Solving healthcare problems?

There is a huge difference between solving high cost of healthcare and devising different ways for the people to pay for the high cost of healthcare. In the former, it is more about how to reduce the high cost of healthcare. In the later, the high cost of healthcare is taken for grant, it is a sure thing and cannot be brought down. So the trick is to tweet the mode of payment, how to squeeze money from the people to pay for the high cost of healthcare.

With the kind of premium that everyone is made to pay, especially the older folks, many are paying upfront and may not need it should they remain healthy or choose not to go for the expensive hundreds of thousands of dollars operation. And for many senior citizens, it is better to let nature take its own course when they pass 65 or 70. There is no need to cling on to life when the body is tired and wearing down. But for those who are rich or very rich and have all the money to pay for all the expensive treatment, let them choose to pay and to live forever.

If we can accept the premise that the medical insurance for the seniors, above 65 or 70, is to pay for not too serious and expensive medical treatment or major ops, to let them live with dignity with basic medical care should they be hospitalized, to make their final hours pleasant and not painful, the medical cost and insurance need not be high and can be absorbed by the govt. To go for expensive ops/treatment, hypothetically a sum exceeding $10k, let it be optional for those who want and can afford to pay for them in their own capacity.

Otherwise, with so many seniors and all demanding expensive treatment/ops, the premium is going to be unaffordable to many. There is a need to define what and how much to cover for the seniors. Perhaps the govt can provide a basic coverage, to be defined, for free. Additional coverage can be optional for those who can afford them.

With healthcare cost so prohibitive, there is a real need to streamline the expectations to suit the needs of different groups of seniors. This is the paying part, the affordability part. It is necessary for the govt to seriously put in efforts to bring down the cost of healthcare and there is no need to be extravagant in many things. There can be basic, economy and luxury class healthcare tailored for different kinds of pockets. Not everyone is financially equal and can afford to pay like a millionaire. In the days of old, the doctors billed the patient discreetly according to what they think the patient could afford. A comprehensive healthcare insurance scheme must take into account the different expectations and affordability of the insured.

Thoughts of a minister

A young reporter was interviewing a very dignified and prosperous looking minister.

Reporter:  A penny for your thought, Sir.

Minister: What is that?

Reporter: It is a coin Sir, like ten cent, twenty cent….

Minister: Never know they have such things.

Reporter: Have you taken a loan before, Sir?

Minister: What is a loan?

Reporter: Oh, when you buy a car, you borrow some money to help you pay first and then you pay back to the bank over several years.

Minister: Oh I see. I did know you can take a loan. I only pay cash.

Reporter: For your car, Sir?

Minister: No, for the houses I bought.

Reporter: Wow, how many houses do you have Sir?

Minister smiled: Honestly, I don’t remember how many I have.

Reporter: One last question, Sir. Have you been poor before?

Minister: What is being poor?

Cassandra’s article 0n 6.9m population in TRE

I pulled this comment out from Cassandra’s article on LKY’s comment on the 6.9m population posted in TRE. On page 223 of his latest book, ‘One Man’s View Of The World‘, LKY said “DPM Teo Chee Hean has put up a White Paper. Let’s wait a few years for it to be implemented, to see if the measures work”.

I feel very uncomfortable reading these two sentences. The govt is going to wait for a few years for it to be implemented. And the govt is not sure if it is going to work. The 6.9m population is still rolling ahead in full steam according to this comment. There is no change of heart and no change of direction. 6.9m is what Singapore is going to get in 2030.

The second part, the govt is not sure if it is going to work. How many in the cabinet or the MPs are convinced that this will work and what does it mean by work? This cannot be a one man idea, pushed through without the support of the team and everyone fiddling their thumbs hoping that it will work. This is a very big gamble on the future of the country and the lives of our people. What if it does not work? What are the grave consequences that the people will have to bear? One thing we need not have to worry is that most of us will not be around to see that day.

Why is there a need to take such an intractable risk of flooding the island with so many people when we are struggling with 5.35m or maybe now 5.6m or 5.7m oredy? Hey, this is no joke you know. This is not masak masak, tikam tikam.

The govt is casting the die, and die die the die must be cast in this way and hoping that the country and people will not die from it. I am beginng to be terrified. Can you blame me for feeling this way?

Stand up to be discounted!

In the National Day celebration, the same message, stand up and be counted is everywhere. Sinkies need to stand up for the country and be counted. But this is not always the case. Standing up for the wrong cause, for the wrong reasons, for the wrong party will get one discounted, not counted.

There are many concerned and serious Sinkies that have stood up but never will they be counted. The more committed and the doers have joined the political parties. Joining the wrong party means not be counted. You can only be counted if you joined the right political party. Why like that one?

And there are many concerned and responsible citizens who could not and would not keep quiet anymore, who put in effort and thoughts on the welfare of people and country and are standing up to stay their piece. They are doing it voluntarily, without compensation or any rewards or returns. They are selfless, passionate and committed to the good of the people and country. They are not only not counted but seen as insurgents and anti establishment. Despite their efforts, their comments, views and suggestions of what they see as wrong or undesirable and hoping that the Govt will lend them a listening ear were ignored, not heard.

These citizens are not even asking to be counted. They are prepared to be ostracised, to be labelled and branded as enemies, trouble makers, waiting to have a date with Sue. And all they are doing is hoping for the Govt to take note of their views and perhaps something be done to make life better for everyone, to create a fairer and more just society. That is all they are hoping for, to make things more right.

No need to be counted, no need to be recognised, definitely no National Day honours or be invited to the Istana, and no perks. Many Sinkies are standing up in their own ways to want to make this city a better place for all Sinkies. They have different views of things, wanting things to be done differently, but unfortunately everything they say or do will not be seen as the right thing and will be dismissed summarily.

We cannot be an inclusive society when alternative views or differences are never accepted by the Govt or people in authority. We cannot improve and progress when only one view, the right view, is seen as good and welcomed when even the Govt has acknowledged that they don’t have all the answers and solutions but will reject all the wrong views without even bother to give them a thought. The wrong views are not with us and will not be counted. Want to be counted, say the right thing and do the right thing. Thank you.

Recolonisation of the Philippines

The last vestiges of American colonialism in the Philippines ended with the vacating of Clark Air Base and Subic Naval Base in 1991. The years of ignominy when the Philippines were conquered by the Spanish and then the Americans were over. It is strange that the Philippines are begging to be recolonised today by inviting the Americans back to station American troops in the former bases. It is a voluntary kind of neo colonialism where the colonized is willing and happy with the new colonial master.
 
The Philippines are willing to trade or compromise their independence and sovereignty, national pride to be a semi colony all for a weak claims against China for some islands in the South China Sea. These islands were claimed by China centuries ago in an era when the law of the jungle existed and islands and countries were owned by finder’s keeper formula. The islands were uninhabited when the Chinese visited them and marked them as theirs.
 
On the other hand the Europeans went to take over countries, islands and continents that were inhabited by the natives. North and South America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the continent of Africa were founded by the European empires ignoring the right of ownership of the natives.
 
The Chinese definitely have much more right to claim the islands in the South China Seas under the predominant norms of those days. The Philippines want to challenge the Chinese to claim these islands under a new set of laws prevailing today which have lesser authority than the earlier laws. And the Philippines is banking on the Americans to back them up in a military confrontation with China for these islands. The Americans too have acknowledged in acquiescence to China’s ownership of the islands. Going against the Chinese claims would put their claim to the American continent and the right of ownership of other western dominion countries like Australia and New Zealand in question.
 
The Pinoys think they have a strong case against China and are ready to take on China even compromising the sovereignty of the whole of Philippines to become a semi colony of the Americans. Is the stake too high for some flimsy claims on a few islands that they are unlikely to succeed?

Chuan Jin’s Singapore core in employment flawed

Chuan Jin said a lot in Parliament about building a Singaporean core and giving Singaporeans a fair chance in employment. Unfortunately he is still stuck with the group think and a position that appeared good in theory but seriously flawed in practice. Let me quote him, “it is about making sure that the playing field is level and maintaining meritocracy as a cornerstone of our society. This will send a clear signal that the government expects firms to recruit and develop their staff on merit, and not on the basis of nationality and social ties.”
 
Talking about meritocracy in a vacuum is a very unenlightened position to take. Chuan Jin’s emphasis in ensuring a level playing field and meritocracy is seriously flawed. Can anyone see what I am seeing and why I said it is flawed?
 
In the first place Singapore is a sovereign state with first responsibility to ensure that its citizens come first when employment opportunities are concerned. The Govt owes it to the citizens to be gainfully employed and not to foreigners. Our citizens need a job to survive, to live and to pay for all the high costs of living. There could be some compromises when foreign companies set up business here but they should not dictate their wants. After weighing all the factors, employing Singaporeans first must still be advantages to them than to bring in their ‘special and irreplaceable’ talents that no Singaporeans can do better. I don’t believe there are many such creatures around. I think Chuan Jin should not accept such shitty excuses unless it is very specialized and technical skills are involved and not a matter of know who or a matter of preference.
 
A corollary to the sovereign state is that ensuring a level playing field for citizens and non citizens is not acceptable. Ensuring a level playing field is for citizens competing with citizens, likewise in meritocracy. Why should our citizens be competing on a level playing against foreigners in our own country when citizens not only must have privileges but also responsibilities that are abnormal than in many countries? Our citizens should demand a playing field that is in their favour and no need to apologise for it. The citizens deserve to be treated with special favours and advantages for being citizens.
 
Meritocracy cannot be practiced blindly and not be seen as stupidity. Only a fool will practice meritocracy with the world’s talents to choose from against the limited number of talents in his own country. If meritocracy is practiced to the hilt as the cornerstone of our society and talents from around the world can replace the citizens on merits, we can replace everyone in the country including the whole cabinet and the President. With 7b people to choose from, at least 100m will be better and more meritocratic than every Singaporeans in every job and should replace every one of them. Tio boh? Off the cuff, there must be at least 10m people who are more talented than the whole cabinet or parliament. Should they come and replace them all?
 
One more point, not every job requires top talents or the best of talents. Not every job requires straight As or first class honours or a Ph D. Many jobs can be done by a decent and good employee who is competent enough to do what is required. Many HR practitioners will tell you that not the best candidate or the best qualified is given the job. In many instances, the second or third best would be deemed good enough and a better fit.
 
As an example, a good HR practitioner with a first degree would be equally as competent as another with a first class honours or Ph D in a SME. The higher or better qualifications are redundant or extravagant for the job, and may be more costly in the long term. So it is not necessary that the more meritocratic should deserve to replace the less meritocratic. Only a certain level of skills, knowledge and competency are needed. You don’t replace a Singaporean with a foreigner because he is more qualified or over qualified. Meritocracy in this sense is misplaced and obtused.
Maybe I shall put it even more simply. When a good Taiwan made bike that cost $700 can do the job, why should one buy a European made bike that cost $2000 that may be a little better and more prestigious? In choosing the latter it is indulgence, extravagance and absolutely unnecessary, definitely nothing to do with meritocracy or getting the best.
 
Do not blindly practise meritocracy with no consideration to citizenship. Do not insist on a level playing field for citizens to compete with non citizens in our country. The citizens did not vote you to compete on a level playing field with foreigners. Remember what you promised to do for the voters? Do not utter carelessly about level playing field and meritocracy without thinking.
 
This is our country and the citizens deserve better and first priority in employment. If the govt cannot think through this, cannot see through this, what can I say? What kind of govt are we having, serving the interests of citizens or foreigners? To hell with a level playing field! To hell with meritocracy! This is a country and there is a citizenry to consider and to take care of.
 
The Govt must send a clear signal to employers, both Govt, local and foreign, that employing Singaporean is top priority and must not be conveniently compromised by lame excuses.
 
PS. A jobless citizen still needs to pay for a roof over his head, household expenses, children expenses, conservancy bills, cost of living expenses, medical bills, and many other social and financial obligations. He can't get by without a job.

Making health care more affordable

Another crap exercise is going on. So far the solutions thrown out are as good as what the pimps and prostitutes can offer. In fact the pimps and prostitutes may offer crap solutions, but they came with some pleasure added to soften the impact. So, let’s listen to the rubbish that is being spewed around. Make the young pay more or pay upfront so that when they are old they need to pay lesser or not at all. Soon they will say let’s pay forward from the moment a child is born to make it affordable.
 
Is this a real solution, serious solution, to making health care more affordable? Why are they not thinking about reducing the exorbitant charges and fees? The solutions did not bother about the overcharging and the ever increasing charges that could be slammed at the helpless patients. The sick got in not knowing how much to pay and the bill will come after, at the discretion and mercy of the medical professionals. And the patients just have to pay up. Is there any difference from allowing someone to fill up a blank cheque?
 
This kind of solution is exactly a carbon copy of the HDB solution. If 15 year repayment is not affordable, stretch it to 30 years. If this is still not affordable, stretch it to 45 years. And if still not affordable, get both spouses to pay, and get the father, mother and children to pay also can. Sure affordable.
 
See, the pimps and prostitutes cannot do worse with this kind of brilliant solutions.

The overflowing tea cup

The call for allowing more foreigners into this island has not subsided, instead in some corners the voice is getting louder. We must aspire to be a global and cosmopolitan city, with the best of the rest of the world coming here to give it the buzz. Sounds pretty exciting and positive huh, a vibrant and rich city with a rich blend of culture and lifestyle from people all over. In big countries, the rich city is like a centre or heart of the country, a nucleus of sort. In our case, we will be a global city and also a global country, as the country is in the city or the city the country.

Now what is left of the country for the people? Where is the place for the citizens, or what is in it for the people when the city/country becomes homes to foreigners?

Many of these advocates for a cosmopolitan city of foreigners are just talking through their asses. There must be an optimum or desirable percentage of foreigners to keep a city vibrant without the citizens losing their place or right of existence. The percentage of foreigners could vary for cities in big countries to those in small countries and to those where the city is the country itself. A city like New York or London could have a bigger proportion of foreigners and still would not lose its perspective and place as a part of the USA or UK. A city in a small country with a relatively smaller population would be hard pushed to have a big foreign population without undermining the interests and character of the country. A city like Singapore, which in all sense a city country, would be under great pressure to have 50% or 60% of its population made up of foreigners. Pushing this limit to 70% or more is critical and could put the citizen’s interest in jeopardy. Where are we now? State secret?

What is the desirable or optimal percentage of foreigners should this city state allow in to be comfortable socially, politically and with no compromise to our sense of security? Have we already long exceeded our comfort zone and should be culling the foreigners now instead of foolishly and unthinkingly asking for more foreigners to be let in? Though there are some quarters internally that are rooting for more foreigners, the call for the incessant influx of foreigners is mostly from foreigners themselves. They have no vested interests as citizens of the city state and what is good to them is not necessary good for the citizens and worse, often bad, very bad for the citizens.

When the tea cup is full, it is silly to keep filling it up. We are already overpopulated for our own comfort except for the views of people who think it is good and desirable to live like mice in a small enclosed space. We have also exceeded the safe or comfort zone in the percentage of foreigners vis a vis our citizens. We are already a minority in our own country. Is that not scary? The citizens must have the final say on this.

In whose benefits are the calls for more foreigners into our city home? Is it for the general good of citizens, for the good of a small group of citizens, or for the good of foreigners? The people, non citizens, or citizens who treat this city state as a hotel, will be all for more foreigners. They have no stake or interest in the well being of the citizens except for themselves and their short sighted immediate comfort and good. The citizens’ interests can be sacrificed or ignored.

Please, the tea cup is overflowing. Unless we have a bigger cup, a swimming pool, talk some sense and spare a thought for the citizens that are being squeezed out of their island city state. Foreigners should stop prescribing what they think is good for Singaporeans. We know what is good or bad for us.

Rumour of early snap election

There are some noises that an early poll could be called judging from the visits by ministers to residents. I can’t confirm this but are there reasons for an early premature poll? It is something that would be frown upon as a waste of money and time of the people when the last GE was slightly more than two years back. The calling for a snap poll must need a very good reason to do so. And looking at the sentiments today and the revelations of so many flaws in the system, it cannot be a good time for the PAP right now. Unless my perception is wrong and the PAP thinks that the ground is sweet again. Who knows?
 
There could be a few reasons for the PAP to want to call an early election. LKY is looking more like a physical burden to himself and to his constituency, and it is best to remove the obvious and put in a younger MP to do what an MP is supposed to do. It is also a good time for him to take a really good rest, to reminisce and romanticise his youth, and to bask under the glory before it is gone.
 
It would also be an opportune time to retire all the oldies in the team and bring in a few more eager beavers as several of the dropped ministers are just waiting to be released to the private sector to make their millions. It is agonizing to see them sitting at the back rows in Parliament and trying to bear with the new faces and their out of depth speeches. It is time to set free the tortoises, turtles and birds for them to lead their lives anew, like an act of acquiring merits in Buddhism.
 
Then there are some that are seen more like burdens to the team than assets and it is best to release them as well before they do more harm and damages.
 
But these are still not good enough reasons to risk an early poll. In a time like this when there are obvious anger and unhappiness over so many outstanding issues, unless something can be done to take away the sting, to make the people happy again with a battery of populist policies or handouts, no way will there be an early poll.
 
Ya, maybe this will be the key for a surprise poll. Christmas may come early, snow in June, and Hsien Loong could act as the lovable Santa Claus with bags of goodies for everyone, to lift away the dark clouds and brighten up the sky. Without a slew of positive policies that are people centric, that would benefit the people substantially and not just feeling good for the moment, a snap poll is definitely out of question.
 
Now let’s watch what Hsien Loong is going to say and do in his National Day Rally for a clue to substantiate this rumour. Please don’t accuse me of spreading this rumour. It is something that I heard on the ground. And it is something to think about and talk about.

How to keep the public service corruption free?

Actually there are a hundred and one things to do to keep corruption in govt services in check. We have the world’s most effective corruption prevention formula that may seemingly be legalising corruption by paying out front so that there is no more temptation to want to take more to risk losing everything. This formula would have removed a large chunk of those that may be tempted to corrupt, leaving only a smaller number of potential rogues in the system.

Next, our civil service was not born yesterday. It has been in operation for more than 48 years, even in colonial times, with well tested systems in place. And these systems and procedures have been constantly refined and improved to tighten up the loose ends over the years. By now, anything that can be tightened or enhanced to prevent corruption must have been worked into the system with tomes of manuals on operating procedures. It is unlikely that a mosquito could fly through the layers of mazes set up by the ministries to keep the mosquito out of the system. We have a very robust system of checks and controls. Believe me it is true.

To add to the checks and control there is the annual audit team to comb through the activities to make sure that all is in order. And the latest audit did reveal quite a number of lapses. And this is good as any discovery will mean that things can be captured and rectified.

And there is the fear CPIB to cast its shadow over anyone thinking crooked. This could be the last barrier to keep corruption out. If this fails, that nothing can hold anymore.

Chee Hean has replied to Low Thia Khiang’s queries on the recent spate of corruption involving senior govt officials, the reason for failure is never about the system but about the slack in maintaining and upholding the system. There seems to be an inability to follow standard and approved procedures or deliberately violated to abet corruption, or simply negligent on the part of the officers or their superiors. The flaws seemed to be the ease in circumventing a robust and tight systems of checks and controls. Why?

The causes of all the corruption cases are nothing sophisticated and bizarre that cannot be prevented. What could be the main contributor to the rise in corruption is lack of accountability. No heads will roll or at most a slap on the wrist would be considered the gravest punishment. How then could discipline and abiding to proper procedures be enforced when there is no fear factor? How would anyone not be tempted to take risk when the consequences are as good as no consequences?

A simple recommendation to ensure compliance to procedures is to make the officer directly accountable for his action. There can be flexibility for the officers on the ground to make exceptions but the officer must be directly responsible for his actions and be punished duly for not observing approved procedures or approving to override standard procedures. He decides and if things fall apart, his head rolls. Who ever authorises such actions, and if it leads to abuses or corruption in the system or process, shall be punished accordingly. And the minimum punishment could be demotion or if worse, dismissal and facing prosecution. When officers know that they will have to own up for their decisions, they will take more care to protect themselves and in the things they decide or approve.

The heads of dept, division or ministries must be the one ultimately responsible for the infringements and corruption appropriate to the authority he is bestowed with. When accountability and responsibility are well defined, the officers responsible would have to be very careful of their own actions and discretions. Without the will to punish anyone appropriately for corruption, it is only an open invitation for the officers to corrupt.

No matter how robust and well designed the checks and control systems are, without the will to enforce and take violators to task, it is as good as a system full of holes.

Han Hui Hui, a brave young lass taking on the Govt

Below is an extract of a post by Han Hui Hui, a 21 year old who received a letter from Allen and Gledhill, threatening to sue her for defaming the Council for Private Education (CPE). She had problem finding someone to defend her and finally ended up with Singapore’s Number One Human Rights lawyer M Ravi coming to her defence..
 
‘On 19th April, I went to the high court to seek declaration that CPE being a government body does not have the rights to sue or threaten to sue Singaporeans for defamation.
 
I’m now seeking protection against this defamation suit via the constitution and the ordinary laws of the land. This lawsuit is not for anyone but for everyone, for the entire Singapore population, for the sake of our freedom of speech.
 
I took up this case not because I’m against the government but because of the love for our country, the need to protect human rights, our constitutional rights, our freedom of speech, our basic citizens’ rights.
 
Who does the CPE reports to? The ministry of education.
Who does MOE reports to? The parliament.
Who pays them their salary? Us, we the taxpayers.
How can they use our money to sue us for defamation?
The attorney general’s chamber is now involved as well.
 
The fact that AGC, the government is being involved further shows that our stand that the CPE a government body under Ministry of education does not have the right to sue for defamation. If public bodies funded by the public, can sue for defamation this will result in a stifling of criticisms, or genuine grievances, especially from those who do not have such an amount of resources.
 
How can they use their public fund to sue us? We should not allow public bodies to use lawsuits to silence criticisms against them. Why is the government going against our most creative cartoonist Mr Leslie Chew? Did any of his work Demon-cratic caused violence or people to have inability to pay their bills or be forced to leave the country?
We need to build a stronger and more inclusive Singapore so can we have our freedom of speech to hear the voice of everyone?
 
So our constitutional rights must be upheld against being sued for defamation by public bodies. Statutory board being a governmental body does not have the rights to sue or threaten to sue Singaporeans. I can forget about this case, I can forget about this lawsuit, I don’t have to fight this lawsuit. But I want to protect the rights of all other Singaporeans out there. Should we fight for our constitutional rights and the future of Singaporeans?’
 
More info of the court application: http://statboard-suecitizen.blogspot.sg/. To lend her a helping hand financially for this high court application, you can donate to her POSB Savings account number 279-12328-0.

47,000 voices heard in National Conversation

47,000 people of all walks of life and ages participated in the National Conversation that was conducted over one year. Thanks to these 47,000 people, the concerns and worries of the people are now heard by the Govt. This is quite an achievement as the same concerns and worries were all over the place over so many years, especially in the internet and even in Reach, but somehow they were not heard or no one took much interest in them.
 
Hsien Loong is now going to address the concerns in his National Rally Speech and there are high expectations that things will happen with some major changes in the Govt’s thinking and policies. It can only be good for the people as changes cannot be for the worse.
 
The good thing about the Natcon, despite spending one year and 47,000 people to confirm the obvious is that more people are starting to think country and people and their own well being. And since it is the Gov’t’s initiative, with so much manpower, money and resources committed, something positive has to be done to make it meaningful and money well spent. The Govt also needs to show to the 47,000 people that it is listening and sincere in wanting to change to improve the lot of the people. It is also an important shift in Govt attitude towards a people up policies and a move away from the top down policies of the past. It is also important that the Govt should be seen to do what it preaches, this time listening to the people and trying to meet the aspiration of the people and not the agenda of the Govt or not what the Govt thinks is good for the people.
 
Now everyone is waiting for the fine details to see how far and accommodating the Govt is towards endearing to the people.

Policy changes coming up

Heng Swee Kiat was reported to have said that more policy changes are in the card in Hsien Loong’s National Day Rally speech next week. The key areas expecting major changes are Housing, health care and education. Nothing was mentioned on the influx of foreigners and the loss of jobs to foreigners due to discrimination? I do hope Hsien Loong will take a personal interest in this and put his weight behind Chuan Jin to give him more clout and confidence to deal with foreigners and foreign companies practising discrimination against Singaporeans.

Boon Wan has solved some of the more urgent issues of insufficient housing supply with his ramping exercise. The backlog of enforced demand due to bad policies should have ease somewhat. Now we will have to see what changes the Govt will come up with. Will there be a fundamental policy shift to ensure that ALL Sinkies be allowed to buy his homes direct from the HDB and to do away with all the silly and stupid Sinkie discriminating policies of the past? Will Sinkies be allowed to be prudent like Boon Wan has said, not to over commit in buying properties beyond their means and be allowed to buy properties/HDB flats that suit their needs and not the size of their income? Would Sinkies be allowed to buy smaller flats if they so desired without being forced by the Govt to buy bigger flats and compromise on their retirement savings just because the Govt think it must be like dat?

The exhorbitant medical care cost must be brought down, at least in govt hospitals, and that they are not allowed to charge like private hospitals just because they are now called privatised. Govt privatised hospitals are built using public funds and have a duty to serve the people and not merely profits. Many senior citizens are waiting to be bankrupt by high medical bills.

Would there be a comprehensive medical insurance scheme for the senior citizens that will minimise the amount they have to pay in govt hospitals or for the govt to fully pay for the medical premiums of those above 65 or 70 and above? The thinking behind medical policy needs a thorough relook as the population ages as the cost is running to frightening and unaffordable level. To what extent is the Govt responsible to the elderly for their medical care and medical bills?

The slippery education policy, the cost and how many to be educated to tertiary level and whether the Govt is seriously looking at a paradigm shift, to educate Sinkies to be crane drivers and hawkers is something mesmerising and truly innovative to watch.

More important is the population size and the size of foreigners in the country. Is the 6.9m a forgone conclusion and the people must accept it with no exceptions or changes? Will foreigners still be allowed to dominate our employment scene, to kick the citizens aside, especially the PMETs and to rule over Sinkies?

What is the ideal percentage of foreigners for the island and should there be a need to obtain the consent of the Sinkies? Or should 77 MPs be allowed to decide the fate of this nation and its citizens without question?

What is going to happen to the Sinkies and the high cost of living?

Kishore – Count our blessings

This is what Kishore said in his article on Saturday of the 48 years of nation building and how successful we have become. We have a lot of achievements, a lot of blessings and also the inevitable weaknesses due to what we are. Every nation has the same two sides of the coin except whether there are more blessings or more weaknesses. There is nothing to be apologetic for praising the Govt for what we are today. The material achievements are there for all to see, with warts and all. In many things we have outdone many countries in many ways and yes, we are the envy of many. We have our problems, still manageable and tolerable. But small problems if not nip in the bud could easily snowball and a mole hill can become a mountain if we are reckless and complacent.

Kishore ended his monologue with an invitation for rude comments to remind him of the obvious that he had missed out that could make this city continue to be great or starting a downward spiral to ignominy. What is so obvious that he is not seeing is perhaps something that is too close to him. He is after all the Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.

Singapore will miss the presence of a strong, robust and dynamic leader that allows it to punch above its weight. The answer is so obvious. For all our money and wealth, our infrastructure and system, they will be nothing without a strong leadership that is recognisable and well respected in the international arena. I don’t see anyone in that shoe anymore. There will be none for at least the next 20 or 30 years. We may be wealthy as a country, but we will not be able to impress or speak and be listened to. You need dynamism, charisma, wisdom and the acknowledgment from other leaders to be able to lead and be respected.

From the current slate, what we have is mediocrity. We will fade away and just be another rich kid in the neighbourhood and nothing else. Empty in the head but driving flashy cars and with some money to throw around at best. That is, provided we did not let the economy runs into a halt, that we did not let a nation in the making becomes a hotel with no ownership and everyone is ripping it apart for his/her immediate vested interests.

What else can be more obvious than a vacuum that cannot be filled for a long time to come? Do we have any leader that is respected, revered and thought highly of by world leaders in the immediate future? Do we have anyone who could look at the whole rather than bits and pieces and have the ability to piece everything together for the greater good of country and people? Or instead we have people who are running the ship aground?

What kind of future can there be when the best hope is to get views from the laymen and women, the aunties and uncles, to guide the country going forward when the million dollar talents have run out of ideas and knowing not where to go or what to do?

Would there be anyone be rude enough to tell Kishore the obvious?

The courts of public opinion

 

The rich and power seek justice in the courts of law. They have the money to hire the most expensive and eminent legal experts to bring them the justice they can afford to pay for. Often the loser lost without a fight as they cannot pay for the fight.

The courts of public opinion is a less defined and big grey area. No one can buy justice in the courts of public opinion as opinion is free and the judges are numerous. Everyone has an opinion, rightly or wrongly, fair or unfair, biased or bigoted, but they all have something to say on an issue. And there are many courts of public opinion on a case, some will favour while some will go against the defendant under scrutiny. And one does not need to commit a crime or do anything to be sentenced in the courts of public opinion.

SR Nathan, the immediate past President is awarded the highest honour of the country, the Order of Temasek First Class. This is a very rare honour that is reserved for a very few and very distinguished individuals. Nathan is now among seven who were deemed fit enough to be decorated with this honour.

While this is something that anyone would feel greatly honoured as a life time achievement, what Nathan did not bargain for is to be hauled into the courts of public opinion. In the main media it was a story of great achievements and accolades for a man of distinction, with many great stories to tell of the man. In another court of public opinion in cyberspace, the story is quite contrary and ugly. Being bestowed such an honour is like being set up for scorn. The commentaries were anything but pleasant. Many were questioning what he had done that was so deserving of such an honour. The criticisms and berating were very subjective, very personal and very uncomplimentary.

The courts of public opinion can be very unforgiving especially the wrong ones. Many luminaries may hesitate to even think of accepting great honours and awards and be praised publicly when the courts of public opinions could disfigure all they have achieved and cast smears and doubts, and disparaging dismissed all the good things that were said. Instead of being affirmed and praised, the experience can be quite humiliating and uncomforting.

The courts of public opinion are never just or fair, more like kangaroo courts. It is a bane to any public figure made to stand in such a court to be demolished and diminished. No amount of money can buy the best legal brains to earn a favourable judgement in these kangaroo courts. No matter how high is the office, how powerful is the defendant, there is no defence against the scorn of public opinion if one is undeserving or has a tinge of grey in a white slate.

The world has since become more grey than merely white and black.

Hsien Loong is going to build a fair and just society for Sinkies

I know this is a motherhood statement but what is wrong with it? It sounded like the PAP is running an election campaign and this is the key slogan for the party. It can also sound like the PAP has just formed the govt and is promising the people that this was what it wanted to do for the people. Wait a minute, this is our 48^th National Day and the PAP has been running the country for the past 47 years and has just started to want to do this. What had it been doing all these years, building an unfair and unjust society? Should we say that it is better late than never, and Sinkies can be hopeful that going forward they can expect a fairer and just society? The worrisome part is that the Govt either does not know that it has built an unfair and unjust society or it has been doing so thinking it is ok.

And the PAP is going to ensure that every Sinkie will have a home when it did not bother, to have a stake in this country now when it was not important. Obviously there are Sinkies that have no home and no stake in this country. It cannot be like, how can Sinkies have no home and no stake in this country in the first place? Then what are these Sinkies doing NS for and what will they be defending, other people’s homes and other people’s stake, foreigners’ homes and foreigners’ stakes?

The high cost of living, high cost of medical care, the high cost of everything, the govt is going to tackle them all. Sounds good, really. The govt will be solving all these problems.  What sounds not so good or unpleasantly funny is that why and how did all these happen? Would it not be better if the govt did not allow all these to happen in the first place, nipped them in the bud like it always said? Would it be better if the govt and those who are responsible did not allow these problems to become problems to the people in the first place? What is the meaning of proactive?

And there are problems of public transport, problems of unemployment, problems of too many foreigners and many others. Who are the twits that created all these problems for the govt to take care of? Who are they that are giving so many problems to Hsien Loong and causing him many sleepless nights trying to solve so many problems at the same time? These must be people who are doing Hsien Loong in, right? I hope they are not being awarded any National Day honours for creating all these problems.

As the PM, his job is really tough, with so many people undermining him by making all the wrong decisions and policies and making him responsible for cleaning the shit. Hsien Loong should rightly deserve the highest National Day Award, the Order of Temasek(First Class) for cleaning shit and not blaming anyone for it. Why no one recommends him for the highest National Day Award?

The Revengeful Japs never forget US nuclear bombing of Japan and will definitely return the same favour to US some day in future

The revengeful Japs will never forget US nuclear bombing of Japan and will definitely return the same favour to US some day in future.

The launching of Japs new aircraft carrier on 6th August is a bad omen for America. It is a veiled threat that they meant to take  nuclear revenge against US some day in future.

Why is US coddling the Japs and inciting them to create trouble in the East China Sea against China? After an era of Western and Japanese domination and imperialism during the last one hundred and fifty years China was left crippled with lost of huge territories of land to invading Western countries and Japan and with her economy in shambles , China was critically weak and despised by the invaders. That was the time Japan thought it could invade and dominate China totally. But with intense patriotism the Chinese under the leadership of Chairman Mao and Premier Zhou En Lai and the Peoples' Liberation Army fought bravely against the Japs and defeated them. However , when the Japs attacked America's Pearl Harbour , they stirred the hornets' nest and brought the Americans into the war against the Japs. With America's atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki the Japanese war of aggression against China was brought to a stop. The Japs have always blamed America for destroying their only chance of invading and subjugating China not forgetting that even without America's nuclear bombing of Japan , China would definitely and ultimately defeat the Japs and drive them out of China. However, the revengeful Japs in launching the new aircraft carrier on the 68th Anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on Tuesday 6th of August is not a co-incident but is meant to carry out a clear signal and reminder to US that Japan will definitely take revenge on that infamy incident against US some day in future and in the same nuclear manner. Thus America should take the warning seriously and stop supporting and rearming an evil monster in the making. America should not side with the Japs but let China have a free hand this time round to deal with the Japs so that the Chinese can teach these Japs a fatal lesson once and for all and make sure  that they will never rise up again to give trouble to the world.

Southernglory1

My National Day Message

The Singapore, our country, is there for ‘US’ to make. The “US’ are Singaporeans, not PRs, the people that made this country what it is today and will continue to make this country a liveable place for our children for generations to come.

Our Singapore, our country, its fate, what it should be, must by decided by ‘US’ and not by a few individuals who think they know best and what is good for ‘US’.

The Singaporeans must make this country and govt to serve the interests of ‘US’ the citizens foremost. And we can be generous and charitable to foreigners who come here to visit or to work. It must not be the other way, when we are second to foreigners and PRs and have to depend on their generosity and charity. The foreigners and PRs are here because we have built such a great city for them to live their dreams and make a good living. We allowed them, we gave them the opportunity, not the other way. While doing this, we must not sacrifice or compromise the well beings of our citizens to the extend that they become jobless and have to scrape for a living, with low paying and unwanted jobs, with no job security while having to cope with extremely high cost of everything.

We must be the owners, we are the owners of our country. We must be in charge and not foreigners in charge. The foreigners, including the PRs, are here with our consent and approval, enjoying our kindness at our discretion. The Singaporeans, the ‘US’, must not be dependent and at the mercy of foreigners for jobs and our well being. We are the host and they the guests. This must be the permanent formula and the host must not be elbowed out by the guests.

I wish all Singaporeans a happy National Day fills with hopes of a better tomorrow, for all Singaporeans and their children.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!

I just came back after spending the nearly the whole day out and cannot miss the well and colourfully dressed Muslim brothers and sisters everywhere. There is one place they are missing though, the foodcourts. But that is understandable as they will be having their feasts at home with their families and friends.

I was at this foodcourt and the only people I saw were mainly Chinese, some Indians and some foreigners. Having the Indians and Malays all eating together in the foodcourts was nothing unusual as they are part and parcel of this country, they are a part of every Singaporean. Now the foreigners are also becoming a part of us as well. Their presence cannot be missed.

Today I really felt something missing, without the signs and presence of Malays among the customers. It would likely be the same for a Chinese or Indian festival with the particular tribe making the missing act.

Once again, Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

A single swallow justification

Now that the Hair for Hope event in support of the Children’s Cancer Foundation that led to the punishment of 2 girl students by their principal is water under the bridge, I would like to revisit the thinking behind the incident that let to the fiasco and public outrage. I quote the Principal Marion Tan “Can you imagine if I were to say yes, I’d have everybody coming to school with a bald head. Sometimes it’s a fad, so they would take advantage of the situation.”

She has her point in that the girls did promise to put on wigs if they participated in the event. And if she was in the army, the girls would jolly well wear the wigs as promised. That is how the army works, regimentation, and an order is an order. In this case, the demand for such an undertaking by the principal is misplaced as it showed a lack of understanding and appreciation of the Hair for Hope event. It is all about empathy and compassion for those cancer patients that have to go through the painful chemotherapy and the undesirable consequence of a bald head.

Let me return to the quoted statement above. This is like the proverbial saying a swallow does not make a summer but many would insist otherwise. And this is the thinking of the people in authority. They cannot release the CPF savings to the people caused some DOM had squandered all their monies on mei meis, or some have gone to the casinos. So it is best that the money be all locked up. Imagine if the govt would to say yes, every retiree would take out their money and feed the mei meis and the casinos. Jiat lat, all would end up with no money the next day and crying to the govt for charity.

The same justification for not allowing people with higher income to use lower class hospital wards with higher subsidies. If one is allowed, all the rich people will opt for C class wards, maybe people living in the Istana would also do so. Think HDB too, if one is allowed to buy smaller flats, all would want to buy smaller flats.

What kind of mentality is that? Do the people making decisions up there really believe in this logic? The stupid ones do, I am sure. The smart ones are only using this flawed logic for their own convenience and to serve their agenda and whatever schemes they are brewing. They are too smart to think that this is logical thinking.

Don’t take a swallow and claim that it is summer. Don’t think that seeing an albino crow and conclude that all the crows are white. Can this episode be a lesson to the policymakers to fine tune their thinking? Fat hope, this is a golden rule to rule the people and take advantage of the people, for their ignorance and passiveness towards authority. The authority is always right and always logical in their reasoning. Tio boh?

I remember, if we were to give the people a drumstick they will demand for the whole chicken, or something like that. Where got exception one?