Beware of western media and western narratives

‘Security threats to watch this year’ by a Peter Apps, Reuters global affairs columnist appearing in thenewpaper is what one would read, unconsciously, and be poisoned by the biased and one sided view of the West, seeing the world from the interest and perspective of the West. In the article Apps talked about Russian designs on Ukraine, tension in South China Sea and conflicts in Yemen and Syria, but no American design.
 
The troubles in the world today are all due to other countries and not the USA or European powers. Ukraine is about Russian aggression and not about Americans pushing over the limits into once Russian influenced region that the US promised not to infringe. The South China Sea tension is about Chinese ambition and claims on the islands, not about other South East Asian countries claiming these islands and grabbing them from China. And definitely not about the highly provocative ‘freedom of navigation’ ruse advanced by the Americans that threatens war with China to protect American dominance and the American Empire.
 
Syria is about the Turks and Syrian govt wiping out the Kurdish rebels that were financed, trained and supported by the Americans to overthrow the Assad govt. The Americans have lost the battle in Syria and withdrawing but insisted that no one, not the Turkish govt or Syrian govt, is allowed to attack and destroy their terrorist organization aka Kurdish rebels.
 
The western media would not mention about the wicked and destructive designs of the Americans and the West in trying to do regime change, invasion of countries like Iran, North Korea, Syria or Venezuela. They would be silent on the American conspiracy to start another terrorist war in Xinjiang by promoting, financing and arming the Uighur terrorists in the region to cause disorder and warfare for the Chinese govt.
They would keep on harping about the provocative ‘freedom of navigation’ as if it is a natural and rightful thing for the Americans from across the Pacific Ocean to create trouble and war in the region.
 
They would not talk about the Americans inciting the Rohingyas to rebel against the Myanmese govt and keep pressurizing the Myanmese govt to accommodate the Rohingyas into their country, a Muslim population that is at odds to a Buddhist country instead of trying to get other Muslim states like Bangladesh to bring back the Rohingyas that could easily assimilate into the country of similar religion and race. Like it or not, Rohingyas in Myanmar would be like planting Israel in the Middle East and would end up in perpetual acrimony and hate crimes with the Buddhist Myanmese.
 
The western narrative would never talk about the evil and wicked designs of the Evil American Empire and the West to cause instability and war in other countries and region. They are never at fault, never the cause of trouble to the rest of the world, they are the angels of the world. It is their right, a natural state of affair to intervene and interfere in the affairs of other countries, incite and provoke wars, support and finance terrorist organizations to rebel and to conduct regime change. All this is normal to the Evil American Empire, nothing to talk about.
 
Innocent readers must always be on guard against one sided western narratives demonizing other countries and painting them as the evil ones while implying that the West and the Americans are the peace loving people, the good people, the peaceful people that never kill or support terrorist organizations and activities when they are the Number One Terrorist in all counts in every corner of the world. All the troubles and wars are caused by the Number One Terrorist, the Americans, supported by the western powers. This is a fact. Period.
 
2019, watch out for the Evil Americans what they are going to do to start more wars.

Goh Chok Tong - Words, deeds and intent of politicians

'As the sun set on 2018 and we welcome 2019 with a bright new day, my thoughts turn to how I can continue to serve Singapore. “To serve my country” is a well-worn out cliché favoured by politicians, new and old alike. Watching politicians all over the world, including Singapore’s, pardon me for asking whether that is indeed the true intention of many of them. Fathoming a person’s heart beyond his words is difficult. One, therefore, must be especially sceptical of any veteran politician’s practised words.' - Goh Chok Tong

The above is copied from Chok Tong's facebook posting. It is a clear new year message to Singaporeans, words of wisdom, to guide Singaporeans in their thinking and perception of veteran politicians and their real intent, himself excluded of course. As an ex PM and the author of this message, he is definitely not referring to himself as he is sincere and honest in his intent to serve the country and the people, not to rock the boat or to sow discord.

Some bloggers are linking his above comment to none other than Cheng Bock, his buddy, good friend and comrade in arms, serving under him when he was PM. During those days obviously Cheng Bock was one of his trusted friend, a class mate in RI. He has known Cheng Bock for donkey years since they were boys and young men. On these grounds, it is unlikely that he is referring to Cheng Bock in particular but veteran politicians in general. It must be, he could not have doubted Cheng Bock's integrity and good intention after being so closed and for so many years. Or am I wrong in this reading? Unless of course Cheng Bock has done something bad that he knew and we didn't. I believe Cheng Bock is also another honourable man.

What has Cheng Bock done since he left the govt? The only thing was his standing as a Presidential candidate and now pondering over whether to contest in the next GE in a Singapore Harapan. I think everyone would agree with me that these are good things except those slimy people who think otherwise. Any Singaporean aspiring to serve the country in any capacity is a good thing, must be. Serving the country and people cannot be a bad thing even if one is in the opposition. They are not gangsters out to destroy the country. The real bad things are people trying to destroy the country no matter in what capacity and under whatever guises and excuses. On this matter, many presidents and PMs have been guilty of destroying their countries and the lives of their people through corruption and abuse of power, bad policies and becoming dictators serving their own personal interests.

Another point arising from his comment is that it is all about veteran politicians and not about new and young politicians. Does it mean that the new and young politicians can be taken in their words, that they are sincere and honest and when they cited this clique about serving country and people, it must be genuine and unquestionable? How many of you agree with this view of mind? 

Ok, I am not saying that this is Chok Tong's view. He did not articulate this view. His advice was targeted at veteran politicians and silent on new and young politicians. Be wary of veteran politicians, old wily foxes. Do not trust them by their words. 

In my view, I think his statement should apply to all politicians, new and old, young and veterans. Judge them by what they did and not by what they said.

How many of you believe that young and new politicians are honest and sincere in serving the country and not because of money and glory, that they are young so must not be questioned in their intent?

The most powerful navy in Asia?

Many would say China or Russia or Japan. Wrong, very wrong. These countries may be strong, China or Russia may be able to give a bloody nose to the Americans if there is a war between them, but they are not really that strong, militarily. The USA is still the most powerful military country in the world, but they would think very hard to want to start a war with China. They would irritate and provoke China by their childish and mischievous acts of freedom of navigation. But when China responded aggressively with their warships, the Americans would complain that China is not observing the rule of engagement and would back off. They tried to push the Chinese but would scoot off when the Chinese pushed back.

The Americans would not go to war with China as they know that it is a war they could not win. But some countries in Asia would not think so and would challenge China militarily and would want to go to war with China. It used to be Vietnam, but after a few sea battles, Vietnam knows that they were no match to the PLAN despite defeating the American war machine during the Vietnam War.

The next candidate was the Philippines. They used to arrest Chinese and Taiwanese fishing boats and dragged them to Manila only to return the boats and crew after extracting a huge ransom. This went on for many years and their last act to intimidate China was with their biggest warship, a piece of antique donated by the American naval museum in an island tussle. The Chinese responded by surrounding the piece of antique with bigger warships and submarines that sent fear into the rogue Pinoy sailors. They quickly made a fast retreat citing lack of fuel and supplies. That was the last time the Chinese heard of the Pinoy pirates, and since then no more Chinese or Taiwnese fishing boats were arrested by the Pinoy pirates. Peace and order have returned to the South China Sea vis a vis China and the Philippines.

Recently two more powerful navies appeared in the South China Sea and have no fear in challenging the PLAN and would not hesitate to go to war with China. No, not the Australians or Brits or France, and definitely not the Canadians. They ageing little warships are no match for the Chinese navy. The new challengers are really very powerful navies. No, the little red dot would not dare to challenge China to war. They myth of punching above its weight has been exposed and trashed away.

One of the two powerful navies is the Malaysian Navy. Under Hishammuddin, when he was the Defence Minister, he threatened to send his powerful warships to attack Chinese warships. See how powerful is the Malaysian Navy. Even the Americans would not dare to do such a thing. The Chinese Navy would flee when they hear jihad or amok rising from the Malaysian Navy.

The other powerful Navy that could win a naval war against China is none other than the Indonesian Navy. They have sent in more than 1,000 soldiers into the Natuna Islands and built a big naval complex in preparation for a war with the Chinese Navy. They are very confident of defeating the Chinese Navy and told the Chinese that they would defend their territorial waters fiercely against the Chinese Navy.

China got to be very careful when operating in the South China Sea with these two big naval powers in the same area. For their own safety, China is best advised to stay away from the South China Sea and run when the Malaysian Navy or Indonesian Navy is in the vicinity. Don’t play play with the two most powerful Navies in South East Asia.

Culling of wildlife has started

The Java mynahs are the recent victims of culling among all the wildlife in the island. There are not the first. Wild chickens, pigeons, wild boars, stray dogs etc have also been culled and the culling is a continuous process. What is interesting about the mynahs is that it is attracting a lot of attention for various reasons.

The problems with the mynahs are numerous, including making a lot of noise and shitting all over the place, violating the anti litter law. Wildlife are ignorant of the need to keep the place clean, don’t shit everywhere, not to litter after their meals or drinks. Unfortunately these are second nature to wildlife. They did not have the advantage of the govt’s campaign to teach them not to litter, to keep Singapore clean.

It was reported that the mynahs chose to shit in Potong Pasir. Luckily Chiam See Tong has vacated the seat or else some jokers would be saying that the mynahs went there to shit on him. Yes, the mynahs chose Potong Pasir because there is a lot of food or litters for them to feed on. Does this mean that the place is dirty? One suggestion is to clean up the place, no feeding of the birds, no crumbs on the streets and the mynahs would go away, to find another dirty place to feed, ie to another constituency.

The culling has raised some concerns among some wildlife lovers. They are asking if the govt had asked the views of the people before culling. Maybe the people did not mind the shit. Maybe the people are kind and compassionate wildlife lovers and would not want them to be culled.

One good thing about having the wildlife, they create jobs, at least in this case in Potong Pasir and led to a new invention, a contraption that was ingeniously designed to trap the birds and then to be culled by pumping carbon dioxide into the contraption with all the trapped mynahs in it. This is good for the economy. This is definitely proof that wildlife can also create jobs for the people.

Maybe should allow more wildlife here, let them multiply, let them breed and create more jobs to boost the economy. For every one person that does not like wildlife, there would be one person who loves wildlife.

Americans keep attacking others to deflect the attention on themselves

WASHINGTON: The United States on Friday (Sep 21) denounced China's treatment of its Uighur Muslims in unusually strong terms, adding to a growing list of disputes in increasingly turbulent relations between the two powers.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo voiced alarm after a United Nations report described the mass internment of Uighurs under the pretext of preventing extremism in the western Xinjiang region where the minority group is concentrated....

Read more at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/us-criticises-treatment-of-uighurs-in-latest-china-row-10746846

This is another clear indicator of the CIA's behind the rising unrest in Xinjiang. They are the backers and financial and trainer of the Uigher terrorist groups in China and building this group to start another area of tension and conflict and eventually a war zone like in Syria and other parts of the world.

To be silent on the crimes of the Americans, the powerful, hoping that the Americans will spare you because you did not whistleblow on them is not a wise thing to do. When you are afraid of the power to be, and close one eye to their crimes, they would not return the favour. They would continue to dig out your crimes, even non crimes to make them look like crimes, to incriminate you. This is the politics of the evil and powerful ones. Many countries are guilty of this compliance or appeasement game and think they could be spare until the Americans slammed them real hard.

Think of Guantanamo prison camp, Abu Ghraib, every country kept quiet, turned the other way while the Americans were committing crimes against the Geneva Convention and human rights, worst than what they were accusing the Chinese in Xinjiang. China did not raise the red flag on Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib and allowed the evil Americans to walk away from their crimes only to turn around to point the fingers at China and countries they chose to demonise as their enemies.

Do not allow the devil, the evil political powers to walk away from their crimes. Hit them when due. They would not say thank you just because you kept quiet. They would regard such reticence as weakness and be more blatant in their attacks when you are exposed. In the world of politics it is might is right. Yes, ask the Americans to obey the rule of law. No, the Americans did not violate the rule of law? Or is it that no one dares to tell the Americans so?

The days of chasing the 4Cs are over

Many seniors would fondly remember the days when chasing the 4Cs was on the lips of every Singaporean, young and old, rich and not so rich. Those were the heydays, the golden years of Singapore. Many with O levels, no need A levels or degrees, could join the chase successfully.

For the millenials, the 4Cs refer to condominium, cars, credit cards and country clubs. These are things that the millenials could only dream of today except for a very few minority and those belonging to the elite club or children of politicians. But the millenials are very happy with what they have, good time, partying and eating out everyday. Not a bad life really. They don't miss the 4Cs as these are things that they don't expect and thus are non issues. Ignorance is bliss.

For the oldies, many had all the 4Cs in their younger days and some could still be living in condominiums or private properties. The first thing that they lost or willingly gave up are the country clubs. All lost a bundle for buying them at peak prices and now worth barely anything near the price they paid for. Some are retired or no longer employed and could not afford to pay the monthly club dues.

The next item to go is the car. Many simply send their cars to the scrap yards when the COE expired and could not afford or would not want to pay another 100k for another car. The empty car parks in HDB estates are testimonies of the good old days gone by. The plunging COE prices is another sign that car ownership is no longer affordable. Anyone unable to buy a car would find the excuse that public transport is now so efficient, with great experiences in taking trains and buses.

There was a time when everyone had a string of credit cards in their swollen wallets. This is also not the case anymore and having one or two cards is the norm.

Many have traded down their private properties for HDB flats to cash out on the value of the appreciated price over the years. Some are still hanging on but not for long. Many of the oldies would end up in HDB flats to enjoy having more cash in their pockets. These were the lucky ones, enjoying the benefits of inflated property prices they bought for a song. This privilege is not going to be repeated as the millenials could barely afford to buy HDB flats, and upgrading to private properties is not as easy as before.

In conclusion, the dreams of having the 4Cs would remain as dreams for many of the millenials. Not many are going to enjoy the 4Cs like the oldies in their time. But this does not mean that there will be no more good years. There will be many more good years, with or without the 4Cs, as the expectations today are different. A 4 or 5 rm HDB flat is the new dream, better public transport is another, country club is only wishful thinking. Maybe credit card is still relevant for the millenials to chalk up more credits and live on credits in order to live for today and pay tomorrow.

No one is complaining, not the millenials. For the old folks, everything is like a fleeting dream now. How did it happen  and how it is gone, so fast. Good luck to the few millionaires here, and happy are the freegans, enjoying life as best as they could, for free.

By the way, what is the equivalent of the 4Cs for the millenials? What their dreams, what are they chasing, papers, public transport, pokemons and part time jobs?

2019 a very good year or wishful thinking

The negativity in the social media, including mysingaporenews, is unwarranted. Everything is so good, and so fine. Singapore achieved a 3.3% GDP growth, a fantastic achievement, unlike countries like China that could only barely make 6.6% growth. This kind of growth is really bad and China is at the verge of collapsing, according to western analysts and experts. If only China could achieve a 3.3% growth rate or 2.2% growth rate like the USA, if only, then China would be safe and the Chinese could celebrate their great economic growth.

Ok, I got distracted. Singaporeans can look forward to a better future in 2019. Cost of living is coming down, at least school fees in top independent schools are coming down for the poorer Singaporeans. Hopefully this is a small step in the right direction and Ong Ye Kung could put his fingers into the fee structures of universities and polytechnics. After so many years of increases after increases, maybe he would be thinking of a small cut to help the less able Singaporeans. Increase 10 times, cut one time should be reasonable and still good for the coffer.

Don't link this to election year. The 4G ministers may be thinking of a reset, to bring down the cost of living for the people. Public transport fares may be due for a cut so that people can at least move around without paying a lunch or a dinner just to move from point A to point B. Just a simple wish for simple people, especially the seniors that have nothing better to do except to go sight seeing. Ok, another good move by the govt, hard up people can apply for subsidies, is it $30? Nevermind, it is better than nothing. Actually the govt could give more in subsidies by first raising fares and then take a bit from the increase in revenue to return to the people, win win formula. The daft would be very happy and grateful.

I think people would wish that all the funny tax increases on water and basic necessities would also come down a bit. After all, after all the hikes, what is so difficult to return a bit to the people when there is still a net increase? Also, think there would not be anymore funny tax hikes or funny compulsory insurance schemes in2019. Enough is enough. I think this wish would come true nearer the election.

And they are going to build bigger flats, so I read somewhere in the media. Why not, if the govt wants to promote procreation, more babies, people need bigger flats not those that they can touch the four walls without having to move their feet? Forget about the silly notion that small is good, small is a new lifestyle, like making babies inside a kennel. Looks like there is a rethink to have bigger space in HDB flats to promote healthier and better quality of life. At least this is what I think is the thinking. Ok, I may be wrong and stupid to think that this is likely to happen. If it does, it would be a better 2019. A caveat, the price of the HDB flats. It must be priced to be affordable to those earning $1000 pm to be meaningful.

There are many areas in domestic policies that I am seeing changes for the better, in my day dreaming. Hawker food is likely to be better and cheaper if NTUC can take over all the hawker centres and run like NTUC FairPrice. It makes one happier dreaming of better things than to feel miserable looking at the dark side of things.

In external affairs, Singapore is likely to do better without the loudspeakers blowing crazily at random, punch above our weight, telling big countries to follow the rule of law. At least they have not jump in to sing in chorus with the Canadian boy PM and girlie FM to tell China to follow the rule of law in the Meng Wanzhou case. This is a good way to start the new year, imagine if the loose cannons were allowed to shoot freely. Thank God, they took the advice of Mahbubani seriously. Nevermind if they did not acknowledge his good counsel. The net effect is positive. No need to be busybody and mind our own business.

And relations with Malaysia and Mahathir are going to be better and betterer for sure. Mahathir is obligated in a small way to be nice to Singapore after all the buttering during his last visit. The fall back position for Singapore is the stick of course. Singapore still carries a big stick to mean business, but this time speak softly instead of blowing the trumpet.

I can see so many good things happening in Singapore in 2019. And for those that are jobless, no need to be freegans though it is an option available. There are plenty of jobs available, almost instantly at job fairs. Just don't be choosy. They are hiring a lot of cleaners and cleaning supervisors and security guards and guards supervisors. Just sign up, attend a short course and get the job. No need to write resumes or application letters. The employers are waiting in long queues to hire the willing to downgrade PMETs.

Look at the bright side, 2019 is a good year for those who want to make it a good year. A job is a job. Stop feeling miserable and stop spreading fake news that all is not well. Singapore's economy is looking so healthy like never before, projected growth rate 1.5% to 3.5%, unlike the unhealthy 6% -7% China's growth rate.

Go enjoy life and party. Yes, a big party already line up, the Bicentennial Celebration of the Colonisation of Singapore by the white men and making the locals subjects of the British Empire. It is so nice to feel and be part of the British Empire.

Let us all hope that the good wishes for a good 2019 is not wishful thinking.

Food for thought. The British are looking for a military base in the East to rebuild their Empire.Maybe this could be another easy way to grow the economy.