Lions still far from Asia's top 10

This is the headline for Singapore's football dream. The other grander dream was to be in the World Cup in 2010. It is very clear that the dreams are fading away and time to wake up. Fear not, according to national coach Raddy Avramovic. There are some shortcomings and if we can overcome them, we will get there. Very encouraging words. Very good for engaging more foreign talents and more foreign coaches, and to spend more money, for a childish dream. Let's face facts and be brutal about it. Midgets cannot dream of defeating giants that are well drilled. Period. But there is hope. Genetic engineering. This can be done by buying good thoroughbred world class footballers' genes and infused them into the embryos of potential footballers. In 20 or 25 years time, we will have our team of physically big and gifted players to play for us. Minimum 6 ft tall, strong, like horses, and with stamina that only world class footballers have. If they still can't get the picture, go to the US. They have the formula for genetic breeding which they have perfected during the years of slavery.

Cyberspace Jiang Hu

Those who are familiar with Chinese martial art literature would understand what Jiang Hu means. Literary it is translated as River and Lake. It is actually a world outside officialdom, staying away from the formal govt structure and with their own set of laws, righteousness, moral codes and rights and wrongs. It is a self contained and self regulated world. The 13 blogger exponents sought to engage the govt on a new set of law and order for cyberspace. The objective is to have lesser govt intervention in the cyberspace Jiang Hu. They presented, unfortunately, a mixed bag of things they want or do not want to see, not really clear in their mission. They want self regulations, freedom of expression, minimal govt presence or better, not at all. In Jiang Hu folklores, they stayed away from officialdom, no relations. It is like water in the well and the river do not mix or interfere with each others activities. Approaching officialdom to lay out the terms of reference and regulations is the first false step. It is like acknowledging that the authority must be there and its blessing is needed. Worst, while telling the authorities to lay off, they are inviting the authorities to be part of the regulator team and even expecting the authorities to set the OB markers. This is taboo in Jiang Hu. The existing laws provide for all the offenses relating to the rights of an individual and law and order. Period. No need further laws except very specific internet technical issues. Jiang Hu should exist on its own terms and develop its own ethics and moral quotes.

Oil tax cut sends wrong signal: Mah

The front page headline honour goes to Mah Bow Tan. And he is speaking the brutal truth and I must agree. He also encouraged the citizens to get use to the high prices, live within your means, don't drive if you cannot afford it, don't use aircon for the same reason, car pooling, turn off the lights, use candles or oil lamps perhaps. What oil lamps with oil prices so high? My advice to Singaporeans, go and earn a million dollars. Then there will be no problem about rising prices. No need to adjust your lifestyle even. And can come here and talk cock. Other than that, be innovative, try kerosene or cooking oil for the car, read under the stars, eat less, walk or bicycle to work. Better, jog to work and exercise at the same time. Teach your own children, no need to pay for tuition fees or do away with piano or ballet classes. These are privileges for the rich. And stop going to theatres or the Esplanade. Go to Botanic Garden and wait for free shows. The right signal is for more pay rises for the ministers. This one sure to come. It has been announced earlier by Chee Hean. We must pay them their rightful wages or else we will lose their valuable services.

Sylvia Lim replies to Eng Hen

Responding to Eng Hen's comment that WP was silence on many issues, Sylvia Lim replied yesterday saying that Low Thia Khiang was overseas and that WP has made its stands on many issues, including ministerial pay. I quote, "On Mr Low's silence in response to PM Lee, she said: 'Benchmarking ministerial pay to corporate pay, but without corresponding corporate consequences, brings to the fore the contentious issue of whether ministers should be paid at top corporate rates. Is the comparison of minister to CEO valid?'" Normally, in the corporate world, high pay is associated with responsibility and accountability. CEOs are paid for the job they are doing and for the responsibility they are shouldering. Both come together as a package. You cannot have a big job scope with no responsibility or accountability. The high pay is exactly for these. But Singapore can benefit from learning from the Americans. The Americans will hand the sacked CEO a huge severance angpow in the tune of tens or hundreds of millions for being sacked, or for taking responsibility for a mistake or failure. The recent one from the subprime fallout was a cool US$68 mil! This will be more palatable and kind, and gracious. We should adopt such a practice so that CEOs will be most happy to take responsibility and the sack, and of course the big angpow.

No need ERPs

Roy Chan said no need for ERPs on Saturday. He relatedin Today his driving experience on Saturday in the Suntec City area and said the road condition was acceptable. The question I would like to ask is this, are the road conditions in the city area at the moment acceptable? According to whose standard is that the condition is now so bad that ERPs must be introduced so quickly? Shall we conduct a survey on motorists and find out how they feel about driving in the city? If all the motorists or the majority of the motorists are comfortable with the speed and cars on the road, then what is the fuss? Or is it that some gods say that the situation is not good to their likings, that their standard of goodness must be the norm for all? Which fanatic or fanatics are now saying that according to him or them, the road conditions are not good enough and ERPs are necessary? Can the people have a say? Anyone want to hear what the people say? Want to listen or not?

Cave In - Says Choo Zhengxi

Choo Zhengxi talked about a cave in in the TOC. Figuratively I think we are seeing signs of an impending cave in due to too much weight and a weakening support. We have a huge govt sitting on top waiting to be fed. And to do so, we need a very strong and big support base to provide the feed. Singaporeans alone not enough to do the job. So need to expand the base of the pyramid by bringing in all the foreigners. The problem is that it is turning into a pyramid game with incessant growth at the top, getting bloated and still knowing no limits to how fat it can get. And the hole below gets bigger and bigger, and needing more and stronger pillars to prop it up. Now with the high cost of living and runaway inflation hitting the bottom, the dissatisfaction and grumblings are softening these pillars and soon things will give way and the top will just cave in. The bigger the hole is being dugged below, and the heavier the top gets, a cave in is natural and impending. Prepare for the big tembusu tree to fall and see how the monkeys scatter.

Singaporeans must demand brutal public caning

We welcome them to our shores. Open our homes to them, open our hearts to them. Give them our jobs so that they can return home and build a new and richer life. We organise picnics for them, treat them very well, feed them...What did we get in return? Our young girls got molested in Orchard Road. And now, a young undergraduate, a possible MP or super talent, got assaulted and raped. This girl would never have been assaulted or raped if we have not opened our door to them. Our kindness is being returned by hurt and pain. We must catch this animal and deal with him brutally, in the padang for all to see. Make him an example for all our foreign guests to know that we welcome them, but breaking our laws and assaulting Singaporeans and raping our women are tabooed. Anyone committing such heinous crimes and hurt against Singaporeans will have hell upon him. Let his cries echo all over the padang. Let the message go down, loud and clear.

After ERPs - The natural things to come

As more and more people feel the pinch of driving to town, two natural possibilities. Some will switch to taxis or occasionally use taxis. More will switch to public transport like mrts and buses. Soon demand for both will go up. The taxis will play hide and seek again. The commuters will complain that there are not enough taxis available. Waiting time takes longer. You want a cab, call and pay for that extra for calling. More fuming by commuters. Then what? Think, think and more thinking for better solutions to increasing demand for taxi problems. Eureka, found the answer. Increase taxi fares to cut demands. In the mrt and bus sector, we are going to see everyone being packed like sardines again. Trains fully packed, buses fully packed. More buses needed, more trains needed to cope with the high demand. Yes, yes, SMRT and Bus companies need to upgrade their services and buy more trains and new buses. Where to get the money? Think, think, think harder. Eureka! Solutions found. Must increase fare. How else to provide more trains and buses. The natural things to come.

We want branded drugs!

Yes, some patients are rejecting generic or less well known brand drugs. To them, they only trust branded stuff. This is quite natural for those who can afford to pay for the branded qualities. Hospital should provide the patients with the choice for branded or non branded drugs. Did I hear someone saying that since patients are demanding branded drugs, then all hospitals should prescribe branded drugs only? I hope this is only a voice in the wilderness. I have to say it out loud now as things reported in TOM always carry a message. It could be testing for reactions or an early announcement that something may happen along the way. Choice is important to the consumers. Let there be choice and no one jumps the gun to make branded drugs compulsory just because there are some who could afford them.

Even Workers Party gone to sleep

Eng Hen has taken to task the silence coming from Workers Party over recent events. Apparently since the parliamentary glare, nothing much was heard from the Worker Party camp. Now, if this is true then it is very unbecoming of a political party trying to represent the interests of the people. They need to be heard, to be seen to be doing something, if not speak louder on issues for the people. Did they? Did they speak in their party news or party website and not reported? Or is it true that they just kept quiet about all the social and political issues that are happening around us? The internet is still very active with a lot of issues being raised, in TOC, in Littlespeck, in Molly Meek, and also in Redbeanforum. I will be very disappointed if Workers Party has actually gone to sleep and not talking about all the issues. Or is it that the TOM are not reporting on their stand? If Eng Hen is right, then it is a sad development for alternative political parties here. They must be active all the time, no need to mount street protest, just speak out to be heard. So far only the SDP has been doing the job. What happens to the rest? Reform Party is still new and needs sometime to get off their feed. Is there a SDA or SDP or something like that? What other political parties we have? I can't even remember their names.

Malaysia can never compete with Singapore's efficiency

Whenever Malaysia thinks of a get rich scheme to collect more money from its people, it must think of spending a few billions outfront on some mega projects. Now they are thinking of another one to by pass JB to the North South Highway from the Causeway. What Singapore did was to erect a few more gantries or to raise the toll charges. Cost is minimum. Why can't Malaysia learn from us? All it needs to do is to cook up some very good reasons for it and the people will pay willingly. As long as the reasons are logical and seen as necessary, that is all that needs to be done. Just have a good reason to do it. But step one is to recruit super talents into the govt services and pay them well. Then the rest will take care of itself.

Vote for Continuity!

I think this will be an excellent slogan for the next General Election. Vote for more prosperity, more continuity, and more of the same, and more of everything that we are having and enjoying today.

Notable quotes: LKY

'A society can only survive if there is a sense of equity and fair play. ' Lee Kuan Yew

Singapore role models Be proud of every cent that you earned. Be proud that every cent you earned is justified by the effort put in. Do not take any cent that you have not work for it. Be ashame, and feel ashame, if one is paid, or over paid, for not doing any work to justify the money being paid. These are the qualities of what role models should have. And the best role models who fulfil such basic decent criteria are the ah peks and aunties cleaning tables and washing plates in the kopitiams. They put in their full effort to earn every cent that they get paid for. They should be proud of what they are getting, never mind it is only a few hundred dollars. It is not how much money they are taking, especially when they don't have to work for it. And Singaporeans should feel proud of these role models. The people who earned their keeps.

The people are getting angry

With the high cost of living, with every dollar being stretched (says who? who's dollar being stretched?) some are crying out against the news of more gantries and higher tolls. A letter written by Karen Tan in Today complained why the timing, why now? A little congestion for a cosmopolitan city is normal. In fact you need traffic jams to show the world that you a busy city. How would the city look like if there were only a few cars? Is the introduction of gantries and toll hikes a strategic move or an insensitive one? Or is it another case of fanatics at work, where they think that they are always right and no need to care about how others are affected by it? Maybe it is done in preparation of the people towards higher costs in driving a car. The people needs to get use to it and soon they will accept it. Then it would not be so painful. Buy SMRT shares quick.

Leaders must inspire!

I was a young officer in the civil service working under the first generation leaders. The standard demanded by them was very high. Any report that I submitted must be 100% free from factual or typo error. Not even a comma or full stop in the wrong place was acceptable. I shivered at the thought of sending out a report with a comma or full stop missing. That was the standard set and demanded from the leaders. And we knew what that standard meant. We were inspired to achieve those standards, tough as they were. And for those who could not inspire, or down the line who were not inspired, there was the element of fear. Other than inspiration, there was also the element of punishment. The fear of making mistake and the fear of facing the music. Some will respond to inspiration, some will only respond to fear and punishment. Fast forward today, the Mas Selamat case was not a problem of a missing comma or fullstop. The mistakes were ugly. Imagine what would have happened in those days if such mistakes were to be made? Everyone would be trembling in their pants, maybe wetting as well. Today it was just Jack Neo shooting his movie. And can we expect people to learn from the mistakes? Yes, people will learn, that it is ok to slack, to be complacent, to make mistakes, and to walk away with a slap on the wrist. The message of complacency being acceptable has gone down the line. And what happened at the Magistrate with prisoners in the lockup walking out so easily spoke for itself. If leaders cannot inspire, they better be feared. If leaders cannot inspire, and still want to be nice, that is a recipe for more complacency.

Singaporeans are truly stupid

Every morning Today paper will be given free in several places. Every morning I pass Raffles Place MRT, quite early. And there will be piles and piles of Today paper to be given away. And sometimes the crowd will build up and jam the MRT station, all waiting for 7.30 am, for that is the time that the paper can be given away. Why 7.30am? Because the latecomers complained that they did not get their copies. So now must wait till 7.30am so that latecomers are happy. What about the early birds? Of course they are unhappy. What the fuck! If they have 1000 copies, 1000 readers will have the chance to get them. Why did they bother to care about early or late birds? And causing so much congestion in the station. And tempers ran high as well with some cursing and swearing at the distributors. But Singaporeans are rule followers and just cannot think. The boss says 7.30am. So do as the boss said. The boss can be stupid, doesn't matter. Follow orders and nothing will harm you. Maybe I should not generalise that all Singaporeans are stupid. Only some. The stupid decision makers.

Gantries and more gantries

Motorists will be the happiest people in paradise. Driving around will be a breeze, or at least around town comes 7 Jul. 5 more ERP gantries will go up and 32 more will up their toll fees. Or like they said, 'Have money will travel.' Just pay your way and all the way. It is great to be toll operators. It is only logical that the central business district be restricted to people who have a reason to be there. No more jalan jalan or makan angin in CBD for free. It is another form of Disneyland for the banking and finance people. In fact all other offices that are not related to these industries should not be there. They only add to the congestion and high demand for office space. Yes, have another set of regulations to keep non related industries from locating in the business districts. Set up a list of criteria to fulfil, something like mean testing. If don't qualify, no business to be there, shift out. We need to put people in their proper places.

Malaysia - What petrol subsidy?

Malaysia is a net exporter of oil. It is producing oil and selling oil at a highly inflated price due to speculations by western oil traders. The cost of production of oil is also relatively unchanged. So what subsidy is Malaysia talking about? They should be talking about profits, and huge profits. The only kind of subsidy is market subsidy, a uniquely Singapore experience. Because of the high market price, the Malaysian govt could sell their petrol at a much higher price. So to sell them at a lower price, it is called SUBSIDY! Does the Malaysian Govt understand this term? Singaporeans do and are very cynical about it when it is mentioned. And why cut the 'subsidy' and then decide to give back to the people in kind while at the same time incurring the wrath of the people? There are good things to learn from Singapore. But some things are quite silly and should not be copied without knowing what they meant and how badly they are received by the people. Low petrol prices in Malaysia is not subsidy to the Malaysians. It is lesser profits to Petronas, to the Malaysian Govt.

Fanatics in Paradise

We were talking about fanatics of human rights, pushing their views to everyone as if their views were the only one acceptable. Everyone must accept what these fanatics say or believe in. We have another kind of fanatics in paradise. They believe that Singaporeans will all live past 80 years old. And they did not stop at that. They did not just push their views and quarrel with people to believe in them. They did what was necessary. For they also believe that if one is to live past 80, then one needs more money to live. And they sincerely believe that all these are tooth and it is good for the people to have a lot of money when they are at their dying years. And they have good reasons too. When you are at that age, you need more money, not for holidays, but to pay big hospital bills. These are very logical. So from July 1, 2008, the sum in Medisave will be increased to $34,500. This is untouchable unless the sickness is serious enough or approved for payment from this saving. Never mind if one already have Medishield or private medical insurance. The important thing is to have this sum of money in Medisave. Safely kept there for you. Then also, the Minimum Sum in the CPF will be increased to $106,000. This is to ensure that citizens of paradise will be rich before they die. They can be poor when they are young. But they cannot be poor when they are old. And if this sum is not enough because inflation is going to eat a big chunk from it, you can be sure that it will be increased progressively. Do not be surprised if the Minimum Sum will hit $1 mil one day. And Singaporeans are all very happy and grateful for this savings that they must put aside. There is a Chinese saying, suffer first and enjoy later. Provided if you live that long to see the money.

Myth 183 - I am helping you

The hungry tiger was poised to devour the little goat. The little goat was shivering and unable to move, partly at the sight of a huge and ferocious tiger, partly because it was too weak to run. It had not eaten a full meal for several days. The owner of the little goat was equally worried. He must do something to help the goat. 'Wait, wait!' He shouted at the tiger. 'Please don't eat my little goat.' The tiger roared back. 'I am hungry and need to eat the goat to live.' The owner was very understanding. He knew that tigers would want to eat small animals for his meal. It was a reasonable act. He looked at the little goat and came out with a solution. He told the goat, 'Look, whatever, the tiger is going to eat you. And there is no way to run. The only way to save your life is to offer a leg to the tiger.' The little goat knew that it had no choice. And the owner was trying his best to help. It squeezed its eyes shut, bit its teeth and prepared itself for the tiger to rip off one of its legs. The owner was in a way a savior. The little goat was grateful for the help. A monk came along. 'Amitabha (or O mi to fu).' He said in his peaceful and serene way. 'Let me help.' Then he turned to the tiger, 'Here, have my arm instead.'

For the people or for the fat pay?

This has been the bugging question that many are asking. And the answer is also expected. Why is it that people are perceiving that everyone is working for that fat pay, that big bonus rather than for the people? Or can we blame the people for having such a wrongful perception? Trying to be objective, just look at all the policies and try to pick one, just one, that is really for the people and not to make the people pay more. Just pick one, and I am also having difficulty finding one. I think my question is absolutely biased. Is there a policy that is for the people and not after the people's pocket? I think I must be blind not to be able to find one. Aren't transport fare policies for the people, aren't ERPs to help the motorists? Oh, must include the 3/4 tank rule for this. Then the heavy subsidies for HDB flats to make flats affordable to the people, then the world class hospitals with heavily subsidised bills, the cheap education fees, low maintenance cost for a bloated world class govt? All these are and must be for the people. Why are people still so cynical and refused to see the all the goodnesses? Why are people holding so negative views about things, unbelieving, not believing? I think a new campaign is necessary to change the people's perception of the govt, that it is working all for the good of the people. Yes, the people are getting complacent and do not know how good life is in paradise. They forgot to count their blessings.

No time for pettiness in Officialdom

In times like this, narrow minded and petty officialdom should step aside. The people need to save every cent they could or stretch their dollar to the fullest. It is time for the govt to really think for the people and help the people to tie over such difficult times. No more silly excuses. A simple way, without subsidies, without handouts, is to let the people free, free to take advantage of the relatively cheaper cost of things in Malaysia, take advantage of the stronger dollar, to spend time and money across the causeway. Is this so difficult? Is this so disturbing, unbearable, so unacceptable? Or is the petty mind still thinking big? Remove the 3/4 tank rule. The silly reason that Singapore motorists will go over to pump their tanks and flood the roads because of cheaper petrol is the thinking of idiots. Unbelieveable that such reasoning can still be thrown at the people as million dollar wisdom. It is crap! Let the people go freely and spend freely in Malaysia. This is free trade as opposed to erecting trade barriers. The people must be given the freedom of choice to spend their money wherever gives them the best value. Restricting them from pumping petrol in JB is amoeba thinking. If there is any restriction on the sale of petrol, it should come from Malaysia. Malaysia should be the one to decide how much petrol it wants to sell to Singapore motorists. They will have to do their sums right, to offer cheaper petrol for more business, earning foreign exchange and other side effects of more Singaporeans travelling to JB.. We do not need petty thinking and rules to make life more difficult for our people just for more petrol taxes. Or are we waiting for the motorists to mount a protest with cars jamming BKE before this rule be relaxed. Think for the poorer motorists. Not everyone is earning a million dollars and can afford all the increases.

Let's not turn human rights into a battle ground

This is the title of Lydia Lim's article in the ST today. In the international scene, human rights has taken the form of inter state rivalry, a new form of warfare launched by the Americans against emerging nations, especially China and the rest of the world. Domestically, it is another issue that bothers around civil liberty, freedom of expression and the right of choice, independent choice to do and live as unfettered human beans. I will just mention a few phrases or sentences from Lydia's article which she quoted from Walter Woon and replace the words 'human rights' to 'civil rights' and see how the meaning could change to something more relevant to the people. 'What we are against is the assumption of some people that when they define what human rights are, that decision is the decision for the rest of humanity.' - Walter Woon. Change this to 'What we are against is the assumption of some people that when they define what civil rights are, that decision is the decision for the rest of Singaporeans.' Then substitute these civil rights and decisions with issues like CPF savings, CPF Life, etc, do we see that there are some similarities in the imposition of what some people think are good onto everyone, like it or not? Walter Woon also stated his fear of human rights fanatics and said, 'these are people who evidently believe that they and their values represent the apex of human moral development'. Do we have fanatics who think that their values or assumptions are the apex of human moral developments in our midst? Do we have people who think that it is good for you and decide to structure your life, your lifestyle and also how to use or spend your money? The only paragraphs that I share with Lydia are these, 'Like Ms Singam, I firmly believe that Singapore needs human rights champions, but I would like to point out that we need them not just in civil society but within the ranks of officialdom as well. I agree with her that the social realities we are confronted with show that respect for human rights is crucial to the right conduct of relations within societies and between states.' Absolutely. Between the ruler and the ruled, some must be champions of human rights. It reminds me of the days of the colonial masters in Africa and India, when the rulers would dictate the rights of the ruled people. The human rights champions in a democracy are different from the human rights champions of feudal societies.

It is just the beginning

It nearly overthrows the Abdullah govt, but done enough to put it in a crisis. Now it is reshaping public opinion in South Korea on a very popular and generous President. The South Koreans are changing their support for the President to a low approval rate of 20%. Despite donating his fortune for the poor, President Lee Myung Bak's political fortune is now in a tailspin. Public opinion of Lee Myung Bak has changed drastically because of his perceived compromise with the US to allow import of American beef feared to contain mad cow disease. And the internet played a huge role in disseminating all kinds of information and reports and struck fear in the minds of the Korean populace. The old media, TOM, tried its best to spin different stories but lost out to the internet as the people have lost confidence in what the TOM says. The internet and sms are two new tools that have transformed the politics of Malaysia and South Korea. They have also transformed the lives of many around the world where freedom of expression has been limited. Information and news are now flowing freely in every nooks and corners of the world. Plugging this is near impossible except with draconian laws that will violate human rights and internationally accepted norms of what is acceptable or unacceptable govt actions. We are all standing at the doorstep of a brave new internet world, watching and participating in it. The change that will come along is difficult to envisage.

Have no mercy

A kidnap scam schemer, Ren Tin Ming, was caught and jailed for a maximum of 9 months. This is definitely too lenient. A kidnap scam is a very cruel crime against the innocents. Be it a scam or a real kidnap, the parents of the 'victim' will suffer the same agony of going through the whole ordeal. We have placed a mandatory death sentence for kidnapping. The law must be amended for mandatory caning of at least 24 strokes for such crimes. It is not a simple scam. It is very upsetting emotionally, and very traumatic. People can die of heart attack for it. Cane the bastards! Paradise is turning into a playground for criminals, con men and tricksters. And the victims are mostly its citizens. And the criminals are foreigners. How can we let this go on like this. Make it be known that guests to paradise are welcomed but will be severely dealt with if they violated our laws and turn to crime against the citizens.

What is National Service?

Many will simply brush it off as wasting two years in uniform. Many see it as a necessary chore. What does the govt think of the NS men, some digits to be used to fill the needs of the armed forces? Some cheap labour that the citizens must return to the state on demand? Something to be taken for granted from the people they called citizens? OCT Clifton Lam Jia Hao did not don the uniform to waste 2 years with the Air Force. He gave his life, his everything. His parents/family gave up their hopes, their future and their precious son. Fortunately they have two more sons. For many parents with a single child, in such a situation they will have to look towards the Medisave and CPF Life for their retirement support. And that's the end of their life journey. There is no one else to carry on, to inherit whatever material possessions and their memories of life. With the death of their sons, everything is no more. NS means a lot of sacrifices on the part of the citizens. This must not be taken for granted. The citizens have a bigger right and say of what this country should be and what this country meant to them. They must not be treated less well off than non citizens.

The Master and Student

There is a Buddhist teaching that the person that gives you the most trouble, makes your life miserable and challenging, that person is your master in life. Through all the pains and suffering inflicted by that person, you grow stronger and experience more of the ups and downs of living. The Lees versus Chees case presents a great opportunity for both parties to grow and become better people. From one party, there are great lessons to be learnt in humility, magnanimity, kindness, and generosity. From the other party, there are lessons in forgiveness, lessons in abrasiveness, graciousness, and lessons in accepting fate. There are many other lessons to be learnt by both parties. Who is the master and who is the student? Maybe both are masters and students at the same time. They are definitely masters, dishing out lessons. But were they students, learning from the lessons and coming out better at the end?

Police officer beaten in lockup

Police officer beaten when passing a cup of water to two detainees arrested for robbery with hurt. The poor officer was violently attacked, punched and kicked real bad. And when the detainees pressed the buzzer for the door of the lockup to be opened, no one bother to check on the CCTV and simply unlock the door to let them out. We could have a nation wide hunt for the two escaped men if they were not arrested immediately. We are not complacent. Just a bit slack that's all. Unbelieveable that this could happen after Mas Selamat.

Another fallen NSman - Rec Andrew Cheah Wei Siong

Recruit Cheah died after fainting during a 2km march. A polytechnic graduate, his life was cut short in the name of duty to the country. Another family, mother and father, lost their beloved and precious son to the call of duty. This is the price that every citizen and family pay for the security and well being of this country and its fellow citizens. Let no one forget this ultimate sacrifice of all Singaporeans.

Eng Hen asking tough questions in MOE

Why do we need so many universities and so many graduates? If everyone is a graduate, can they all become CEOs or professionals? These are very basic questions that are not new. It is good that we go back to basics and start to question the fundamental premises before we get lost along the way. It is the same as questioning the basics of public service, of the role of govt and of the motivations to become politicians. It is a popular move to have a 4th university or even a 5th, and turn everyone into graduates. But the job market will still be the same. There can only be one Prime Minister, one CEO or one Permanent Secretary in their respective organisations. The pyramid shape of the organisational structure will remain fairly the same. It can only be flatter or steeper. It cannot stand on the opposite end. Why are we asking such basic questions now? Has someone got carried away in the past?

No place for gangsterism

Gangsterism must not be allowed to set roots in paradise. Recently there was a lady who was cornered in a lonely carpark in Chinatown by two men and forced to pay for speakers that she did not need. She had to part with more than a thousand dollars for fear of her safety. Such high pressure sales tactics is nothing but daylight robbery and cannot be accepted in our society. I read about two companies, a Naughty by Nature and a Time sharing company, both admitting using agressive sales tactics, even detaining customers until the customers sign and pay up. And they got away with a tap on the wrist. This is a sure sign of erosion towards accepting gangster-like practices in doing business. The law must come down hard, real hard, on anyone behaving like gangsters and threatening ordinary citizens. The citizens need protection from the law and law enforceing officers. How can we tolerate a situation where innocent citizens fear walking into a shop or office? We will slide down the slippery road of lawlessness if we take such behaviour and practices lightly. How can such things happen in paradise? We are allowing paradise to turn into living hell if it is not stop for good.

The New Media Revolution has arrived!

Today I officially announce the arrival of The New Media as the Main Stream Media of the future. And it should take over the term MSM. The Old Media shall henceforth be called TOM. Its days of dominance of news and views are numbered. No longer will readers be fed with one sided views of issues and events without the chance or opportunity to question or clarify. They used to tell the readers what they want to tell the readers and what were good or appropriate for the readers' intellect and consumption, according to their wishes. Let's welcome the new Main Stream Media, MSM, of the future. The MSM offers unlimited possibilities in the exchange of news and information as freely as one would want it to be. It is a new freedom of the 21st Century. Discard the shackles of old, and swim in the new MSM, with your views heard the world over. And no one is there to restrain you or to decide whether it is suitable for publishing. You are what you post.

A difficult act to follow

Character assassination of the most uncharitable kind I was following TOC on the above issue and am very pleased at the level of discussion and the etiquette of the forumers. Both sides were allowed to express their views freely, without censorship or distortion, without name calling, in a very sensible and objective manner. And the discussion could go on to its fullest extent as long as all the parties still have something to say. No abrupt curtailing or termination of the discussion, no interference from an editor(to please) and no limitation of time and space. This is an act that the old media, TOM, can never ever think of following. Yes, the new media, should be rightly called the Main Stream Media, MSM from now on, will be the main media of the future.

Malaysia, wrong again!

In the face of inflation and oil crisis, Malaysia took steps to cut Ministerial entertainment allowances and other expenses. What a wrong move. It goes against the grain of human greed and motivation. The ministers will be demoralised, no heart to work, and everyone will suffer. Why don't Malaysia learn from Singapore? In times like this, minister's pay will surely go up. We need them to work harder to pull the country out of the crisis. Cutting allowances or pay will be the last thing to do. It is time to motivate them to work extra hard. They may not be able to bring down oil prices or inflation. But they will find enough money to help the people. Our formula has been tested and proven. There will be no demonstration or riots on the streets. And there is no need to cut petrol taxes as well. Everything will be fine and Singaporeans will feel better off with more handouts coming. This is our secret of success which the Malaysians just refuse to learn. Too stubborn perhaps. Too much pride.

When something is bad...

When something is bad, real bad, do not try to defend it. It will make it look worst. And it will make the defender look silly. Many 'tooths' in paradise are indefensible. Don't try to defend them. Just say it once, that there are 'tooths'. No need to explain further. Everyone understands. 'Tooths' are 'tooths'.

The Chee boomerang

'I would have thought there could be a little more charity in commenting on Chee rather than indulge in augmenting the already prejudicial opinions of this man.' - Anthony Yeo The tarring of Chee has reached an overkilled position that it is boomeranging and ricocheting in all directions. For many years, people have written Chee off for his ruffian style of confrontation politics. Sensible people just stayed clear of him. A strange development is happening over the last few weeks. He is getting the sympathic vote that is escaping him all these years. And people are speaking out for him and ignoring his offensive style of politics. More are saying things in his favour, even lambasting the labels tagged on him. The labels are falling off quite rapidly. There is a kind of disbelief that Chee is so bad.

Increasing credibility of blogs and internet forums

The quality and credibility of cyberspace have been exonerated over the last few weeks. It is reporting not only truth, but its analyses and discussions on current affairs were miles ahead of the msm. Relatively, and unbelieveably, the standard is highly intelligent. It makes minced meat of professional journalists. Well done everyone.

Expensive? Make it more expensive.

Property prices go higher. Good. Rentals higher, good. Medical bills higher, good. Education fees higher, good. Salary higher, excellent. More expensive means good quality. You get good value for your money. But that is not all. Motorists are hoping that the Govt scrap the 3/4 tank rule with high petrol prices. Some, like me, suggested that the petrol tax be cut. Never. That is against our success formula. When it is expensive, make it more expensive. We must not tamper with market forces. If it is going to go up, Singaporeans must be educated and get use to it. Just like the precious water. Slammed a Water Conservation Tax on it to make it more expensive. Then Singaporeans will learn to conserve this precious item. It is also a way to prepare Singaporeans to get use to the high prices. The same magic formula shall be apply to petrol. Petrol is precious, the people must learn not to waste it and get use to its high price. Slam a Petrol Conservation Tax on it and start a campaign to educate Singaporeans not to waste petrol. Cannot suka suka go 'jiat hong' with the car. The car shall only be driven when necessary. Provide a list on how to best use the car and not waste petrol. The 3/4 tank rule is good for Singaporeans. So is the petrol tax and a Petrol Conservation Tax. Make it 20% for it to be meaningful and work. This is a very well kept secret of Singapore's success.

A new Singapore religion

Do not judge God. Just believe. Anyone judging God or questioning God is already a sinner. And all sinners will know what the punishment will be. And the punishment will be harsh. I shall have no mercy on Judgement Day. The sinners will be burnt in the sea of fire. Singaporeans shall not judge the judiciary. They will be dealt with very strictly. The integrity of the judiciary shall not be questioned. The integrity of the judiciary shall be upheld at all cost. Singaporeans must have confidence in the judiciary. This sounds so religious, so familiar, like being in church on Sunday. But it is true. If Singaporeans start to have doubts about the judiciary, we will have a lot of problems. Let's all stand united and steadfastly to protect the integrity of the judiciary.

No more ERPs!

Yes, believe me, ERPs are obsolete. With the price of petrol shooting to the sky, casual driving is out. Driving to work is also out for many drivers. The road congestion problem is solved. There will be fewer cars on the roads. Now comes the big headache. How to find alternative revenue to replace ERPs? Congestion in car parks! Car parking fees to go up.

Illegal demonstration in Queenstown

6 Jun, more than 30 protestors held a vigil at the Queenstown Remand Prison where Chee Soon Juan was held. Each of them holding a cardboard with words and pictures of the siblings on them. And they were not dispersed. More than 4 gathering in public places without a permit is illegal assembly. Did they have a permit? Presumably not? So the gathering should easily be classified as illegal assembly. But it seemed that they were not disturbed. This must be the first sign of relaxation and tolerance. We must be progressing in the way we handle public demonstration. Or this is not a demonstration but just a vigil.

Of human rights and obligations

Walter Woon is trying to make his position clearer by bringing in obligations and human rights as complimentary issues. While the fanatics are singing their human rights like religious hymns, there is also the obligations to the people with the rights. But fanatics came in different forms. There are fanatics who think that it is for the good of the poeple, to protect them, that it is ok to take away their human rights or civil rights. They even have the audacity to take their hard earned savings away. Oh they never say that. They just say it is better to lock them away just in case the owners throw them away carelessly. Then they decide for the owners how to spend them or how much and when to return to them. Now, is this an abuse of human or civil rights, or is it a form of obligations? Would our great legal minds care or be bothered to discuss this issue? Or it is safer to stay clear of it? And yes, this is another definition of human rights by another group of fanatics.

When a country is well governed...

Japan is perhaps the best model of a country that is very well governed, putting aside whatever idealism about a perfect political philosophy and system. The best characteristics to observe are the quality of life and the way the people go about living their lives, in contentment, in self fulfilment of individual pursuits, in being able to be the best one can be, on his own, without help and no charities. Everytime when the msm flashes on its front page about how much subsidies or handouts the govt is giving to the people, it is a sure sign of regression, a mismanagement of resources. The bigger the handouts and subsidies, the bigger the mistakes in the accumulation and allocation of funds. For when efficiently managed, there should be no necessity to over collect and ended up with over giving, or the need to give. Something is wrong in the process. Then the fad or misplaced zeal to run charity shows and set up charity organisations. These are all bad signs that things are not well. For when the people are able to take care of themselves, there is no need for charity. Charity is actually a disguised form of begging, an act that demeans the recipients. The charity mindset is something that we must erase from our memory. Charity is bad. Charity is only a last resort. It is shameful to celebrate or praise charity. It honours or give a sense of well being to the givers and tears down at the pride and dignity of the receivers. The more charity organisations we have, the more charity shows we organised to raise funds to be charitable, the greater is our failure as a society. I don't think we hear much or see much of charitable activities and charity shows in Japan. I don't hear the Japanese govt spending its time accumulating money and setting up all kinds of organisations to help their poor, or to provide all kinds of handouts and subsidies at the scale and frequency that we are doing. The subsidies are more in areas of economic activities, trade protectionism, etc, but not directly to give to the people. When we have reached a state when there is no need for subsidies, no need for charities, and people willing pay for what they need, and their taxes, then we have arrived. For the moment, we are living like the days of Jesus when he was the saviour, performing miracles to spread the loaves and fishes to the hungry and poor. And the poor could not look after themselves and will be eternally grateful and dependent on the miracle bread, and eternal bondage to the giver.

Celebrating Singaporeans - Stand by your man.

Many people did not know who she is. Many would not want to know her or speak to her. And in the list of honours for National Day, her name will be missing. This is a mother of two children who has given up the a normal and comfortable lifestyle of an academic and bring up children in a family friendly environment. She stood by her husband, no matter what his beliefs and pursuits, and soldiers on in virtual disgrace and humiliation, to stand by her man. These are virtues that not many women are prepared to live by in this materialistic world when success is measured in how much is the man's pay packet. Dr Huang Chih Mei is the wife of the infamous leader of an opposition party, Dr Chee Soon Juan. The latter's political experience and antics have made life very uneasy and uncomfortable for many, and was at the wrong end of the political justice. He has been named with all kinds of unfavourable and undescribable adjectives. He has been tarred, feathered and paraded on the pages of the msm. He has lost a decent and respectable lifestyle and the opportunity to bring up a family like any high income earners in paradise. This role is now left to this dutiful and loyal wife. Under many circumstances a weaker woman would have bowed out and take on a new life. Huang Chih Mei did not, and strive along despite the many material and financial disadvantages, and social ostracisation as well. Her qualities as a woman, a wife and a mother, are all that family virtues can ask for. And if anyone is deserving of an honour during the National Day, she deserves to be one. She is not in politics though her husband is. She confines her roles as the other significant half of the family.

More handouts coming!

With the Malaysian upping their petrol price, everything that we buy from Malaysia must go up. It is the natural way of things. It is definitely beyond our control. What is within our control is more handouts as all our food from Malaysia will be that much more costly. Holy mother, where are you? Holy mother, we need you!

Letter by Huang Chih Mei

Below is a letter by Huang Chih Mei, wife of Chee Soon Juan which I copied from Sammyboy.com. I am not sure if it is printed in our msm. If does give a different and personal perspective from the family angle of how a family has to cope with the political wrangling and spillover effects. Singapore, my home too Friday, 06 June 2008 Dr Chee's children visiting their grannies in TaiwanHuang Chih Mei We were on our flight back to Singapore from Taiwan. I picked up a complimentary copy of the Straits Times before boarding the plane. My eldest daughter glanced at the front page and read out loudly, "Papa, 12 days; Korkor, 10 days...are they going to jail, again?" I quickly surveyed those fellow passengers nearby, no one seemed to raise an eyebrow. I presumed they were either tourists or Singaporeans who were not quite on the radar of this island's political watch. For me, I was apprehensive that we were just in time to send them off to prison the next day. Our kids are great, especially the eldest one who was born when her father was in jail. My then gynecologist was a bit fazed for a moment after sewing me up and looking for the new father for the customary congratulations. He ended up shaking my hand. We have our kids late, but we always feel thankful that they came at the right time – just when things are getting more difficult and challenging for us, they are best in keeping things in perspective for us. Several years ago, we met Malaysia's DAP politician Lim Guan Eng and his wife Betty when they were invited to speak at a public forum organised by the Open Singapore Centre. During our private conversation, Mr Lim mentioned that their young kids were told that "papa went to work" when he was jailed for 18 months. Subsequently, their children were frighten and didn't want him to leave the house whenever he told them he was going to work. We didn't have kids then, but I sort of learned that it's better to tell children the truth although they might not fully understand why. Most parents will naturally think of what they can best provide for their own children. But we never know where life will bring us or what fate might deal with our dearest in future. To impart them a positive attitude and right values would go a long way than giving them things material. Our children are involved in some of their father's activities and they are familiar and comfortable with the people who participate in these activities, too. Apparently, they come to know that these are decent and interesting people to be around and there's nothing sinister or needed to be fearful about. Our youngest boy always enjoys "going to the democracy place to light candles". In Singapore, these are certainly rare occasions that not every child gets to experience. Before I embarked on my Ph.D. program in the U.S. decades ago, I was rather hesitant and uncertain about the prospect of continuing my miserable student life for a few more years in a totally different university located up north that the weather can get really icy cold in winter. That was about the same time I met my future husband. He was all very encouraging and saying things such as "you've got to have dreams in your life." - the kinds of words we frequently wrote for our composition class in school but we don't actually believe in them. I couldn't help to take a second look at him. In deed, I had my share of middle class prejudice such as that I would have readily agreed with the opinion that those who cannot provide for their own children financially should not have more than what they can afford. To respect each individual's reproduction rights is just one of the things I have learned over the years. With a life partner of beliefs, I am glad to be exposed to pluralistic ideas as well as humanitarian values and become a more sensible person. The fact that I am from Taiwan, another Asian country with its own authoritarian past, has somehow equipped me with the ability to empathise with the present Singapore and continue to be hopeful about its future. What we are going through right now is certainly not the best arrangement, but I always believe that the process itself is as significant as its final destination, because often times our best human qualities are redeemed through these unenviable tasks and challenges. It has become increasingly clear to me that my own destiny and the wellbeing of my family are closely tied to Singapore's political development. To me, it's very important to see Singapore democratised soon. Dr Huang Chih Mei, Dr Chee Soon Juan's wife, has promised herself to write something every time he goes to jail.

Sedition Acts

When you are not seditious when discussing sensitive racial, religious or political issues. The Acts have provisions to allow discussion of such subjects provided the intent is not to incite, cause hatred and stir up the emotions of the people leading to violence, anti govt activities etc. Para 2 below provides for discussions if the intent of the discussions is to alleviate misunderstanding, reduces differences, to improve or to point out errors etc without doing the above. 3. —(1) A seditious tendency is a tendency — (a) to bring into hatred or contempt or to excite disaffection against the Government; (b) to excite the citizens of Singapore or the residents in Singapore to attempt to procure in Singapore, the alteration, otherwise than by lawful means, of any matter as by law established; (c) to bring into hatred or contempt or to excite disaffection against the administration of justice in Singapore; (d) to raise discontent or disaffection amongst the citizens of Singapore or the residents in Singapore; (e) to promote feelings of ill-will and hostility between different races or classes of the population of Singapore. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), any act, speech, words, publication or other thing shall not be deemed to be seditious by reason only that it has a tendency — (a) to show that the Government has been misled or mistaken in any of its measures; (b) to point out errors or defects in the Government or the Constitution as by law established or in legislation or in the administration of justice with a view to the remedying of such errors or defects; (c) to persuade the citizens of Singapore or the residents in Singapore to attempt to procure by lawful means the alteration of any matter in Singapore; or (d) to point out, with a view to their removal, any matters producing or having a tendency to produce feelings of ill-will and enmity between different races or classes of the population of Singapore, if such act, speech, words, publication or other thing has not otherwise in fact a seditious tendency.

Japan imprisoned US Marines

Two US Marines were imprisoned for several years for beating up a Japanese taxi driver. In our recent case a few months back, a drunk US marine beat up a Singaporean in the car park. It was not a seizable offence and the Singaporean would have to take up a private suit to sue the American. If he has no money, he would have been beaten and the American gone scot free. Similarly, if a Singaporean is beaten up by another resident, he will have to fight his own case in court. It is a civil case. Maybe it is time that this non seizable offence law be modified to protect the citizens from being beaten up either by foreigners or another Singaporean. The state needs to protect its citizens and maintain law and order. Leaving it to private individual to sue is not the best solution. It would mean that justice comes with a price. No money no talk and no justice. Or the bully and rich can beat up the poor and the poor has no recourse for justice because he cannot afford to sue.

Myth 182 - When human rights is not right

Walter Woon warned against following the cult of human rights believers, when championing human rights becomes a religion. Constance Singam wanted more human rights fanatics to push the boundary of human rights. Walter Woon has his concerns as human rights has been used as a tool by the West to serve less than rightful purposes. It is only human rights when it serves their interests, and violating human rights when needed without any inkling of guilt. No hypocrisy? No? Human rights is all wrong when it is adulterated by politics. Human rights is rubbished when pushed by evil people who were violators of human rights. The plight of the Myanmar typhoon refugees could have been better handled if aids/human rights do not come with all the conditions for political interference. Human rights when pushed for its own sake could be much more palatable. At least it is an ideal to live and fight for. But when human rights is used to bash people for one's political ends, then it is all a big farce. Having said that, it is also wrong to pooh pooh away human rights per se. We are to a big extent violators of human rights ourselves and these should not go on without any condemnation. We shall start at home, to treat our people better, fairer and more equitable. Oops, not only our people but every human beans, even children of lesser gods.

What it could have been

A clean and good looking young professor packing his two kids into his car and driving them to school on a bright morning. On the way to the college he drops his wife to work. Back in campus, standing in front of bright eyed and eager students delivering his lecture, and the young ladies swooning over him. A lawyer in court mesmerising the judge and his opposite counsel with his brilliant oratory skills. And at the end of the day drinking at the Cricket Club with all his peers to make merry. These could be the wonderful lives of Dr Chee Soon Juan, JBJ and Gopalan Nair. Life could be so beautiful and easy. All these are gone now. Is it worth it? They have paid very heavy price to want to participate in the political system of the country. And not only they are suffering, their families are equally badly affected. The wives and children don't deserve all these. Paradise can be hell for some.

Quality FTs coming

(SINGAPORE) Thousands of job cuts in US and European banks - a fallout of the sub-prime mortgage crisis - are forcing bankers in those countries to seek jobs further afield. And they are showing interest in a region still relatively insulated from the crisis: Asia, particularly Singapore. 'It used to be difficult to get any senior finance professional in the US interested in moving to Asia. Now we are getting way too much interest!' This is the best news for Singapore. Real and quality FTs from the US are coming here. Let's start to be more selective and pick the best instead of any donkey that carry a foreign passport. This is a great opportunity for the banks to upgrade their mediocre talent pool and transform themselves into real international banks. As for the not so talented locals or those not so talented FTs who are already here, please make way or seek employment elsewhere. The best are coming.

When no one wins

ldzmyiiqThis is my observation on the civil suit against Chee Soon Juan recently. The Chee siblings lost, simple as that, and had to spend a few days behind bars. Did the plaintiffs win? They only won the judgement of the court. Otherwise they lost in all counts in the court of public opinions. The big loser is the Judge if what was heard in the gossip corners and cyberspace were to go by. Oh there is a bigger loser, make your guess. There is a common saying that one can win a battle and lose a war. This is an unnecessary skirmish that should not have happened. Not worth a minute to be spent on it. But people can have different opinions and think it is important and the show must go on. This is at best a hollow victory with an immeasurable price.

The disaffected Singaporeans

After the front page news of Singaporeans being kept out by a niteclub in favour of foreigners, I was expecting more reactions from Singaporeans to stand up for their rights. Or at least there should be some letters appearing in the msm forum. Nothing. Singaporeans no longer bother about such stuff. Take their money, treat them life serfs, take away their rights, no sweat. They don't mean anything to them. Such an attitude of disinterest only shows that they do not identify with the things taken away. And you cannot take things away from them when they don't take ownership of them. Mentally or psychologically, they do not think they are the owners of this island anymore. This is also reflected by a recent blog on why doing NS did not make the blogger more Singaporean or wanted to defend Singapore. Singaporeans have given up on Singapore by default. They are treating this land of theirs like the guest workers, as a hotel. They probably will run or fly off when things are not going the way they want. If Singaporeans are feeling this way, soon any foreigners can walk into their HDB flats and ask them to get lost and they will. There is no belonging, no ownership and no commitment to anything here. With so many things happening that affect them directly, were there any reactions? No. Let it be. Singaporeans can be pushed around in Singapore by anyone. We have failed miserably in nation building. Or maybe that is not what that matters. Let it be. Let this island be a no man's land. Free for grab. When nothing matters, nothing matters.

Ugly Singaporean maid abusers

Singaporean couple jailed for maid abuses Husband to be jailed 4 weeks and wife 6 weeks for beating and abusing maid. They even imposed fines on the maid for every mistake she made when the maid's income is so miserably low. We need more severe punishment for such cruel behaviour. There is no excuse to abuse maids. The msm should make it a standard practice to print mug shots of maid abusers on their front page when found guilty by the courts. This will be an effective deterrence for such inhuman behaviour.

Batam official threatens to cut PNG supply to Singapore JAKARTA, May 06, 2008 (AsiaPulse via COMTEX) The regional Indonesian assembly of Batam threatens to block the gas flow pipes from ConocoPhilips via Batam to Singapore unless Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) normalizes gas supply to the industrial island. "We and the people of Batam will block gas flow to Singapore," a regional assembly leader Batam Ruslan Kasbulatov said. Ruslan said the state-owned gas distributor has increased supply to Singapore at the expense of supply to Batam. "As an Indonesian state company PGN should give priority to Batam instead of Singapore," he said. I copied the above article from a post in Sammyboy.com. This is the kind of tribal mentality that still exists in our neighbouring countries. They do not know how it will affect foreign investments/doing business in their countries when investors cannot find confidence and consistency in their application of the rule of law. This is the kind of fear for investors in the Johore IDR. Any time they can mess up whatever business agreements when they want to appease domestic politics. They just cannot separate business interests and considerations from politics. Who would dare to do business with them? And they will say, 'Don't invest don't invest lah.'

No dogs and Singaporeans allowed!

Can this really happen in paradise? Or, according to one anonymous blogger, it is already happening, except not written? And who is manning the gate to keep Singaporeans out? Singaporeans? But don't worry, Singaporeans will get use to it. We have got use to compromise our civil rights.

The fight against dictation culture

Two letters to the ST Forum by Alan Chuang, Accident Analyst and Bernard Low, President, Singapore Motor Workshop Association, were strongly against the recent new rules dictating that motorists should compulsorily do a list of things when involved in an accident. The one I am very cheesed off is the demand for motorists to drive their car for inspection even when there is no damage to the car. This is totally uncalled for and outrageous. Why should motorists whose cars are not damaged be incovenience to such an extent? Petrol and time are very expensive and not free. Then there is a whole list of difficult demands found objectionable as put up by the two forumers that borders on anti competition, cartel, high handedness and authoritarian. The GIAS is behaving like they own Singapore and is dictating to the motorists with unfair conditions. The two forumers are calling for the govt to step in to protect motorists from such haughty demands.

A Significant Silence

Singaporeans are not dumb. But I can hardly say that they are smart either. At best they are selfishly clever in staying away from troublesome issues. They are only interested in their own vested interests and would not mind acting dumb. The latest court case involving Chee Soon Juan and Chee Siok Chin is a great example of how Singaporeans go about their compartmental lives. The case is transparent to them. Did not happen and they do not want to know or talk about it. What Singaporeans do or react to happenings around them can best be described by asking a few questions. Who is involved, will it benefit them to get involved, why would they step on a pile of shit when they don't have to, better to continue with their own lives than to invite trouble. This is the kind of attitude that is pervasive in our society. And that is how many serious breaches and crimes were allowed to go on without anyone putting a stop to them or even whispering a word. None of my business. Just walk away. The numerous corporate governance problems, the intrigues in corporate world, where little warlords ruled and messed around in their little fiefdoms are obvious to many but blind to many as well. The little Red Dot has many juicy red apples with many worms gnawing inside. The silent culture, see nothing, hear nothing, say nothing, and do nothing will do us in as a matter of time. What? What's happening? No I don't know.

Citizenship has its privileges

Front page news on My Paper, Singaporeans, being citizens, have the privilege of paying cover charge to enter St James Power Station Disco. It is the club's policy to allow foreigners in free but Singaporeans must pay. Such a privilege status in our own country will make Singaporeans stand up, at least as graceful and generous host. Now no one can complain that Singaporeans are not friendly to foreigners or even xenophobic. I think all our entertainment or consumer outlets should be encouraged to have such a policy. Foreigners special discount, or serve foreigners first. But no clubs or public places should have any signs saying 'Singaporeans not allowed' or Singaporeans no welcomed.' And in buses or MRTs, Singaporeans should stand up and offer their seats to foreigners. We are getting truly international. We are a world class hotel. St James Station and all its Singaporean staff should be given a medal during the National Day Celebration for putting Singapore as the best place for foreigners to be. They should be named Outstanding Singaporeans of the Year.

Moral and Ethical conduct of people in high office

Whether a person is in the public service or in private organisations, there is this unwritten rule of maintaining a high moral and ethical standard of conduct in the performance of his duty/business. These include making profits and treating their consumers/clients and staff fairly and equitably. Money or profits made through unethical means are ill gotten gains and are to be despised. As we cheered our great monetary wealth, if we allow all the immoral and unethical conduct to go unpunished, it will destroy our social moral fibre and be the cause of our ruin and infamy down the road. Tan Kin Lian said that he did not know that Income made 7.8% pa yield over the last 10 years. And he was the CEO for some part of this duration I think. I am not sure how long he has left Income. What's happening? And Income was paying out bonuses to its policyholders that 'were lower than orignally projected, due to the cut in bonus in some of the previous years.' He 'felt that it is more important for these past bonus cuts to be restored, subject to financial solvency.' I think anyone reading his article published in Today would be able to see the kind of problems that are surfacing. And it all boils down to transparency, ethics and moral conduct of how corporations are being run and how consumers are getting an unfair share of what they are deserving. Maybe Income has quoted wrong numbers.

Help is everywhere

I say it again, Singaporeans are so fortunate. We do not need a typhoon or devastating earthquake to get help. And the help Singaporeans are getting are not small change. Just imagine that Myanmar and China both got US$200k from us officially. And compare these to what the govt and NGOs are giving back to the people to help them. The govt is giving back in the billions to the people. Even CDAC and Sinda gave in hundreds of millions to help the people. CADC gave '$600k last year and expects to provide $250k more to needy families and students.' This amount alone is more than what we gave to Myanmar and China. Aren't we lucky, when help is everywhere. What I am puzzled is that why is it that Singaporeans need so much help? Aren't they going to suffer from a clutch mentality? Aren't these help going to rob away their drive to work hard and be self sufficient? I think we are giving away too much money to help Singaporeans. No wonder they are now not able to compete with foreigners.

Malaysian journalists and bloggers joined hands

They are coming together to demand for more press freedom. They are not happy to see Malaysia falling behind in media freedom. Now would that make any difference? I think they ranked much higher in press freedom than our 146th position, or is it 157th? Does it matter when economic well being is the better criteria to judge the well being of a people? We may be ranking below everyone, but we are rich and prosperous, we have everything other poorer countries are envious off, except, a little less press freedom. But since there are no protest, it means that Singaporeans are happy with our position. We don't need the press freedom that will lead to trouble and riotings in the streets. We don't even need street protests. I hope our msm will rise up to the occasion and propound on our virtues of being 146th or 157th. We are the best in our own ways. We do not need to follow the standards set by the rest of the world.

The Malaysian political intrigue

What is happening in Malaysian politics today will easily beat West Wing or Yes Minister! There are so many plots and sub plots and juicy news, including conspiracies and counter conspiracies. And there are also enough sex to liven up the stories. Malaysia will have an international hit serial if they could turn it into a mega movie. And the best part of it all, it is real! If no want in Malaysia wish to produce it, Singaporean producers should quickly rush over and grab the story.

Transparency versus behind the scene dealings

PN Balji was not too happy that Tan Kin Lian took the issue with NTUC Income public. To Balji, it is better done behind closed doors. I thought transparency is good. Now that the issue is open and no matter the messenger or the way it is being done, right or wrong must be upheld, and so must be the insterest of the consumers. In this case, Balji's conclusion is that because of the way it was aired in public, the consumers will suffered. He is presuming that all the great leaders will take it personally and will dig in their heels at he expense of the innocent consumers. I believe our leaders are objective and rational people and will rise above personal differences and will put the interest of the consumers first. Let's see if I am right or Balji is right. Will the consumers be better off or at least not be worst off.

The changing demographic pattern

'Foreign Affairs Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury yesterday said Singapore is a good destination for skilled and semi-skilled Bangladeshi workers.' I can add a few more. Singapore is a great place for Filipino, Indonesian, Indian and Sri Lankan maids. Singapore is also a good place for Chinese, Indian, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi workers. With Singapore becoming a haven for these third world low talent and low skill workers, the demographic pattern will soon change. I can simply divide them into two groups, the haves and the have nots. The haves will be the elite and the real foreign talents, driving around in their limousines and residing in exclusive suburbs or in the clouds. At the lower and down to earth end will be the hardlanders and the MRT squeeze with our third world workers. After travelling in MRTs for a while, the ingenuity of nature soon makes one less sensitive to odour and human heat and sweat. Well, got to get use to life in the lower strata of society, taking public transport to work. Mind you, this is world class transport at its best. Imagine if the population continues to increase or when the aircon breaks down. Life in paradise or more accurately living in a third world haven is really great, especially if one comes from the rundown and properly kept public facilities of developing countries. Everything here is like heaven indeed.

Rule less, do more

The MOE has this brilliant concept of teaching less and learning more. Can this same concept be applied in the current state of our national development? After 40 years of rapid growth in all areas, except the political system, are our people matured enough, educated enough, to be ruled less and be freer to do and live a freer life on their own? Or are we still in the same state of enlightenment as the Middle Ages when the people were still made up of the ignorant masses and needed to be ruled with an iron fist? Are we progressing or regressing? Looking at some young upstarts who have never been concerned about the people's well being except how to make their first million and telling the people about life and nation is quite creepy. As we continue to brag about how advanced and progressive we are, how knowledgeable and wealthy we are in the pocket and in the head, which I believe is true relatively to our past, it is time to change the mindset of the rulers to lead instead of to rule. Or what we are experiencing today is actually an advanced stage of ruling less?

Being led to believe

You were being persuaded to buy something on the belief that it will perform according to some specifications or will provide some satisfaction to you, or will reward you in some ways. A certain expectation is being built into the transaction. And if it is not met, no deal, or there is a breach of the agreement, in this case a downgrading of expectation. This is perhaps what the NTUC Income bonus issue is all about. Tan Kin Lian said, 'please keep to your promise.' Is such an expectation unreasonable? Why should the buyer be made to accept terms that make them worst off because the seller has to juggle and improve his solvency problem? The key question here is whether the existing buyers are better off. Would it be too much to ask for or to demand that the seller keep to its promise to existing buyers and only apply the new terms to new buyers? I thought this is the only decent and ethical thing to do. Apparently this shifting of the goal posts and applying it to existing buyers and incumbents is the accepted way of doing business here. The changing of the terms of CPF contributions affecting the date of withdrawal, the interest rate, and the withholding of the money saved are similar to changing the terms in an agreement. The affected people keep quiet, so they are presumed to have given their consent or approval to the changes. The decision maker will say, see, no protest, so the people must be happy. The people who made the changes think that it is ethically and morally right to do so, probably on the declared objective that 'it is for the good of the buyers or incumbents.' What kind of logic is this? There are many brilliant people here but none of the brilliant people has questioned these changes. Would Ngiam Tong Dow say something on this since he is on a speak your mind spree? Maybe all the super talents share the same logic, that it is alright. Another Uniquely Singapore feature?

Equal misery

Rajasegaran Ramasamy was quoted in the ST Forum complaining that teachers are getting free parking while in other ministries and stats boards the officers have to pay for parking. To him this is grossly unfair. He wanted the system to be fair to all and teachers be made to pay for their parking in school compounds. His most convincing argument is that 'the govt is losing a potential revenue of some $1.625 mil monthly.' Now who can argue against such a big sum of money logic. I am sure the bean counters will be smiling in glee with so much money to collect. Sorry teachers, your little privilege is habis. I will be glad to support Rajasegaran if he were to proposed that all the ministries and stats boards should follow the example of the MOE and allow their staff to park free. I forgot, Mindef officers are allowed to park free also. Will I be seeing paid parking lots in military camps and carpark wardens patrolling inside them as well? Rajasegaran's suggestion is a 'bee tang' idea and should be implemented and he be awarded a gold medal for public administration. The best suggestion I have heard from a citizen so far.

Tan Kin Lian speaking his mind

Tan Kin Lian has developed a new speak your mind culture in cyberspace. He spoke about things he knows best, insurance. And he went one step further by taking on NTUC Income on the changes in the payout of insurance bonus. He was unhappy when the payout formula was changed and policy holders will be getting less than when he was in charge. He ran a protest in cyberspace and would have taken the issue to the NTUC Income AGM. Fireworks were expected. Then, pssssst.... He was invited for tea by Lim Boon Heng and Matthias Yao. As reported in the ST, 'Mr Lim told him that his committee would ensure that Income's policyholders would continue to get good value, while Mr Yao said the restructure was designed to improve Income's solvency position.' Wow, if the payout formula was not changed, Income's solvency will not improve. Matthias added, 'those who terminate their policies this year would not be in any worse off position compared with the previous bonus structure.' What about those who did not terminate their policies this year? Should they all scramble to terminate their policies so that they will not be worst off? Anyway, 'Chairman Ng Kee Choe called the restructure a "very carefully considered decision" and one in the best interests of policyholders.' Was the old bonus structure carefully considered?

NKF story - Amazing Grace?

The Amazing Case or Amazing Grace? Durai is back and will serve his 3 month jail sentence from 10 Jun 08. He has to date paid $1.4 mil to NKF and still owing $2.6 mil of the total $4 mil owed. He has two rich friends to lend him $500k each to help to pay the debt. Wonderful friends to have. What is so amazing about that. Nothing. What is amazing is that it was reported that Richard Yong, Loo Say San and Matilda Chua, all three has yet to make any payment. They were declared bankrupts. All of them were high flyers, with big paychecks, living is style and luxury. And they could not and did not pay a cent to NKF! What's going on? Isn't that amazing?

The right to give and to receive

The right to give and the right to receive With charity taking a new form, and with some gaining ill repute, it is best to leave it to the individuals to do what they think best. I am talking about the right to scholarship here. The right of the govt to give scholarships and the right of the recipients to receive the scholarships. On the right to give, a noble act which is often tied to rewarding the best and the most brilliant who would in turn benefit the country. This must be distinguished from giving bursaries, normally seen as a financial assistance scheme to help the recipients financially. Malaysia was giving only 20% of govt scholarships to non Malays for at least 20 years. 80% of govt scholarships were given to Malays, assuming the numbers are true. This is the kind of racial disparity dictated by Mahathir and UMNO. And Malaysia is paying for it today, for giving scholarships not to the brightest but according to racial birth rights. Singapore has another kind of problem, giving scholarships to non citizens. From the citizens' point of view, from the taxpayers' point of view, both are seen as unfair and unacceptable. The right to receive, in Malaysia's case, is quite evident. As taxpayers, as citizens, the non Malay students whose academic grades are excellent should be awarded scholarships based on their merit. What about Singapore giving scholarships to foreigners whose parents are not taxpayers or citizens? Or are they aid or assistance packages to other countries? Malaysia is now revising the percentage from 20% to 40% in favour of non Malays. The MCA and MIC deserve to lose the election for allowing this to go on for so long. How many Scholarships did Singapore gave to foreigners? What is the percentage vis a vis citizens?

Stoned right!

Sharon Stone may be stoned, but she is damned right that the big earthquake in China is a karmic retribution for China's role in Tibet. But she forgot to elaborate more by looking at the progress in the US, Europe and particularly Japan and Germany. Many people actually are confused about the law of karma. The true karmic law is like the law of the jungle, the survival of the fittest. The greater the evil, the better a nation or people prosper. China has not done enough evil, and that is why it is still a developing nation and suffering from national calamities. And that applies to the poor Asian and African countries. Compare to Europe, after they colonised and robbed the rest of the world their wealth and their dignity, and impoverished most of them, Europe is peaceful, graceful and rich. So did America. Look how great and rich the USA is? It is all karma. They reaped their good karma from killing and exterminating the Red Indians. They reaped their good life from turning Africans into slaves. And their good karma will continue if they keep killing the Arabs. China should learn from the USA, then it will become a richer country. Germany and the gassing of the Jews, concentration camps etc, see how good is the karma of Germany? It is now the most prosperous nation in Europe. The same applies to the Japanese. Remember the atrocities they inflicted to Asians when they tried to conquer and rule all of them, including the Rape of Nanking and the chemical factory using Chinese to test chemical and biological weapons, which they passed all the information and research material to the Americans, see how well off they are now? The law of karma says that a country and people must be cruel to beget good karma and live well. Now watch carefully as America and Europe start to decline and degenerate into the third world league as they become more human and care for human rights. Stone is right. She is stoned right. China was not evil enough to reap goodness!

Frivolous pursuits

Today I am running out of things to do or things to write. As I was fiddling with what to do, as I have a little time to spare, the thought came over my mind that I should say some good things about people. Maybe I should pick up some people I know and praise them sky high. Making people feel good is always a good thing. I often see the gladful smile on the faces of ladies when I greeted them with, 'You look so good this morning.' After all it is free compliments. But I am also cautious not to over do it as it may sound insincere or freakish. It is just a thought. All of you who have nothing better to do, please say something good about someone else. That will be a good start for the day.

No issues, so nothing to write

Surprisingly there are no more hot issues to write about. Mas Selamat case, settled and closed, Pedra Branca dispute over, high cost of living no longer an issue with govt handouts and now special one time bonus for civil servants. Singapore now regaining its top position as the 9th most expensive city to do business, and no riotings or protest with high cost of petrol and food. It means that the people must be happy. Tough that there are nothing else to write or talk about. Oh, maybe I shall join the party and praise Boon Wan for being the best minister Singapore ever got. Does he deserve such an accolade? Duh, who am I to say he is good or no good? Better to leave it to the people who are affected by his policies to tell their stories. Anyway, his policies do not affect me at all. I don't patronise govt hospitals. I can't afford such luxuries. The only thing that adversely affected me is that my money are stuck in Medisave. If I were to grade him on this point, I fail him. As for his mean testing policies, only the people affected will be qualified to comment.

Knocking on the door of Opec

Indonesia quits Opec. It has become a net importer of oil despite its huge reserves. So no point staying on as a member. Never mind, Singapore should register its interest to take over Indonesia's vacated seat. We have all the wherewither to be an Opec member now. We have the sea in front of Pedra Branca to explore our oil. We have our oil rig builders to build all the rigs that we want. And we have the oil refineries to refine the oil. And we have all the supporting services to go oil exploring and oil digging. A new company, maybe call it SinOil, will soon come into the picture when Singapore starts to produce its own oil. Boom town Charlie for Singaporeans. We will be able to finance all the retirement schemes for our aged citizens. Another 100 years of prosperity.

Myth 181 - Low taxes

Our income tax has been lowered quite substantially. Estate Duty has been removed. Corporate taxes also lowered. And we have a free port where many things are tax exempted. Singaporeans must be paying the lowest tax in the world. Very true, for the very rich. The richer you are, the lower you are taxed unless you buy that yacht or that bungalow in the sky. On the other hand there are many kinds of 'taxes' that Singaporeans are paying. CPF, Medisave, CPF Life, Minimum Sum are all taxes in different guises. Basically they take your money away, with a promise of returning them some time in the future. Even the choice of hospital wards is a kind of compulsory choice to pay. Then we have taxes on cars, road tax, road usage tax called ERPs, petrol, COEs, TV and Radio Licences and all kinds of licences, Consumption Taxes on utilities, taxes to teach you and remind you water is precious, contributions to compulsory social services like CDAC, Mendaki, Sinda, and the all pervasive and comprehensive GST that go on top of all the purchases, including those already taxed, like cars, essential services, petrols, and whatever. Is it really true that Singapore is a tax haven? For corporations and doing business, perhaps. For the people, what is the absolute amount of tax that the people are paying vis a vis say UK, US and Australia or even Malaysia?

Engaging the bloggers

Najib Razak agreed that it is important and correct to engage bloggers and clear whatever misconceptions or misperceptions there are among the people of the govt. It is simply communication, talking to and with the people. This is one of the good things that came out of the recent political earthquake in Malaysia. The earthquake has propelled Malaysia ahead of Singapore in openess and willingless to engage bloggers. Their politicians are even confident enough to advocate that all politicians must have their own blogs to share their thoughts on things. Such attitude cannot have happened in a political system when politicians would have to double check with the boss for approval before sharing their views. Malaysia is going to lead Singapore in this area. Posting in cyberspace requires a lot of give and take as words could not always describe correctly or accurately what the poster intended. Also, without mischief or malice, some words or views may come out harsh and very critical. At times they are due to misconception, misunderstanding or wrong interpretation of things. And all these can easily be clarified and straightened with two way communications that cyberspace is best at. Honest people posting in cyberspace should engage honest people in a gentlemanly way even if both do not see eye to eye. Views can be different or opposing. No matter. What is unfortunate will be for some uptights to resort to threats and taking people to courts for the slightest misunderstandings or misrepresentations. Adults must be allowed to talk it out, reason it out in a rational and graceful manner. Then we will have progress as a civilisation and keep pace with the progress in technology, like internet and cyberspace. Only when the intent is more than simply an airing of views, when there is intent to mislead, to libel, to attack someone's integrity wrongfully, and when sincere exchange of views were ignored, then there is ground to seek legal justice. At the moment cyberspace is seen as a dangerous place, where angels fear to thread.

No to subsidised petrol for Singaporeans

It is a right move by the Malaysian govt to stop subsidising petrol to foreigners. On a matter of principle, a country should only subsidise living cost to their citizens. Subsidising foreigners is like giving away taxpayers' money. It must be citizens first. I think Malaysia should be very appreciative of our ingenious 3/4 tank rule. It puts a lid on Singaporeans benefitting from their generosity, or exploiting their generosity. On the business point of view, to attract foreigners to spend money in Malaysia, especially around JB, now that is a different issue. Big shopping centres don't mind giving special discounts or offers, or giveaways to attract shoppers. Is the subsidised petrol a giveaway discount to attract shoppers? Issues like this cannot be simply done away with. It is quite complicated and need a little more thoughts.

No legislation on rest days for maids

The onus or privilege is left to the employers to look after the maids well. The fact is that many employers have not been treating the maids well. Why are we not legislating at least one day a week as rest days for maids? It is only decent and human to allow the maids a day off a week like all workers. If as a country we are unable and did not want to do it, we can expect employers to think that it is alright to do so. Individually some employers may not want to do it. As a country, as a people, it is important that we get this message across that maids are human beans and need a rest day. Maids are not indispensable for 365 days a year. There are just like tools of convenience for those who can afford them. But they are not mechanical. It is unbelieveable to accept the notion that our families cannot live without a maid for one day in a week. And if they really need a maid everyday, pay for it. It is definitely a luxury. Maid is a new development and a new help for families. We, as a people, fails miserably in this area. This is not even about being graceful, it is about being disgraceful. We don't expect ourselves to work everyday of the week but we expect another human bean to do so for our comfort. What are we becoming when we get richer?

A return to the LKY era

We are changing fast, but I can't help thinking that we are moving back into the 70s, the days when LKY was in charge. LKY is everywhere. You see him, you hear him, and you feel his presence, not just physically, but his influence on policies. In those days, all he needed to say is an 'ah choo,' and the whole place will be disinfected. There was this joke that he had a round of golf at Tanah Merah Country Club and his ball was curved by the wind. He asked why the wind was so strong. The next day the casuarina trees along Changi Beach were halved in height. It was a joke to exemplify how people over reacted to his comments. Recently he commented against subsidies as it would distort the market forces. I think this will become an official policies or an unwritten rule from now on. Subsidy is going to be a four letter word. No ministry will dare to wander near it. Let's see which subsidy will be the first to go.

Disappeared without a trace

I think Mas Selamat really vaporised into thin air. Totally no trace of him. But one good thing about closing this chapter on him, as reported in the msm, is that people have cooled down, at least in Parliament. The Mas Selamat issue is over. There is a final accountability in Parliament and a proper closure. The people at fault have been properly dealt with. It is no longer an issue.

Another case of Dictation Culture

The new motor insurance framework, if drivers did not comply may lose no claims discount. This will take effect from 1 Jun 08. 1. At the accident scene, drivers must not only exchange their particulars but take digital or MMS photos of the vehicles involved. 2. They must call their insurer's hotline for an authorised tow truck or further advice. 3. Then, take their vehicle to an approved reporting centre within 24 hours or by the next working day, whether or not it was damaged. If one does not have a camera of mobile phone with camera, mati. And the picture taken is specifically defined as digital or MMS photos. Film camera not acceptable. The insurers assume that everyone has them and in working condition, battery must be working and charged. And even if there is no damage, still must send vehicle to approved reporting centre. What for? If owners accepted that there is no damage, not enough, must send car for proof! What nonsense is this?

Extraordinary Gains!

With the high cost of living escalating, oil and commodities and food prices running wild, the least the govt can do is not to ride on the extraordinary gains through GST and other taxes on these items. Do something towards these taxes to reduce the cost a little for the people. And this is NOT asking for subsidies. Just maintain the govt's income from such taxes and not making more because of all the external factors. Why no one raises these issues in Parliament? Seat belt is important. But so important meh, that the high cost of living is a non issue except to Low Thia Kiang and Sylvia Lim?

Subsidies to instal seatbelts

This is a hot issue among the mothers in parliament and they fought with gusto. They wanted to protect the safety of children and wanted seatbelts to be installed immediately. Who pays? The most sensible MP coming from this discussion is Sin Boon Ann. It is only $25, not a big cost to the govt and subsidy is needed. It is so easy to demand that the bus operators pay for it. Huh, how much are they making to ferry the school children? And this is an essential service, a national service. Why must the govt be so careful over issues of $25 or $30 and then talked about million dollar salary not enough? No subsidy. It will distort the market. Come on lah. Just because LKY said so and it becomes an edict? Everything must be seen in its proper context. Must as well cut off all subsidies to HDB flats and medical bills. These are the greatest subsidies that distort the market price mechanism. Anyway, what's the big issue?

It's happened, what to do?

This is about what sum up the proceedings on tackling rising cost of living. Lim Hng Kiang said, "we 'cannot completely insulate ourselves' from the global price hikes." The govt is looking at other measures, no cutting of GST or petrol taxes or that sort of things. Anyway our petrol tax is 'modest,' only 44c a litre. And the govt's policy is to maintain price stability etc. Have prices been stable? Many have reached a point when every cent counts, when every little increases are no longer affordable. Can understand this or not? Oh, the high inflation rate will cool off later in the year. It is only temporary. Really, are we expecting the prices to go back to where they were before after the cooling off period? Obviously not and they will stay at current level. So how would temporary once off handouts going to help in the long term? And workers are not going to expect pay rise or substantial pay rise to offset the high inflation cost. The solution, please tighten your belt.

Get rid of baju kurung!

A heated debate is on in Malaysia to get rid of the baju kurung which the Malay students have been wearing since time immemorial. It is a traditional Malay dress and there is nothing indecent or disgraceful about it. What the advocates dislike about the dress is that it is too sexy and will be the reason for rape. How silly can they be. A pretty face is also a reason for rape. Hide the face? Ok, Ok, bring in the burqa. Malaysian students should henceforth be banned from wearing traditional Malay baju kurung and opt for Arabic burqa. Soon they will all be more Arabic than Malays.

Crazy people and their crazy ideas

Singaporeans who have the privilege of living to the ripe old age of 70 and above should be preparing themselves to depart from this physical world. Only those who have a lot of unspent money should think of how to spend those money, and one prerequisite is to keep themselves alive at all cost. And for Singaporeans who think they are lucky to live till 80 and above, enjoy everyday they can. Don't ever think of wasting your money by putting them into any form of life or medical insurance. The end is near. Whoever is asking people to keep buying medical insurance at that kind of age needs to have his sanity check. But of course, if there is plenty of money, go for it, and try to live till 100. For those who need the money to live, live and be happy for the day. Everyday is a bonus.

What's wrong with subsidies?

"I read the newspapers and the simplest thing is to write and say, subsidise. Rice, oil, bus fares, even putting seat belts on school buses. That is the surest way to go downhill” LKY I don't agree with his views on this. Subsidies or handouts are different forms of welfare. If one is wrong, both are wrong. Anyway, I don't think Singaporeans are asking for subsidies to the extent of giveaways at below cost. Market subsidies is one thing that can be cut for essential items. Profit in essential goods at times like this can also be cut as long as the importers are not losing money. Making profits on such items at such times leave much to be desired. Then there is the huge petrol tax that can be lowered without affecting govt revenue when petrol price was much lower. In fact it should be cut to lower business cost. Nobody is expecting a blanket subsidy for everything. Fine tuning a little here and there to help the people is what the people expect of the govt.

China got money!

China got plenty of money, $2 trillion in reserve. With so much money, China does not need any donation or help for the Sichuan victims. Is this what My Paper is trying to say in its front page article? I must agree. People with a lot of money should not be given more money. People who are earning millions should stop whining and demanding for more. Why? Simple, they got plenty of money. Anyway, just to ease my conscience, and to do a little for humanity, I still a few dollars to the Sichuan Earthquake victims. Never mind if China has a lot of money. It is personal. You do what you think is right or what that makes you feel good. You want to give, just give. Don't want to give, don't give. What about those who got millions and still think they need more? Does My Paper has a view on that? Never mind lah, they need it, and if they are able to take it, let them take lah. It would be nice if the msm take up such an issue for discussion. And if a rich country like paradise got hit by a natural disaster, I think many people will also ask the same question. Should they help paradise? Paradise got money what?

Legislation for whistle blowers

Singapore is like a Third World nation when it comes to the protection of employees' rights. Corporate Governance advocate Mak Yuen Teen. There is a serious need for legislation to protect whistle blowers if Singapore is serious about reducing fraud in the workplace. I think this is asking too much. As the culprits of abuses in corporation are mainly inflicted by the management. Why would they want to push for such legislation? In my experience, we have perhaps one of the most disciplined and docile workforce. And management often were very high handed and got away with it because no one dare to scream. Legislation is absolutely necessary to prevent further abuses in the corporate world.