number one is relative

I posted about the world number one civil service that we have the other day. It is indeed number one in many areas. But sheeples are still sheeples. They take orders, implement to the best they could, without questioning the rights or wrongs of their policies. They are easily managed and controlled to do the works they are expected to do. Recently we have Ngiam Tong Dow standing up to question some of the govt policies. Sounded damn enlightening and refreshing. But sheeples are still sheeples. No question when swimming in champagne. It took so many years when the smell of champagne were gone and forgotten before he regained his questioning ability. The CPF issue is a case of great concern. Doesn't the civil servants know that it is the people's money and the people has a right to decide what they want to do with their money. And the civil servants may not be questioning, but this does not mean that they cannot think and understand such a basic issue. They are our brightest and it is insulting to think that what we can see they can't. Would any of them be brave enough to stand up and tell the minister, 'Sir, the CPF money is the people's hard earned money. It is the people's property, asset. We cannot suka suka decide for them how long we want to keep their money and how much we want to return to them. This if fundamentally not right. We are violating the right of the people to their money even if we pass a legislation in Parliament to allow us to manage their money anyway we want.' If only our civil servants have the conscience and righteous mind to tell the ministers that they cannot go on with policies that are fundamentally wrong, then we can really say they are the best in the world. The civil servants must work for the interest of the people. The Ministers may also think that they are working for the good of the people. The intention may be good. But the end does not justify the means. The people's money is the people's money. No two questions about this. When would the civil servants stand up and say something about this? If it is money taken from the national reserve, the people will not have any say as to how the govt want it to be distributed.

have faith. don't jump the gun

I visited the YPAP forum just now and read the several harsh statements against Boon Heng's suggestion to raise withdrawal limits. I think it is unfair for these peasants to jump to conclusions before hearing Boon Heng out. His suggestion is carefully thought out, after spending 6 days in Japan with his team of experts to look into the aged problem. He did not shoot it off his mouth without thinking. The peasants cannot assume that a multi million dollar minister will do that. And the problem of the aged is very intricate and needs a thorough understanding of the complex issues around it. Of course the peasants will just shoot it off their mouth. Give the minister some time. In 5 or 10 years time the peasants will understand how well thought out the solutions were. Have faith.

japan to learn from singapore

Japan to study Singapore's pension and CPF scheme Heard, not sure if it is true, maybe dreaming, that Japan will be sending a high level delegation to study our CPF and 3M schemes. They have admitted that their scheme is a flop and they are very impressed with our innovative schemes. Kudos to Singapore. We are the light to show the way to a brighter future.

i am dreaming

I am dreaming that one day a govt will be elected and say 'Here is your CPF money. You can take it back at 55.' And the govt is setting up a retirement fund from its surpluses/reserve to provide for the needy above 65 years old. Not every 65 year old will depend on the govt for financial assistance. Now that will be the day.

myth 146

Liberalisation is not good The sale of the 3 power plant to private operators have raised fears that the prices will go up soon. Afterall these are commercial organisations that thrives on profit and profit is their only reason to exist. They are not buying the plants in billions of dollars to do charity to Singaporeans. But the management of the power plants have assured the consumers that they have nothing to worry about. It will not affect them. So the consumers can rest and sleep in peace. With assurance from people in high management positions, they must be telling the truth and nothing short of that. Let's see how the charges can be maintained, assuming the assurance means the charges will not go up. Labour cost is going up that's for sure. Rental is going up, another unescapable truth. And oil prices are going up. So how can profit continues to grow? Its elementary. Innovation, new technologies that are more efficient and cost cutting measures. When production and productivity go up and cost goes down, profit will go up without raising fees. So have no fear. It is a good thing.