Mukhriz Mahathir

My earlier reading of Mukhriz found him to be fairly neutral and rational, unlike his father. Since his intent to seek a political career, his latest proposal to abolish Chinese and Tamil Schools and the reasons given by him exposed what he really is, another Mahathir. The reasons for the Chinese and Tamil to want their own vernacular schools is not simply a case of retaining their ethnic identity but more a case of over coming the discrimination by Malay National Schools and govt policies that obstructed non Malay children from pursuing their education despite their ability to do so. The past practices of unfair quota and allocation of school places and university places have forced the two minorities to find alternative means to educate their children. That is why there is a Tengku Abdul Rahman University. If the govt could implement education policies fairly and provide equal opportunities for non Malay students to pursue their education, vernacular schools need not come about. With hindsight, the abolishing of vernacular schools is a big step backward for UMNO and it can expect the opposition to be strong no matter how they try to dress it up. The Chinese and Indian communities know that only they themselves can look after their own welfare and interests. Even when they are prepared to pay for their own schools, this was also denied by the past UMNO govt. Mukhriz is opening up an old wound.

FTs versus the Prodigal sons

Our govt is very gracious in granting citizenship and PRs to foreign talents. We are bringing them in by the tens of thousands annually. I am wondering why are there still Singaporeans who want to return but unable to because they skipped their NS at a time when they were young and innocent? Could we treat them a little better than pure foreigners and work out some arrangements that are acceptable to all parties concerned? I believe a born ex citizen who chooses to return is more valuable than a completely new one. It is like the return of the prodigal son. We have our rules and laws, but with so many supertalents working on it, a middle way can be found to bring back our prodigal sons insteand of hugging unknown foreigners.

TOC evolving itself

I am glad to see TOC evolving and transforming itself into a platform to air issues that are close to the hearts of Singaporeans. Other than just the cyberspace, the use of Hong Lim to speak on issues should allow TOC to reach out to more people. The latest agenda includes several new speakers and issues and there is an immediate audience in the form of the unhappy minibond victims. They should form the base for a crowd and other interested and concerned parties can also join in. Hopefully this will draw in more people to Hong Lim and the painful and unpleasant issues facing the people can be revived instead of being buried. There are many issues that TOC can keep talking to raise the consciousness and awarenss of the public. Do not let these issues be forgotten.

A sound legal defence

'An Australian journalist was sentenced to 10 months' jail by a Singapore court on Tuesday for drug offenses.... In his mitigation, Lloyd's lawyer Hamidul Haq told District Judge Hamidah Ibrahim that Lloyd did not consume drugs for "recreational purposes." Instead, he took them to "self-medicate" as he was suffering from chronic post -traumatic stress disorder. Haq said Lloyd had covered many tragedies such as the Bali bombings and the 2004 tsunami disaster. And Lloyd used the drugs to stay awake as he was constantly plagued by nightmares when he fell asleep.' The above was posted in YPAP forum by rajapisang. I have another interesting defence plea which I am not sure will be acceptable but worth trying. The next defendent of a drug case may want to try quoting the pain of losing his life savings in the minibond fiasco and having nightmares everytime he closes his eyes. Taking drug is the only way to escape the pain.

The changing good life

In the 50s and 60s, a good life is to be a chief clerk, stayed in a wooden bungalow with a big compound, husband worked and wife a housemaker, 5 and a half day week, and retired to smell the roses at 55. This is not too different from the Australians, a big sprawling home with a lot of space, dunno about single pay packet, 4 or 5 day week, and likely to retire at 50 to enjoy the rest of his years. But enjoyment starts every weekend which is likely to be a long weekend, either in the mountains or some beaches far away. And work stops at 5pm sharp everyday. The good life of Singaporeans today is to be a minister or top civil servant, (cannot aspire to be a president, that is bad), 5 day week, two ministers better still, and work till 85 or drop dead whichever is later. And Singaporeans are expected to love working and working. This is the better tomorrow for Singaporeans.