also adds on to the problem.

Then shouldn’t the million dollar Men In White do a simple math that if you keep increasing the population and not building enough flats you will have a shortage like now?

Well guess they did but were bochap but now they start to chap because they lost a few seats in the last election.

So this is a case of the Men In Whites putting themselves first before you and me as I am pretty sure they know the number of flats there will be in 2010 but as I’ve mentioned they just want to sell it at a higher price.

But they failed to realised that Singaporean will get impatient and shown their un-happiness in votes.

So Minister Khaw is tasked to be Mr Nice guy to clean up after the horse which screwed up but still taking his pension and $16,000 per month of tax payers money.

Good life indeed.

Sorry folks price has to go up else who paying my salary?

2011-07-25T10:35:00.003+08:00

Government will improve bus, train service: PM Lee
By Zakir Hussain

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong last night pledged that the Government will improve the public transport service year by year, even as debate over a possible fare hike heats up.

The Government will also make sure that any fare hikes are reasonable, justifiable and not excessive, Mr Lee said at a National Day celebration in his Teck Ghee ward.

'From time to time, fare increases cannot be helped,' he said. But there are many schemes to help those in need, he added.

Members of the public are unhappy that transport operators are seeking a fare increase even though problems of over-crowding and long waiting times for buses and trains persist.

Last night, Mr Lee said: 'We will raise service standards and progressively improve them year by year... whether it's waiting times, crowding, frequency of the train services, particularly at peak hours, this is something which we will see to and improve.'

Another source of public unhappiness is that transport operators SMRT and SBS Transit want to raise fares in spite of earning good profits.

This guy never failed to amaze me by keeping scoring own goals.

Like many have expressed. The fare hikes in public transport is not reasonable and not justifiable as over the years the operators profits has been high and the service standard is going down south.

Cut the crap bout schemes helping the poor, the elderly can’t even get discounted fair during peak hour and are limited to a number of trips per day. And yes helping the poor 10% by charging more from the 90% equal more profit for you. Bloody blood suckers!

Also these comments have no value coming from this joker who may have never taken public transport in his life.

What he know about crowded trains, long waiting time and buses that are so packed that you cannot get on?

Of cause he has to side SMRT and SBS Transit. After all they are paying lots of money to the government in taxes and therefore sustained their million dollar salaries.

So the Elites here are screwing the Peasants for their own wealth.

Well guess this guys has 4 more years to screw us thanks to those idiots who voted for him.

Underhand tactic by the Men In Whites

2011-07-22T10:28:00.005+08:00

WP says 'no' to offices in void decks
It cites cost, uncertainty over what they can be used for among reasons
By Andrea Ong

THE Workers' Party (WP) will not be building offices in Housing Board (HDB) void decks for their Meet-the-People Sessions, turning down an offer from the HDB to rent such office space to them at the same rates it charges community organisations.

The WP cited as reasons for its decision, financial cost and uncertainty over what kind of community activities it would be allowed to hold in these offices, as the HDB requires that its consent be sought first for some activities.

The party also said that 'in view of the constant redrawing of electoral boundaries by the Government, the long-term viability of the construction of offices for WP MPs is open to question'.

The WP's decision yesterday comes two months after the HDB scrapped a 20-year-old policy that differentiated political parties from community organisations, with the latter paying lower rentals than the former.

With most People's Action Party (PAP) MPs holding their Meet-the-People Sessions (MPS) in kindergartens run by the PAP Community Foundation (PCF), which is considered a community organisation, opposition parties often alleged that the HDB's policy discriminated against them.

(See how ST phrase this!)

Three weeks after the recent general election, HDB announced that political parties would now be charged the same rental rates as community organisations, at $1.50 per sq m per month.
(PAP MP got pay?)

I fully understand WP reason for not taking up the “offer” by HDB. Please read WP statement here.

http://wp.sg/2011/07/media-release-on-mps-offices-at-void-decks/

Just like what they did to Mr Chiam, PAP is using their puppet HDB to make life difficult for elected opposition by denying them a dignified location to hold their MP session.

As we all know, PAP MP are using their MPS in those PAP kindergarden for free!

So may I ask our dear man in white, do people in Hougang, Potong Pasir and Aljunie pay different tax from people staying in Ang Mo Kio, Tanjong Pagar and Marine Parade? Are grocery and transport cheaper in these opposition wards? (Ok no grocery as they closed the NTUC in Hougang).

Why must opposition ELECTED MPs have to source for location to serve the people paying commercial rental while the incumbent MPs got it free or at a huge discount?

The MPS are for Singaporean no matter where they stay in.
To me, all MP should be given a proper office to hold their MPS no matter which party he/she from.

All these underhand tactic by the PAP not only shows that you are narrow minded but also trying to differentiate those that voted for you and those that did not.

This is no the way to win vote Dear Mr Lee. Please show some class, be more gracious, show some real sincerity and walk the ground more and I am sure you will win Singaporean over.

Till then, I can assure you you will lose some more parliament seats in 2016.

Murdoch love Singapore business model

2011-07-21T10:11:00.003+08:00

Murdoch gives Singapore top marks for paying ministers top dollar Rupert Murdoch praised Singapore for paying its ministers top dollar to avoid corruption. -Reuters
Wed, Jul 20, 2011
Reuters

SINGAPORE - Rupert Murdoch praised wealthy Singapore for paying its ministers top dollar to avoid corruption, but a government-appointed committee in the Southeast Asian city-state is reviewing the million-dollar salaries because of public anger.

Murdoch, 80, was attacked by a protester on Tuesday while giving evidence to a British parliamentary committee at which he defended his son and his media company, News Corp , over a phone hacking scandal that has rocked the British establishment.

Murdoch described Singapore as "the cleanest society" in the world as the high salaries paid to its members of parliament precluded corruption, taking a gentle swipe at British MPs recently embroiled in a corruption scandal over expenses.

No politician in Singapore, a former British colony, has been charged with corruption in the last 20 years. But the high ministerial salaries were a hot topic during the May election in which the long-ruling People's Action Party was returned to power with the lowest percentage of the popular vote since independence in 1965.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the world's highest paid political leader with an annual salary of over S$3 million ($2.5 million), has set up a committee to look into resetting ministerial salaries.

Members of parliament, most of whom hold full-time jobs, get an allowance of about S$15,000 ($12,340) a month - or about three times the median household income.

Tan Jee Say, a former top civil servant and fund manager who hopes to contest Singapore's upcoming presidential elections, said public anger stemmed from the perception that ministers were grossly overpaid.
"They told us that they needed the high pay in order to get the most talented and competent people to run the government... We did not get the most talented people," he said.

"The broader issue is that politics is a public service. Other corrupt-free countries such as Denmark and New Zealand do not need to pay their ministers astronomical salaries to keep them clean," he added.

Singapore pegs the salaries of its ministers to two-thirds the amount received by top earners in the private sector, and Prime Minister Lee's salary is more than six times the $400,000 earned by U.S. President Barack Obama.

Many Singaporeans do not oppose paying politicians high salaries. The dispute is over how high.

"I agree with Murdoch. We have strict laws against corruption but the stick cannot work without the carrot," said market researcher Aaron Chew.

"(But) given that ministers get to decide on their salaries, aren't we in essence giving them a blank cheque in the name of preventing corruption?"

Stupid Murdoch is actually saying money can buy everything.

Paying top dollars for Top management in a profit making company is reasonable as they are tasked to generate profit and will be sacked if the company lost money.

Singapore logic of paying millions to the Ministers is crap, firstly they don’t deserve it with their screwed up performance (High cost of living, Shortage of Housing, screwed up transport services, Mas Selamat saga, Orchard road flood, over influx of foreigner etc.) And in-fact no one even take responsibility.

Those Ministers involved are still in the parliament.

Ok PM did apologised when he realised his party is losing vote during the election period.

A county is not a company. You have to attract the right kind of people into public services and if you use money then you are attracting the wrong kind of people and that is why Singapore is such sad place to live in.

On the surface we are wealthy and but in fact we are just slave with low quality of life.

The solution to stop corruption is simple, introduce the punishment of death penalty or to those who are against it, stripping one of citizenship and sent for exile is the alternative.

Singaporean First? Yes! First to Pay And Pay.

2011-07-20T10:18:00.002+08:00

Singaporeans come first in higher education
Former deputy prime minister Tony Tan favours a "Singaporeans first" approach to higher education here.
Wed, Jul 20, 2011

Former deputy prime minister Tony Tan favours a "Singaporeans first" approach to higher education here.

The presidential hopeful, who gave a public lecture at the Singapore Management University yesterday, said: "Whatever initiatives we launch, we must always put the interests of Singaporeans and Singapore first.

"Our primary responsibility is to Singaporeans - to give Singaporeans and their families every opportunity to be first."

This is why Singapore citizens have priority in getting enrolled at primary and secondary schools, which lay the critical foundation for success in higher education, he added. There are also many subsidies and scholarships available to Singaporeans to study locally or abroad, he pointed out.

Dr Tan, 71, who was minister for education in the 1980s, explained that "Singaporeans first" differs from "Singaporeans only".

He said that Singapore should not shut its doors to international talent, as that would "restrict our ability to engage in the kind of collaborative research that has put Singapore universities in the very top ranks of universities in the world".

Finding the right balance would not be easy but we must try, said Dr Tan, who had earlier qualified that he was speaking in the capacity of a "private citizen".

Higher-education policies guided in this direction sits well with Singaporeans, such as lawyer Lim Kia Tong.

Mr Lim, 58, whose son will sit his A-level examinations this year, told my paper: "If Singaporeans can't get into local universities, (their parents would be compelled) to spend substantial sums of money to send them overseas, and even though we are citizens, we would feel second-rate."

Two 19-year-old former classmates from Anderson Junior College told my paper that they were disappointed when they were rejected by three local universities this year despite obtaining grades which they felt were deserving of admission.

The luckier of the pair, Ms Chan J. Y, will pursue a course at culinary school Le Cordon Bleu's Sydney campus next year, paid for by her parents. Her classmate, Ms Sonam Damani, whose parents are unable to send her abroad, plans to apply again next year while studying at a private university such as UniSIM.

Dr Tan was also quizzed by reporters on the controversial graduate mothers' scheme, which he scrapped in 1985 during his tenure as education minister.

The scheme gave priority to children of graduate mothers for school registration.
Netizens have recently criticised Dr Tan - who supported the scheme initially - for discontinuing the scheme only after public displeasure was expressed at the 1984 polls.

He said: "When I became education minister, it was one of the first issues which I took up. I felt that it was not fulfilling its purpose. It was unfairly disadvantaging certain segments of our (society).

"I don't think it was going to achieve the purpose for which it was intended."

As suspected Tony is getting hell lots of media coverage compares to the rest of the president hopeful.

Tony is a nice guy and he is one of my favourite PAP guys like George (maybe I am bias as we have the same alma mater) but in my opinion he joined the wrong party and even though he had quit to me he still breath, sleep and sound like the PAP.

First I don’t know why was he invited to this event the only reason is to give him a chance to speak in public.

Then his stand for higher education is just echoing what the men in white’s stand which we all know. There is absolutely unnecessary for Tony to reiterate it.

This government policy is just to pacify Singaporean, just like the housing issue. The real reason for letting in the foreigners was and will always be the dollar sign. Oh and they are not too happy that parents are sending their kids oversea and this is view as lost revenue by the Men In White.

The problem with this country is that we are swarmed with foreigners. They are here to compete with us for food, job, housing and education and they don’t serve National Service. (Hell some MP also did not serve! WTF!)

Cut the crap about Singaporean being first, to the PAP we are just a digit, a profit making object and we and all the foreigners are here to pay their million dollars salaries.

Best quote (joke) of the year

2011-07-15T10:47:00.001+08:00

Yahoo! Singapore is running a project, Singapore9, for you to vote and recognise 9 Singaporean who really made a different for the past year.

I choked on my breakfast when I saw the no.1 Guy on the list and strangely his picture is bigger then rest.

He quote really top my list of JOKE OF THE YEAR.

Mmm… maybe he did really makes a different.

Guess the grassrooters are starting to click on our dear friend button.

Lui Tuck Yew talk for the sake of talking

2011-07-14T11:44:00.003+08:00

New transport minister Lui Tuck Yew is digging his own grave towards the next general election.

He is talking rubbish and seem like Raymond Lim is going to have a majong kaki real soon.

Ordinary people like me can't even make sense out of what the hell is this million dollar scholar minister trying to say.

'Serious downsides' to WP suggestion
Transport Minister says taxpayers, even those who do not take public transport, may end up paying more
Jul 14, 2011

Singapore - The Workers' Party's (WP) suggestion to nationalise public transport "might seem like a very attractive idea" but it has "serious downsides" in reality, Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew said yesterday.

Chief among these "downsides" is that "commuters and taxpayers - yes, even those who don't take public transport - are likely to end up paying more, and possibly, for a poorer level of service over time", Mr Lui added.

This is only HIS opinion and yet again we see the PAP using scare tactics tell you that YOU WILL PAY MORE even before studying how to implement this proposal.

Mr Lui's remarks on his Facebook page came a day after the WP reiterated its call for a National Transport Corporation.

The Transport Minister pointed out that, an entity that depends on Government funding and which operates on a cost-recovery basis, "would have little incentive to keep costs down".

Why can’t it be done? Just put the right person as the CEO and I am sure he can run the company well as a cost-recovery basis. Note the two companies currently are earning $161M and $54M profit and this a very big buffer.

Said Mr Lui: "Cost increases will be passed on to commuters. Over time, this will lead to higher costs for the same level of service, which means commuters pay higher - and not lower - fares. Not only would people have to pay more, nationalising the operators could result in a stagnation of service quality or efficiency over time."

Who is asking you to run the pubic transport company at a lost? You just have to operate it with minimum profit. In fact we have nothing to lose as now we are paying higher fare and no service.

Stagnation of service quality? Like PAP you meant? Bullshit lah! If quality drop just sacked the joker running the company and replaced with someone who can do it. I am sure you have lots of talented scholar in the civil service.

On Monday, SBS Transit and SMRT applied for the maximum increase of 2.8-per-cent for bus and rail fares. Responding to media queries, the WP reiterated on Tuesday its proposed transport body would not be driven by profit but would operate on a cost-recovery basis.

Mr Lui noted yesterday that "the profit incentive" of commercial enterprises "spurs efficiency and productivity improvements".

Huh? Now this Lui is really talking rubbish. Efficiency and productivity are method to increase profit, he don’t even mention service quality which I find is the most important factor in a service orientated company. Please don’t treat the public transport provided like a factory and commuter are just products.

Yes currently there are efficiency and productivity from the operator view point. By filling the bus and train to maximum capacity! This definitely improve the companies productivities.

While some have argued that the public transport operators should not be making high profits, Mr Lui said Singaporeans should also "recognise that as public-listed companies, it is not unreasonable for the (operators) to earn fair returns from the sizeable capital investments required to sustain their operations and to invest in future public transport needs".

So that is why we need to delist these companies and nationalised it! Are you listening to WP proposal at all Ah Lui? Or are you arguing for the sake or arguing?

A Ministry of Transport (MOT) spokesperson added yesterday that experience elsewhere has shown that privately operated public transport systems bring about greater efficiency. The spokesperson said: "This is why many cities around the world, like Melbourne, Tokyo, Stockholm and Seoul, either have or are moving towards commercial enterprises providing public transport services."

I don’t know about the rest but I can vouch that the Train service in Seoul is both CHEAP and efficient so how come ours are expensive, overcrowded and inefficient even thought it is a privatised company?

Mr Lui reiterated that commuters' interests are "safeguarded": A "robust framework" is in place to regulate bus and rail service levels through service quality and operating performance standards so that public transport operators do not pursue profit at the expense of commuters. Also, the Public Transport Council (PTC) regulates fares based on a fare adjustment formula that takes into account macro-economic factors, namely the Consumer Price Index and average national wage increases.

If the 10% of the (Like the minister who never take pubic transport) salaries skyrocked, this will bring the national average wage up and if we use this to justify public transport fare increase then it is both stupid and dumb. I suggest you take the average salary of the bottom 50% of the national as a benchmark to decide whether to increase the fare my folk.

"The fare adjustment formula protects commuters by capping fare increases - (public transport operators) are not free to simply pass on their cost increases to commuters," Mr Lui added.

Yes there is capping at each increase only. There is no cap on how often they can apply to increase.

While SBS Transit and SMRT have asked for the maximum fare increase this year, Mr Lui noted there have been some years when the PTC approved fare increases that have been less than what the public transport operators proposed. "We should let the PTC deliberate on this properly and make its decision," he added.

Please remind us when was the last time fare was reviewed and reduced? And of cause PTC have to wayang a bit to proved their existence.

On Government Parliamentary Committee for Transport chairperson Cedric Foo's call to relook the fare adjustment formula, the MOT spokesperson noted the fare formula "is not meant to be static".

In 2008, for example, the revised formula factored in higher productivity gains. This revised formula is valid until next year. "The PTC will review the fare adjustment formula for subsequent years bearing in mind the interests of commuters as well as the long-term viability of the public transport operators," the MOT spokesperson added.

With the Government investing another S$60 billion in new rail lines by the end of the decade, Mr Lui reiterated the Government's commitment to invest heavily in the public transport infrastructure. "Government funding of public transport infrastructure is a key reason why public transport fares continue to be affordable," he added.

Retired but still hanging around for the goodies Part II

2011-07-13T10:40:00.003+08:00

2 ex-PMs continue to have staff support
It will enable them to carry out official work when called upon: PMO

THE Prime Minister has decided that the Government will continue to provide staff support to Mr Lee Kuan Yew and Mr Goh Chok Tong.

Both men, who stepped down from the Cabinet in May, continue to make significant contributions to Singapore, especially internationally, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement on Tuesday.

The PMO also said that the staff support will enable Mr Lee and Mr Goh to carry out official work when called upon by the Government, as well as their duties as senior advisers to the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

The elder Mr Lee, 87, was in Government for 52 years, including 31 years as Singapore's first prime minister. In May, Mr Lee also relinquished his post as GIC chairman. He is now its senior adviser.

Mr Goh, 70, served in Government for 35 years and was prime minister for 14 of those years. Previously MAS chairman, he is now the central bank's senior adviser. He also has an honorary title - Emeritus Senior Minister.

Both men had chosen to step down from Government in May to give Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his new team a fresh, clean slate to carry the country forward in a more difficult and complex situation, they had explained in a statement then. Both remain Members of Parliament.

From Channel New Asia, each of the ex-PM will have one special assistant and one press secretary part-time, plus one secretary and two clerical officers full-time.

I hope the PMO will disclose how much are their salaries are in total. Well we don’t need to know exactly how much the 2 special assistant salary as salary are still a sensitive in Asian society but at least they should let the tax payer know how much are we paying to support these two ex-PM.

In fact, this two ex-PM are actually retired and are talking a role as part time advisor to the Singapore government so I think it is fair that they should be given part time assistant and come one, it is more then enough for both of them to share one full time assistant since now they are part timer too.

Don’t forget these two also travel frequently on First Class with tax-payer money to do what I also don’t know.

In fact the government should also give us a break down what and how did the two ex-PMs have contributed after they step down from the cabinet.

Moreover these two has accumulated enough wealth over the years to last 3 or more life times so can’t they afford to hired their own assistant?

Too stingy perhaps?

The poor get poorer thank you SMRT and SBS

2011-07-12T11:38:00.004+08:00

These people decide on your public transport fee.

Transport operators seek fare increases
GPC chairman to ask Transport Ministry to review fare adjustment formula

SINGAPORE - Public transport operators SBS Transit and SMRT have applied for the maximum fare increase of 2.8 per cent for rail and bus fares, citing "uncontrollable" and "significant" cost pressures but a more fundamental review may be on the cards.

Beyond this year's exercise, Member of Parliament Cedric Foo, who took over as chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Transport, has signalled his intention to engage the Transport Ministry to review the fare adjustment formula.

With public transport playing a bigger role in Singapore's land transport system, Mr Foo toldMediaCorp a review of the formula would be timely as it was drawn up in 2005. The fare adjustment formula was last reviewed in 2008.

The Public Transport Council (PTC) - which is responsible for regulating fares - said yesterday it would study and deliberate on both operators' applications and would inform the public of the outcome as soon as a decision is reached.

Commuters can expect some time to adjust to any fare changes, as it was said this year - once by the PTC in February and again by Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew in June - that any consideration of fare increases should be done in relation with the opening of the Circle Line's final two stages in October.

SMRT executive vice-president for trains Khoo Hean Siang said yesterday that non-fare businesses from commercial activities - such as retail rentals and advertising - have contributed to productivity gains but they could not mitigate the "uncontrollable cost pressures due to fuel prices and manpower costs".

SMRT's energy cost increased 17.5 per cent for the year to March 31, due mainly to higher electricity and diesel prices as well as the expansion of rail network with the opening of the first two phases of the Circle Line.

The SMRT said a higher employer's CPF contribution rate contributed to higher manpower costs.

"In addition, more staff had to be hired due to the opening of Circle Line Phase 1 and 2, and to operate additional train and bus trips from various service enhancements efforts implemented to meet the rising commuting demand," the SMRT added.

Besides rising fuel and energy costs, SBS Transit said it "continues to face significant cost pressures despite increased efforts to lower costs and increase productivity".

In particular, SBS Transit cited its investments in new buses which began in 2006, with some 600 buses - bought at a cost of S$268 million - scheduled for delivery over this year and next year.

"In all, our 2,050 new buses are costing us some S$854 million," SBS Transit added. The company said more details of the application, which is subject to the approval of the PTC, will be announced at a later date.

The PTC's fare revision formula takes into account inflation, average wages and productivity of the operators to arrive at a cap to fare adjustments.

Mr Foo felt any review would need to look at two objectives - balancing an affordable public transport system with operators earning enough to invest in improving service.

"I would like to look at it holistically," he added. "We need to ask ourselves what has worked, what has not worked, how we may re-look at this formula and make it more relevant to its objectives."

Last year, overall fares were up 0.5 per cent. In 2009, the transport operators decided to reduce fares by 4.6 per cent because of the severe economic downturn, even though the formula allowed for a 5 per cent rise.

In 2008, fares rose 0.7 per cent. And in 2007, the council approved a 1.8-per-cent rise in bus fares but kept train fares unchanged.

SMRT's net profit dropped 1.1 per cent to S$161.1 million for the year to March 31 as staff, energy and operating costs rose.

Meanwhile, SBS Transit's net profit for the full year ending December 31 last year was S$54.3 million, down a marginal 0.6 per cent from the year before.

This is what you get when there is complete monopoly of the market. It’s the same for politic.

With “rising cost” as a reason both SMRT and Transit Link wanted to raise fare. Note last year both companies have a profit of $161.1miilons and $54.3million respectively.

So I guess the real reason for fare increment is to protect or increase this profit.

I have no confident in the Public Transport Council as well. The council are all made up of Elites, we have several professors and directors. How many of these people take public transport daily? So any fool will predict there will be an increase in fare and after this more increase in private bus fare too and then taxi maybe.

So folks welcome back to reality, Election is over and cost of living is going up and wages are coming down. To those who voted for PAP in the last election you have no right to complaint as for me I can still say #@!%$!$#@!%$!@$#.

The PAP endorsed one

2011-07-11T15:47:00.002+08:00

Dr Tony Tan attends Peranakan 'wedding banquet'

DRESSED in a traditional Peranakan costume and sparkling jewels representing wealth and family status, the bride walks slowly swaying side to side to the music, accompanied by an elder woman who guides her on the strict wedding rituals.

The groom wears a Manchurian-style robe and holds a scholar's fan in one hand, fanning constantly as he walks down the aisle beside his bride, in front of more than 500 guests.

This is not an actual wedding but a celebration of the Peranakan Association's 111th anniversary.

Speaking at the event, guest of honour former Deputy Prime Minister Dr Tony Tan said that the Peranakan culture is distinctive because of its ability to embrace other cultures and also its taste, beliefs, rituals and language that are a blend of Chinese, Malay and colonial British cultures.

I am curious on what capacity Tony is attending this function.

Technically he is jobless and his title is Ex-DPM, not even Emeritus. So how did he ends up as a VIP of the Peranakan’s clan.

Since Tony left the cabinet and became the GIC CEO he has been rather low profile and suddenly when he announced he is running for this year President Election we have this kind of report surfacing.

Indeed the spin doctor have started working.

Retired but still hanging around for the goodies.

2011-07-11T12:21:00.002+08:00

Abdullah Tarmugi to lead delegation on visit to New Zealand
10 July 2011

SINGAPORE: Mr Abdullah Tarmugi, the Speaker of the last Parliament, will lead a four-member delegation on a visit to New Zealand from July 10 to 15, at the invitation of Dr Lockwood Smith, Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives.

Mr Abdullah will be accompanied by Members of Parliament Ms Ellen Lee, Mr Patrick Tay and Mr Vikram Nair. The delegation will visit Auckland and Wellington.

The Office of the Clerk of Parliament said the Singapore delegation will meet the representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Defence and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise to discuss bilateral matters.

It will also attend a parliament sitting at the New Zealand House of the Representatives and observe parliamentary proceedings.

The Singapore delegation will also be meeting overseas Singaporeans in New Zealand.

Correct me if I am wrong but I though this guy has retired? He even got a thank you note from PM.

So why is a “Speakers of the last Parliament” (Which did not participate in the last election) leading a team of MPs? Doesn’t sound right to me. Maybe the New Zealander Smith invited the speaker of parliament but since we still have no idea who will that be they just got the previous guy there.

It is OK if he is still the speakers but hey isn’t he suppose to be gone and enjoying his pension.

So now tax payers still have to feed this retired guy?

Come to think about it how come they still have not appointed the new speaker since Zainal has already lost.

More info of the Police screw up.

2011-07-07T15:01:00.003+08:00

More info on the case can be found here.

I also read from the newspaper that the victim has no case against the government. Three words came to my mind. WTF?!

I extra some key point from the report.

The judge was Justice Woo Bih Li.

SSI Zainal also breached rules governing the conduct of police officers when he recorded the first statement on a slip of paper and transferred it to his field diary much later in the day - a move Justice Rajah said was 'clearly unacceptable'…..

Justice Rajah said the prosecution had not been able to give any plausible reason for why SSI Zainal, a seasoned investigator with 28 years of experience, failed to comply with the rules. He said Mr Ismil was in a vulnerable state when his first statement was taken as he was under the influence of drugs. He was 'prone to be vulnerable to suggestions and manipulations when... under stress or threat'…..

What exactly happened when the statement was taken? Any other witness beside SSI Zainal?

Why his conviction was overturned
•Mr Ismil's first two police statements confessing to attacking Madam Tham should have been found inadmissible.
After they were recorded in a police car and the police station, they were not read back to Mr Ismil. He was also not given the chance to make corrections, and neither statement was signed by him. This is a breach of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Very scary. This imply anyone can confess a crime for you.

Mr Ismil's first statement was not recorded in the investigator's pocket book or field diary but on a slip of paper, and the entry was transferred to his field diary much later in the day. His second statement was also not immediately recorded in the pocket book or field diary.

Police not following procedure.

Mr Ismil, a drug abuser, was under the influence of drugs when he was first questioned. The trial judge preferred the evidence of the prosecution psychiatrist and found that his withdrawal symptoms had lessened by the time he was questioned.

I thought a judge should be unbias and take need to take all evidence into account why hey preferred the prosection psychiatrist report? IF in doubt should a 3rd party psychiatrist be consulted?

But the appeal court said the trial judge was wrong to determine that Mr Ismil 'miraculously recovered' just before giving his statement.

Defence psychiatrists said that Mr Ismil, who has an IQ of only 73, was vulnerable to suggestion and manipulation, so it was likely the confession was false. But the prosecution psychiatrist disagreed.
The appeal court said the trial judge erred in preferring the evidence of the psychiatrist, who did the interview without a Malay interpreter. The appeal court noted that there was no objective evidence linking Mr Ismil to the crime.

If you asked me the police and the Judge really screwed up man.

6 years gone... thank you very much.

2011-07-07T11:20:00.003+08:00

Man accused of murder freed after 6 years in jail
By Selina Lum

IN A dramatic twist yesterday, an odd-job labourer was released from prison after he was cleared of murdering an elderly housewife six years ago.

Mr Ismil Kadar - who spent six years in prison including two years on death row - was acquitted by the Court of Appeal, which issued a strongly worded judgment highlighting 'serious lapses' by police and prosecutors.

Describing the case as 'extraordinary', Justice V. K. Rajah said the 42-year-old's confessions were obtained 'in troubling circumstances' which appeared to be deliberate breaches in procedures rather than mere carelessness.

He added that investigators had been 'less than thorough' and said there was a 'startling lack of any objective evidence' that tied Mr Ismil to the crime.

Mr Ismil - who has an IQ of only 73 - had been in jail since May 2005, when he 'confessed' to murdering Madam Tham Weng Kuen, 69, in her Boon Lay flat. The IQ level of a normal person is between 90 and 110.

The housewife was stabbed and slashed 110 times in the brutal attack while her husband, who was bedridden from a stroke, was in the bedroom. He heard what was happening but could not do anything about it. Madam Tham's body was discovered a few hours later when their only child - a daughter - checked on them.

Firtly Kudo to the lawyer Mr R. Thrumurgan.

Now this is scary.

The screw up by police and the prosecutors wasted 6 years of a man life and nearly cause the death of an innocent man.

Note that Mr Ismail Kadar was force to confess 'in troubling circumstances' probably being abused physically and psychologically.

This could very well happen to you and me.

I believe the police and the state own Mr Ismail Kadar an apology and are going to offer him some compensation.

More importantly it should also investigate and make public what when wrong and how to prevent in the future. And also please find out is there any similar cases now.

Question I can come up with:

Why did the police force a confession out of Mr Kadar who is low in IQ? What method did they used that can cause a man who confessed in a crime that has the death penalty?

Was there a KPI to be met then? Were they trying to take the easy way out by closing the case when they can’t find the real culprit?

Who was responsible for this lapse and is anyone being held responsible for it?
What is being done to prevent it from happening again?

Was Wong Kang Seng the Home affair Minister then? (OK a cheap shot)

It is sad that this sort of thing is happening in Singapore where the police and State prosecutor pride themselves for fair and efficient.

I personally had heard other stories similar to this case regarding the Men In Blue so I am really sceptical about the efficiency of the Police.

Not very clever statement from the $3million man. (Note with Potential pay cut)

2011-07-06T12:02:00.002+08:00

PM Lee: Water priced such that S'poreans value it
By Joy Fang

WATER is a valuable and limited resource, and Singapore needs to price its water at a level that would make people understand its worth, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said yesterday.

"You have to get the price right so that people understand that this is a scarce resource and will value it," he said, adding that producers of water should also be able to get economic return on their investment.

"If you make it free, nobody will bother to turn off the tap... They can leave it on since somebody else is paying."

Today, water tariffs are about three times those charged before 1997.

When water tariffs were raised yearly from 1997 to 2000, the Government was worried that people would not accept it, Mr Lee said.

"But one reason people accepted it was because, at that time, regularly, there were reminders from various quarters in neighbouring countries that if we were not compliant, they will threaten to cut our water off," he said.

Still, low-income families will not be left behind, he said.

There are schemes, such as the U-Save subsidies, to make water affordable for them.

This is not a very clever plan coming from the Prime Minister.

Price water expensive just to make Singaporean understand its worth? Bullshit lah! Education is more important then anything.

Pricing high is only for the Gahment to profit more that’s it.

I paid so much for the Cabinets and I still don’t think its worth it.

Well done Mr Prime Minister, you just shown us your true worth.

Election over! We are back folks!

2011-07-05T12:27:00.002+08:00

Chan Chun Sing, the Minister who never wins a single vote, is showing how stupid and disengaged he is by blabbering such nonsense.

Whenever his name came up, I forever have a picture of him taking over LKY bodyguard job during his speech on nomination day 2011.

He sure is one of the best ass kisser around.

Chan Chun Sing: Offer ideas, instead of attacking gov’t

MG Chan Chun Sing urged young people to ask themselves whether their ideas could move the country forward.

Should you see litter on the ground, you have three options, according to Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Chan Chun Sing.

Pick up the litter and throw it away, write to a government agency and complain that the foreign workers are not doing their jobs, or take a picture of the litter and post it on citizen journalism portal Stomp, declaring that "Singapore is a dirty place!"

What if you picked up the litter and there are 10000 more? What if you are charge $80 a month by the town council but only a small percentage of it go to the cleaner while the rest goes to the town council sinking fund where they happy used your money for investment and hold parties during Nation Day for VIP?

Explaining his analogy, Major-General Chan said the third option is to "tear down", the second to "outsource the problem" and the first is to "take charge of your destiny, control your environment".

I tried to take care of my destiny by voting you out. But you came up with the stupid GRC system to ensure people like Chan Chun Sing and Tin Pei Ling get to be Minister and MP.

It is the third option MG Chan recommended, reported The Sunday Times (ST).

He was speaking at a two-hour dialogue organised by the People's Action Party's youth wing, where MG Chan dealt with questions ranging from liberalising the rules on civil society to more transparency in managing the national reserves.

He urged the 100-odd young people present to ask themselves whether their ideas could move the country forward, rather than just "throw stones, cast doubt and tear down institutions", reported the paper.

Yeah you still have not answered the question. How much of our money are still in the reserves and how much GIC has lost over the years. Ordinary Singaporean the opposition parties has came up with some good ideas for making Singapore a better place buy what have you done to them? Police had harassed them. You already has the idea of “either you are with us or you are all against us”. Too proud to hear anything and only like to hear what you want to hear so how go give you suggestion?

Instances of youth energies being ill-utilised during the General Election saddened him, said the 42-year-old.

He said, "They were caught up in the heat of the moment, attacking the government or attacking the opposition. I want to know ... after you attack, do you have better ideas to bring the country forward?"

Did they attacked for the sake of attacking? Did you listen to what are they trying to say? Do you know these things may already been there long before the election and you only realised it during your campaign? Hell your PM even apologised and admitted some of you mistakes and even some senior MIW cried!

He repeated often his conviction that young people must ask less what the government can do for them and more what they can do for themselves, reported ST.

But you are paid a lot of money for doing nothing if everyone do the job for you Ah Chan.

MG Chan said he would rather see young people telling the government: I believe in this, give me some help and I will do it.

I believe many have tried and will still try but are you willing to listen? Ask yourself that.

When asked about the tenor of social media discourse in Singapore, MG Chan urged the audience to "go and reclaim the space for reasoned discussion" after only two people indicated they were proud of the discussion that dominates local cyberspace.

MG Chan also dealt with policy suggestions.

Asked why Singapore cannot have a welfare system like in Australia, he replied, "We can. But are you willing to pay for it?"

Will you accept an Australian MP salary?

He later told reporters he did not want to give the participants any solutions but to "work through the solutions with them so everybody understands the choices, the consequences the trade-offs".

Own self also don’t know what to do still dare to give lecture to the people.

"Even if they don't agree with a decision at a point in time, they will understand the considerations behind it. So in the future, when circumstances change, they are in a better position to make those new decisions."

I kiss your ass now and I hope someone will kiss mine when I retire.

2011-07-04T12:26:00.004+08:00

Tributes pour in for President S R Nathan
Sun, Jul 3, 2011

President S R Nathan, who will not be seeking a third term, receives high praise from present and former government …

Following President S R Nathan's announcement that he will not be seeking re-election after his term ends on 31 August, current and former government leaders paid tribute to the President.

They called him a people's President who served Singapore with dignity, care and charm, reported Channel NewsAsia (CNA).

Environment and Water Resources Minister Vivian Balakrishnan described Mr Nathan as "a very active people's president". As a former social worker, Mr Nathan helped uplift the status of these workers and showed the importance they played in bringing society together, he said.

Mr Nathan also "paid special attention" to integrate the different religious and ethnic groups, added Dr Balakrishnan. "In his sincere way, he reminded all of us of our common humanity and our need to get together and in a sense, he exemplified one crucial role of the President, as a unifying factor for all segments of society."

Dr Balakrishnan said, "He also showed me the true meaning of humility."

"The one point which will always stick with me is his reminder that political office is temporary. It is not something you grasp but it is a responsibility that you temporarily have. You do your best and you do it sincerely and honestly and then you leave quietly. This is a man who has done so much in a quiet and effective way," he noted.

Former Speaker of Parliament Abdullah Tarmugi commended Mr Nathan for his contributions, reported CNA.

"I know him personally and how he really puts in everything in his job. ... He is one President that we can call easily to be Singapore's President. President for all, in that sense. He has contributed a lot and he deserves to rest," he said.

Mr Nathan served with "dignity, with lots of care, charm", said former Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zainul Abidin Rasheed. "He will be well-remembered, not only by Singaporean's as the people's President but indeed by all those whom he has visited in countries overseas."

Former Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim Hwee Hwa echoed Mr Zainul's views.

She said, "President S R Nathan is really a people's man and he's got wonderful love. He is very giving, he has a very special touch for every strata of society. I can't help but notice his special way with people and I think he has in a way shown what a wonderful President is and I wish him all the best."

OK he may be a nice guy but I did tried very hard and google what SR Nathan did for the people of Singapore (Note not for the men in white) and I can only come up with one thing.

He started the President Challenge to challenge the people of Singapore to raise fund for charity.

That’s it!

When S R Nathan announced that he will not be running in the coming President Election, suddenly we see may “tributes” from the men and women in whites and heck they even got a few Ex-men in women in whites giving their 2 cents worth.

Funny that there is no comment from the opposition parties or the ordinary Singaporean on the street. Maybe the media think our comments are worthless.

These people make me sick will they ass kissing.

Also please don’t forget he is paid $4miilons of tax payer's money every year for “his job”.

Did S R Nathan did a good job?

Let me asked you, if the very person he suppose to check on are singing praises for him, what do you think my friend?

PAP best campaign ever

2011-06-29T15:40:00.004+08:00

Many of you may not have seen this poster before and I guess it has been a no no for it to be shown again in public by our government these days. Ironically this may be one of their best campaigns ever.

However this also proved that the government do make mistakes and it took them about 10 years to realise it and 20yrs trying to reverse it with no success.

The stop at two campaigns was launched by the Singapore government in 1972 to limit population growth. Singaporean was pressured to stop at two and those who have 3rd child or more are made to pay heavily financially. Couples who did not stop at two enjoyed less income tax relief, paid more in hospitalisation fees and had maternity leave reduced.

My parents came from big family and I guess the mindset of Singaporean in the 60s and 70s were to have a big family as well. But due to measure put in by the government then people have to settle with 2 kids max. I can just imagine how many abortions took place because the parents cannot afford to have the 3rd kid then.

So why are Singaporean not production? Even top mind and scholar from the Men-in-whites camp cannot solve the problem. Or should I say they don’t want to solve the problem with sacrifices to the national economic growth and hence their own bonus.

To me the solutions are not that difficult. You just have to make the cost of living in Singapore low and have a pro family society.

In the 70s HDB flat are not so expensive and heck even car and food are not that expensive. Although wages are low but I still remember my family of four still are able to survive with the single income from my Dad. Mum was a full time housewife that took care of the household chores and kids. Life was simple and fun.

So all the government have to do today to improve birth rates is to lower the cost of living in Singapore, revamped the education system to make it more fun rather then stressful, have a pro family work places and things will take care of itself.

You just have to scarify a bit of your GDP and stop treating Singapore as a company where money is everything. A country is more then money, it is a place where people live, work, play and nourish the next generation.

I guess money really cannot buy everything.

The never learn.

2011-06-27T12:56:00.001+08:00

30 cops, dogs in 6-hour hunt for... parking offender
Mon, Jun 27, 2011

The offences he committed were only parking ones.

But when he failed to pay the fines and didn't turn up in court after several summonses were sent to him, a warrant of arrest was issued against him.

Lawyer Luke Lee said a court can issue an arrest warrant if the person fails to answer a summons and does not turn up in court.

When two Aetos auxiliary police officers went to his flat to arrest him on Thursday, the offender, known only as Nic, fled while being handcuffed.

That sparked off a six-hour manhunt around Hougang Street 51. Surrendered
More than 30 police officers, several sniffer dogs, five police cars and four red Special Operations Command riot vehicles were activated to search for the man, according to Shin Min Daily News.

He surrendered to the police that evening.

At 2.20pm on Thursday, two Aetos officers turned up at Nic's four-room flat.

As they were handcuffing him, Nic, 28, struggled violently, broke free and ran down the stairs, with the handcuffs dangling from one arm, reported Lianhe Wanbao.

The police were called in and they mounted an extensive search of the area lasting almost six hours.
Besides Hougang Street 51, the housing estates in Hougang Street 52, Avenue 5 and Avenue 8 were also searched.

The hunt covered carparks and a construction site, Shin Min Daily News reported.

Pictures of Nic were put up in public places, such as staircase landings and coffee shops.
Around 8pm the same day, Nic turned himself in at the Ang Mo Kio North Neighbourhood Police Centre.

Yesterday, The New Paper visited the neighbourhood. Madam Jessica Toh, a 45-year-old housewife who lives with her family two doors away from Nic, described his parents as "very friendly".

She said they would exchange greetings when they met each other. According to Madam Toh, the couple looked to be in their 50s. They have two other adult children - a son and a daughter.
She added: "They look educated. They also dress tidily and are well groomed."

Two floors down, a resident, who has been living at the block for more than 20 years, thought that a "murder case" was under investigation.

The resident, who declined to be named, said: "There were two or three police cars and a big group of both uniformed and plainclothes police officers. I knew something was not right."

He added: "They kept a low profile. I observed them for one to two hours but no body was carried out."

When The New Paper visited what is believed to be Nic's flat, the door and windows were shut and remained so despite repeated knocks.

There were potted plants and a rack full of shoes outside the flat. There were also poles with clothes hung out to dry.

Police said investigations are on.

For escaping from legal custody, the suspect faces up to two years in prison, or a fine, or both.

30 police officers, several sniffer dogs, five police cars and four red Special Operations Command riot vehicles cannot find a handcuffed man for 6 hours.

In the end he surrendered himself.

Think SPF did not learn much from Mas Selamat case.

PAP backed Tony

2011-06-27T11:56:00.000+08:00

Tony Tan will be unifying figure if elected: PM Lee
25 June 2011

SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he has no doubt that former deputy prime minister Dr Tony Tan will be a unifying figure for all citizens and will bring honour and credit to Singa¬pore if he is elected as Singapore's next president.

Mr Lee said this on Saturday in response to questions from the media on how he sees Dr Tan as a candidate. Dr Tan had announced on Thursday that he would be running for president.

In response to a question on whether Dr Tan had informed him of his decision, Mr Lee replied that Dr Tan had informed him, as Chairman of the Government Investment Corporation (GIC), that he would be resigning from GIC to contest the Presidential Election as an independent candidate.

Mr Lee said Dr Tan did not need his permission, nor did he ask for it.

To a question on how he sees the upcoming Presidential Election, Mr Lee replied that the president is a key person in Singapore's system of government.

Mr Lee said that as Head of State, the president represents the country and all Singa¬poreans. He also has important constitutional functions, especially through his custodial powers over reserves and key appointments.

Mr Lee added that the president must carry himself with dignity and discharge his duties with judgement and integrity.

I think it is not right for the Prime Minister to openly back any Presidential candidate.

On paper the President of Singapore should be impartial and are not in favour of any political party.

But as you and me know, Tony has been a linked closely with PAP for many years and now we have the secretary general of PAP openly backing him therefore the independency of Tony are in doubt.

Of cause we hope he could be another Ong Teng Cheong who did a great job and was also a ex-PAP member and coincidental has been a DPM before.

On the good note, Tony can save the government the 56 man years for providing the figure Ex-president Ong failed to get.

We are a Hot country.

2011-06-20T15:34:00.003+08:00

Check out the screen grab from Yahoo Weather page on Singapore.

Official temperature is 32C but feel like 39C.

Gosh we are really hot man.

Hopeless MOH

2011-06-10T10:40:00.000+08:00

Shocking scenes at nursing home

Secret video of mistreated woman sparks outrage

THE Health Ministry has ordered the Nightingale Nursing Home to stop accepting new patients after secretly-filmed video footage showed its staff mistreating a woman resident.

The clip - recorded by a resident's relative using a hidden camera - was broadcast by MediaCorp on its television news bulletins on Thursday.

It immediately went viral online, circulated on various forums, and drew angry comments from viewers outraged by what they saw.

The clip first shows the woman seated unclothed on a chair, in full view of everyone in the room. Two women staff members are then shown flinging her onto a bed. And when she groans, one of them slaps her.

Last night's TV news said the clip was handed over to MediaCorp in March this year and the government broadcaster then alerted the Ministry of Health.

But neither the contents of the footage nor the ministry's subsequent checks and action were revealed until Thursday

That’s it? MOH only ask Nightingale Nursing Home to stop accepting new patients and told us that the staffs have been disciplined.

So this is the crap Health Minister Gan Kim Yong only capable of I wonder will he do the same if it is him mum. The public should know what are the punishments given to the staff too, maybe just a verbal warning? The head of the Nursing home should also be punished and the victim and her family should be compensated.

This could happen to anyone and I am disappointed it actually happened in Singapore.
This is disgusting and to the staffs (who look like foreign trash) if you are not happy working you can always look for an alternate job.

I hope these two will ends up being treated the same when they are old.

Why I think George will run for President.

2011-06-07T10:45:00.000+08:00

As usual, I believe PAP already has a person in mind long time ago which they well back as the next President.

Then up cam Ex-MP Tan Ching Bock and ex NTUC income CEO Tan Kin Lian which express their interest in running for the President seat.

I think the person PAP had in mind are not as qualified as the above 2 so to prevent another Aljunied GRC they are asking George Yeo to run.

My 2 conspiracy theory.

Wrong Priority in Life.

2011-06-03T10:38:00.002+08:00

Teen in China sells kidney to buy iPad 2

A TEENAGER in China reportedly sold one of his kidneys for 22,000 yuan (S$4,185) so he could buy an iPad 2.

The Global Times said the 17-year-old high school student, identified only as Zheng, had confessed to his mother after she noticed the gadget and a deep red scar on his body, which was from the surgery.

Zheng had travelled from his home in Anhui province to the city of Chenzhou without his family's knowledge, where his kidney was removed at a hospital under the supervision of a kidney agent.

The Global Times said Zheng's mother took him back to Chenzhou to report the incident to the authorities, but the contact numbers given by the kidney agents were not working.

Zheng also bought an iPhone and a laptop with the proceeds from the sale of his kidney, his mother said.

The Chenzhou hospital where the boy had his surgery denied any connection with the kidney removal, but admitted that it had contracted out its urology department to a businessman.

This is sad. I wonder what he will do when Ipad 3 come out.

Jokes aside, this is what had become of our society, people value material wealth over anything else, even their own body for this case.

There was a report a few day ago that majority of youth today rather give up their sense of smell then technology.

This survey is a global one but a break down on Singaporean youth states that :

“Singapore youths in particular increasingly reject material possessions such as the five Cs of cash, credit card, car, condo, & country club……their wants and needs are different from previous generations. They are a lot more laid back when it comes to the work place, what they look for. They are looking for somewhere where they can socialise, where they can have a bit of fun as well as work so they are driven in different ways.”

In another word, Singapore youth are becoming bum which don’t really like to have the 5C but must not live without their I-phone, I-Mac, I-Pad and all other gadgets.

Although technology is a big help to the human race by doing more things more efficiently and help us save time. But looking at it how many more time are we spending entertaining our self with them?

People rather spend time “socializing” on facebook then to go out have a meal of meet up with friends. They rather play online games then to have a real game of soccer.

My points is you must differentiate you wants and needs.

Lots of time we buy things out of wants.

Its not that bad if you have the extra cash but when you need to sell your kidneys or works as a prostitute to get what you want then it is really stupid of you.

Korean Movie "Hello Ghost"

2011-05-24T15:09:00.001+08:00

Watch this on my flight back from Taipei

Great movie! One of the best I have seen.

Highly recommends it. I love the ending. Super touching. Am looking out for this Writer/director Kim Yeong Tak.

“Sang-man (Cha Tae-hyeon) starts seeing four annoying ghosts after a failed suicide attempt. Carrying out their individual wishes, he finds the pleasures of daily life and forgets about his loneliness and depression. Directed by writer-turned-director Kim Yeong-tak”

Post Election thought.

2011-05-09T14:28:00.000+08:00

Now election is over and although I am glad WP had capture Hougang and Aljunied. I am sad that other then this the rest of Singapore still belong to the MIW.

Even more angry that sub-standard people like MBT, WKS and TPL got elected and one of the better Minister around George Yeo has to go.

Even more angry that stupid MM start to talk cock.

Yeah yeah… go back to your era. We have the right to choose who we want in parliament.

I advice to you is please stopped! You already did George in and please don’t sabo your son.

I am also disappointed with those Singaporean that voted for the 3 clowns. Why they do that? I tried to figure it out but cannot.

The only 2 reasons I can think of is:

1) People who don’t care about politic and just wan status quo
2) People who are afraid they will be punished if they vote against PAP.

If you look carefully, I think the only GRC who increased in favor of PAP is AMK under PM Lee.

Note AMK neighbours, Pasir Ris-Pungol and Aljunied carved some territories to AMK resulting AMK PAP’s vote went up and PRP and A both dropped resulting a loss in Aljunied.

I wonder is this deliberate?

As the Gen-Sec of the ruling party I am sure PM will want to do better then his last election so did the redrawing of GRC purposely scarify George and hurt Teo CH a little (He know he is still ok as the area has history of challenge by screwed up party).

Nevertheless, GE 2011 has made history with the most number of elected opposition in parliament. I do hope that the politic in Singapore will mature and bring healthy debates into the parliament and make this unique country a nice place to live in.

We shall see how the new MPs performance in the next 5 years.