myth 94

'Singaporeans don't complain' The word 'complain' must be wiped out from the Singaporean vocabulary. It is not only irrelevant, but to some can be hazardous. Singaporeans are afraid to complain about policies or the govt. But if it is something else, they will rise spontaneously like the Geylang roar. A good example is the NKF issue. Complain is a taboo word. It is politically unwise and risky. What Singaporeans should do when they are caught in a bind is to jump. But that is bad now after the last case. A copy cat jumper did not reap any financial reward subsequently. What Singaporeans should do, the politically correct way, is to seek help, or write in a feedback. But even the term feedback is not too appropriate. The new terminology is reach. Feedback, reach, complain, what's the dif? Anyway, Singaporeans who are not happy, please reach back, or reach will reach you. Feedback is out of fashion and complain is a definitely no no.

world class transport, according to who?

What is world class public transport system? My immediate response is to look at the best, the most efficient, the most comfortable and the most customer friendly, ignoring the cost for the moment. What comes into my mind is SIA first class or first class in the bullet trains. Plush upholstery, pretty hostesses, service with a smile, tender loving care, and a lot of room to move around, read the paper, a lot of fresh air to breathe, and getting to your destination on time. What is the Minister's definition of first class? More people using it. A preferred choice of transport. Quite brief but could encompass efficiency, fast, clean, comfortable etc but one thing to exclude, be prepared to be squeezed. The capacity must increase as most of the trains are not travelling in full capacity. Now what are the views of operators of public transport on being first class? Efficiency, fast and maximum capacity are the key words. Forget about comfort. They have just removed many seats to increase capacity. And they want the train to be 100% full at all time. Now what does this 100% mean? Cheek to cheek? Very likely. The current 80% peak time capacity is seen as under utilised. What commuters in Singapore can expect if public transport is indeed world class is a sardine packed, cheek to cheek kind of commuting, and not only during peak hours, but at all hours. What this means is that the commuters must be prepared to smell the unclean, unwashed body odour of the next person. Smell all the month long stale cigarette which a construction worker will not wash off from his uniform. And even the female commuters are not noted for washing their hair and you know what you will get. And there will be more meat in the train than air. And everyone is expected to share the little air in the packed to capacity cabin, exchanging bad breath. And they will have to stand practically all the way. And that is world class public transport system if the operators have their say. If that be so, I would recommend a standard attire for all commuters. Swimming trunks and a gas mask, and a body strap with a hook. And better to make it compulsory. The mask is necessary not only to shield against bad breath and body odour, but as a first line of defence against infection. And commuters better not try white shirt or designer togs. What is the body strap and hook for? To hang the body for the rest of the journey. Beats standing all the way.

in the footstep of the master

Inspired by LKY 'I do not see myself stepping down. I've got to fight the next general election to help secure as high a vote as possible...I am still required by the party to help assess the newer MPs,...And the Govt, the PM, still would like me to play a role,...but also to make use of my international contacts ...and to move into new areas like the Middle East.' The above quote by Goh Chok Tong is exceedingly familiar and anyone glancing at it will think it was LKY. The student has learnt well.

Many Singaporeans don't pay tax?!

Why is it that people are saying this? Many Singaporeans don't pay income tax. But tax is what every Singaporean pays. Even the unborn babies pay tax. The jobless uncles and aunties in the aged homes also pay tax. The ignorant may say that going to govt hospital is free because no need to pay cash. Just pay by CPF. But many educated and highly educated people in the MSM and cyberspace are saying the same thing. Unbelieveable! The GST is a consumption tax. As long as one consumes, one pays tax. The lower your income, the higher the percentage of tax you have to pay. If one has negative income, one pays tax in the exponentials. Imagine how much tax an unborn baby has to pay for all the pre natal care in percentage terms. The truth is that the poor Singaporeans pay the most tax relative to their income. It is the rich Singaporeans that pay the least tax in percentage terms.

like hell, complain you must

Is it wrong to complain? I am specifically referring to complaining about the govt? Why shouldn't the people complain or why should the govt complain that the people complain? I have no complain about anyone who does not have anything to do with me or does not do anything that affects me. I only complain about people or organisations that mess up my serenity. The people have all the right to complain when there is too much govt. When the govt's actions and policies affect the life of the people, it is only expected that the people should stand up and said I don't like your fingers in my pocket or on my back. And when policies are unfavourable or hurting the people, the govt cannot expect the people to just shut up. Or does the govt really expect that to be the case. What is more unacceptable and deserving of complaining is when the govt mess around with your life in areas that is considered private and confidential. Your private life, your family, your property and your money are yours. No one shall trespass if not invited. And if the govt insists on intruding into these areas without your permission, like hell, complain you must.