asean founding fathers turning in their graves

ASEAN was conceived at a time when the cold war was at its peak and the western powers were competing with the soviet bloc for influence around the world. The communist powers were also very active supporting local communist insurgencies. And America was doing all it can to wrestle control and influence in all the governments in Southeast Asia. One of the key pillars of ASEAN then was neutrality and non interference in the national affairs of other countries, and stood strongly against the big powers from interfering in their domestic politics. In recent weeks we are hearing the voices of ASEAN in another form. ASEAN now sees it as proper to interfere in Myanmar's domestic politics, insisting that Myanmar must take the democratic road, more political freedom and human rights. I am not in favour of the tight military control of the Myanmar govt on its people. Pushing Myanmar towards democracy and more political freedom is a good thing for the people of Myanmar. But this persistence call for the Myanmar govt to change, this call for China and India to squeeze Myanmar to change, demanding the military junta to take concrete steps towards democratic process, are they not interfering with another country's domestic politics? For ASEAN to adopt this course of action, does it mean that ASEAN now accepts that it is alright for other countries to interfere in their domestic politics? This is a principle that applies both ways. Once this is recognised, ASEAN must accept it if other big powers start to meddle with their own political systems. It is only a matter of time before the brick that ASEAN is hurling at Myanmar will come back and smack them right in the middle of their faces. And when it happens, Myanmar will be laughing and say, what goes round will come around. At the moment, the Eminent Persons Group is gathering in Bali 'to remake and reposition the grouping to face the challenges ahead.' Change is in the air as Prof Jayakumar said, 'We can't just do more of the same of what we've been doing. We've been doing fine but projecting the next few decades, we have to rethink and remake ASEAN.' And one of the key pillars of ASEAN, non interference in other countries domestic affairs is slated to go. And the founding fathers of ASEAN must be turning in their graves.

the pap warriors

Someone emailed to me a post which I thought would be useful for the forum. But he was so shy to post it even after I suggested to him. I might as well put it here to encourage him and let him know that his view is quite sensible. What he said is that PAP has two of its best warrior in Sitoh and Eric Low. These two have stood their grounds and not runaway after being defeated in the last election. And they are coming back to fight another day. They could seek the comfort of a GRC and get themselves into parliament in a much easier way than to take on the undaunting task of facing their victorious opponent and risking another defeat. That's a very good fighting spirit coming from the two. This kind of spirit can only be found, so far, from the opposition camp. All 'pah si buay chow' type of politician wannabes. Losing one battle after another and keep coming back asking for more. But actually no opposition candidate has the luxury of Sitoh and Eric. PAP candidate never loses in any election. They may not be the elected MP. But they ended up as the defacto MP wielding more influence and authority, with more funds and people under their charge. And they are actually more effective than elected opposition MPs. This is a big advantage that helps them to go on and stood the ground. The whole party machinery is at their disposal. In the case of opposition MPs, after a defeat, many would have to go back to work to earn a living. And hopefully save enough for the deposit in the next election.

NKF as a proxy

Why is NKF a hot issue to the opposition? NKF represents many things. And to the opposition, NKF represents super talents, high pay, corruption, transparency, accountability, amassing of public money for the future instead of current needs, mismanagement and poor corporate governance, using the judiciary system to silent whistle blowers etc. For the opposition to raise the NKF issue, they are attacking everything negative that NKF now stands for. Indirectly they are using NKF as a proxy to attack the establishment and the system.

ge round 35: my nightmare is beginning

LKY is absolutely right to comment that opposition candidates are not up to par. Well, not all. But it seems that some need to take political lessons and understand what politics is all about and how the system works, at least. Being honest and commited to serve the people is one thing. But being honest, simple minded and naive have no place for anyone who aspire to be a leader of the people. We all understand why nominated MPs were introduced. PAP has explained this many times over. It would be so ridiculous for PAP to nominate their defeated candidates as a NMP. Doing that will immediately make PAP's position so slippery. Suggesting that will be too much to stomach even as a joke. And to suggest that ministers who lost their elections can be nominated as a minister...my gosh! I do not know how to react to such a plain stupid idea. Why don't people propose that if Hsien Loong loses his election the PAP can nominate him as a nominated Prime Minister? I have sleepless night and a nightmare after what I have heard.

How long more before next transport fare hike?

3 months or after the general election whichever comes later. Brace up fellas, the govt will be looking at ways to lower the cost of living. But I think transport fare sure to go up. Even Amy Khor says that PTC's reasons were acceptable. I think I would have to agree since everyone is getting the progress package. So can afford to pay a little hike in transport fare. Dunno how long can it last?