myth 95

'HDB flats are too small' A Ms Sangeetha Bysheim wrote to the media complaining, oh no sorry, feedback, that HDB flat is a squash for more kids. How wrong can she be. In a 3 room flat, it can take in easily and comfortably 10 people, father and mother and 4 children to a room. And there is still space in the living room to park maybe another 4 bodies when lights out. And Ignatius Lourdesamy from the HDB rightly replied that our flats are big, bigger than in Hongkong, Tokyo and Seoul, and bigger than private apartments. Singaporeans should not be complaining about small flats. They did not know how good life is in Singapore. Go to Africa and see those natives living in thatch huts or in open space! 'HDB flats are also designed for more efficient use of space.' Now this is very important in land scarce Singapore. What Sangeetha should suggest is that all flats and houses must also be designed to save space. After all we are going to have 8 million residents in years to come. Maybe there should be a law to regulate the size of space entitlement for each citizen. As an example each person is entitled to 3 by 3 metres of bedroom space, no matter whether it is HDB flat, private flat or landed properties. If hardlanders are deemed fit to be squeezed into a small hole, or in public transport, then anyone who thinks that such condition is acceptable should also be prepared to be in the same shit hole. There is a saying that you need to be in the same shit to appreciate what it is like. Try living it is one way. There are still people who believed that Singaporeans can survive on a household income of less than $1000, or a big family to live inside a pigeon hole of 50 to 90 sq metres.

GST - The realists and the cock teasers

GST - The realists and the cock teasers The GST increase will be debated in Parliament early next year. Debate for what or about what? The realists know that debating the GST in Parliament is but a waste of time. So they are now concentrating on preparing the people to accept the increase and how to adjust to it, or what the Govt can do to share the loot. The cock teasers will still be trying talk about alternatives to GST. There are many other ways to raise fund than raising GST. Yesterday's teaser was to legislate a $2 levy on every working people and use it to help the poor. Today's teaser is by a Roger Tan who suggested that a better way is to sell Govt bonds. I am yawning again.

GST - The realists and the cock teasers

GST - The realists and the cock teasers The GST increase will be debated in Parliament early next year. Debate for what or about what? The realists know that debating the GST in Parliament is but a waste of time. So they are now concentrating on preparing the people to accept the increase and how to adjust to it, or what the Govt can do to share the loot. The cock teasers will still be trying talk about alternatives to GST. There are many other ways to raise fund than raising GST. Yesterday's teaser was to legislate a $2 levy on every working people and use it to help the poor. Today's teaser is by a Roger Tan who suggested that a better way is to sell Govt bonds. I am yawning again.

it is great to give

It is always a great thing to give Khoo Teck Puat gave $34 million to Beijing University. His own money. It is easier to give other people's money, or taxpayer's money. There is now a storm at NUS for giving 40% of its bursary to foreigners. At NTU, bursary is only for Singaporeans. There is a difference in philosophy here. One believes in charity begins at home. One is international philantrophy, give to the world. Hopefully their pocket is deep enough. Now the donors are not happy. They donated in the belief that this will be given to help needy local students. Now, was there a written position or an implied understanding of who the donation shall go to? According to Education Correspondence, Sandra Davie, these detractors, a new term for complainers, are unhappy. Maybe using the term detractor is more pleasant. But if there was an understanding, implied or written, that the fund should go to local students, then the complainers are more than detractors. The onus of proof to justify the allocation of funds to foreign students will then lie squarely on the administrators of the fund. Then I wonder what is the best term to describe them

thoughtless violation of ownership

What is ownership? What is it that belongs to you? And if it is yours, can anyone take it from you against your wish or without your permission? Or can anyone, through a show of hands, that they are the majority, thus they decide against your property or interests? Or can the govt legislate anything it wants from you? The truth is that all these is happening right in front of us. And Singaporeans did not even have a second thought whether it is right for such things to happen. A very good example is an article in the newspaper by a writer, Nelson Quah, suggesting a mandatory deduction of $2 from all employees to set up a fund for the poor. And this is not the first time Singaporeans are suggesting such a measure with no respect for ownership. Whose money? Who does all these Singaporeans think they are to decide to take someone else money or property because they think it is for a good cause? Just legislate it and it becomes legal. Look at what is happening to our CPF? It is perfectly legal. It is also your money, or maybe not now.

now no fear to post at redbeanforum

Then please use the very same technology to banish all FUD (Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt) about your IP address being traced. Regain your anonymity, freedom and privacy. Exercise your free speech in order to preserve what little freedom you have left. Do you like anonymity? Do you wish to circumvent MDA's or any censor's content filters for that matter? Then use Tor technology. It's a network of onion-routers operated mostly by private individuals (some .edus and non-profit orgs also do so). But coz no one person/company own/ have access to the entire network - a common pitfall of so-called "free anonymous proxies" - they can't store all details about you - even if they want to). Tor continually hops and cycles through thousands of IP addresses in its network before exiting your data stream through hundreds possible exit nodes. So unless you're being watched and timed at both entry and exit nodes, no one knows where you came from nor where you're going. Anyway, so what? You easily re-establish another ID using new hardware with fresh MAC addresses. And of course using a public hotspot helps, too. If you want to try out Tor, go to http://torrify.com/ and download Torpark and run that from your machine. Once you've got it running go to http://cmyip.com/ to verify that your IP is indeed masked. Better still go download the Firefox browser from http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/ and torrify it from http://tor.eff.org/download.html.en so you get the benefit of Privoxy as well. Allow yourself to speak out freely without any more FUD. So you see, Knowledge is Power and Information is Freedom in an information-controlled and fear-induced environment. BTW, Tor, Firefox, Privoxy software that power such technology is Open Source Software. Meaning it's FREE and LEGAL to be downloaded and used. So use and support OSS to enjoy a better tomorrow today. PS. don't complain if your surfing speed is now slower. That's the trade-off you make to enjoy anonymity and circumvent content filters. You choose if it's worth it. Anyway, there's the Tor button that toggles if off - if you feel safe to do so.

increase in postage rate

Increase in Postage rate. The increase in postage rate effective 18 Dec 06 will be from 23c to 25c, 70c to $1.10 and $2 to $2.20. Effectively the percentage increase ranges from 8.7%, 10% and 57%. There it goes!

littering no more

We have been very successful in cleaning up Singapore over the years until things took a drastic change lately. Singaporeans in general, except a few untrainable, have been accustomed to the non littering habit that have been instilled in them from young. Why the sudden turn of event? Have Singaporeans gone back to their third world mentality? It is pointless to tackle the problem if we failed to see the cause of the problem. Indeed some Singaporeans have returned to their ugly habit of littering. But that is not the major cause. Why are people so blind not to notice who are the littering our streets? It is not the Singaporeans but our foreign workers. Not too sure about foreign talents. Overnight, fields and playgrounds and footpaths were strewn with litters, papers for sitting on the ground, plastic bags, food wrappers, emptied drink bottles and cans were everywhere. For the situation to reach such a state, it means someone is sleeping. Someone who is tasked to do the job is not doing it. Is this a complain? To some arseholes, yes it is a complain. To the enlightened, it is feedback. And they would probably thank people who talked about such problems and start cracking. The problem is straightforward and the solutions too are quite simple. But if we do not understand the source of the problem, we are barking at the wrong tree.

myth 94

'Singaporeans don't complain' The word 'complain' must be wiped out from the Singaporean vocabulary. It is not only irrelevant, but to some can be hazardous. Singaporeans are afraid to complain about policies or the govt. But if it is something else, they will rise spontaneously like the Geylang roar. A good example is the NKF issue. Complain is a taboo word. It is politically unwise and risky. What Singaporeans should do when they are caught in a bind is to jump. But that is bad now after the last case. A copy cat jumper did not reap any financial reward subsequently. What Singaporeans should do, the politically correct way, is to seek help, or write in a feedback. But even the term feedback is not too appropriate. The new terminology is reach. Feedback, reach, complain, what's the dif? Anyway, Singaporeans who are not happy, please reach back, or reach will reach you. Feedback is out of fashion and complain is a definitely no no.

world class transport, according to who?

What is world class public transport system? My immediate response is to look at the best, the most efficient, the most comfortable and the most customer friendly, ignoring the cost for the moment. What comes into my mind is SIA first class or first class in the bullet trains. Plush upholstery, pretty hostesses, service with a smile, tender loving care, and a lot of room to move around, read the paper, a lot of fresh air to breathe, and getting to your destination on time. What is the Minister's definition of first class? More people using it. A preferred choice of transport. Quite brief but could encompass efficiency, fast, clean, comfortable etc but one thing to exclude, be prepared to be squeezed. The capacity must increase as most of the trains are not travelling in full capacity. Now what are the views of operators of public transport on being first class? Efficiency, fast and maximum capacity are the key words. Forget about comfort. They have just removed many seats to increase capacity. And they want the train to be 100% full at all time. Now what does this 100% mean? Cheek to cheek? Very likely. The current 80% peak time capacity is seen as under utilised. What commuters in Singapore can expect if public transport is indeed world class is a sardine packed, cheek to cheek kind of commuting, and not only during peak hours, but at all hours. What this means is that the commuters must be prepared to smell the unclean, unwashed body odour of the next person. Smell all the month long stale cigarette which a construction worker will not wash off from his uniform. And even the female commuters are not noted for washing their hair and you know what you will get. And there will be more meat in the train than air. And everyone is expected to share the little air in the packed to capacity cabin, exchanging bad breath. And they will have to stand practically all the way. And that is world class public transport system if the operators have their say. If that be so, I would recommend a standard attire for all commuters. Swimming trunks and a gas mask, and a body strap with a hook. And better to make it compulsory. The mask is necessary not only to shield against bad breath and body odour, but as a first line of defence against infection. And commuters better not try white shirt or designer togs. What is the body strap and hook for? To hang the body for the rest of the journey. Beats standing all the way.

in the footstep of the master

Inspired by LKY 'I do not see myself stepping down. I've got to fight the next general election to help secure as high a vote as possible...I am still required by the party to help assess the newer MPs,...And the Govt, the PM, still would like me to play a role,...but also to make use of my international contacts ...and to move into new areas like the Middle East.' The above quote by Goh Chok Tong is exceedingly familiar and anyone glancing at it will think it was LKY. The student has learnt well.

Many Singaporeans don't pay tax?!

Why is it that people are saying this? Many Singaporeans don't pay income tax. But tax is what every Singaporean pays. Even the unborn babies pay tax. The jobless uncles and aunties in the aged homes also pay tax. The ignorant may say that going to govt hospital is free because no need to pay cash. Just pay by CPF. But many educated and highly educated people in the MSM and cyberspace are saying the same thing. Unbelieveable! The GST is a consumption tax. As long as one consumes, one pays tax. The lower your income, the higher the percentage of tax you have to pay. If one has negative income, one pays tax in the exponentials. Imagine how much tax an unborn baby has to pay for all the pre natal care in percentage terms. The truth is that the poor Singaporeans pay the most tax relative to their income. It is the rich Singaporeans that pay the least tax in percentage terms.

like hell, complain you must

Is it wrong to complain? I am specifically referring to complaining about the govt? Why shouldn't the people complain or why should the govt complain that the people complain? I have no complain about anyone who does not have anything to do with me or does not do anything that affects me. I only complain about people or organisations that mess up my serenity. The people have all the right to complain when there is too much govt. When the govt's actions and policies affect the life of the people, it is only expected that the people should stand up and said I don't like your fingers in my pocket or on my back. And when policies are unfavourable or hurting the people, the govt cannot expect the people to just shut up. Or does the govt really expect that to be the case. What is more unacceptable and deserving of complaining is when the govt mess around with your life in areas that is considered private and confidential. Your private life, your family, your property and your money are yours. No one shall trespass if not invited. And if the govt insists on intruding into these areas without your permission, like hell, complain you must.

brutal truth in malaysia

At the Umno General Assembly: Will it boil down to 'them versus us'? 17 Nov 2006 Wan Hamidi Hamid -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Is the show of strength and bluster by Umno delegates going to have a lasting impact? From Monday till yesterday, most of the party delegates who took to the rostrum, made it known publicly that the Malays would no longer tolerate any form of threats. It was a strong message: Don’t test us or else... Many speakers accused leaders of Barisan Nasional component parties of questioning the Malay rights while almost all blamed the Chinese business community for "taking more than what they needed". The tone, set by Umno Youth, continued yesterday. Malacca representative Hasnoor Sidang Hussein reminded party loyalists that the time had come for the Malays to act against those who undermined the Malay rights. "Our tolerance... made those who dared to challenge the Malays and Islam become bolder as they felt no action would be taken against them." Most delegates used the term "Malay rights" interchangeably with "Malay dominance" and "social contract". At the end of the debate on economy and education, Perlis delegate Hashim Suboh was more explicit in showing off his anger against the non-Malays when he put a rhetorical question to Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein: "Datuk Hisham has unsheathed his keris, waved his keris, kissed his keris. We want to ask Datuk Hisham, when is he going to use it?" The above is an extract published in the New Straits Times. It is good that the Malay politicians expressed what they really feel and wanted to do. Honesty is always good. No need to pretend, no need to feel shy about gut feelings. If they think it is time to kill the non Malays, go ahead and do it. It is their right, and just claim that they were all running amok. Now after hearing all these threats to their lives and safety, where would this leave the non Malays? Is Malaysia their home? Is Malaysia safe for them? Would they appeal to the United Nation for protection? Or would they continue to blame Singapore and even dispute LKY that there is racial discrimination in Malaysia?

Leong Sze Hian, what is your problem?

Leong Sze Hian, what is your problem? I refer to the article 'HDB rents to be phased in over two tenancy renewals' (ST, Nov 13). It states that 'existing tenants will be given three months' notice of their new rent before their current tenancy is up'. According to HDB's press release 'More help for those who need rental flats', from 1st March 2007, one-room tenants who rented HDB flats before 1st October 2003, with household income from $801 to $1,500 will pay 30 per cent of market rent, instead of the current 10 per cent, at the second renewal. Tenancy renewals are on a two-year term tenancy. This is a three-fold increase, from the current $26 - $33 to about $78 - $99. For two-room tenants who started renting after 1st October 2003, with household income from $1,501 to $2,000, their rental will increase from the current 30 per cent of market rent to 50 per cent, from the first renewal. This is an increase of 67 per cent, from $123-$165 to $205- $276. From 13th November 2006, new $800 and below household tenants who have previously sold one subsidised flat in the open market (i.e. second-time households), will be charged 30 per cent of market rent, instead of 10 per cent, an increase of 200 per cent. For $801-$1,500 households, they will pay 30 per cent and 50 per cent of market rent for first-timers and second-timers respectively. Obviously Leong Sze Hian did not read the reasons given by Mah Bow Tan to adjust the rentals for these flats. Two reasons actually. The first is that the tenant of subsidised rental flats must not be allowed to abuse the system. And when their salary increases, they should pay more. Secondly, by making them to pay more, it is for their own good. This is a way to nudge them into becoming flat owners instead if renting flats. Now the problem is that this increase plus the increase in GST will be going to be a big hit to these lower income earners.

youth reporting

I was enthralled by the quality of the student reporters on TV. Occasionally we could see the news broadcast divided into two sections, the adult news presentation and the young student news presentation. And they were good, equally objective and factual and professional in their news and presentation. And these school children have all the latest gear, and have been trained under professionals from the media industry. Some even went on overseas stint to experience what on the spot reporting is all about. I have seen them reporting from Beijing. Now this is the most revolutionary trend in Singapore. The essence and freshness of youth. And Media Corp should be given an award for being the Most Forwarding Looking Media Organisation. This children reporting is not kid stuff. It can be for real! After all, reporting in Singapore is factual presentation of news and events. And these kids would just do that in its purest forms. No need to waste expensive resources to send brilliant scholars overseas to expensive and ivy league universities, and to pay them the salary they should be commanding if they can be replaced by young children. Why not, if reporting is just plain reporting. No need much analysis. Or analysis not required. Media Corp would have a huge saving in wage cost as children would not need to be paid that well. And quite easily to manage compare to oldies. And they have all the energy to run around gathering news. What an interesting development.

Call for Unconventional NMPs in Parliament

Call for Unconventional NMPs in Parliament I am still yawning and musing over the excitement that this call will bring. And as usual, there is no lack of support and enthusiasm from all quarters. We need a more colourful Parliament to hear voices from all corners of the population. It sounds like a good idea. Now I have heard of suggestions that the disabled needs to be represented, preferably by a disabled person, a blind or mobility impaired person will be ideal. The athletes too need to be represented. A string of footballers' names came to my mind. And the grey population must be represented. Oh oh, are we going to reverse the trend and bring the old hags into Parliament again? But my creative juices are running, and I would like more unconventional NMPs to come from the people they represent. We need one 18 year old to represent the young, a bak kut teh hawker to represent the foodcourt. A meesiam seller will do if can't find the other. Taxi drivers need to be represented, and bus drivers too. What about the housewives? They missed out during the last progress package. And the beggars in the street corners surely need to be represented. There is a beggarchief in YPAP forum that could fit the role. And the buskers. Now for a little change. Parliament needs to be renovated. Maybe even relocated to the National Stadium. But some more urgent things would be to make Parliament friendly to the handicaps. Braille sets must be available, passages for wheelchairs. And yes, the beautiful metal studs that lined MRT stations must be fitted in Parliament. We can invite Gus Dur to try them first. We will then have a great Parliament that truly represents the people from all walks of life. Or create a Senate and they be all addressed as Senators. Is there any merit to such a call? Is Parliament missing something that such a call will come at this time? Why did all these different groups feel that they need to be represented by their own kind? Ok I am now fully awake. Nice musing, but hopefully Parliament is not transformed into a circus or HDB void deck.

steve job said

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary." Steve Job

fund expenses from income, not taxes

My challenge to the govt is to cap the tax rates at the current level, stop all the formula of profit first on essential services and finance its growing expenses from investment income. We have more than a hundred billions in GIC and Temasek each. And it was claimed that GIC's profit is 8% while Temasek is 18%. These combined will give $26 billion annually. If they can grow on these two mammoth organisations they will not have to raise taxes continuously on the people. GST and raising wages will only erode our competitive edge in a globalised economy. There is no magic formula that you can raise wages and GST and think we can compete with the world. Our shopper's paradise will be overtaken in no time. Our workforce will go the American and European way. We will price ourselves out of the market. We have to grow out of the rich kid mentality. Working, earn a salary and still dipping into the parents' pocket. The rich kid must grow up and earns his keep and if he wants to spend more, he just have to earn more. Not stretching out his hand to ask from the parents.

the magic of GST

I think either we are entering a phase of creative thinking or creative accounting on a national level. And I must say that the ordinary people need to be very creative and ingenius to break down all the old ideas and concepts and to embrace all the new thinkings. We need a new curriculum on National Education to educate the people on what is good for them. The GST increase is good for the poor and the lower middle income. Today Teo Chee Hean said that it is also good for the middle income and higher income groups because they can expect higher pay rise. This I definitely believe. Just a 5% or 10% pay rise will not only absorb all the 2% GST but will also be enough to go for a few more holidays. Now isn't this GST a magical formula? It is good for the low income, lower middle income, middle income and higher income. Actually it is good for everyone. Now why are the people so angry, so frighten and so delirious over such a good thing? And one thing for sure, we need not worry about competiting with other countries on labour cost. We are going to raise our labour cost, and wages are going up. Now the 4 million smiles are going to come true. Good times are here.