Pay rise, looking at the big picture

Pay rise, looking at the big picture This pay rise for Ministers is undeniably the hottest topic today. There is no running away from it. Everywhere everyone is talking about it. So there is no point in putting the head in the sand and pretend that nothing seen, nothing heard and nothing is happening. What is important is to discuss it rationally so that everyone gets a fair hearing and a better understanding of the issue. Sue Ann Chia or Chia Sue-Ann said we must look at 'A big picture view of public sector pay.' She mentioned Dr Henri Ghesquiere, an adjunct professor at the LKY School of Public Policy, saying 'It would look high when viewed in isolation.' What Henri is saying is that it is not high if one look at the big picture, ie, Singapore's success as a first world country. 'Consider how Singapore comes out tops in global rankings for effectiveness of govt and efficiency of the court system....Highly remunerated officials are expected to go the extra mile and deliver beyond the call of duty, he added.' This is another way of looking at the issue other than that they will also not be corrupt. What Henri said also pointed to our obsession to be rated number one in everything. Maybe this is one of the yardstick which the govt is using to measure Singapore's success and the contribution of ministers and civil servants. The more number ones, the more deserving for higher pay. The grassroots must be trained to look at the big picture.

NKF trial a shining light for Singapore

NKF trial a shining light for Singapore Singapore is a police state that used draconian methods of interrogation to extract confessions from offenders. This has been the impression published in most unfriendly media on Singapore. But when one listens to the cross examination of Sant Singh on Osman Ahamed, the chief special investigator with the CPIB, it is very clear that the police will have to abide by certain standard of decency. And a person under police custody has all the rights including an interrogation room that must be at least the size of a hotel room, to make him comfortable and not feel coerced. Definitely not the Guantanamo type of standard and practices. According to Sant Singh, David Tan was interrogated in a very small room, about 4m by 4m, there about. And the light was kept on at all times to add to the pressure to "induce" him to give testimony for the prosecution, including being detained overnight in a 2.1m by 2.4 metre room. By virtue of the fact that these are grounds of complains to coerce a person, under police custody, speaks very well of Singapore. Perhaps if the govt can be more generous and build bigger and more comfortable interrogation rooms with cushion sofas, and rooms to hold suspects or possible offenders over night, then it will be just perfect. And no bright lights please. Too glaring on the eyes and intruding into a person's privacy. Provided the taxpayers did not complain about extravagance on the govt's part to provide luxury for possible offenders or violators or the law.

Philip Yeo the real blogger

Philip Yeo the real blogger I was reading the exchange between Philip and Chen Jiahao in the Sunday Times today. Philip in all aspects is a suave and cool blogger, the style and words used, without mincing. That's what a real blogger is. Saying it as it is or in the way it should be said. And he did not pick a safe topic to talk about. He chose the issue of the day and smack right into it like any cool blogger will do. No hiding or shying a way. If Philip just joined the fray because it is cool to do so, or because he wants to be seen to do it, then it will be comical. Imagine Philip posting about his favourite pie and his favourite ang tau tng. Kudos to Philip for truly engaging the bloggers in their turf. So far he is the One senior civil servant who feels secured enough to do. :wink:

off on saturday : )

Hi all, Will be out at sea over the weekend and probably start posting on Sunday afternoon. Cheers.

Role of the Internet - Balakrishnan speaks

Role of the Internet - Balakrishnan speaks Govt will continue to take a light touch approach to the internet as they are not really that significant. The Govt will 'continue to set the political agenda and rules of engagement.' Below are some of the notable extracts of what light touch could mean. 'the Govt would not hesitate to 'demolish' those who crossed the line...' 'Any political leader worth his salt will sooner or later be unmasked and, therefore, can be dealt with or engaged on political terms, one on one.' I am trying to figure this one out on what he meant by political terms and one on one. 'I put this not in a threatening way but (the point is) that at the end, the cyberworld cannot escape the realities of the real world.' Luckily he did not use the term brutal truth. 'But he said Singapore's leaders have nothing to hide and are not afraid of the new media.' 'If it is true, I have to reply. If it is untrue, I have to demolish it. If it is seditious or defamatory, we will go after the person.' I think I am alright. 'the PAP had seen the press "cynically manipulated by politicians for short term goals."' 'I don't need The Straits Times to be the mouth piece of the Govt. We have the ministry spokespersons....' I think bloggers and forumers will now have a better picture of he govt's stand on internet postings.