8/21/2012

National conversation a red herring?



There were 3 letters in the ST forum page today. In fact the whole forum, all 3 letters, were on the housing angst faced by the people. Just wondering how many letters have been written to the ST on this painful and frustrating problem the people are facing. Would the ST think it is proper, for the sake of transparency, to reveal how many letters have been written to the forum on this issue alone? Or is it so embarrassing that it is better not to tell?

Now, would these letters be regarded as feedback to the govt? Or would they be thrown away, disregarded, or nobody wants to know as they are not things that wanted to hear or to know? Or they have not been put into the proper hole called Feedback, so no need to bother?

The fact that the ST devoted the whole forum to this issue is a sign that it deems it important enough, or it is another way of saying that they have received too many letters on this issue and must air it, like it or not, for the policy makers to take note.

Is it feedback or not feedback? Or is this part of the so called national conversation that is expected? Would there be any response to these letters, as part of a dialogue? Or would the national conversation be a conversation if it fits into the agenda. Things outside the agenda not counted. Who is to determine or initiate the national conversation and the platform or venue? Can so many letters to ST forum be a starting point for a conversation? Or would they end up in the rubbish bin of the political wilderness, not something that should be talked about, just like the cost of building public flats, a taboo topic. You can have transparency in everything but not this state secret.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

So called public housing is actually private housing with more restictions.

There is a market element in housing that's driving up prices and you see that happening in free economies all over the world, not just in Sg.

Hence, the writers are talking rubbish and most probably serving their own interests - I don't see them as homeowners or recent home buyers.

Anonymous said...

Q: What is the difference between a battery and a MIW?
A: A battery has a positive side.

First voter (proudly): "My PAP MP is an angel!"
Second voter: "You're lucky, mine's still alive."

Q: What's the difference between a PAP woman having her period and a terrorist?
A: You can negotiate with a terrorist.

Anonymous said...

Sin properties are over invested. Too many are riding on HDBs and Pte properties - rental especially. Foreigners are an intrinsic part of investable returns.

The slowing down of foreigners into the market will hurt many people. Eventually, it will hit businesses and jobs or salary.

Building more homes and restricting foreigners is a formula for disaster.

Increasing foreign intake will compromise quality of life and raises cost of living.

Looks like end game.

Anonymous said...

I still thnk government by look back at the fundamentals. They should build and sell HDB based on that principle. The problem with our policies is that thegoal post keep shifting. Is either a sign that our ministers are incapable or we have no good policy!

Anonymous said...

Free market is the way to go, for progress. Remove all restrictions on foreigners. Without foreigners, property prices will collapse. With foreigners, property prices will go up for the benefit of everyone.

Sinkies must get use to high property prices. If they cannot keep up, scoot.

Anonymous said...

Flat broke--What you are after buying a HDB flat

Home is where the mortgage is.

The dream of the older generation was to pay off a mortgage.
The dream of today's young families is to get one.

Homesickness:
What you feel every month when the mortgage is due.

Real Estate Agent:
First you tell me what you can afford, then we'll have a good laugh and go on from there.

Anonymous said...

Q: Why is National Conversation 2012 considered part of our courtesy campaign?
A: It's considered courteous to talk to your partner after you have finished screwing them.

Ⓜatilah $ingapura⚠️ said...

Of course its a red herring.

Anyway, talk is cheap. Actions always speak louder than words ever can.

Anonymous said...

High property prices benefits only 2 groups of people.
1. The foreigners
They can sell for a good profit and return to their home country.
2. People who have more than 1 property. They can sell one property and retire.

For the rest of Singaporean who owns only one property to stay, it makes no difference except that the higher the price you paid for it, the higher your monthly mortgage.

You want lower mortgage payment, then lower property prices is better for you.

Please do not be con by the elites and foreigners that higher property prices is good for you!

Anonymous said...

Yay.

Lower property prices is good for you.

Elect WP !

True Patriot

David said...

Sin properties are over invested. Too many are riding on HDBs and Pte properties - rental especially. Foreigners are an intrinsic part of investable returns. The slowing down of foreigners into the market will hurt many people. Eventually, it will hit businesses and jobs or salary. Building more homes and restricting foreigners is a formula for disaster. Increasing foreign intake will compromise quality of life and raises cost of living. Looks like end game.

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