myth 69

'A govt must look after its citizen first' This is the common practice and first principle of all govt. And that is where most govt has got it wrong and got into trouble. Looking after the interest of its citizens is very important but the question is how? Many went to the extent of protecting their citizens and driving away investors. There are countries which demanded that a percentage of the shares of the company must be owned by the citizens or else no investment. In this area, Singapore can teach the world a lesson. The trick is to take care of foreigners and their investments first, including providing them with jobs. The foreign investments will bring in more jobs like the IRs. That is quite clear. It is the second part, providing jobs to foreigners that many cannot see the values from it. With more foreigners here, they will consume our services like housing, transportation, medical, schooling etc. They also eat, sleep and play and spend money here. And all these provide employment and jobs for Singaporeans. Treat foreign workers well and they will bring prosperity to the people. The benefits will be filtered down to Singaporeans at the lower levels, or downstream. Keep the foreigners out and Singapore's economy will suffer and our economic progress will slow down. The conventional wisdom of barring foreigners from our shore must be changed. We must welcome foreigners.

the wheel is turning

Our parents and grandparents and their parents came to this island at a time when there were turmoil in their home countries, when getting a job was difficult. Many foreigners, maids, construction and shipyard workers or even white collar workers are here for the same reasons. Perhaps more, where they could earn more here than at home. Our young and old people are told to compete for jobs here with foreigners. And if they are unable, go overseas. Looks like the cycle is now reversed. Singaporeans are finding it difficulty to get a job at home and have to move out to find jobs to feed themselves. The cycle is being repeated but in a different direction. I have a very funny feeling that things are not right. Just cannot put a finger on what is really wrong? I don't think anyone can. No one believe that there is a problem.

a national iconic drink

Motivating people is very important. Other than pictures we have many icons to remind people of our country and its greatness. We even have a drink with the country's name attached, the Singapore Sling. This morning I discovered a more appropriate and wholsome drink that we can call it our own, maybe a national icon, instead of the Sling that will get one a bit high for not so good reasons. This drink is brewed from natural herbs, aids digestion and blood circulation, and always good for health. It sure gets the blood pressure circulating and boiling and will improve the general well being if done regularly. It is called Youmeisu. Just kidding.

corporate wayang

There were many letters to forums calling for a review of the cost of public transport after the brilliant idea of season pass was conceived. Never mind that it was nothing new and has been adopted in the more developed countries all over the world. However, from the official quarter, it was a deafening silence. No one is willing to risk his neck to say anything. It must have been seen as unwise to do so. All the champions of the people must know that some things can be championed, some cannot. Singapore is indeed a corporate state. Everything is corporate, even culture and politics. And everyone is playing the role in a corporate wayang. Wait for the signal and see who says what. Then take the cue and speak loudly or hide in a corner, don't say anything. And nothing else will be spoken about a comprehensive season pass that will really benefit the lower income group, not unless someone who calls the shot, or of a renowned standing comes out and say something. This is the realpolitik of Singapore.

asean, a 3rd world grouping

An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. A primeval way to justice. We take it unkindly when someone said something bad about us. How to return the courtesy? Beat him up or kill him? Or we take the modern and civil way of reasoning it out with him, or take him to court. In the political process, the trademark of a stable and developed nation is the peaceful and orderly way of transferring political power or office. A president or prime minister departed and give way to his successor through a general election or a party election according to an agreed time scale. The president or prime minister could be naughty or crazy, but he could only be removed legally either through an impeachment or being voted out of office. There are other cruder forms of doing this, revolution, assasination, mass demonstration, or a military coup. When these methods are used, the normal legal procedures are cast aside. And such methods are normally adopted by third world countries, rich or poor. The use of extra legal processes or the thought of a military coup is a manifestation of the people's primeval instinct. ASEAN is an outstanding example of countries that are still far from political maturity. Myanmar is still under a military junta. Thailand just coup its popularly elected prime minister. The Philippines' president could be deposed by another coup anytime. Indonesia is country where the military is still very strong, like a dormant volcano. The Indochinese states are too new to form any judgement while Brunei is a kingdom. The most mature country within ASEAN in terms of a military that does not see its role in interferring with the domestic political process is Malaysia. The military has accepted the same role as those of the British, its predecessor. It is to defend the nation from external threat and not meddling with internal politics. You don't hear the military men edging to remove a prime minister or govt. Singapore was perceived as the most developed of all the ASEAN countries and a first world country in all aspects until the latest suggestion that the military will step in when things are not going right. That is the hallmark of a third world country. When military intervention is seen as a logical option, it only shows that we are still very far from being a first world political system.