A Singapore phenomenon

A Singapore phenomenon Many oldies or not so oldies are being retired from the job market. And these oldies are all desperate as they did not have much savings, a growing family and bigger financial responsibilities. The more these oldies needed money and jobs, the more money and jobs fled from them. On the other hand there are many oldies who have fortunes the size of a mountain and could have retired happily and graciously to live out a wonderful life. They could find more meaning in life and exploring life without a care. But they choose to work and continue to earn millions which they don't really need. Perhaps they really love to work, to contribute, to serve society and people. Or they did not know how to enjoy life, or working is their way of enjoying life. Definitely they cannot be greedy for the money. It is something they have too much of. And though they may not be in the same category as Warren Buffett or Khoo Teck Puat who have to give away their excess money, they surely have no need to 'pah si buay chow' to hang on to their jobs just for another million more.

Wonder Drug GST LSD was the wonder drug in the 60s and 70s. Today the wonder drug for Singaporeans is GST. This is the drug that will give a boost to all the dying and hungry poor Singaporeans. With a 2% shot, they will all be better off. Now this is a really brilliant thing and deserves to be applauded. The only reservation is this comment from Tharman, 'And once the GST kicks in, there will be no increase in Govt fees - including conservancy charges and car park fees - for one year, said Shanmugaratnam.' So, will the drug continues the feel good effect after one year? I read some of the comments on GST and suggestions to fine tune it to make it less painful on the poor. And it seems that it is too big a trouble to exempt basic necessities from GST. They have problems to tax on higher quality rice. And the same logic was quoted about GST on takeaway food in Britain. Such examples reflect on the meaness in the thinking process. So what, let everybody eat rice and if people can afford to eat better quality rice or choose to save a little GST by opting for takeaway food, is that so disgusting to accept? Why would people have nightmares on such trivialities? And to insist on GST on basic necessities I can forsee that more food vouchers will be issued and there will be long queues at NTUC outlets for people to get them. The only consideration that could come from this alternative will be more means testing to see who can qualify for food vouchers. I better prepare meself to be in the queue too. But need to know what are the criteria first. First thing to do is to cancel all my bank accounts, hide whatever cash under the bed, sell off the cars temporarily, maybe downgrade to a two room flat. I am looking forward to the GST jab.

award of sentosa ir becoming a pr execise

The award of the Sentosa IR could turn out to be the biggest PR exercise facing the govt. Handled brilliantly, we will get a really fascinating IR to brag about and more international friends and recognition. Handle it badly, rigidly, play by the book in a no nonsense way could still get us a very good IR but may cost us friends and a tarnished reputation. The 3 bidders are putting everything they got into their proposals. They are extremely serious and have spent an enormous amount of money for their bids. Though eventually only one will come out the winner, there could be two sore losers to lick the wounds. And with Najib joining the fray by rooting for Genting, it complicates the matter with political implications and cross border relations in the yo yo. How could the award of the Sentosa be turned into a happy ending for the bidders? Two IRs being awarded, or allowing the two losers a second go at the development of the southern islands with their current bids being treated as a pre qualifications? It would give the unsuccessful bidders a little sweetener to go home with and a lot of goodwill to kick around.

no need for charity shows anymore

Move aside Charity shows Now who said charity show is the most effective and efficient way to help the poor and needy? Now the most efficient way, with minimum cost, is through GST. This is really brilliant. So with a stroke of the pen, all Singaporeans have done their donations for charity. No need to risk the lives and limbs of actors and actresses, no need pathetic looks on tv, no need to dial the mobile. And how much is raised? How many billions? And no need to pay for telecom and mediacorp production cost. Now who can beat this kind of innovative idea?

myth 98

Wisdom of Aladdin, Solomon and Saul Aladdin ruled Greenland with a crooked sword. When he is angry or about to cut off the head of anyone he will kiss his sword. And whenever he kisses his sword, Greenland goes white with fright. His elite ministers were all behind Aladdin and live by Aladdin’s wisdom of righteousness. And all his elite ministers were afraid to flaunt their wealth though everyone knows that they are very well rewarded in many ways. Openly flashing their wealth is a sign of having too big an appetite and were frown upon. All the people know but they could not do anything, for the elite will not change the way they are being rewarded by the system. Blueland under Solomon was different. They pride themselves as true elite. And they make no pretense about rewarding themselves. They gave themselves fanciful titles for doing nothing but paid like a king. And they made sure all their titles and high incomes are in their name cards to be flashed around as a recognition of their talents and abilities. The greater their incomes the more righteous they are deemed to be as plenty means no urge to steal anymore. The people too accept the system and pretend that all is well under enlightened leadership. They, like the people in Greenland, knew they could not do anything as the elite will not change the system to cut down on their loot. Redland under Saul is slightly different. The elite live fairly comfortably but not as wealthy as Greenland and Blueland. They were slightly better off than the people but any excesses will be dealt with by severe punishment All three lands under Aladdin, Solomon and Saul functions as effectively as they can be. All were perfect models on their own, living under the wisdom of their own rulers. Another common thread among the three elites is that they all frown upon the other’s wisdom but not saying anything.