More leeways for Singaporeans

Aren't Singaporeans glad that they are having more leeways, according to Dr Gillian Koh, 'a view echoed by former Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts director and Member of Parliament Baey Yam Kheng. In Dr Koh's view, civic society groups are now allowed to express more and at times more than political groups. She cited the little protest by children at the Youth Park to protest against anime distributor Odex as a big leap forward. What the handful of children did was to display some of their toy characters. And they were so lucky that the law gave them a lighter touch by just taking down their names. Nobody was arrested. Great progress! Singapore society is maturing. Hmmm, I thought in mature societies, they would not even be bothered with children playing with their toys. I may be wrong. But it is always good to start a day with such positive news like having more leeways.

Another boom town charlie story

The rental business is so good that all the property owners are rushing to raise their rentals by 2 or more times within a year. It is a situation where the lessee must grab a property and quickly sign on it for as long a term as possible at a fixed rate. If not, someone will sneak by and offer to pay more or the landlord will keep raising rentals every few months. How many properties that I own? One 3 rm flat. But still good if it can fetch $2000 a month rental for my retirement. With private property prices and rentals shooting to the sky, some must filter down to the heartland. This is the best thing that can happen to Singaporeans as practically everyone own a little flat, maybe not in prime district and cannot fetch $5k or $10k, but $2k is more than good enough if the annuity is going to pay $300. Thank god that things are working out this way. All singaporeans can retire happily and with a nice little income. With $2000 pm, they can keep their annuity programme.

Privatise Annuity Scheme

The idea of a compulsory annuity scheme for all CPF holders at 55 is a juicy dream. One can get even wet by simply thinking of the amount of money to be had. At $10k each and an average of 30,000 contributors, that is $300 mil annually. And this amount is for safekeeping for the next 30 years when the first payout is due. Multiply this number by 30, without talking about interest and investment returns, that is a whopping $9 billion in cash to play with. The management of this scheme should be privatised and open to the highest bidder. That will ensure that the investors will get the best returns. As we all know, only privatisation can ensure efficient management and good returns for the shareholders. I will bid to pay any surviving investor at age 85 a sum equivalent to 5 times his initial contribution at 55, or $50k for $10k invested. Alternatively, the investor can be paid $500 monthly for the rest of his life. And I am prepared to bid higher, maybe $60k or $600 pm. What is the catch? I think 70 or 80% will not live that long. And for those who don't survive, all his contributions will be forfeited to benefit the survivors. Secondly, it is a pyramid scheme where they will be new contributors paying every year. And yes, as mentioned above, the number of those dying before 85 will be so comfortable and their unclaimed investments will definitely be enough to be shared around to the survivors, generously. 30 years of collection without payout is too good and sexy a proposition.

Boom town charlie in paradise

'Wages rising faster than at any time since 2000. By Goh Chin Lian in the front page of The Straits Times Labour short bosses are raising wages fater than at any time since 2000, but the good times for workers could dent Singapore's competitiveness. Workers' earnings have recorded a year on year increase of 8.5%, the largest rise since the economic boom seven years ago. Labour experts are worried that the higher labour costs could put a dampener on the economy....' The good times are here. With 8.5% rise in wages, whew, if one is earning $100k a month, that is $8,500 increase a month. Not bad huh! And if one is earning $1000 pm, it still works out to $85! Now take away 2% of GST and another maybe 10% for unofficial GST due to profiteering, is it still ok? And don't forget all the increases in fees and charges and prices. How many percent would that come to?

People in favour of compulsory annuity!

This is what I read a few days earlier. I think it was reported somewhere that Singaporeans welcomed compulsory annuity as they see a need for it. And there were many views expressed in the msm and cyberspace supporting it and arguing that Singaporeans have to look after themselves and it is not the responsibility of the govt to look after them. Today I read in the msm that several MPs commented that many people were negative about the compulsory annuity. Many do not believe that they will live till 85 and beyond. I hope there will be statistics produced in Parliament to convincingly prove that many people will live pass 85. 'Many' should be quantified and not just 'many'. Some numbers will be useful to prove that it is truly the case. And also some numbers to prove that those who live till this age still need to depend on charity. And a distinction shall be drawn between the current oldies who are mostly from the lost generation of illiterates, ingnorant, penniless and single and the new oldies coming on stream that are well educated, rich and even have families. Not forgetting a fat CPF account and owning properties, even a cheapskate 3 rm HDB flat may worth more than a hundred thousand in the right area. We can make do with a bit less of bullshiting.

Jonathan Lock is saved

Tan Suee Chieh, the CEO of NTUC Income has intervened to waive $45k of legal fees NTUC is claiming against him. According to Tan, it was effort misplaced and unnecessary. So much effort and money all for a $1,200 compensation. What a big relief to the poor teacher, Jonathan Lock. But he still owed his former lawyer another bill of $80k and more legal fees to fight the claim. Tan Suee Chieh is showing what a socially responsible and sensible CEO can do instead of being blinded by money and legal form. He did not say a mistake is a mistake and Lock should just pay up. He took a human decision instead of behaving like a computer, sending Lock the $45k bill and said this is generated by a computer and no signature is required. We need thinking and sensible people to run the corporations and country. But then again, another school of thought may look at this negatively. This Tan Suee Chieh is spoiling the system. He is setting a very bad precedent. He should not have interfered in this way. Many people's ricebowls are affected and many big bonuses will slip away. We have a very good system that feeds a lot of people along the way. All the lawsuits are good as they generate a lot of income for the professionals to buy big houses and cars and holidays. I like the soft and human touch of Tan Suee Chieh. I think he is not a Singaporean. A Singaporean would probably have said, you have my sympathy, but please pay up.

What earthquakes?

Earthquakes in Indonesia? 8.4 in the Richter scale? Does it bother us? It has nothing to do with us and there is no need to sweat the little thing. Then last night I heard over the news that Mercy Relief and the Red Cross were sending aids to Bengkulu. Is this a prelude to the whole army rushing over there as well? My immediate thought was on the ships that they had seized during the sand saga. About 20 of our ships were seized and facing drum up charges. Even one of our companies mining sand in Karimun was bombed and its executives arrested. Not sure what happened to them. And have our ships been returned and compensated? I just hope Singaporeans do not behave like little poodles, or worst, like stray dogs eagerly wagging their tails to anyone on the street hoping for a little crumb. We have been kicked, slapped and spitted at and are we going to crawl back to beg for more? Let's have some self respect and do not debase whatever little dignity that we have in calling ourselves a nation.

Black September 14?

It was supposed to be September 8, the day Cyberspace designated as Black September. It did not get much airing in the media of what actually happened or did not happen. Then last night, I thought it was September 8 again, on CNA. Were my eyes playing tricks on me? Or was it a small prank, or a subtle message that CNA was trying to send out? The wearers of black put on a cheeky smile in all their faces, you could tell quite easily. First in full black suit was Melvin Yong on 9pm news. Hardly have I seen Melvin in full black. And beside him, the attractive Glenda Chong, not in black but in a tan dress. Look carefully again, there was a huge black rose on her right chest, as big as an outstretched palm to make sure you notice. It would be a bit too much to have Glenda in full black as well. Not enough of blackness? Then came a live feed from a reporter overseas, missed the country, probably China or somewhere in east Asia. And she was in a black dress as well. Her name was something like Wong Lee Yong. Enough of blackness? Ok, back home, yes Valerie Tan was in full black reporting her story. All these within a few minutes apart in that 30 minute news. Was CNA trying to be a little cheeky? Or was CNA trying to say that black is the fashion? The cheekiest moment, I think, went to Lim Boon Heng when he appeared to comment about the annuity proposal, and in full black. I am paranoid.

A hospice in every estate

As our population ages, and as more are expected to live to 85 and beyond, many will end up in hospices. This is an urgent and essential facility for the good of our people. Very likely all those 75 and above will need to be housed in such well equipped and modern facilities. Either they are physically disabled or their children will not have the time and abilities to keep them at home. The cost, probably $1500 pm with subsidies. This will mean $18k a year, excluding medicine or hospitalisation. and at 75, they will probably have another 20 years to go. So each will need $360k without adjusting for inflation and other rising costs. It is important that the people be made aware of this need and start to incease their savings in the CPF. I would like to propose that the minimum sum be increased to $200k, and with interest should be sufficient, I think. Now let the people go and talk and whine about it. And the unthinking masses' reaction will be quite predictable. Yes we need this. Good idea. Maybe change a bit here and there. None or very few will ask the question, 'Do we really need it.' They will blindly believe that it is for their own good and it is very well thought out. I just thought it out in 2 minutes. Wanna bet?

Why cause hardship in the name of paternalism?

There are many poor buggers out there who can make their lives so much better, or breathe a sigh of relief when they can lay hands to their hard earned life savings. Even $20k is a lot of money to these humble people who have been living from hands to mouth all their lives. The question is why deprive these poor buggers from having a few days easier? And many of them will have to set aside $30k in Medisave and another $120k in the minimum sum which they may not touch before they kick the bucket. For sure, many will have to leave behind at least $30k in the Medisave. Is this good for the people? Is this what paternalism is all about? Or should the meaning and definition of paternalism be changed? Many terms in the dictionary should also be changed to accommodate such a new definition of paternalism when one cannot distinguish between good and evil, mean and kindness, helping and oppressing. Like the famous phrase, with such good friends, you don't need enemies.

The road to self destruction

It must be the most efficient, effective and certain road to take to self destruction. The formula is simple, over pricing and over paying and let them run to their natural ends. Let the cost of living run free, be delirious with all the high property prices and cost of doing business. Let all prices go one way, up, to give the impression of quality and well being. And as all things get more costly, pay the employees more so that they can afford them, or if not, still appears to be catching up with the runaway prices. Feel good to pay $100k for a car when others only need to pay $20k. Feel good to pay $100 per visit to a doctor when people can pay $10. Feel good to pay $10,000 for a stay in the hospital when others pay $300. And there will be this illusion of richness. A million dollar used to be able to buy several landed bungalows. Now you will need several millions just to buy a sem D. The old property owners might owned several properties, but could only called themselves millionaires. Does not sound great when every private apartment owner could possibly be holding to a million dollar property. Now the rich will flash around with their self worth in the billions. One day when paper value disappears, owning 10 houses is still 10 houses. One apartment is still on apartment. A car is still a car, be it $100k or $20k. In the mean time, keep paying and keep chasing the runaway prices. See how many more years can this go on before it collapses under a moutain of banana notes. And people are encouraged to buy annuities that will pay $300 of banana notes in the future.

Gang fights on the rise?

There seems to more reports on fightings by groups of people, probably gangs, on our streets. There were people being knifed and beaten to death. We have been enjoying the reputation for being a safe and good place to bring up children. Are we going to let all these to happen and ruin our reputation and safety of ordinary people? Are we going to be like another JB before we do something? I will strongly recommend strong police actions on such gangs, and cane them furiously when caught. Make sure it tears their buttons to pieces. We cannot have these gangs on our streets. We cannot have gangs who think they can go around beating and killing people and get away with it. Whack them hard.

FT as soldiers?

I think it will be a cheaper solution if we offer to the foreign workers and foreign talents a citizenship if they join the SAF. It will cost probably 1/3 what we need to pay to our locals. And the Tamil Tiger brand has been proven to be tough fighters. Don't bet on this as a wild thought. Some day it may happen. The trick is how to prevent them from taking over the country. Insert into everyone of them a self destruct mini bomb with a 3 year time bomb, and the option to blow up at the press of a button. The French have their French Legion of Africans. The British have their Sikh Army, the Sepoys and other Indian Contigents. We have our Gurkhas. A Tamil Tiger Legion?

Letters to the press

Three letters in the Today paper. One claimed that the PTC are not using statistics properly in approving the next bus fare hike. Another claimed that the PTC are not thinking about the elderly and needy who have no income. And a third said HDB was not compassionate enough. If all these claims are true, then it is not funny. Using statistics or using statistics to serve one's ends, that I have just touched a couple of days ago. Use the statistics to serve one's interest. Read the part that fit into your own scheme of things. It has always been like that. It is called the ingenious way of using statistics to benefit oneself. Only the user knows what he is doing. He answers to his conscience. As for the elderly and the needy, they need not worry. There is a $3 million cash fund to help them. At $30 per head, 100,000 of them will stand to benefit. So all these people will be better off than before the fare hike. Now what more can they ask for. Some of them may not even take public transport and may get $30 extra pocket money, that is, if the money gets to them. As for the HDB case, it is a very complicated matter. That one got to leave it to the paid experts to handle.

Trial Episode 2

It was the year 2015. A new party won the general election by fluke. The former ruling party is now in the opposition. The new PM, a gungho never say die joker, more like a loanshark boss, has been sworned in at the Sentosa Casino Resort. They have sold Parliament House and the Istana, and Parliament seating will now be in Sentosa IR. On his maiden speech in Singasong Parliament he gave a 3 hour long speech interjected with humour and wits and the whole parliament was roaring with laughter. In one of his anecdotes he recalled being invited for breakfast during a walkabout. He said, "I ordered mee siam mai hiam.' At this, the whole parliament was in stitches. Then it was silence. He stopped and stared at everyone. 'Why are all of you laughing? I have not come to the punchline yet.' The MPs then realised that there was nothing funny in what he said. This rougish PM may have tattoes all over his body, but he does not like chilli. His mee siam mia hiam is nothing unusual. 'There are only two reasons why you are all laughing. Either you are trying to apple polish me or you are not listening. Don't do that again. Laugh only when there is something funny.' On that note he slammed his files onto the table and stormed out of Parliament. Waiting for someone to polish it up.

Trial Episode 1

Let this parliament be that of a fictional country, call it whatever you like, like Singasong Parliament. Ok, any uncanny resemblance to any events or individuals is only an unintended coincidence. Everything is pure fiction. How's that for a start. Day one Parliament sitting and the Opposition Leader MP, Mr Kow Teck Kho, was the first to speak. He demanded to know why the police rejected his application to visit his constituencies on bicycles was turned down. The Minister of Home Affairs Mr Boh Ho stood up slowly, cleaned his spectacles, and took his time to reply. He said, 'Mr Kow, listen very carefully to what I am going to say. I shall not repeat myself. You are a very well known and charismatic politician. You know what will happen if you cycle around your estate with 30 of your grassroot leaders? People will rush out to hug you and want to shake your hand. And soon there will be a crowd. Traffic jams, accidents can happen. You will create a commotion and public disorder. How can we allow that? Now think carefully about how well meaning was our decision. Thank you.' 'Why are you doing this to me and approve all the other applications? You victimise me or what?' 'Mr Kow, you are different. You are very popular. Like I said, people will rush out to shake your hands. Why am I repeating this? The rest of the MPs are not as popular as you. No one will run out to greet them. So they will not cause traffic jam.' While Mr Kow was trying to jump out from his seat, the Speaker told him to sit down. He said the Minister has explained his case clearly and no need to waste Parliament time on it further. After reading it over and over again, I find this episode not so funny leh. Must need the expert touch of a comedy director to make it sound funny, I think.

Yes Minister! Jack Neo ah, Jack Neo. Where have you been? I have this great idea of a series which can make you very rich. The British have produced a very popular Yes Minister series. And Taiwanese have their movies on how their secret societies schemed to stand for the general election so that they could discuss their business plans openly under the protection of Parliament. Yes, to discuss them openly in Parliament on how to rob the people, their drug business, gambling business etc etc. Why can’t this little red dot have our own version of our Parliament ticking? I am thinking of a series on the witty discussions in our Parliament. All the hilarious jokes that were cracked in Parliament that gave every parliamentarian a good laugh. And these precious gems should be shared with all the common men on the street through a witty Parliament series. I can do the research and be his politikal advisor. I don’t work for free one. Copyright this first. Jack Neo, I chop this series huh. But can discuss the joint venture. You name the place, I choose the time.

Bumiputra means real Malays

Leaders ”Who are not pure Malays” Malaysian son-of-the-soil don’t want leaders who are not pure Malays. Malaysiakini. Sept 10, 2007 By Jamiliah Kassim As an 'anak Melayu jati', I would like to voice out a grievance on behalf of our whole Malay community. In recent years, we can see a lot of 'non-Malays' appearing in Umno as leaders. By ancestry, these people are not pure Malays. They managed to change their identity by using Islam. Clearly, there are loopholes in our laws that allow a person to change his race. This issue must be addressed properly as it affects us, the 'anak Melayu jati'. We know well that these people are not sincere in that they can even disregard and disrespect their ancestors and join the Malay race. Their motive is to enjoy privileges of the Malays. And Umno doesn't bother to do much on this. We are desperate regarding this policy of simply allowing people to change their race through conversion to Islam and even offering citizenship to Indonesians who are later made bumiputeras as well. Where is the standing of the 'anak Melayu jati' or 'bumiputera'? Tell us where on this earth can a person change his or her race through religion except in Malaysia? It is ridiculous. We call upon the Malay rulers to rectify this situation. The word 'bumiputera' is a combination of 'bumi' and 'putera' which should be construed as the 'anak cucu' to this land. The Malay community as a whole is looking forward to a clear definition so as to protect bumiputera special rights in the long run. malaysiakini I copied the above article from littlespeck.com Is this Jamiliah for real? Does he know what he is talking about? Mahathir, Abdullah both are not bumiputras and should not be PMs? What about the royalties? Many have Arab and European blood. So what shall they be? Is the Orang Asli the real bumiputras or the Malay more bumiputra than them? What is this fellow trying to say?

'Hei se hui' - A bad idea

On second thought, this wearing black thing is not a good idea after all. Imaging when there are so many young men and women wearing black and some may be mistaken for being members of a new secret society. Then all it needs is a staring incident and fighting can start. Hei se hui is literary Black Society or meaning secret society in the Chinese lingo. This black shirt thing can become a serious threat to peace. No good, no good. It is worst than mass cycling. Better change to a better colour.

Notable quote 2 by Ho Peng Kee

'You may be well-behaving, but there may be other people whom you come across when you cycle who may stop you, may want to debate with you and that may attract a crowd, and therefore will result in problems the police want to avoid.' Ho Peng Kee replying to Low Thia Khiang I just have to quote this. It was one of the reasons why WP was not given permission to hold a mass cycling event in East Coast Park.