So much anger

Only a few days into the GE campaign and we have witnessed so much anger among the people. Is the anger real, and how widespread is it? We have seen posters being vandalized, minister being chased away by hostile citizen. And there are privately drawn posters of unhappiness hanging in market places. In the internet, there is a spontaneous uprising with netizens coming together to fight for the same cause. They are not paid or organized groups, simply netizens speaking out. They gathered evidence like letters or videos to support the cause of the opposition. And people are turning to the net to get a glimpse of news that will never be told or make it to the main media. The crowd and mood at opposition rallies that resonated with the speakers’ calls for an alternative voice in Parliament are loud and clear. Again, are they really the voice of the aggrieved, the voice that will turn into votes against the ruling party? Are the people really so fed up with the ruling party and are ready to make a change, to vote for more opposition representatives or even for a coalition govt? Have we reached such a stage? The temperament has changed drastically over the last few days. If the anger is deep enough, and widespread enough, we could see an awakening of the people. The PAP must be caught by surprise for not seeing this and still thinks that they could carry the people with them. And threatening the people in a last ditch effort may prove to be their fatal wrong doing.

My first enlightenment

After a few drinks last night there was this white light that came down to embrace me. Could be too much of alcohol in the blood. Then again, everything seemed so clear as the whiteness glowed all over me. The whole GE drama just flashed across my mind, and there was instant enlightenment. There were so many aspiring politicians in all kinds of colours, red, pink, orange, yellow and what you have. This myriad of colours only say one thing. They are all flawed individuals. They are irresponsible, mischievous and dangerous, and definitely unsuitable to be political leaders. How can a political system allow such flawed characters to volunteer themselves and be elected by a mindless electorate? The whole system and process must change. The governing of a country is not a game. It is a very serious matter and the election or selection of political leaders cannot be left to chances and where flawed individuals be allowed to sneak into the system. There must be a meticulous system to identify, select and train political leaders. This should start with every potential candidates being put through a battery of medical, psychological and personality tests to ensure that they are flawless, no bad habits and of good genes. Better still if they have political blood running in their veins. This kind of blood is rare and only found in a few gifted families. The next stage is to interview them to filter out those with bad motives and intentions, those that are irresponsible, mischievous, dangerous or queer must not be allowed to go through. Angelic qualities are most sought after. The third phase is to send them to a politician training school to be trained as politicians. And on graduation, they can then march into Parliament to serve as the people’s representatives. No need to hold faulty elections that could only churn out flawed characters. No need to indulge in gutter politics and pork barrel politics. No need for gerrymandering and character assassinations, no need to spread so much ill will during an election campaign. Paradise must be run by flawless people, angelic or even god like people who have no other motives except to serve the people. Or people who are born to be politicians, with politics in their blood, like political princelings. Or people who think they are natural politicians. And there are people who think that only when one wears white can one be a good politician. And some may think that new citizens are better than our local bred citizens to be rulers of the people.

A civil election campaign…so far

Who says we can’t be civilized and need to behave like gangsters and thugs in a GE? Who says that all the dirty gutter political tricks and antics will be rolled out to destroy an opponent in a GE? Till today, the last two days of the GE campaign, the hustings have been pretty civil and respectable from both camps. No video of people romping in hotel bedrooms were aired, no ransacking of people’s cupboards and drawers for pornographic art were flashed in the media, no silly people were reported checking on people’s bus fare or taxi claims. Of course there were a couple of incidents that bordered on gutter politics, hitting below the belt, but quickly put off as the opponents realized that such conduct will reflect badly on themselves. And don’t forget that no one has the monopoly of the media and can speak and demolish his opponents while the latter is refused a chance of reply or fair comments. There is an alternative media out there waiting to pounce on anyone that crosses the line. And the alternative media need not be civil and can be very vicious and ugly. So far everyone is polite and gentlemanly. Two more days to go and if they can keep it that way, we can have a really clean and decent GE to be proud of. And organizations that are in possession of private and confidential data and information should guard them zealously and prevent nincompoohs from exploiting them in breach of the rule of confidentiality, privacy, ethics and personal integrity. No one should abuse his position of power to assess confidential information of candidates to hit anyone below the belt. Be warned that the internet brigade will do even worst when provoked. The contest is a contest of ideas and it is very encouraging and pleasant to see ideas being challenged and dutifully reported in the media. This is a sign of progress. Just keep the fingers crossed that the ugliness will not raise its head after the election with lawsuits, and candidates and their families being persecuted and have to run road. I have faith that we are maturing as a people and need not return to the days of being young and wild.

Ascetic on a mule

An ascetic in grey, at the bottom of pic, riding on a mule. The glaring reddish orange object is a dragon following him. More Art of RAR pics on link at top right.

And the world turns

Yes, the American, French, Italian and Brits air attack on Libya continues and in all counts violated the authority given to them to control the sky and protect the civilians. Now they have killed Gaddafi's son and his 3 grandchildren. What can Gaddifi or the Arab world do about it? Or what can the world do about it? The Americans and their allies are so brave, attacking and killing the children and grandchildren o Gaddafi. They must be waiting for their Purple Crosses. Heroes of the western world killing children!

Vote for a govt of the people

The election is about voting for a govt to run the country for the people regardless of race, language or religion. This must be amended to add in ‘regardless of political party.’ The govt must be the govt of the people, and treat everyone fairly and equally. Once a govt thinks that it can be biased, it has the right to look after one group of the people more or better, because of political affiliation, then the govt is not a people’s govt but the govt for a political party. It has taken a divisive policy of dividing the people by the simple act of which party they voted for. This is contrary to what a democratically elected govt and system is all about. The people and resources of the country, the reserves, etc, belong to all the people irrespective of which party they favoured at any time in their lives. Another big flaw is that by claiming that they will give priority to provide benefits to its supporters, it denies the fact that the ruling party does not know exactly who voted for or against them, except the activists. Or is there is a way of telling who vote for who? The denying of upgrading or govt programmes to opposition wards is an exceptionally crude and callous way of managing the country and the people. No govt must be allowed to favour any section of the populace under any excuses. To officially make it a govt policy is tantamount to discrimination. Some may call it abuses of power. Some will have stronger words to use. The people must not sanction such a political culture. Any political party that is voted to power must treat every citizen equally. Doing otherwise is unacceptable. Definitely third world mentality.

How’s my maid doing?

I went for a little retreat over the long weekend and had a little problem keeping up with the happenings at home. The 100 page tabloid was on everything except news from paradise. At most there would be a little snippet of news that is not even 1/8 of a page long. And getting on line was a big struggle. The hotel did not have a business centre. Finally found a cybercafé and everyone was playing computer games. The kids must be wondering what this uncle was doing there. Managed a few posts before wringing my hands as the machine was crawling. Before I left, my maid promised to be good. She said she would change her ways and do everything to please me. I was back late last night and found things a little confusing. On one hand the maid was still talking about wanting to do things that I like. I have been telling the maids for so long, so many times, that she should do things that I have wanted her to do. She was either stubborn or just too much of herself, perhaps communication problems were in the way as well. She had been doing everything her way for so many years, at my expense of course. And believe me, she thought she was doing hell of a great job. But at the price that I am paying, I don’t think I am getting value for money. Lately she has been very flirtatious as well, fooling around with foreigners with no regards to how I fit in. In fact she had been callous in many things, at times very sloppy too. Keeping her is already a very expensive thing to do. And she insisted that I must have the best of everything, for my interests, and this has rammed up my household bill skyhigh. Everything she spent on must be the best, and she had burnt a big hole in my pocket. Wondering if she knew what she has been doing. I have refrained from firing her all these years. The maid agencies have called to offer better and cheaper maids, maids that are willing to do my bidding and really take care of my interests. Of course the old maid is still doing it, but at a very high cost, and bad attitude. Now I am seriously thinking of changing the maid. And surprise, the maid appears to be listening. All the things that I told her and ignored by her in the past, she is saying it voluntarily, like wanting to cut down my expenses, taking good care of me, and not talking back. Is it because she is sensing that things have changed and her time is coming to an end? This change of attitude is most welcome, and sounds pleasing. My concern is if it is real. What if she goes back on her words and goes on bossing around in the house again if I extend her contract? There are signs that she will still be the same pain in the arse if she can get her ways. She is still throwing tantrums now and then, and even threatening that the new maid will mess up the house. She has no kind words for the new maids. She still claims that she is the best, indispensable. I was telling myself, shit, with the amount I am paying, I can get 3 or 4 maids to serve me. Why should I continue to engage and to let her think that she is the only one available and no one else can do the job better. She must be thinking that I am daft. I still have a few days to consider whether to dump her or not. Think it is time. The leopard will not change its spots. And the agencies are offering a long list of willing and eager to please maids. Better to go for the change. After all no venture no gain. Can’t be worst, and there are good choices now.

Tan Jee Say not good enough

Chok Tong said Tan Jee Say is able but not good enough to be a permanent secretary. I may have a little dementia, but I remember what LKY said of him. I think something not much different from what he said of Jee Say, in his case, for the post of PM. He was not LKY's first choice. There was Dhanabalan, Chee Onn and Tony Tan. Then he became a PM for several terms. He was judged to be not good enough when compared to other better candidates. Was he good enough when he was a PM after being judged not good enough? If he was a good enough PM, then his assessor was wrong. If he was not good enough as a PM, then his assessor was right. But right or wrong, he still stayed on as a PM for more than one term. He said Jee Say not good enough to be a perm sec. The people did not have a chance to see Jee Say's performance as a perm sec. But what's that got to do with his potential or ability to be a good political leader? I can say that Beckham will not be good enough to be a perm sec. But I can't say that he can't be a good footballer. Neither can I say that he will not be a good politician. Winston Churchill too was not seen as good enough to be a PM, but he proved the British wrong as a good war PM. So, who is going to claim to be god to be able to judge someone as good enough or not? It is the people that is going to show their trust in him and whether to give him a chance to prove himself. And it is the people who is going to judge whether he is good enough. The same reason of judging can be applied to the ministers. Many were damn great in the eyes of the PAP and to Chok Tong and Hsien Loong. But in the eyes of the people, they have other ideas of what is good and bad.

After this election, Singaporeans cannot blame the PAP anymore

Ok, many Singaporeans are guilty of kpkb at the govt for policies that they are not happy with. By now the PAP is an open book. You know who they are, what they are, how they think and what they will do. And they have been very consistent and predictable in their actions and policies for the last few decades. And the ministers and MPs are know for what they are, what they stand for and what they can and cannot do. They have each a track record to prove their abilities. Now there is a general election in a few days time. So what shall the people do? There is no point in kpkb anymore. The future is in your hand. Vote wisely and live with the outcome once you have chosen. After that if still needs to kpkb, do it in front of the mirror. You deserve it, to give yourself a good kick in the back. This election is about telling the PAP that you like what they have been doing and confirming it by voting them to power again. Or it could be telling the PAP that you don’t like what they have done and are giving your vote to the opposition. It is as simple as that. And you can blame no one else anymore. You created your own future. You have been reminded over and over again, you deserve the govt that you elected to rule you.

The debate so far

On the opposition side, it was a time to let out the frustration and disappointment of govt policies. Yes, the govt claimed that all the policies were excellent and good for the people. But do the people buy them? Many issues were about bread and butter, about food on the table and about jobs. What the opposition was saying was simply that the people were unhappy with what was going on, and the people agreed. It was also about problems that multi million dollar ministers are expected to anticipate, to plan for, to nib in the bud by being proactive and not allowing problems to blow up to such a proportion. The people knew what these problems were but unfortunately the govt didn’t or could not understand, could not see. What the ruling party’s position is very simple, don’t rock the boat or Singapore will be in trouble. There are more problems over the horizon, and only they can overcome them, not the opposition. Vote for the ruling party or the island may sink. It is a strategy of threats and spreading fears. Who then is going to carry the votes? There is a political rock star that has risen from the two days of campaigning in the name of Nicole. Yes, it is Nicole all the way. Nicole is holding the torch. And she is supported by a team of respectable and experienced professionals that are no less able than the PAP team. It reminds me of the days of a young LKY tearing down the streets and backed up by an able team of generals. In this case, the generals are all the leaders in the opposition parties. And the ruling govt is getting to look more like the colonial masters. And what the opposition is saying is simply that the dead woods, the has beens, the overpaid, shall be removed. And the crowd loves it. There is nothing new coming from the PAP except more upgrading and more upgrading, and more FTs and more FTs, and of course, higher and higher pays. It is not looking very pretty at the moment for the PAP. And with the disgruntled citizens voicing out at every opportunity they could find, more are likely to feel that they are not alone, that the same frustrations are being felt by other fellow citizens as well. Before internet, no one had a real feel of what the ground feeling was like. And they kept their unhappiness to themselves, thinking that they could be the odd one out, so better keep quiet. Now the feeling is in the open, and everyone who feels the same knows that they are not alone. There is a groundswell. Could this really be translated in votes for the opposition? Still one week before polling day to know what is real and what is just emotion.

Sorry not enough, must explain!

This statement must be still vivid in many Singaporeans’ mind. Committing a mistake and saying sorry is not enough, and must explain, dunno explain what? But Singaporeans are generally very kind and forgiving. Take Vincent Wijeysingha as an example, after the threats of something bad from a video, he is letting matter to rest without demanding for any explanation. Then there is the Mas Selamat Jalan episode and Kan Seng said he had apologized or accepted responsibility. So it is over. No issue any more. No red faces, no one feel pressurized or cornered. Perhaps our society has matured, and small people who liked to seize on every opportunity to blow things up, the blow job professionals, are long gone. This is good for the people or else we will still have third world ruffians in our first world city.

Time to ask the PAP questions

The PAP has been asking the opposition parties many pertinent questions, like are they ready to form the next govt. Looking at the number of seats contested, this is a reality that can happen. And it is not only patronizing but insulting to the electorate to call it a freak election if it does happened. Freak election can only be held for freaks. So, are the voters freaks? Now is the moment for the opposition to ask the PAP if they will accept the choice of the people if the opposition is elected to power, by a coalition? Would the PAP accept the fate if they were voted out of power? Don’t evade this question by saying it is impossible. Laughing at such a possibility is OK. Laughing has always been a weapon in parliament. I remember someone saying that tanks would be rolling down the streets when there is a freak election or something like that. Can't remember who, I got dementia. Would there really be tanks rolling in the streets? Why is it called freak? Is it because the PAP believes that the people will definitely vote them to power? And if they did not, it is not because the people did not want them but because of a miscalculation. So the election tak pakai, and the army boys and tanks will be rolled out to prevent the opposition from assuming leadership of the country? Is this what a democratic election supposed to be, where a party can claimed that it is the choice of the people, and if not elected, they can quash the election result, calls it freak, and continue to rule? A very convenient argument. Is this a likely scenario? These are very pertinent questions that the opposition parties should ask the PAP, and demand an answer. Would they accept the verdict of the people? Or would they freak out?

Some pics of the SDP Rally at Commonwealth Ave

Pictures showing sections of the crowd that filled more than half the football field at about 8pm, and growing. SDP also had a store selling souvenirs and the party's election literature.

My affordable housing scheme

Sure affordable, and the lessee can choose the number of years he wishes to repay the lease, or loan, or whatever. Buyers or lessees can choose to pay in 30 years, 60 years or 90 years. The repayment period will be so flexible that the lessee can pay in one generation, two generations or three generations, with two incomes, 4 incomes or 6 incomes as long as the monthly repayment sum is affordable. Now would this be a better way to sell affordable housing? Can raise the price higher some more. I was thinking of extending the repayment period to 200 years, but unfortunately the lease will expire in 99 years. And all lessees can still call themselves property owners. Actually owning a 30 year lease or 99 lease or freehold property is all the same, property owners.

The Good and Bad on Nomination Day

Several controversies on the first day of the GE. There were complaints and protests, some were resolved amicably and gentlemanly, some were questionables. The first complaint raised was the occupational status of Sim Ann, a PAP candidate in the Holland Bukit Timah GRC. She stated in the form that she was unemployed. The SDP quickly pointed out that she was a civil servant. Then there was drama and suspense for about an hour before the Returning Officer made a press statement that she had paid in lieu of notice period, and PSC had confirmed that she was no longer a civil servant. The SDP was gracious enough not to pursue the matter further. One up for sportsmanship to the SDP. The second controversy involved Ng Teck Siong and his independent team of candidates contesting in Tanjong Pagar. They were late but not really late to miss the deadline of 12 noon. Uncle Yap was there to witness the event and has a video circulating in cyberspace. What happened was that the team was held up a bit too long with the Commissioner of Oath and the swearing protocol. Ng Teck Siong was still able to submit his papers to the Returning Officer way before 12 noon while his team mates were still stuck with the Commissioner of Oath. Just a few minutes before 12 noon, the Commissioner of Oath corner shouted for him, probably to clarify on some matters. He asked the Returning Officer for permission to answer to the call and permission was granted. But the few precious minutes passed by quickly and they heard the Returning Officer announced that all nominations were closed, to their horror. He went back to the Returning Officer who duly returned him the papers that he accepted earlier. Get the picture? This is Uncle Yap’s version and he had recommended that the case be brought before the court of law for a hearing and judgement. There are definitely many ambiguities and doubtful areas that Ng Teck Siong’s team could raise. Anyone wanted to be a gentleman and be gracious in this case? Looks like it is a forgone conclusion and already cast in iron. One down on sportsmanship and the technicalities. Heard that there were two cases of irregularities in the forms, one for an opposition party and one on the side of the PAP. Both were rectified and put to rest, gentlemanly. One up for both sides. The pre Nomination hustlings between Vivian and Vincent on the issue of video clips and gay agenda have come to an amicably ending. Both sides agreed to put the issue to rest. One up for each side. Yes, it is possible to raise the conduct of the election to a more respectable manner with all sides playing above board instead of lurking in the corners trying to trip each other. So far so good and looking promising. But the internet mole brigades are still on the loose. Will they be reined in and stop their nonsense? The big guns of the parties are all calling for a fair and clean fight. They better live up to it. And that will be nice. For whatever smear campaign or acts committed, it will be hanged on their necks forever. No way to hide. There is not only the main media to account to, there is a more vicious and brutally forthright new media watching the election like a hawk.

82 seats to be contested out of 87

LKY is making history again by walking into Parliament as the oldest MP and will serve till 92 years of age. Can you believe it? And his feat was made easy when his opponents led by Ng Teck Siong was late in submitting their nominations paper. Can you believe it? Chia Ti Lik did the right thing. And Sim Ann, President’s scholar and a potential ministerial material, could face disqualification as technically it was reported that she was serving notice and still a civil servant. Looks like another slip, and from the PAP! Can you believe it? Heard that one candidate did not file his papers fully and could have been disqualified. No details of who or which party he is from. Can you believe it? Luckily the main opposition teams are in the race. And hopefully no more disqualifications on some technical grounds. The four big battles to be fought with the two girls in Marine Parade, Tan Jee Say/Ang Yong Guan/Vincent versus Vivian at Bukit Timah, the battle between Goh Meng Seng and Mah Bow Tan in Tampines, and in Aljunid where people are asking if George Yeo will stand a chance against Low Thia Khiang/Sylvia and Chen Show Mao. And the ministers that could bade goodbye are Chok Tong, Hwee Hua, George Yeo, Vivian and Mah Bow Tan. Could there be any other mishaps? Oh, I nearly forgot, Chiam See Tong, the man who was expected to be only standing by, is taking on two ministers in Eng Hen and Kan Seng. And another kamikazi squad of brave young men/woman taking on Hsien Loong in Ang Mo Kio. There is a high possibility that LKY could be the PM once more if there is a freak result and both Chok Tong and Hsien Loong lost. Another wet dream scenario. Singaporeans would be shouting, 'Huat ah!'

The game of spamming and gutter politics

The spammers are getting a field day as the GE heat gets hotter. The application of technology to affect blogs and sites that are on opposing camps can only get worst. Getting spammed, flooded with phantom visitors and hits to slow down and incapacitate sites will be the order of the day. Are these healthy activities or do they fall into the category of dirty and unclean? Would Chok Tong’s call for a clean and gentlemanly contest be just a wet dream? There are bound to be supporter and opponents for all parties in the election. Some are zealous, over zealous in the support of their parties and idols. Some are paid to do the dirty job of attacking the opponents and undermine their activities. For the latter, nothing can be done as their masters will write the paychecks for them to do what the paymasters want. For the supporters, it would be good if they did not go overboard and tarnish the reputation of their parties and candidates. I happened to see a photo of a gangster like woman staring fiercely at Sebastian Teo during his walkabout at a kopitiam. To me, the look of that woman reminds me of the Animal Farm, thinking that she could bit off anyone. And it reflected very badly on her master. To all supporters, do support your respective parties and candidates, but do have a little self respect for the candidates and their supporters too. They are all fellow citizens, not your enemies. This is a general election where all Singaporeans elect their representatives to Parliament, not a gang fight, not a war. And don’t forget to show a little self respect to yourself as well. Misbehaving is bad for whatever cause. So does sneaking around to do harm to others.

Another fearsome tool

The youtube and video are formidable weapons to use in this election. They can be very powerful tools to destroy an opponent. Tin Pei Ling can attest to that while Nicole Seah will be asking for more. Vivian seems to have something in hand to deal with the SDP and the target looks like Vincent. And someone in 3in1kopitiam is claiming to have a handle on Vivian and making threatening noises to dare Vivian releasing his video. It could be a tit for tat scenario. We will all have to wait to see if they were just hoaxes. There is another powerful weapon that can be used. One resident has disclosed a letter written by an MP to him which was not too flattering. MPs must have written a lot of letters and if some of them were not well written and exposed, the MPs got a lot of work to defend what they wrote. The way the internet can be used to score points is still multiplying. Got to be very careful writing those replies, and one thing, better not to be rude and haughty.

Trading jobs for profits

Ralph Gomory, research professor at New York University's Stern business school, said, "...What we have seen, he said, is "a massive shift in capability from the U.S. to China. What we have done is traded jobs for profit. The jobs have moved to China. The capability erodes in the U.S. and grows in China. That's very destructive. That is a big reason why the U.S. is becoming more and more polarized between a small, very rich class and an eroding middle class. The people who get the profits are very different from the people who lost the wages." The above is an extract of an IMF article forcasting that the Chinese economy overtaking the American's by year 2016. But what is interesting is the uncanny similarities in the pathetic situation the Americans are facing and those of Singaporeans. By substituting the words Singapore/Singaporeans for US and FTs for China, it can simply apply to the situation here. "...What we have seen, he said, is "a massive shift in capability from the Singaporeans to FTs. What we have done is traded jobs for profit. The jobs have moved to FTs. The capability erodes in the Singaporeans and grows in FTs. That's very destructive. That is a big reason why Singapore is becoming more and more polarized between a small, very rich class and an eroding middle class. The people who get the profits are very different from the people who lost the wages."

PAP fears WP will block constitutional amendments

Shanmugam said, ‘…what the WP wants is the power in Parliament to block constitutional amendments and money Bills, as an interim step. The ultimate goal is of taking over the govt.’ Is there anything wrong with both objectives? It is exactly for the first objective that the people must support the WP and the opposition. Many constitutional changes have been made which were questionable and should not be allowed to go through. One major one involves the conditions to qualify to stand for the elected President. If the President is a ceremonial position, appointed to honour someone’s contribution to the country, and paid a pittance, oops, an honorarium, it is acceptable and likely that only the elites will be appointed. As an elected President, elected by the people with some executive power, no ordinary citizen shall be deprived from the privilege of standing out for the people to decide if they are good enough to serve in that office. All the elitist criteria and condition is bull. What if the constitution is amended again to state that only people who have served as a minister can qualify to be an elected President? Possible, if there is no opposition MP to vote against it. The GRC system was created out of necessity to protect minority representation. It is now a different animal with 4,5,6 or maybe more MPs in one GRC. You need to block such things from getting out of hand. The high remuneration for political office is another questionable bill. It is going out of tune and going terribly wild. It is exactly for such reasons that we need a strong opposition representation in Parliament to block constitutional amendments and money bills, to keep the system in check and in balance. For those who agreed to all the constitutional amendments, please continue to vote for a one party dominant Parliament. For those who believe that there must be checks on the what is acceptable and what is not, they must vote for more opposition representation in Parliament, to deprive any ruling party of a 2/3 majority.