Tony Tan has resigned from the PAP and confirmed his running for the president as an independent candidate just like Tan Cheng Bock. Many people will be wondering how independent does it mean? Is he PAP’s sponsored candidate just like the past elected presidents? Teng Cheong and Nathan did not claim to be independent candidates and were comfortable to be seen as PAP’s choices. Is the announcement that he is an independent candidate puts him at a distance from the PAP and would the people believe this to be so?
It is in the interest of the PAP to have its own sponsored candidate as it had done so in the past. The Elected Presidency, like the GRC, is designed to favour the PAP’s choice of candidate. And it is unlikely that PAP would not run a presidential candidate and give up its stake in the Elected President. In all reasonings, Tony will be seen as the PAP’s candidate unless PAP actually put up another candidate with an official endorsement of support. Without doing so, how many voters would believe that Tony is not PAP’s candidate.
Tony is PAP’s trump card, the strongest card it has played and available to the party. The winning of the presidency by a PAP backed candidate is of paramount importance to the party. It must win as the other candidates have openly stated that they want to be guardians of the reserves, exactly as what the elected president was set up to do. Life will be tough or at least not as easy going should anyone not on the PAP’s side is elected.
How would the people decide who should be their president? Would they choose a president the PAP wanted, or would they choose otherwise? Or would PAP just leave the situation as it is, that Tony is an independent candidate and not say anything in his favour? Given Tony’s standing and stature, it should be a walkover. He has all the good qualities expected of a president. He even looks like a president.
It is not that Cheng Bock or Kin Lian look less like a president. They too look quite good. If one were to place all the cards on the table, Tony definitely has a big edge. The only thing going against him is his closeness with the PAP.
If the people find that a truly independent president, independent from the PAP, is the crux of the matter, and the most important attribute of the president, then all the goodness of Tony may be swept aside. If the people want a president that will stand up to the PAP, then unfortunately, Tony will not be their candidate of choice no matter how many thousand times Tony claimed that he is an independent candidate, ready to do what is expected of him as the President, to protect the country’s reserves.
There is nothing Tony can do to remove himself completely from his past association. You can’t blame anyone for thinking that he is PAP. It would be an uphill task for Tony to persuade the people to think otherwise. He can try of course.
So, what do the people want? A rejection of Tony will be the clearest warning that the PAP has lost all its political capital and on its way out. This is a presidential election to watch, coming so close behind the last GE. The GE was a watershed. The presidential election could be a waterfall. It will see another of PAP’s foundation being knocked down should Cheng Bock or Kin Lian trounce Tony. It will be another attempt by the people to chip on the PAP’s armour of invincibility.
The public consensus that no opposition can bring down the PAP except the PAP itself is becoming a reality. Both Cheng Bock and Kin Lian were PAP. It is the breakaway, the internal rivalry that is coming to the open. It only needs the people to help make it happen.
6/23/2011
PAP’s presidential candidate
With the amount of publicity in the main media, it is almost certain that Tony Tan is the likely PAP candidate for the presidential election. So Nathan would likely be stepping down. For those who are looking for a Malay President, the hope is fading away fast.
There should be no issue about Tony’s credential and qualification for the presidency. His only weakness is his PAP badge even if it is taken down. The mood of the people is for a truly independent president, not just because of his great credential and track record. If Tony is defeated, it is not because he is not good enough.
The bigger issue is who to fill his position of Executive Director in GIC. From past experience, no one is good enough, I mean no locals will be good enough. They all lack international exposure and experience. Very likely another yoda will be wheeled to fill the post. If they can’t fill any yoda that is still kicking, maybe the next obvious choice is a foreign talent. And there are plenty of foreign talents available. If need be, just offer the candidate a citizenship badge and call him citizen. That should do the trick to soothe the nationalistic fervour.
Any true blue Singaporean hopefuls eyeing for the job will only be disappointed. We just don’t have that kind of caliber candidates today. Anyone under 60 belongs to a generation of straight As and first class but good on paper only. Maybe good enough to become politicians. The real talent will likely come from a little village somewhere around the world, preferably in a third world country, hungry and willing. Never mind if his primary or secondary or even first degree is not from a branded top notch school. Never mind if there are no straight As. Ability and talent are not written in a straight As report card or first class degree from the Ivy League.
There must be many dark horses waiting to fill Tony’s shoes. Or maybe a white stallion from the US or Europe will also do. Sinkies, forget it. Just my reading after gazing too long at an old crystal ball.
There should be no issue about Tony’s credential and qualification for the presidency. His only weakness is his PAP badge even if it is taken down. The mood of the people is for a truly independent president, not just because of his great credential and track record. If Tony is defeated, it is not because he is not good enough.
The bigger issue is who to fill his position of Executive Director in GIC. From past experience, no one is good enough, I mean no locals will be good enough. They all lack international exposure and experience. Very likely another yoda will be wheeled to fill the post. If they can’t fill any yoda that is still kicking, maybe the next obvious choice is a foreign talent. And there are plenty of foreign talents available. If need be, just offer the candidate a citizenship badge and call him citizen. That should do the trick to soothe the nationalistic fervour.
Any true blue Singaporean hopefuls eyeing for the job will only be disappointed. We just don’t have that kind of caliber candidates today. Anyone under 60 belongs to a generation of straight As and first class but good on paper only. Maybe good enough to become politicians. The real talent will likely come from a little village somewhere around the world, preferably in a third world country, hungry and willing. Never mind if his primary or secondary or even first degree is not from a branded top notch school. Never mind if there are no straight As. Ability and talent are not written in a straight As report card or first class degree from the Ivy League.
There must be many dark horses waiting to fill Tony’s shoes. Or maybe a white stallion from the US or Europe will also do. Sinkies, forget it. Just my reading after gazing too long at an old crystal ball.
6/22/2011
Screw those with entitlement mentality
No one is entitled to anything. There have been many strong remarks chastising young people for wanting to buy bigger flats as if it is an entitlement. If you can’t afford bigger flat, buy smaller flat that is within your means. This is the haughty reply of the successful. The losers, please take note, you only got yourself to blame for not being able to afford bigger and more expensive properties.
Today, young professional couples were told to buy smaller 4rm or 3rm flats with 2 incomes. Their aspiration for a bigger flat was doomed with the high prices in public flats and profiteering of private developers. Compared to their parents, a taxi driver or technician with one income could comfortably buy a 5 rm flat. Some even could afford executive flats. So what went wrong? The quality of housing has gone down. A 3rm mickey mouse flat is for mickey mouse and not for bringing up family.
Don’t even mention about those 500 sq ft shoe boxes. No matter how well furnished, they are good for pets only, not for human beans.
The expectation and aspiration for better housing and bigger housing are not entitlement mentality. Everyone wants to live better, has a decent place to bring up family. And they elect MPs to Parliament, to form govt, to look after their interest and aspiration. If the govt cannot fulfil the needs and aspiration of the people, they can piss off. The people are not going to take no and rubbish for an answer. If a govt cannot deliver and rebuke the people for better and higher expectations in living standards, and rubbish them as entitlement mentality, the people must remember to vote them out in the next GE.
What is entitlement mentality? Entitlement mentality is expecting to be paid several millions a year, even when one has no executive responsibility, no ministry to run, no tangible portfolio and no army of people to manage. This is the kind of entitlement mentality that should be debunked. Entitlement mentality is expecting to be paid as much or more than one’s previous job when they are totally unrelated or irrelevant. What skill does a professionally trained person in medicine, law, science or whatever brought in to the govt other than basic thinking and management skill? Why should one then be entitled to the same kind of remuneration?
If you don’t pay me, then I would not serve. Thank you, good riddance. There are plenty of talents out there who can do equally well in govt and would not have the entitlement mentality of wanting to be paid in millions. Screw those with this kind of entitlement mentality. Don’t vote for them in the next GE.
Today, young professional couples were told to buy smaller 4rm or 3rm flats with 2 incomes. Their aspiration for a bigger flat was doomed with the high prices in public flats and profiteering of private developers. Compared to their parents, a taxi driver or technician with one income could comfortably buy a 5 rm flat. Some even could afford executive flats. So what went wrong? The quality of housing has gone down. A 3rm mickey mouse flat is for mickey mouse and not for bringing up family.
Don’t even mention about those 500 sq ft shoe boxes. No matter how well furnished, they are good for pets only, not for human beans.
The expectation and aspiration for better housing and bigger housing are not entitlement mentality. Everyone wants to live better, has a decent place to bring up family. And they elect MPs to Parliament, to form govt, to look after their interest and aspiration. If the govt cannot fulfil the needs and aspiration of the people, they can piss off. The people are not going to take no and rubbish for an answer. If a govt cannot deliver and rebuke the people for better and higher expectations in living standards, and rubbish them as entitlement mentality, the people must remember to vote them out in the next GE.
What is entitlement mentality? Entitlement mentality is expecting to be paid several millions a year, even when one has no executive responsibility, no ministry to run, no tangible portfolio and no army of people to manage. This is the kind of entitlement mentality that should be debunked. Entitlement mentality is expecting to be paid as much or more than one’s previous job when they are totally unrelated or irrelevant. What skill does a professionally trained person in medicine, law, science or whatever brought in to the govt other than basic thinking and management skill? Why should one then be entitled to the same kind of remuneration?
If you don’t pay me, then I would not serve. Thank you, good riddance. There are plenty of talents out there who can do equally well in govt and would not have the entitlement mentality of wanting to be paid in millions. Screw those with this kind of entitlement mentality. Don’t vote for them in the next GE.
6/21/2011
No letting up in anger
Housing problems continue to drive the angry home buyers up the wall. And the high but affordable prices of the newly launched flats in Tampines only add fuel to the already unhappy young couples. Boon Wan’s explanation that DBSS flats must not be seen as HDB flats was immediately dismissed by the affected people. No one believes or want to believe that DBSS flats are different from HDB as many of the HDB rules and regulations are still applicable to these flats except for the part of the developer.
Boon Wan’s explanation is going to go the road of his $8 open heart surgery. Can anyone blame the people for their anger and cynicism? The writing is on the wall for the govt. They have 5 years to appease the anger of the people and their expectation for a whole range of issues, from housing to foreign talents and the recognition that the citizens must be taken care of first. Haughty talks of telling the people to tighten belt, lower their expectations to fit their pockets are not going to be well received. Failing to address these issues will see the party being dumped into the pages of history.
Make no mistake about it. The previous hard nose and snotty approach to handling the citizens and brow beating them to acquiescence no longer works. No one in the govt has that kind of authority and stature to brush the people aside anymore. Any politician who thinks he can still behave and talk like immortals or gods got to prepare for the backlash that will come swift and fast. Talking cock and trying to pull wools over the eyes of a new people that have woken to their rights and the realization that they must take control of their own future and country will be tough going.
There is a sense of emancipation from years of oppression and intimidation. The political culture and climate are at a cross road, for more freedom of choice and expression or for the hammer to come smashing down and a return to an abrasive and intolerant past.
What would it be like in 2016 depends on the changes that are taking place today, a pro people govt or a govt that decides on what it thinks best, even contrary to the people’s interests and aspirations.
Boon Wan’s explanation is going to go the road of his $8 open heart surgery. Can anyone blame the people for their anger and cynicism? The writing is on the wall for the govt. They have 5 years to appease the anger of the people and their expectation for a whole range of issues, from housing to foreign talents and the recognition that the citizens must be taken care of first. Haughty talks of telling the people to tighten belt, lower their expectations to fit their pockets are not going to be well received. Failing to address these issues will see the party being dumped into the pages of history.
Make no mistake about it. The previous hard nose and snotty approach to handling the citizens and brow beating them to acquiescence no longer works. No one in the govt has that kind of authority and stature to brush the people aside anymore. Any politician who thinks he can still behave and talk like immortals or gods got to prepare for the backlash that will come swift and fast. Talking cock and trying to pull wools over the eyes of a new people that have woken to their rights and the realization that they must take control of their own future and country will be tough going.
There is a sense of emancipation from years of oppression and intimidation. The political culture and climate are at a cross road, for more freedom of choice and expression or for the hammer to come smashing down and a return to an abrasive and intolerant past.
What would it be like in 2016 depends on the changes that are taking place today, a pro people govt or a govt that decides on what it thinks best, even contrary to the people’s interests and aspirations.
6/20/2011
The President’s Cup – The missing third key
The SIA Cup carries the biggest prize money in the Singapore horse racing circuit. But this pales in comparison with the Presidential Race that is scheduled in late August. The prize money is a cool $24m minimum, with options of doubling or tripling that sum to $48m or $72m if performance bonus and growth bonus are included.
With this heavenly sum of money to be won, it is unbelieveable that till now, only two entries have been confirmed. One is an outsider and another ‘an also ran’ coming from the most successful stable. The defending champion, a two time winner, has yet to confirm if he is defending his title. In the meantime the stable has previewed another thoroughbred that could possibly be their front runner for the contest.
The bookies have put up a reasonable odd of 1 to 10 for the outsider to win the race. The breakaway entry is given a higher rating in view of his past association with the famed stable. This makes it imperative that the stable must put up a good fight and not to take the two outsiders lightly. The ageing two time winner with too much weight handicap may be rested for good. And there is no room for a dark horse to run and to think of winning.
Why is there such a dearth of entries in probably the richest race on earth? Someone has locked the door and threw away the key. It is of paramount importance that this key is found and the door reopened so that a proper race can be run with every good contestant be given an equal chance, at least at the starting block. It cannot be a race when practically all entries are ruled out or locked out from the race.
With this heavenly sum of money to be won, it is unbelieveable that till now, only two entries have been confirmed. One is an outsider and another ‘an also ran’ coming from the most successful stable. The defending champion, a two time winner, has yet to confirm if he is defending his title. In the meantime the stable has previewed another thoroughbred that could possibly be their front runner for the contest.
The bookies have put up a reasonable odd of 1 to 10 for the outsider to win the race. The breakaway entry is given a higher rating in view of his past association with the famed stable. This makes it imperative that the stable must put up a good fight and not to take the two outsiders lightly. The ageing two time winner with too much weight handicap may be rested for good. And there is no room for a dark horse to run and to think of winning.
Why is there such a dearth of entries in probably the richest race on earth? Someone has locked the door and threw away the key. It is of paramount importance that this key is found and the door reopened so that a proper race can be run with every good contestant be given an equal chance, at least at the starting block. It cannot be a race when practically all entries are ruled out or locked out from the race.
Tears of a War Secretary
Robert Gates cried. In his two terms as Defence Secretary, he had signed 3,400 condolence letters for American boys and girls killed in Afghanistan and Iraq. Multiply that number by 50, there could be 150,000 wounded, some maimed for life, for the wars that the US is conducting in the two countries, and more to come in other areas.
The US has been a warring nation since the end of the Second World War. It has been at war with other nations practically continuously since then. At the same time it has been screaming to the world that it is the most peace loving nation. And while I am typing this, it is in the process of starting another war in the South China Sea. This time it is egging on Vietnam and the Philippines to take on China, with the US behind them.
This obnoxious war mongering country cannot deceive the world forever.
And it was reported that Gates ‘publicly questioned the need for the US to join the Nato air war in Libya…’ Who would believe that the Americans are the angels and not the devils that are dictating the conduct of war in Libya? Yes, publicly questioned, but what is his position behind the public eyes? The fact that the US continues to engage in more wars and trying to start more wars is testimony of what he stands for.
And he shed crocodile tears for the innocent boys and girls he sent to wars and came home in black plastic bags. ‘There’s probably not a day in the last four years that I haven’t wept, and it’s mostly when I’m doing those letters.’ He was referring to the condolence letters he had to send to the bereaved families. No amount of tears that he shed could make things better for the families of the dead American boys and girls. The world will be a more peaceful place if the Americans stop waging wars. There will be wars among the smaller countries, but would not be in the scale near to what the Americans are doing.
Should the Americans and the people of other nations that have died during his terms of service say, ‘Don’t cry Bob, you are such an angel. God loves you for your compassion?’ Did he shed a single tear for the 'enemies' and the 'collateral damages', innocent people killed by his acts of war?
The US has been a warring nation since the end of the Second World War. It has been at war with other nations practically continuously since then. At the same time it has been screaming to the world that it is the most peace loving nation. And while I am typing this, it is in the process of starting another war in the South China Sea. This time it is egging on Vietnam and the Philippines to take on China, with the US behind them.
This obnoxious war mongering country cannot deceive the world forever.
And it was reported that Gates ‘publicly questioned the need for the US to join the Nato air war in Libya…’ Who would believe that the Americans are the angels and not the devils that are dictating the conduct of war in Libya? Yes, publicly questioned, but what is his position behind the public eyes? The fact that the US continues to engage in more wars and trying to start more wars is testimony of what he stands for.
And he shed crocodile tears for the innocent boys and girls he sent to wars and came home in black plastic bags. ‘There’s probably not a day in the last four years that I haven’t wept, and it’s mostly when I’m doing those letters.’ He was referring to the condolence letters he had to send to the bereaved families. No amount of tears that he shed could make things better for the families of the dead American boys and girls. The world will be a more peaceful place if the Americans stop waging wars. There will be wars among the smaller countries, but would not be in the scale near to what the Americans are doing.
Should the Americans and the people of other nations that have died during his terms of service say, ‘Don’t cry Bob, you are such an angel. God loves you for your compassion?’ Did he shed a single tear for the 'enemies' and the 'collateral damages', innocent people killed by his acts of war?
6/19/2011
$420 for dinner at Geylang
This is the bill for seafood dinner for 4 adults and 2 children at a seafood restaurant in Geylang. It was touted as good food. The chef took the order and cooked it himself. Not sure if the restaurant is aircon. It looks like the typical old shophouse converts. Of course the customers saw red. Me too. I would rather spend that kind of money in a comfortable aircon restaurant with a more pleasant ambient. Geylang and $400!
But caveat emptor. Willing buyer willing seller. The only difference is that the willing buyer did not ask the price before ordering and thus asked for it. I never patronise any place when they hide the menu and the price. That is the first warning sign. Anything that people hide and refuse to tell in Singapore is telling you they have something to hide. Transparency is only for the fools.
Come to think of it, spending $420 is nothing. In this country, the price is unlimited. It can go to the millions for a surgery. Well, everyone is expecting to be paid in millions and anyway. All it takes is to call oneself a supertalent or the best cook or best meat cutter. Some suckers will just pay. Nothing is free. It all comes from the daft Singaporeans who don’t even know that they are being fleeced and keep saying, it is worth it. You pay the price for quality. That is the mantra of this paradise. The more pricer, the betterer the quality. Quality is measured by money paid.
But caveat emptor. Willing buyer willing seller. The only difference is that the willing buyer did not ask the price before ordering and thus asked for it. I never patronise any place when they hide the menu and the price. That is the first warning sign. Anything that people hide and refuse to tell in Singapore is telling you they have something to hide. Transparency is only for the fools.
Come to think of it, spending $420 is nothing. In this country, the price is unlimited. It can go to the millions for a surgery. Well, everyone is expecting to be paid in millions and anyway. All it takes is to call oneself a supertalent or the best cook or best meat cutter. Some suckers will just pay. Nothing is free. It all comes from the daft Singaporeans who don’t even know that they are being fleeced and keep saying, it is worth it. You pay the price for quality. That is the mantra of this paradise. The more pricer, the betterer the quality. Quality is measured by money paid.
6/18/2011
Nuclear power plants for sale
Germany has decided to scrap all its nuclear power plants. The French are also pressing their govt to do so. Japan is on the way too if the Japanese could have their way. Potentially there are at least three countries that may lelong their power plants to power hungry countries.
Asean looks like the best candidate to benefit from such fire sales. Politically they are more acceptable to the West to be recipients of this dangerous technology. Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia are quite advanced in their research on nuclear technology and the harnessing of nuclear power for commercial use.
This is a golden opportunity to send a joint delegation to these countries to buy over their nuclear plants, lock, stock and barrel for a song, including their experts and technicians. Where else can one get such a turnkey project without having to reinvent the wheel? And all three can become instant nuclear powers with nuclear fuel and enriched uranium for sale. They can gain international stature by joining the elite nuclear club.
All that is necessary now is to get some nuclear experts to swear that nuclear energy is perfectly safe with all the safe guard measures built in from the experience in Fukushima. Everything that can go wrong will not go wrong anymore. All taken care of.
Malaysia can site their nuclear plant in Johore, Indonesia can site theirs in Batam and we put ours in Tekong or Ubin. We can call it the Asean nuclear triangle of the three Asean nuclear powers. Locating them together will cancel each others concern of nuclear risk and radioactive fallouts. I risk you and you risk me. Fair and square.
Asean looks like the best candidate to benefit from such fire sales. Politically they are more acceptable to the West to be recipients of this dangerous technology. Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia are quite advanced in their research on nuclear technology and the harnessing of nuclear power for commercial use.
This is a golden opportunity to send a joint delegation to these countries to buy over their nuclear plants, lock, stock and barrel for a song, including their experts and technicians. Where else can one get such a turnkey project without having to reinvent the wheel? And all three can become instant nuclear powers with nuclear fuel and enriched uranium for sale. They can gain international stature by joining the elite nuclear club.
All that is necessary now is to get some nuclear experts to swear that nuclear energy is perfectly safe with all the safe guard measures built in from the experience in Fukushima. Everything that can go wrong will not go wrong anymore. All taken care of.
Malaysia can site their nuclear plant in Johore, Indonesia can site theirs in Batam and we put ours in Tekong or Ubin. We can call it the Asean nuclear triangle of the three Asean nuclear powers. Locating them together will cancel each others concern of nuclear risk and radioactive fallouts. I risk you and you risk me. Fair and square.
6/17/2011
DBSS flats are affordable
The latest launch of DBSS flats in Tampines is looking quite good with comments from those interviewed that the prices are reasonable and affordable. 3 rm units cost between $400k to $500k, 4 rm from $530k to $680k and 5 rm units from $685k to $880k. Though the prices are comparable to some private developments, all those interviewed have only good things to say about them, good location and good facilities to justify the price. No one is complaining about not being able to afford them.
I think they will sell very well. And those interviewed are relatively young people. I am really impressed by the number of young people who are doing so well and find spending $600k to $900k for a flat affordable. Don’t expect HDB prices to come down when people have no problem paying for such flats. This is the best confirmation that property prices will remain solid like rocks.
There is no need for Boon Wan to raise the $8000 ceiling. Maybe those interviewed have combined income of $15k or more.
I think they will sell very well. And those interviewed are relatively young people. I am really impressed by the number of young people who are doing so well and find spending $600k to $900k for a flat affordable. Don’t expect HDB prices to come down when people have no problem paying for such flats. This is the best confirmation that property prices will remain solid like rocks.
There is no need for Boon Wan to raise the $8000 ceiling. Maybe those interviewed have combined income of $15k or more.
Quote from Baey Yam Keng
‘We should be more outspoken in speaking up on issues, not just in Parliament but also separately in our constituencies. Each MP would have to raise his own profile; we need to be more politically astute rather than just being implementors on the ground.’ - Baey Yam Keng
The above is the feedback from Baey Yam Keng on the last GE and what went right and wrong and what needs to be changed. What he said is the need for an MP to be himself, to be noticed as an individual leader, to have a voice and a view. So far, the political system under the PAP has been putting the PAP first and the rest of the MPs subsumed under the brand and become nondescripts. They have not much of an identity, not much of a view except those of the collective view or position of the PAP.
Perhaps the current state of affair is a legacy of the past, when anyone can become an MP, literate of illiterate, donkey or genius. In those situation, it was better that they be shut out and said nothing, just towed the line before they confused everyone and talked nonsense thinking that they were immortals.
Today the whole game has been changed. The PAP MPs in particular, are the best of the best, the best that the PAP can find in the island. They are the most talented and with leadership qualities in their blood. Many were even scholars with the best academic report cards comparable to the best in the word. It is a pity and a waste to keep them in the bottle, not allowing them to speak up and prove that they are really great leaders, with an ability to think independently. With their qualifications and the stringent selection criteria, every one of them should rightly be good enough as ministers if needed be.
I agree with Baey Yam Keng that such great talents must be allowed to shine and be seen and adored by the people. The only slight problem is that if they speak too freely and express contrarian views to PAP’s official position, it may be a bit difficult to swallow. And it could be worst when they are expected to vote for policies which they spoke vehemently against in public only to tow the line. It can undermine their integrity and sincerity or look hypocritical.
By all means, it is still a good suggestion to have these great talents speaking out more freely and more often instead of ‘no comments, it is party policies’.
The above is the feedback from Baey Yam Keng on the last GE and what went right and wrong and what needs to be changed. What he said is the need for an MP to be himself, to be noticed as an individual leader, to have a voice and a view. So far, the political system under the PAP has been putting the PAP first and the rest of the MPs subsumed under the brand and become nondescripts. They have not much of an identity, not much of a view except those of the collective view or position of the PAP.
Perhaps the current state of affair is a legacy of the past, when anyone can become an MP, literate of illiterate, donkey or genius. In those situation, it was better that they be shut out and said nothing, just towed the line before they confused everyone and talked nonsense thinking that they were immortals.
Today the whole game has been changed. The PAP MPs in particular, are the best of the best, the best that the PAP can find in the island. They are the most talented and with leadership qualities in their blood. Many were even scholars with the best academic report cards comparable to the best in the word. It is a pity and a waste to keep them in the bottle, not allowing them to speak up and prove that they are really great leaders, with an ability to think independently. With their qualifications and the stringent selection criteria, every one of them should rightly be good enough as ministers if needed be.
I agree with Baey Yam Keng that such great talents must be allowed to shine and be seen and adored by the people. The only slight problem is that if they speak too freely and express contrarian views to PAP’s official position, it may be a bit difficult to swallow. And it could be worst when they are expected to vote for policies which they spoke vehemently against in public only to tow the line. It can undermine their integrity and sincerity or look hypocritical.
By all means, it is still a good suggestion to have these great talents speaking out more freely and more often instead of ‘no comments, it is party policies’.
6/16/2011
Stop visiting Malaysia
The current episode of two women driving to JB in the wee hours of the morning for a cup of tea and the adrenalin sapping adventure they experienced is a hot topic on both sides of the causeway. Hishamuddin, the Home Affairs Minister, is setting up an inquiry into the case.
Many Singaporeans are angry and crying foul. Some are calling for a Stop Visiting Malaysia campaign to protest against the ill treatment of Singaporeans. The thinking is simple, why visit a country to be abused and harassed, not only by robbers and crooks, but also by the authority there to protect you? This is a double barrel risk to take.
This kind of reaction is quite natural in the heat of the moment. But with the complex relations between the two countries and people, this is just not possible. There are many people on both sides of the causeway that have all the good reasons to cross the causeway. The fact in this case, which is a genuine mistake with the errant parties walking to the immigration to correct the mistake but was hauled up and badly treated, like criminals, and with the authority throwing the books at them for immigration violation, has sent fears to innocent visitors to the country.
There was no attempt for discretion, to acknowledge a simple, honest mistake which many visitors to any country can make, and to subject visitors to such an ordeal cannot be taken lightly. Can’t the immigration officers see the difference between a genuine mistake and a criminal offence to arrest innocent visitors? The Immigration Authority is still claiming the high ground, that they were doing their duties when any normal thinking person would have handle the case differently.
Perhaps for Singaporeans who feel like protesting as a show of unhappiness, they could advise Singaporeans who have nothing important to stop visiting Malaysia for a month. Those casual visits, holidays etc, can be put off temporarily and would not cause any pain to anyone. It is just about sending a message. After that, hopefully the message is taken and visitors are treated a little courtesy as a show that they are welcome to visit Malaysia. It is basic hospitality and human decency to make your guests feel welcome, and to assist them when they make little mistakes because of unfamiliarity in a new environment.
Many Singaporeans are angry and crying foul. Some are calling for a Stop Visiting Malaysia campaign to protest against the ill treatment of Singaporeans. The thinking is simple, why visit a country to be abused and harassed, not only by robbers and crooks, but also by the authority there to protect you? This is a double barrel risk to take.
This kind of reaction is quite natural in the heat of the moment. But with the complex relations between the two countries and people, this is just not possible. There are many people on both sides of the causeway that have all the good reasons to cross the causeway. The fact in this case, which is a genuine mistake with the errant parties walking to the immigration to correct the mistake but was hauled up and badly treated, like criminals, and with the authority throwing the books at them for immigration violation, has sent fears to innocent visitors to the country.
There was no attempt for discretion, to acknowledge a simple, honest mistake which many visitors to any country can make, and to subject visitors to such an ordeal cannot be taken lightly. Can’t the immigration officers see the difference between a genuine mistake and a criminal offence to arrest innocent visitors? The Immigration Authority is still claiming the high ground, that they were doing their duties when any normal thinking person would have handle the case differently.
Perhaps for Singaporeans who feel like protesting as a show of unhappiness, they could advise Singaporeans who have nothing important to stop visiting Malaysia for a month. Those casual visits, holidays etc, can be put off temporarily and would not cause any pain to anyone. It is just about sending a message. After that, hopefully the message is taken and visitors are treated a little courtesy as a show that they are welcome to visit Malaysia. It is basic hospitality and human decency to make your guests feel welcome, and to assist them when they make little mistakes because of unfamiliarity in a new environment.
Stop selling Singapore
Today’s big news is that property sales have fallen, and prices may be falling. Is that good news? Even if the prices have fallen 50% it is still too high. Like the minister’s pay, the current property prices are outrageous.
The more important issue is to stop selling the few square feet of land that are still left for us to call this rock our country to foreigners. When the world is our customer, we don’t have enough land to sell. They will just buy up everything, every square inch if they are allowed to. And stop the myth about selling to foreigners who called themselves new citizens. This policy is as good as an open door policy to sell everything as there will be enough rich foreigners to come in and buy up everything. In the end we will have nothing left to call home.
The lunatics out there who still thing we have plenty of land to sell, just remember that any freehold land sold is as good as gone. There are still some left and it is time to take stock and keep what we have for the future generation. Please do not sell Singapore away. Please leave something for our children. We can only continue with this reckless policy of selling land if we don’t regard this as home, and plan to make all the profits and scoot to somewhere else. Even then, it is a silly thing to do as money will be withered away by inflation. The land is still there, as good as forever, unless sold.
The more important issue is to stop selling the few square feet of land that are still left for us to call this rock our country to foreigners. When the world is our customer, we don’t have enough land to sell. They will just buy up everything, every square inch if they are allowed to. And stop the myth about selling to foreigners who called themselves new citizens. This policy is as good as an open door policy to sell everything as there will be enough rich foreigners to come in and buy up everything. In the end we will have nothing left to call home.
The lunatics out there who still thing we have plenty of land to sell, just remember that any freehold land sold is as good as gone. There are still some left and it is time to take stock and keep what we have for the future generation. Please do not sell Singapore away. Please leave something for our children. We can only continue with this reckless policy of selling land if we don’t regard this as home, and plan to make all the profits and scoot to somewhere else. Even then, it is a silly thing to do as money will be withered away by inflation. The land is still there, as good as forever, unless sold.
6/15/2011
It was a common mistake
The Johore Immigration Director Nasri Ishak has clarified that making detainees to do squatting was not a normal procedure. But making them strip was necessary in case the detainees were hiding weapons in their bodies. He was referring to the two Singaporean women who went through a wrong immigration lane by mistake and returned to inform the immigration officers of their error.
In this case the officers were dealing with two innocent visitors who came to them to rectify a mistake. They were not someone picked up for suspicious activities or criminals. Why can’t the officers treat the case as an innocent mistake which happened very often, but treated them like dangerous criminals, stripping them, slapping them, checking for weapons, and putting them in detention?
Now we can see that the officers themselves have made an innocent mistake by making the two innocent women doing squats that were not proper procedure. In fact the whole matter of the two women reporting to them need not become such a big issue. They were not illegal immigrants that were caught sneaking into the country, but motorists who went into a wrong lane. Didn’t the officers have any commonsense to deal with the case as it is?
So, should the public demand that the officers be investigated, put under detention, be stripped, slapped, etc etc? Why can’t simple mistakes be handled simply and resolved expeditiously to avoid any unpleasantness? There were no indications that the two women were out to do mischief. They went back to the immigration officer to correct a mistake and what followed was a nightmare. The emotional and psychological stress and pressure imposed on them were unnecessary and uncalled for if Malaysia wants to be regarded as a first world and civilized country. They were not illegal immigrants in all counts even if the officers wanted to throw the book at them.
Come on Malaysia, when are you going to treat your visitors with some graciousness, respect and dignity?
In this case the officers were dealing with two innocent visitors who came to them to rectify a mistake. They were not someone picked up for suspicious activities or criminals. Why can’t the officers treat the case as an innocent mistake which happened very often, but treated them like dangerous criminals, stripping them, slapping them, checking for weapons, and putting them in detention?
Now we can see that the officers themselves have made an innocent mistake by making the two innocent women doing squats that were not proper procedure. In fact the whole matter of the two women reporting to them need not become such a big issue. They were not illegal immigrants that were caught sneaking into the country, but motorists who went into a wrong lane. Didn’t the officers have any commonsense to deal with the case as it is?
So, should the public demand that the officers be investigated, put under detention, be stripped, slapped, etc etc? Why can’t simple mistakes be handled simply and resolved expeditiously to avoid any unpleasantness? There were no indications that the two women were out to do mischief. They went back to the immigration officer to correct a mistake and what followed was a nightmare. The emotional and psychological stress and pressure imposed on them were unnecessary and uncalled for if Malaysia wants to be regarded as a first world and civilized country. They were not illegal immigrants in all counts even if the officers wanted to throw the book at them.
Come on Malaysia, when are you going to treat your visitors with some graciousness, respect and dignity?
To cry or not to cry?
We are a full fledged first world country, prosperous and well endowed with the best of everything. These cannot come about with half baked no brain citizens. They are called daft today, but nevermind. The fact is that we crowed of the best education system in the region, comparable to the best in the West. And parents invested heavily on their children, given them the best education money can buy.
Our children, many, went through the best childcare and kindergartens with facilities and education systems that the parents were willing to pay good money for. The same kids went through the best primary and secondary educations and tertiary educations with exceptionally good grades. Including the pre schools, most would have spent 20 years of good guidance in the education system.
Then what? They are not good enough when competing with the products of third world countries coming from less well equipped education system, lowly ranked relative to ours. Many have hard times applying for jobs and lost out to foreigners. And many top posts were given to foreigners because our local products were not good enough.
What is wrong? The gene pool has retarded? The education system is flawed despite the accolades? Or is it that a prophet has no place in his own home? Or really, the foreign products are much better than the daft locals?
Maybe it is all a myth. Our miraculous growth is a myth, our education system is a myth, the quality or ability of Singaporeans is a myth. What we are today is all the contributions of foreigners. We need more foreigners to replace the daft Singaporeans. All the tuitions and best kindergartens and best schools, and straight As are all myths, maybe fakes! I am referring to the straight As for Singaporeans. The straight As of foreign talents are real. In fact foreign talents with less than straight As are far better than locals with straight As, imported models.
Our children, many, went through the best childcare and kindergartens with facilities and education systems that the parents were willing to pay good money for. The same kids went through the best primary and secondary educations and tertiary educations with exceptionally good grades. Including the pre schools, most would have spent 20 years of good guidance in the education system.
Then what? They are not good enough when competing with the products of third world countries coming from less well equipped education system, lowly ranked relative to ours. Many have hard times applying for jobs and lost out to foreigners. And many top posts were given to foreigners because our local products were not good enough.
What is wrong? The gene pool has retarded? The education system is flawed despite the accolades? Or is it that a prophet has no place in his own home? Or really, the foreign products are much better than the daft locals?
Maybe it is all a myth. Our miraculous growth is a myth, our education system is a myth, the quality or ability of Singaporeans is a myth. What we are today is all the contributions of foreigners. We need more foreigners to replace the daft Singaporeans. All the tuitions and best kindergartens and best schools, and straight As are all myths, maybe fakes! I am referring to the straight As for Singaporeans. The straight As of foreign talents are real. In fact foreign talents with less than straight As are far better than locals with straight As, imported models.
Returning to sensibility
The policy of enforced consumption is starting to give way. Though it was hailed as the logic of the day that people must spend according to how much money in their pockets, some sanity is returning. In the first place, why should people be forced to eat sharksfin when they only want to eat ikan bilis? How many restaurants out there insisting that their rich customers cannot order cheaper meals?
This mean policy was implemented in the hospitals as well as the HDB. Minimum ceilings were set to force consumers to buy bigger flats or stay in more expensive hospital wards. It was really cock policy. Instead of encouraging thrift and prudence, to save and spend within your means, the policy forced the consumers into over spending, to empty their pockets literary.
In the news today, 43 young couples have wisely chosen to buy smaller HDB flats when the restrictive income ceiling was raised from $3000 to $4000 to qualify for 3 room flats. Under the old policy, they have no choice but to buy the more expensive 4 room flats that they could barely afford. They are careful and responsible young professionals who think ahead of their financial commitments. As young couples, the bills are going to get more and bigger when they set up families.
How many young couples were forced against their wills, to buy bigger flats? How many people were forced to pay for more expensive hospital wards against their wills? And how many young couples were forced into the private housing markets and forced to take up big housing loans against their wills?
Freedom of choice, downgrade if one cannot afford it, was the official slogan. Why no freedom of choice to buy cheaper flats or stay in cheaper hospital wards? Why the need for mean testing? I did not misspell. It is mean testing and not means testing as far as the victims are concerned.
Even how much people are willing to spend and consume is dictated by cock policies. Can you beat that? Will real freedom of choice be returned to the people? The crap about people who have a few dollars more adding to the housing queue or Class C ward queue is a big bull. Just increase the supply to meet the needs of the consumers. Turning off the tap and blame the consumers is a lame excuse.
This mean policy was implemented in the hospitals as well as the HDB. Minimum ceilings were set to force consumers to buy bigger flats or stay in more expensive hospital wards. It was really cock policy. Instead of encouraging thrift and prudence, to save and spend within your means, the policy forced the consumers into over spending, to empty their pockets literary.
In the news today, 43 young couples have wisely chosen to buy smaller HDB flats when the restrictive income ceiling was raised from $3000 to $4000 to qualify for 3 room flats. Under the old policy, they have no choice but to buy the more expensive 4 room flats that they could barely afford. They are careful and responsible young professionals who think ahead of their financial commitments. As young couples, the bills are going to get more and bigger when they set up families.
How many young couples were forced against their wills, to buy bigger flats? How many people were forced to pay for more expensive hospital wards against their wills? And how many young couples were forced into the private housing markets and forced to take up big housing loans against their wills?
Freedom of choice, downgrade if one cannot afford it, was the official slogan. Why no freedom of choice to buy cheaper flats or stay in cheaper hospital wards? Why the need for mean testing? I did not misspell. It is mean testing and not means testing as far as the victims are concerned.
Even how much people are willing to spend and consume is dictated by cock policies. Can you beat that? Will real freedom of choice be returned to the people? The crap about people who have a few dollars more adding to the housing queue or Class C ward queue is a big bull. Just increase the supply to meet the needs of the consumers. Turning off the tap and blame the consumers is a lame excuse.
6/14/2011
Time for a Malay President
Since Yusof Ishak, we have Sheares, Wee Kim Wee, Nair, Teng Cheong, and Nathan on two terms as president, I believe many Singaporeans are looking forward to a Malay president. Though there is no constitutional provision for a system of rotation, it will be nice to have a Malay president after such a long while.
I also think that PAP is planning for a Malay president this time round, and Abullah Tarmugi seems a likely candidate. But with the ire against anything PAP at the moment, Abdullah may have a problem in a contest. And to make matter worst, there are two irritants in Tan Cheng Bock and George Yeo coming into the fray. Then Tan Kin Lian will take away all the votes for those who do not want to see a PAP mark on the presidential candidate, no matter how faint it is.
Now it is unlikely that a good Malay candidate will be elected to be the next president. The only possibility for it to happen is for all the other candidates to be disqualified, and a walkover like Nathan did before takes place. Don’t think it is easy to do that.
The GRC is not working to the PAP’s scheme of things. This elected presidency is turning into another big headache.
I also think that PAP is planning for a Malay president this time round, and Abullah Tarmugi seems a likely candidate. But with the ire against anything PAP at the moment, Abdullah may have a problem in a contest. And to make matter worst, there are two irritants in Tan Cheng Bock and George Yeo coming into the fray. Then Tan Kin Lian will take away all the votes for those who do not want to see a PAP mark on the presidential candidate, no matter how faint it is.
Now it is unlikely that a good Malay candidate will be elected to be the next president. The only possibility for it to happen is for all the other candidates to be disqualified, and a walkover like Nathan did before takes place. Don’t think it is easy to do that.
The GRC is not working to the PAP’s scheme of things. This elected presidency is turning into another big headache.
A lesson from Malaysia
Every weekend, eves of long weekends and holidays in particular, long queues will form at the immigration check points at the Second Link or at the Causeway. Hundreds of thousands of Singaporeans, squeezed into a tiny piece of rock, need the space and fresh air to feel like human beans again. So they jammed the two entry points to Malaysia. Never mind if it is 6 hours or 10 hours at the jams. It is worth the trouble.
Malaysia has been very successful in attracting Singaporeans and the PRs to visit the country in hordes. This is success story, without having to blow the trumpet, is confirmed by the jams. In numbers, aggregated over a year, how many tens of millions of visits must have been chalked up by the visitors?
Singapore may be crowing about its success in attracting tourists to our shores. But the numbers can never match the Singaporeans heading to Malaysia. Look at all the entry points, no crowds, no jams. That shows that the number of tourists visiting the island is too small to cause any jams.
And Singapore has been laying the red carpet to invite the visitors to visit. A thousand smiles will greet the visitors. Singaporeans too were chastised for not treating the visitors well. Some visitors knew how important they are to Singaporeans that it has become a past times by some to beat up Singaporeans when they are here, just for some excitement. Just make sure the injuries are not severe enough and it will become just a personal trespass. The Singaporean victims can only seek redress if they have the money to engage the top class lawyers that are in abundant supply, at top class fees too. If they don’t have the money, never mind, just accept the few bruises as their contributions to welcome visitors to the country.
If they are rude or too harsh to visitors, the visitors will complain or go to some better places, like Malaysia. And we will lose out on the tourist dollars. In Malaysia, it is slightly different. Today’s paper reported about two Singapore women driving past Malaysian checkpoints without having their passports chopped and were arrested when they reported their mistake. They must have thought that Malaysia also welcomed their visitors like Singapore, with open arms and with a big smile. So they drove in happily for the adventure.
In this case they were treated like hardcore criminals, stripped naked, slapped, made to do squats, with hands pulling their own ears, and ended in jail. Quite similar to Guantanamo really. Anyone thinking of a Guantanamo experience need not go too far, and need not have to pay for expensive airfares. It is at our doorstep. What is so exciting about visiting Sentosa and pay like hell when real excitement is free? Their adrenalins must be supercharged. What a high!
But this will likely be forgotten and Singaporeans will continue to jam the causeway to visit Malaysia. Because Malaysia is really a great place to be. Die die they will queue up at the Malaysian immigration check points, under the hot suns for 6 hours or more, to enjoy Malaysia. Yes, Malaysia is not only a great place, it is the place for Singaporeans, and for a wonderful experience and adventure. Better than Disneyland or Sentosa. Malaysia, here we come. Thank you for your hospitality and the fun and excitement.
And Malaysia Tourism Board will say, Selamat Datang. I would suggest they change their campaign slogan to , Malaysia, for an adrenalin charged experience!
Malaysia has been very successful in attracting Singaporeans and the PRs to visit the country in hordes. This is success story, without having to blow the trumpet, is confirmed by the jams. In numbers, aggregated over a year, how many tens of millions of visits must have been chalked up by the visitors?
Singapore may be crowing about its success in attracting tourists to our shores. But the numbers can never match the Singaporeans heading to Malaysia. Look at all the entry points, no crowds, no jams. That shows that the number of tourists visiting the island is too small to cause any jams.
And Singapore has been laying the red carpet to invite the visitors to visit. A thousand smiles will greet the visitors. Singaporeans too were chastised for not treating the visitors well. Some visitors knew how important they are to Singaporeans that it has become a past times by some to beat up Singaporeans when they are here, just for some excitement. Just make sure the injuries are not severe enough and it will become just a personal trespass. The Singaporean victims can only seek redress if they have the money to engage the top class lawyers that are in abundant supply, at top class fees too. If they don’t have the money, never mind, just accept the few bruises as their contributions to welcome visitors to the country.
If they are rude or too harsh to visitors, the visitors will complain or go to some better places, like Malaysia. And we will lose out on the tourist dollars. In Malaysia, it is slightly different. Today’s paper reported about two Singapore women driving past Malaysian checkpoints without having their passports chopped and were arrested when they reported their mistake. They must have thought that Malaysia also welcomed their visitors like Singapore, with open arms and with a big smile. So they drove in happily for the adventure.
In this case they were treated like hardcore criminals, stripped naked, slapped, made to do squats, with hands pulling their own ears, and ended in jail. Quite similar to Guantanamo really. Anyone thinking of a Guantanamo experience need not go too far, and need not have to pay for expensive airfares. It is at our doorstep. What is so exciting about visiting Sentosa and pay like hell when real excitement is free? Their adrenalins must be supercharged. What a high!
But this will likely be forgotten and Singaporeans will continue to jam the causeway to visit Malaysia. Because Malaysia is really a great place to be. Die die they will queue up at the Malaysian immigration check points, under the hot suns for 6 hours or more, to enjoy Malaysia. Yes, Malaysia is not only a great place, it is the place for Singaporeans, and for a wonderful experience and adventure. Better than Disneyland or Sentosa. Malaysia, here we come. Thank you for your hospitality and the fun and excitement.
And Malaysia Tourism Board will say, Selamat Datang. I would suggest they change their campaign slogan to , Malaysia, for an adrenalin charged experience!
6/13/2011
All talks and talks and nothing but talks
The roles of the president have been clearly stated and explained by so many political luminaries, including Jayakumar. Among the 5 discretionary custodial duties is the protection of reserves.
Nathan has been quoted in the media that he had done a lot, quietly, as the President. Presumably he must have done all that is expected of his 5 discretionary custodial duties exemplarily. While the current attention is on the new candidates to assume the office of the Presidency, would the people be interested to know how well he has done, quietly, all these 12 years as the President? Or would the people be interested to know how much has he done to protect the reserves?
One of the fundamental questions raised during Ong Teng Cheong’s Presidency was the value of the reserves. He wanted to know how much or what he was supposed to guard. Without knowing how much was there in the reserves, it was woolly woolly for him to be able to protect it. Maybe I am wrong. He did not need to know how much there was to protect. All he needed to know was that it was one of his major duties as the President, to hold the second key.
Of course Teng Cheong would not accept that kind of logic. He must know what he was guarding and how much was there to protect in the first place. The stumbling block was that it would take 52 man years to know the exact amount.
Nathan has been the President for 12 years. This is still short of 40 years to reach the magical number of 52 years. Does it mean that it will take another 40 years to churn out the numbers? Apologies, I think another 40 years will be just right for the final numbers to be known. But that is for one man to work on it full time.
I am not sure how many men are working on it to produce the numbers for the guardian. Does the President know the numbers already, or would he be able to tell the people how many more years before the numbers will be available? Any progress been made in this as it is the first thing that any president guarding the reserves must know?
Nathan has been quoted in the media that he had done a lot, quietly, as the President. Presumably he must have done all that is expected of his 5 discretionary custodial duties exemplarily. While the current attention is on the new candidates to assume the office of the Presidency, would the people be interested to know how well he has done, quietly, all these 12 years as the President? Or would the people be interested to know how much has he done to protect the reserves?
One of the fundamental questions raised during Ong Teng Cheong’s Presidency was the value of the reserves. He wanted to know how much or what he was supposed to guard. Without knowing how much was there in the reserves, it was woolly woolly for him to be able to protect it. Maybe I am wrong. He did not need to know how much there was to protect. All he needed to know was that it was one of his major duties as the President, to hold the second key.
Of course Teng Cheong would not accept that kind of logic. He must know what he was guarding and how much was there to protect in the first place. The stumbling block was that it would take 52 man years to know the exact amount.
Nathan has been the President for 12 years. This is still short of 40 years to reach the magical number of 52 years. Does it mean that it will take another 40 years to churn out the numbers? Apologies, I think another 40 years will be just right for the final numbers to be known. But that is for one man to work on it full time.
I am not sure how many men are working on it to produce the numbers for the guardian. Does the President know the numbers already, or would he be able to tell the people how many more years before the numbers will be available? Any progress been made in this as it is the first thing that any president guarding the reserves must know?
6/12/2011
I am starting to know more about dogs
‘Leadership is in the blood, says Mr Lee.’ This is a headline in ST on 27 May. LKY was expounding his theory on leadership in Japan, and he explained how certain groups of people are born with this quality. It is in the blood, in the bloodline.
LKY then used the example of a sheepdog and explained how easily it is to train sheepdogs to guard and dominate the sheep. Not any dog will do. It must be a certain kind, a sheep dog.
I quote LKY, ‘There is a certain group of dogs that genetically have been born and been specially bred for this purpose. If you just take your ordinary dog, you can spend all your time training it, it will not work.’
So, for those who are thinking of importing dogs, think Australia or New Zealand. Think sheep dog and not mongrels. The latter can be found in the less developed countries, so plentiful, but do not have that special quality of leadership in their blood.
It is more relaxing to talk about pets, hobbies and dogs on a Sunday morning.
LKY then used the example of a sheepdog and explained how easily it is to train sheepdogs to guard and dominate the sheep. Not any dog will do. It must be a certain kind, a sheep dog.
I quote LKY, ‘There is a certain group of dogs that genetically have been born and been specially bred for this purpose. If you just take your ordinary dog, you can spend all your time training it, it will not work.’
So, for those who are thinking of importing dogs, think Australia or New Zealand. Think sheep dog and not mongrels. The latter can be found in the less developed countries, so plentiful, but do not have that special quality of leadership in their blood.
It is more relaxing to talk about pets, hobbies and dogs on a Sunday morning.
6/11/2011
The angry cries for housing
Read the comments in cyberspace and you can’t help hearing the cries of desperation for housing. Yes they cannot afford public housing. Families with little children, broken families, people who because of poor finances, bad luck, circumstances, some of their own foolishness or irresponsible acts, are out there looking for a roof over their heads. Is that not the duty and responsibility of the govt to provide them with a roof, any kind of roof? A temporary shelter, a small rental flat in place of a pitch tent in a vacant land. They may have mismanaged their lives, then what, leave them in the cold?
While these people are pleading, some have gone to the extent of cursing at the govt and HDB. When people are at wits end, and the govt is not there to help, you can’t blame them. And there is no reason for the govt not to help them. It is unacceptable and irresponsible as a govt to forsake its people in times of need.
Boon Wan is cautioning those who have bought or are buying private properties of a bubble bursting. Some may be burnt when it happens. But don’t worry, they can afford to be burnt. Pity the young professionals who were forced by his predecessors and his policies into the private market and with a huge mortgage to service. I dare say, it is no fault of theirs and the blame should be placed squarely on the govt for allowing it to happen, when the crash comes.
In the meantime, the govt must quickly rethink its policies and responsibilities to the people, to provide them with a really affordable roof. Even those who are disqualified for all the right and wrong reasons, the govt must take care of them as a govt is expected. The woes of the citizens will become the stress to the society and country.
Boon Wan has taken the right step to ramp up the building of rental flats. Not everyone is a super talent to be able to afford expensive housing. Not everyone can afford even to buy small affordable public housing. The govt has to cater to all the different levels and needs of the people. What is the use of a govt who shirks this responsibility and leaves the people in dire straights in the lurch?
The well being of the people is the govt’s responsibility. Remember, it is the people who elect the govt to look after them. The people do not elect the govt to tell them you mess up, just too bad, your problem.
Go back to basics and think of providing every citizen a roof over his head first. Stop the stupid policy of an artificial ceiling to disqualify young people and push them towards the cliff. Stop the ruthless mindset of punishing the less able, the losers or unfortunate. Look after the people.
While these people are pleading, some have gone to the extent of cursing at the govt and HDB. When people are at wits end, and the govt is not there to help, you can’t blame them. And there is no reason for the govt not to help them. It is unacceptable and irresponsible as a govt to forsake its people in times of need.
Boon Wan is cautioning those who have bought or are buying private properties of a bubble bursting. Some may be burnt when it happens. But don’t worry, they can afford to be burnt. Pity the young professionals who were forced by his predecessors and his policies into the private market and with a huge mortgage to service. I dare say, it is no fault of theirs and the blame should be placed squarely on the govt for allowing it to happen, when the crash comes.
In the meantime, the govt must quickly rethink its policies and responsibilities to the people, to provide them with a really affordable roof. Even those who are disqualified for all the right and wrong reasons, the govt must take care of them as a govt is expected. The woes of the citizens will become the stress to the society and country.
Boon Wan has taken the right step to ramp up the building of rental flats. Not everyone is a super talent to be able to afford expensive housing. Not everyone can afford even to buy small affordable public housing. The govt has to cater to all the different levels and needs of the people. What is the use of a govt who shirks this responsibility and leaves the people in dire straights in the lurch?
The well being of the people is the govt’s responsibility. Remember, it is the people who elect the govt to look after them. The people do not elect the govt to tell them you mess up, just too bad, your problem.
Go back to basics and think of providing every citizen a roof over his head first. Stop the stupid policy of an artificial ceiling to disqualify young people and push them towards the cliff. Stop the ruthless mindset of punishing the less able, the losers or unfortunate. Look after the people.
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