Myth 161 Compulsory annuity is good

Compulsory annuity is good It is a hotly debated proposal, well intented, well meaning, and well thought out. But hardly any believe in it except the people proposing it. Who needs $300 in 35 years time when it is as good as worthless. Even double that amount may be worthless. And who wants to hope to live to enjoy this pittance at 85 when the life expectancy age is 80 to 82 years? The compulsory annuity scheme is supposed to provide the money for the survivors to live by. But how, when the money is definitely not enough. This is a classic myth in the making.

Allow public protest

This is what Liew Kai Khiun recommended yesterday. I thought it was an exercise not worth mentioning. But today there were some responses to his remarks. One pro and one against, to provide a balance view by the Today paper. But how many actually wrote in to support or oppose, your guess is as good as mind. By the way, what is the purpose of protest? Sure there are many things that pissed us off every now and then. There are very serious issues and some not so serious. Most went by without any protest. So everyone believes that everything is ok. But no one will know when a Myanmar will visit us, and if it did, everyone will be caught unprepared for sure. For any issue can spark off a major protest when the pent up feelings have been suppressed for too long over the years. And before such a visit, Singaporeans must find a means to express their objections or unhappiness over issues or policies. A public protest or demonstration is the most popular form to show displeasure. But given the current political environment, many would not want to risk the pain. This does not mean that Singaporeans should shut up. KPKB is one means to show displeasure and opposition. Asking questions like school boys in a monologue sessions between school teachers and school childrens, or writing to the media hoping for a reply is exactly what they will get. A reply. And once the reply is given, it is taken for granted that it is explained and accepted, case closed and life goes on. Ya, let's move on. What Singaporeans need is a platform to simply say No. We do not buy your reasons or explanations, and we do not want to go along with it. No need any clever reply whatsoever. That is what a protest is all about. To say no to policies or issues and to tell the authorities not to go ahead with it. And if they do, they can go ahead without the blessing of the people. And sure, that is all the people can do now. And the govt can go on not listening and do what it wants or what it thinks best. But hopefully the democratic forces will play its rightful role one day and a new govt be formed. Protest is necessary and important. But protest for the sake of protest is meaningless if it does not achieve any results. Find a way to say no and for the govt to hear the NO loudly, be it peaceful or violent protest, or just kpkb in the net. The important thing is to get the message across.

The Returns of the Sultans

Malaysia is going through a watershed in its political development. The mess that the politicians have created in the country has opened up a crack for the Royalties to make a comeback after so many years in the wilderness. The people are calling for more royal interventions to curb the abuses by the politicians. And now a royal inquiry into judicial integrity. There are more areas that the sultans could come in to ensure fair play. This is really ironical. In the past, the sultans were sidelined by the politicians for abuses. Now it is the other way. It is now the moderating force and with a higher moral authority to deal with crooked politicians. Welcome to the new Malaysia.

Notable quotes ; Leslie Fong

"Bloggers, on the other hand, just sound off as they please. They are not bound by professional standards and ethics, and are responsible to no one but themselves. So you read them at your own risk, or peril. Newspaper editors who give bloggers space, or even prominence, in their pages, in the hope that this will attract younger readers, are doing damage to their calling.” Leslie Fong, SPH Editor Dum, da di dum, dum dum : )

Growing dichotomy

Lee U Wen wrote a piece in the Today paper today. What he said, from what he had observed, is the growing dichotomy between the govt and the people but without the govt knowing it. Both are talking but not listening, each going its own way. The govt just want to do this. It is good for the people. No way the govt is going to stop this annuity scheme. It is well thought out. Only how it is going to be cooked. The people are saying all kinds of things and all kinds of options and alternatives. The govt did not hear anything. Just appoint another committee of wise men to come out with another solution. This is an unique case of talking and communicating but not listening, not wanting to listen. I am going to do this. Say whatever you like. I am going to do it. I am the caring govt. It is my right to intervene. What your money? You want your money? You can't handle your money!