3/15/2010

Say a big thank you to Mah Bow Tan

In the programme Talking Point, he gave the impression that he had done a damn good job in housing and probably expected the people to give him a pat on the back, and say thank you. He forgot that the good job was done by his predecessors, and in his case he messed it up. He still thinks that his BTO, his control of supply, and his market pricing policies are the next best thing that could happen to Singapore after PAP. He still cannot see the damages and hardship he had caused to many young people seeking to buy their first home. Even the taxi drivers are complaining as Lim Wee Kiat said. With the income of driving a taxi, they could buy a 5 rm flat. Their graduate children could barely afford a 4 rm flat, on two incomes. Is this a problem? Has this tell something about affordability? I would like to give a pass to this by not posting about the issue. But if everyones does that, the smart alecs will say, see, no one is complaining anymore. The people are happy with our policies.

10 comments:

Wally Buffet said...

This shorty ain't known as the revenue collector for nothing.

Without him, we will run a budget deficit, the S$ will go down the tube, those current lucky HDB leaseholders will not be able to upgrade to condo living in districts 9, 10 and 11. The balance sheets of developers won't look so rosy. And my palace in Lijiang will forever remain a dream.

He's the man!

Chua Chin Leng aka redbean said...

I can agree that he has to balance the interests of all the property owners and the potential property owners. What he has failed is looking after the first time buyers.

Maintaining the prices for long term growth is good. Letting prices run wild and soaring is irresponsible. The genuine flat owners are not there for quick profit and many would not sell their flats for a long time, but to stay.

Anonymous said...

A good Government is measured by how well it looked after the less abled citizens, not how much money it can make out of them, or only caring for big businesses, the well-heeled, and rich immigrants.

On this alone, the PAP has failed miserably.

A true good Government should be by the people and for the people.
Even Chinese leaders, who are not elected by the people, have that attribute for caring and leading.

Chua Chin Leng aka redbean said...

I am sure he will be rated very highly by the govt and received a big bonus. And he will deliver the votes in the next GE as he is looking after 80% of the HDB owners, making sure that HDB prices will go up.

The small number of first time buyers still looking to buy their first flats would not worry him.

Wally Buffet said...

That is the prognosis.

Ⓜatilah $ingapura⚠️ said...

I think a heartfelt "thanks" are in order, followed by a deep sigh of relief.

Whenever it is concerning a govt worker, be thankful they didn't fuck it up even more!

Anonymous said...

First, me likes to say Mr Mah will be chosen again in the Next Election by the voters.
Two, i like to say he is a master of language, when he did and does retro fittings, they are called upgradings.
When Public Housing Units became/becomes smaller, they are Built to Designs and Built to orders, hence 'fulfilling' wishes of the buyers and therefore should cost more; every move of his is justified.
Me used to think it is dangerous to have debaters as cabinet members, but, some are even better(or worse) and more sly.

Anonymous said...

First, me likes to say Mr Mah will be chosen again in the Next Election by the voters.
Two, i like to say he is a master of language, when he did and does retro fittings, they are called upgradings.
When Public Housing Units became/becomes smaller, they are Built to Designs and Built to orders, hence 'fulfilling' wishes of the buyers and therefore should cost more; every move of his is justified.
Me used to think it is dangerous to have debaters as cabinet members, but, some are even better(or worse) and more sly.

undertaker said...

At this rate, Mah will make the smallest HDB flat owner feel like a millionaire.

Perhaps the long term plan is for Sporeans to cash out and move to Johore, of course the Sing$ appreciating even more against the Malaysian ringgit. The much hyped up Iskandar project then makes sense for Sporeans, affordable homes cum nursing homes. Throw in the undertaking services and you have a one stop service.

Chua Chin Leng aka redbean said...

No property owners will want the prices to fall. Period.

Mah Bow Tan will have lots of supporters.