nkf: review mission, roles and objectives

it is highly recommended that the new nkf review its mission and roles and reset the objectives of the various departments in the organisation. once the mission and roles of the new nkf is clearly defined, it will be in a better position to address its current problems and chart its course for the future. things it need to address: what is its mission? is it the primary provider of kidney dialysis treatment? is it responsible for educating the public on kidney diseases? does it have other roles? how much must it retain in the reserve or how much of donations must be put into reserves? how much should it shoulder? should it keep on expanding? what is its role vis a vis the govt? how much to subsidise? is it a charity or profit making organisation? is it a govt medical outfit or to support the role of govt in kidney diseases? should its staff policies be similar to a profit making organisation? how much to raise and how much subsidies to ask from the govt? what to do if the patients just cannot afford to pay? there are many things that nkf must take a second look and readjust its bearings.

chiam see tong too old, can't do much

this issue will be raised in the coming elections and have been in the papers several times. it is in the today paper again. chiam's, at 70, is considered too old. by who's standard? singaporeans better prepare themselves to work to 70 or 80 or till they die. retirement is only for those who have made it financially in life. funny thing is that those who have made it will also refuse to retire. so lets all work till we die. 70 is never too old. life begins at 55. the other argument against chiam is that he cannot do much. what he cannot do much is the redevelopment of the estate and upgrading, which everyone knows, is due to his purse string. he does not have the resources that even a non mp has. cannot blame him. and i think everyone understands this point. harping on this could backfire. people want to see fair play, level playing field. everyone is a tax payer and they want to see their tax money being distributed equitably to benefit everyone, without strings attached. no one will be happy if they are perceived to have their arms twisted. but if you are on the other side of chiam, all these are seen at political tactics, part of the game, nothing about being fair or unfair. the winners called the shot. and there will always be people who share this view as there will be people who share the other view. the election result will tell which group has more supporters. so far it has been proven that the people who wants to see fair play and do not mind chiam being 70 years young are still in the majority. and the only tactics applied to win over more supporters from chiam are mainly two. chiam is old and ineffective. chiam cannot give out goodies. but would the people see chiam contributing in other areas, like defending their interests in parliament, as more important? there will also be people who like to support the underdogs, especially when they are decent, honest and sincere.

ncss: appoint whistle blowers

benedict cheong of ncss suggested that organisations set up channels for whistle blowers or appoint officers to take charge of this function. the underlying belief is that the organisations will look after its own problems when there are complaints. from the experience of the nkf, there were many complaints internally and externally. none works. but it does not mean that all these recommendatios will not work. it will work if people want them to work. having these in the old nkf will definitely not work. and the reasons are obvious. you need a few good men to want to right the wrongs. but if everyone that can right the wrongs are the cause of the wrongs, nothing will work. any complaints will be buried or the complainants may even be punished or victimised. but if there are a few good men around, then all the wrongs would not have happened. or if they did, would be righted before they grew to such proportion. the issue now is how to recognise and bring in some good men. and also how the govt network of checks and balances will work.

whistle blowing

please read the fine prints. one clause says you must be able to afford the legal fees and compensation if you are sued in court. a successful whistle blower is like an entrepreneur. one succeeded while a thousand went bankrupt along the way. but the reward is different. one gains nothing, one gains wealth. one gains contempt, one gains recognition.

malaysia is a beautiful country.

the johore tourist authorities are in singapore to charm singaporeans to visit johore. it is a pity that they have to go to such an extent. johore has so much charm and natural attractions that singaporeans love. it is a natural getaway for singaporeans. under normal circumstances, all johore needs is to open its door and say welcome and singaporeans will flock there everyday. there is no need to drum up campaigns and promotions to draw singaporeans. just put the house in order. make the streets safe. curb all the crimes. criminals have targetting at singaporeans as easy meat, guests in a foreign land, alone, clueless and helpless when in trouble, and no one to turn to. there have been many cases of blatant extortions and robberies. even stopping singaporeans on the road and demanding for their keys and drove away their cars in broad daylight, in front of everyone. such incidents have frightened many singaporeans away. as long as singaporeans are fearful of the risk they are exposed to, all the money and effort spent to lure singaporeans to johore and malaysia will be a waste. just do the basics, law and order.