CPF - How bad you have been had

For quite some time I have been silent on the CPF and so were many social media contributors. But silence is not consent, silence is not appeasement, and silence is not giving up. The danger of being silent is that some in power would say, see no more complains, so the people must be happy, the people have accepted it.

Just to recap how bad your CPF money has become, how you have been had, remember the NMP woman happily chirped that CPF is not your money, and how the house roared and clapped in approval? This was music to their ears. And this is want they want to hear, want the people to concede and give up their CPF savings, not the people's money, not the money of the people and their employers that contributed to it.

From its original conception and terms, the CPF savings must be returned to the contributor when he reaches the age of 55. Period. The condition was so simple, clean and clear. See how far the terms and conditions have changed and how far you have been had here.

1. You cannot have your money at age 55. This has been extended to age 65.

2. Latest, a letter from CPF extends the age of withdrawal to 70 if you did not read the letter carefully, did not receive the letter, did not know how to read or somehow miss this letter and did not reply.

3. And if the CPF returns your money, it would be in drips and draps, by instalments up to 80 or 90 years or when there is still money left, whichever is later.

4. Before you are allowed to touch your money, there are compulsory insurance schemes that you did not agree to pay for, ie CPF Life, Medishield Life, Eldershield Life and akan datang, CareShield Life. And this is not the end of compulsory insurance schemes if you can trust the clowns.

5. You have to set aside Minimum Sum to the tune of more than a hundred thousand dollars despite paying CPF Life premium.

6. You have to set aside Minimum Sum for Medisave despite paying premium for Medishield Life.

7. For those who are already qualified to withdraw your CPF savings, if you sell your HDB flats or property you have to repay the interest on your housing loans and the money tangkap again to top up your Minimum Sum. Wait a minute, aren't CPF your money and you are already past the withdrawal age of 55, why still must contribute and money tangkap in CPF?

8. And if you are still employed, self employed, way past the withdrawal age, you still have to contribute to CPF.  Holy shit, dying old folks working way past retirement age, can die any moment, still must contribute to CPF! 100 year olds or more also must contribute to CPF!

9. And for those who were CONvinced to opt for higher interest rate, the CPF balance when they died would be transferred to their beneficiary's CPF accounts, not pay out in cash.

10. If you did not indicate that your beneficiary should received in cash on your demise, the money would not be paid out immediately in cash but transferred to their CPF accounts and subject to all the tangkap rules and terms.

Whew, there could be a few more for your own good new rules and terms that I may have missed out. But the above 10 items are suffice to let you know how you have been had when the original contractual agreement was to return everything at 55.

Singaporeans must be thankful and grateful for having such caring and thoughtful politicians to take care of them and their CPF money. Did they say you don't need enemies if you have such good and caring friends? Always thinking, planning and scheming on how to take care of you and your CPF money. Don't forget how much is sucked away by affordable and subsidised HDB flats.

PS. How many people would have been dead at the age of 60, 65, 70 and so on? What is the point of having so much money locked up by the govt in the CPF when one is dead?

Meng Wanzhou - National pride versus economic interest

The arrest of Meng Wanzhou has pitted China against the little country called Canada and its boy PM and girly FM. For the moment China is daily increasing pressure to squeeze these two naive twits to release Meng. The twits are stubbornly hanging on to their stupid position and risking the lives of Canadians being detained and arrested by China. For their childish pride and ego, they could not care about the lives of Canadians, one already sentenced to death, and Canadian business and economy. They just would not admit their stupidity.

Nearly two months have passed and China is still directing attacks at the silly boy and girl for acting as US's little doggies. In a way this is to hammer the unthinking boy and girl for acting silly. You want to fool around with China you will be caned and real hard.

The Americans have been off the Chinese radar so far though being the real devil. This would not be long. The Canadian ambassador in the US, David MacNaughton, has told the Canadian boy and girl that the US intend to extradite Meng before 30 Jan 19. When this is carried out, China would be forced to act against the US as well.

During this period, China has been actively negotiating a trade deal with the US to end the trade war. And the deal is almost done. What would China do if Meng is extradited to the USA to face life imprisonment? Would China close an eye and sacrifice Meng and go ahead with the trade deal? Doing so would seriously challenge the credibility of China in its ability to protect its own citizens from devious and illegal arrest by other countries, in this case the evil Empire. China as a big power would be watched by the whole world on how it prioritise trade and economic interest over national interest and national pride.

The whole Chinese population and Chinese around the world would also be watching if China would sacrifice its own citizens for money and be humiliated by the Americans once more. Another humiliation on China today would likely see the fall of Xi Jinping as the absolute ruler of modern China. Chinese pride and patriotism would not accept Xi to capitulate in this case. If China can forsake its own citizen, an important commercial top executive, it would be read as China would forsake all its citizens and those Chinese around the world. The new law to protect ethnic Chinese around the world would become a bluff. This is a tough call for Xi and to go ahead with the trade deal is NOT an option.

China and Xi cannot compromise Chinese pride and nationalism for economic gains, pride and nationalism cannot be exchanged for money, cannot be bought or traded.

Xi Jinping would be put to a severe test and his mental toughness as the leader of China and a world leader would either go up or go bust.  Xi cannot afford to be seen to be bullied by the Americans. It is time that China takes action against the Americans by arresting a few senior American executives for committing crimes or espionage against China to trade with Trump. Being meek and weak would only invite more bullying and humiliation.

PS. This is my contribution for 23 Jan 19.

Rule of Law – Trudeau appealing to his think alike in Singapore

The Canadian fiasco in arresting an innocent Chinese citizen on transit through Vancouver Airport under its fake claim of rule of law, abiding by an international treaty with the US and so is free to arrest anyone indiscriminately, is making the Canadians looking like mischievous clowns in the international arena. Our action is all within the rule of law, there is nothing wrong with it. China is a country that has no rule of law, lawless, not following the rule? Only the sillies and kids would believe in this white farce.
 
Out of nothing, in a peaceful and stable relationship between the two countries, Canada is now making a fool of itself and paying a very heavy price politically and economically and even affecting its citizens overseas. All this is so unnecessary. Just keep shouting rule of law and keep accusing China as one without any rule of law, with no justice system and think you can get away with it. Now it is getting slap left and right by China.
 
China is telling the Canadians boys and girls in the govt to wise up and release the Chinese citizen immediately and apologise for their stupidity. But the stubborn boys and girls are sticking to their silly game and pretending that they have done no wrong. And they are scurrying everywhere to ask for assistance to get pass this stupid situation. Unfortunately they could only rely on the ex British conquered countries, ie the 5 eyes countries, for support as the rest of the world have seen through their hypocrisy and stupidity and would not waste a breath to say anything in favour of the Canadian boys and girls.
 
The boy PM is so desperate that he even called Hsien Loong in Singapore to support his rule of law nonsense. He knew that Singapore has been very loud in this rule of law thing and would definitely echo the boy PM’s cry. Singapore got to be very careful in replying to the boy PM and not to ruffle feathers in Beijing again when talking about the rule of law or rule of rogues and kidnappers. Saying the wrong thing, in another similar situation that has nothing to do with Singapore, would put Singapore in the same shitty situation as Canada and no one in the world, except the 5 eyes countries, would come to Singapore’s call for help if Singapore falls into the western trap for being a busybody.
 
Singapore is best to stay out of this stupid circus, don’t take the call, don’t say anything. The Canadian boy PM would be most happy to use the megaphone to tell China that Singapore is on the boy PM’s side and has supported their stupid rule of law/rule of rogues and kidnappers position. Of the more than 30 countries the boy PM had called, his most value call would be to use Singapore’s voice to support his case.
 
You can bet China would be furious and Singapore would only have itself to be blamed. Wisdom grows out of making mistakes in the past and is a painful and expensive experience that must not be forgotten easily and quickly. The price of wisdom is very high.
 
Canada is suffering from many cancelled economic and trade agreements costing hundreds of millions or billions of Canadian dollars. Can Singapore afford such developments and all for nothing except to open its big mouth to support the boy PM’s rule of rogues and kidnappers disguised as rule of law? Rule of Law has taken on a different meaning in this case, ie, a dirty political slogan.
 
It would be interesting if the boy PM start to shout that Canada can punch above its weight against China.
 
PS. There are now more than 200 Canadians detained/arrested in China for breaking Chinese laws.

Progress Singapore Party - Can it make a difference

On hearing the formation of another new party in a political scene filled with many dysfunctional and defunct little hopeless parties, the same thought came to mind, why another party to split the already scattered opposition ground? Would this new party be just another hare brain little party that is going nowhere but to please the ego of a few conceited ambitious individuals thinking that they can be the next PM of this island?

Can the Progress Singapore Party make a difference to the already hopeless situation, would it make a difference? When I read Cheng Bock saying that it is another alternative voice in Parliament, I give up all hopes. Singapore does not need another alternative voice in Parliament. This is a meaningless option and a futile effort that would not do anything to help the people and country. Singapore needs a serious political party to challenge the PAP and to be able to wrestle political power to change the deteriorating state of affairs.

Perhaps I am asking too much too early. A journey starts with a single step, and this is another single step, hopefully leading to somewhere and not nowhere. I am not enthusiastic about another political party that is thinking and planning to be a force to be reckon with in another 10 or 20 years. By then the damage would be irreparable. Singapore would have gone to the third world, maybe even taken over by foreigners. This is my reservation, Singapore needs change urgently, now, not in another 20 years.

Not all is lost. Change may happen tomorrow and this new party may be that catalyst that sparks the flame for change. For this to happen, several conditions must be met. I will deal with a few here and they are not exclusive and not the only conditions that would make change happen.

The first point is the size of this new party.  How big is it? Can it field enough good candidates to pose a real alternative govt? To be meaningful, effective and serious, it must field enough candidates to win and form a new govt. A coalition with the other smaller parties may be possible but unreliable with so many PMs to be putting their self interests ahead of national interests.

The second point is the quality, calibre and stature of the candidates contesting the election. Are they substantial individuals that can command the respect and confidence of the people? Would Progress Singapore's candidates be third liners of ex PAP cadres and members, or would they be eminent professionals, highly regarded individuals like Hsien Yang, George Yeo, Kwan Ping, Yeoh Lam Keong, just to name a few? Would be nice if a few ministers or ex ministers be brave enough to join the Party to show how serious and real is this challenge to replace the PAP in govt. This is very serious business and having more mediocre candidates, not in the sense of earning less than $500k, would not mean anything. The Progress Singapore Party must bring out a slate of big names to convince the people that this is the real thing, not another hopeless little party just for fun.

A third point to make, is this the time for political change, is Singapore ripe for political change? Had PAP work itself into a corner, a sinking ship or a ship that is being driven over the cliff? The perception of the people of the PAP, whether PAP has outlived its usefulness and no longer a party for the people's good is vital in making change to happen. Are the people still with the PAP or already lost all hopes on the PAP, a party of the past that no longer serves their interest and well being? This is a crucial question. The PAP may still be looking good superficially,  but no one knows how bad it is within and how the majority of the people really feel about this Party. UMNO is a good example. Prior to the GE it was looking invincible until the chips were down.

No, do not expect another Mahathir in Singapore. No one in Singapore today can hold a candle to Mahathir. He is untouchable and the Malay ground holds him in high regards. He commands their respect and unquestionable support. There is no such character worthy of that kind of respect in Singapore today to do a Mahathir.

There is still time for the Progress Singapore Party to get its act together to be not just another hopeless party jumping into the fray. If they want to come in, make it real, make it happen, make it now.

SINGAPORE POLITICS - Grasping At Past Straws?

Politics – Fearing The Future

By MIKOspace

The fear of the future is the most frightening and paralyzing.  The future is full of uncertainties, ambiguities and the unknown.  The unknown future is however not unfamiliar to Singapore.  We were there in 1965, again in 1973 and 1979 through the recurring global recessions of 1985, 1997, 2001, 2008, 2012 in addition to the 2002-2004 SARS medical crisis, Islamic extremist terrorist activities of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) in 2002 and their continuous threats into 2017 when another JI plot was discovered and crushed.  We have prevailed in every encounter beyond survival against seemingly insurmountable odds. In 2019, we will celebrate our 54^th National Birthday come August. 

For Singaporeans, the unknown future is not our friend.  It is also not our enemy.  Most importantly to Singaporeans, the future is not unknown.  We in Singapore know our future very well, and regard the future as full of opportunities for our benefits and prosperity growth. We understand its natural constant threats, challenges and prospects.  We have repeatedly engaged it, subdued it, transformed its threats, overcome and prospered from our numerous repeated victories over the “dark” future.     

It is therefore interesting to note that the newest Singapore political party, Progress Singapore Party (PSP), was formed (pending official registration) with the intention to “build a compassionate and truly democratic Singapore where good values and people matter; (and that) freedom of choice and free speech without fear must be defended”.  Hopefully, the new Party could soon unveil and elaborate on its “alternate” Singapore with non-existent compassion and (fake?) democracy, and yet has the freedom of choice and free speech. No Singaporean can recognise the PSP’s Singapore. Even 78-year old PSP Founder Dr Tan Cheng Bock seems to have forgotten that he himself participated successfully in more than 6 free and fair democratic elections; as well as a highly competitive Presidential election which he also decisively but fairly lost.

The PSP is founded and led by 78-year old Dr Tan Cheng Bock, a past MP (Member of Parliament) of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP). The veteran Singaporean politician (1980-2006) had actually retired from politics in 2006, but emerged briefly to be defeated in the 2011 Singapore Presidential Elections by Dr Tony Tan who served as a most popular President from 2011-2017. Since 2006, Dr Tan Cheng Bock has not in fact been politically active and unlikely therefore currently to possess “star appeal” or any significant or material political clout or influence.  

Older Singaporeans would remember Dr Tan Cheng Bock as a medical practitioner with no experience in shipping or logistics when, as an MP in 1991, he also became the non-executive Chairman of Chuan Hup Holdings (CHH) Ltd, a logistic transport company, which was unusual at that time as MPs did not normally hold such positions, let alone one which is totally unrelated to his expertise or professional experience. Then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong had also cautioned Cheng Bock to avoid speaking on behalf of his company/industry as an MP or to lobby any public officer in the course of his business.  PM Goh subsequently issued binding Guidelines on MPs’ Involvement in Business which is regularly revised and updated.

The emergence of the PSP in fact celebrates the fact that real and true democracy is alive and well in Singapore, quite contrary to its debut Facebook declaration. Many, many political parties have been formed over the years when political participation deepens as expected in a maturing Singapore democracy. There are a total of 30 registered political parties today, of which only eight have never contested in an election.  In the 2015 General Elections (GE2015), 179 candidates (representing 9 political parties) and two independents contested all 29 constituencies and the 89 parliamentary seats without any uncontested walkovers. Only 2 political parties emerged from GE2015 successfully – the ruling PAP won 83 of 89 seats with an increased 69.9% of the popular vote and the Workers’ Party had 6 seats with much lesser popular votes than before.

The PSP declared its aspiration to be “an alternative voice in Parliament”.  Of course, its MP candidates must first get elected.  And it vows that “as the Party and Candidates mature, we intend to be ready to govern the nation”.  If not soon, when?  

According to Cheng Bock, he has formed PSP with 11 other unnamed "like-minded” Singaporeans, among whom are former members or cadres of the PAP.  It is truly unusual for newbie political leaders to be so shy as to remain anonymous! That’s surely a novel way to introduce your leaders, hahaha!  So humorous and comical indeed!  

And if the PSP wished to be taken seriously, stop being a joke and introduce your leadership openly.  We do want to know their experiences, qualifications, accolades, service record and motivations; as well as whether any have personal grudges, self-esteem problems, spousal issues, daddy issues, mommy issues or sibling issues.

It is therefore strangely bizarre that at least 5 opposition political parties have already openly declared that they are open to an alliance with Cheng Bock’s PSP.  But the PSP has not even announced its leadership, vision, mission and policy positions!  And no one truly has any clue as to what the PSP actually stands for? For continual employability and prosperity, or disastrous freebies and free benefits?  What does PSB see as core bread-and-butter and gut issues faced by Singaporeans?  Cheng Bock has alluded to the “fears and pain” of some people whom they spoke to?  Are these psychological? Or medical? Real or imaginary? Irritations or routine discomforts?  What are these, please elaborate? 

Without any documentation of PSP’s proposed solutions to resolve the purported “fears and pain” of the people, as well as the global issues facing Singapore, how did the 5 opposition parties know whether these PSP solutions would align with and are not contradictory to their own albeit unpopular policy solutions?  Is this how they would make decisions when in government?  That’s worrying! 

Even as nearly 40 years have passed since the first non-PAP MP (from the Workers’ Party) was elected into Parliament, followed by a few more in subsequent elections, no opposition political party has ever aspired nor ready to take over the government mantle.  No opposition political party appeared to have mustered, groomed or attracted enough suitable talent to field and contest sufficient seats to form the government should they be elected.  Some opposition parties had combined to form an “alliance” hoping to contest every seat so as to win more than 50% to form the next government; and they had repeatedly failed in this strategy in past general elections.  Perhaps, such an alliance is what 7 opposition political parties hope to create with the “unknown” PSP with Dr Tan as its “Great Leader” after a meeting in July 2018.   

Indeed, if the PAP had been performing sub-par to deserve being replaced, then this “100% contests” strategy (which failed in GE2015) would be best for the eventual opposition alternative government. Unless of course, either the PAP performance was never an electoral issue (why change the government then?) or/and the electorate did not have any confidence in an Opposition alternative government (so why vote for the Opposition?). 

As I watched the excitements unfolding from the unprecedented exhilaration and elation over the birth of Singapore’s latest newbie political party, reality check quickly emerged that the PSP could very well be just a recycled copy of an old PAP clone, albeit vintage, instead of the modern future-ready PAP with the full potential and measure of newbie zest and youthful exuberance!   

Cheng Bock and most of his merry ex-PAP band of “unknown” 11 co-founders of the PSP are likely to belong to a PAP’s past which no longer even exists in the PAP!  The PAP has been continually evolving by replacing 20% of its MPs at every General Election in order to maintain relevance and promote smooth succession by injecting fresh talent regularly.     

The future is not to be feared.  The future must be grasped and engaged in order to overcome and survive it.  For some, survival is optional. And for yet others, survival is not even compulsory.  We need to guard against the promises of easy solutions offered by straw-men or straw-women, especially if they belonged to the vintage past.  While age does not matter when what mattered has not aged, those who want to lead Singaporeans into the victorious future should not encourage the natural fear of the unknown future, but to provide Singaporeans the confidence and assurance of living a sustainable, victorious and prosperous life with loved ones in a better future Singaporean society.