From 146th to 153rd

Does Singapore deserve its press freedom ranking? Posted by theonlinecitizen on May 13, 2008 [Terence Lee In a 2008 survey by Freedom House, Singapore has shown no improvement in its freedom of the press, despite the maturing of online media as a medium to air alternative views. The latest results reveal nothing new: much has already been said about the deplorable state of press freedom in Singapore, ranked a lowly 153rd out of 195 countries, sharing the same ranking as Iraq. The idea that Singapore is first-world in economic competitiveness but third-world in press freedom and civil liberties has already become an over-sung tune.] Funny that I agree with the Freedom House ranking. Anyone want to disagree? With so many high brow and talented journalists, it is strange that our ranking is at par with Iraq. What? Iraq? And Terrence Lee was hoping that the online media viewing alternative views will lend some weight to our media ranking. Terrence forgot that online media and cyberspace are two different entity. One is part of msm and the other is citizen reporting. The latter not counted lah.

Lest we forget- Just a little reminder

This island is a republic, not a kingdom, dictatorship, a communist state or whatever. It is run on democratic principles where the people elect their representatives to manage the island for the benefits of the people. How is it that the people so easily forget that they are the owner of this island and the elected representatives are there temporarily and can be removed if they are not living to the expectations of the people? Not only that the people forget easily, even the people's representatives also forget that they are elected by the people to serve the people's interests. And for this, any major decision made that will affect the people must have the consent of the people and not simply be decided by them. Am I being confused? That once elected, the people's representatives have full power to do whatever they think right? There must be some big issues that they need to go back to the people, go through a referendum, to get the people's consent. One issue I think deserves to go back to the people is the growing population by unnatural means, ie, importing more foreigners to a target of 6 to 8 mil. This is helluva decision to make. The people are going to be affected by it, and hopefully it is good, but it can be very bad too, depending on how things turn out. For such an issue, I still think that the people must have a say on which way to go. In some European countries, even rebuilding and changing the buildings in a place needs a referendum. The people must consent to tearing down and building new buildings and structures. The people's representatives are only representatives and are temporal in nature. They are not there forever and neither could they bear the burden and responsibility of such a big decision that affects everyone, now and in the future. No one shall be given this right to decide what he thinks is good for the people without the people's consent. Maybe they will say I am talking cock. The elected representatives can do whatever they want or whatever they think best.

All problems solved

The msm is a pleasant read the last couple of days. In fact it is quite boring. Nothing of significance was reported except for the natural disasters overseas. Locally, it is all quiet in the western front. Anyone reading the papers will be feeling very comfortable. There is no problem in paradise. All problems were either solved or non existence. No more cries for help because of rising food prices. That must have gone away. No unemployment problem or housing problems. It is just so blissful.

Myth 180

Singaporeans are the richest people in Asia Other than the Japanese, on the average, Singaporeans believe that they are the richest people in Asia. How true is this statement? There are many rich people, true, and many millionaires. But we also have the highest percentage of people having financial difficulties, needing govt handouts. 200,000 households are struggling to make ends meet. That is a huge percentage of people in trouble. Now why is that so? The people with the highest savings needing to go for the dole. What kind of paradise is this? Got flats, got a lot of CPF savings but begging for govt assistance. Tak boleh tahan! So are we the richest people in Asian outside Japan? Or is this a myth?

When will they be caught?

The spate of kidnapping scam is getting to the nerves of Singaporeans. It is a traumatic experience for the older folks and those weak at heart. Has any of these bandits been caught? They are thinking that Singapore is Shanghai 1930s or are they going to turn Singapore into one? The law enforcement officers must work doubly hard to nab them and display them in the Padang for public caning for one week, chop off their hands before deporting them. Don't be soft hearted in dealing with these bandits as the harm they intended is much more than the pains of chopped hands. Need to set a few examples as a deterrent. Let there be no mercy. They better hurry to get rid of these pests before it gets too prevalent and others start to imitate them. It is a serious social security threat.