PAP Chances in the next GE
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Did this guy just join the LKY fan club recently? Or does he not know that Macau already has 5 international casinos and that HK will have a Disneyland come this Sept? Didn't Genting had a casino for quite a long time too?Originally posted by heavenlyfire:most of the points you mention are invalid, you should know that the government has no choice when it comes to price increments or even more bizzare?what had some accidents got to do with PAP?
Singapore is a country with no resources, where do you think all the rice, veg and fruits come from? we depend on other countries investment to survive.
The building of casino is one good example, we create more jobs, we stay ahead of other countries in Asia. Many ppl misjudged the government by saying it is bad and so on...but what choice do we have? we have to keep changing to attract all these foreign investors, to input funds into us. Bear in mind that Singapore has to stay ahead in order to stay infront, you think bigger countries like thailand cant built casino in yrs to come?
Then how do you think we managed to change from a third word country to a first world in less then 50 yrs?
Second, what makes you think that the opposing party can do better? if we dont increase fairs and price? everything using public funds,would would happen?
most of your points are about transportation, so just to let you know, 5.6 billion is collected from transportation every year and these goes into other areas like education, health and so on.
Smrt and SBS are self-supported transport companies, they don receive funds from companies. The rise in fares will be approved once they justified for the rise as the governemnt cant afford to let them go bankrupt. then it will be chaotic just like in the early 60s.
just sharing, something i learn
Hmmmm...so are we in front or behind?
Oops, sorry to spolit the party, mate.
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You forgot to add,!!! HDB was meant for public housing subsidy??? and HDB had become super rich in selling houses to us singaporeans. Later it was bought over by tomasick at special price. What is the meaning???Originally posted by Profounder:The real test for all you people here is to walk the talk and vote according to your political conscience at the coming elections.
If you need reminders, here you go:
1. NEL fare set higher than MRT line;
2. IRAS revamp of online tax filing which led to so much confusion and inconvenience;
3. Fare hike charade put up by PTC;
4. Nicoll Highway Collapse;
5. Hike in ERP rates and extension of ERP hours in Orchard Road;
6. MOE's curt handling of disciplinary problems at Nan Hwa Sec School;
7. U-Turn by MCYS on raising entry fees to swimming pools in midst of economic downturn;
8. Police investigations of film-makers of films on local opposition politicians;
9. Mishandling of public transport system by giving NEL to SBS in the name of "competition";
10. Lip-service to free speech by putting Speaker's Corner at a remote corner so no one will go;
11. Imposition of $5 fee for EZLink cards;
12. Overcharging problems on EZ Link cards with authorities' incompetence in handling the refunding issue and tweaking the system;
13. Aborted satellite tracking system at the cost of millions to taxpayer;
14. Payment of $300m to Singtel by IDA as a result of accounting oversight;
15. Squandering of money by public agencies on ugly "iconic" buildings like Esplanade and Surpreme Court and National Library;
16. High pay of Ministers and MPs who drive Jaguars and BMWs to parliament;
17. Raising of 2nd link toll just because Malaysian side raised theirs (???);
18. Army dunking deaths and other mishaps including the recent death from infection of an NSF;
19. Cracks in buildings along Circle Line construction;
20. Revision of Goal 2010 reflecting the incompetence of our sports officials and Mah Bow Tan.
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From your post, I can deduce that u are either in the upper middle class and hence can afford to sit in your comfortable couch and type such obfuscating propaganda, oblivious to the suffering of the lower class many of whom have to go scrounging for drink cans or cardboard boxes to make a living.Originally posted by heavenlyfire:most of the points you mention are invalid, you should know that the government has no choice when it comes to price increments or even more bizzare?what had some accidents got to do with PAP?
Singapore is a country with no resources, where do you think all the rice, veg and fruits come from? we depend on other countries investment to survive.
The building of casino is one good example, we create more jobs, we stay ahead of other countries in Asia. Many ppl misjudged the government by saying it is bad and so on...but what choice do we have? we have to keep changing to attract all these foreign investors, to input funds into us. Bear in mind that Singapore has to stay ahead in order to stay infront, you think bigger countries like thailand cant built casino in yrs to come?
Then how do you think we managed to change from a third word country to a first world in less then 50 yrs?
Second, what makes you think that the opposing party can do better? if we dont increase fairs and price? everything using public funds,would would happen?
most of your points are about transportation, so just to let you know, 5.6 billion is collected from transportation every year and these goes into other areas like education, health and so on.
Smrt and SBS are self-supported transport companies, they don receive funds from companies. The rise in fares will be approved once they justified for the rise as the governemnt cant afford to let them go bankrupt. then it will be chaotic just like in the early 60s.
just sharing, something i learn
Or you are a conservative PAP supporter like those inmates in Ken Kesey's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" who feel more secure within their highly regulated and repressive cells, having been drummed into their head the propaganda that the world outside is dangerous and unstable. -
As I said, he's probably a regular LKY fan. Like LKY, money has blinded him fron anything else.
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It's quite ironical to claim that the PAP government does not look forward if you yourself cannot get over the fact that the government makes mistakes.
I will say that yes, the government can improve in its PR department by being more transparent in decision-making and being more frank in mistakes that have cropped up.
However in my opinon, doing so will not benefit the government and in the long run, Singapore as well.
By looking at the forum posts in the Speaker's Corner, it's obvious that most forum posters are immature. We cannot label a forum poster whom agrees with the PAP's decisions as being "LKY's Lackey", "joining the PAP fan club" etc. Just as we recognise the anti-PAP remarks you make, you too must accept other people's judgements. It harks of contridiction when in one post you claim the government is not listening to the people, to insulting other people when they support the PAP. As such, i will say that Singaporeans as a whole are not ready to embrace any greater freedom.
We too have to recognise that the PAP government does not have an obligation to ensure the survival of the opposition. In fact it would be political suicide if any leading party encourages and support opposition parties. To be fair, i would say that PAP's modus operandi towards opposition parties are draconian, but it is by no means stiffling. Opposition parties should be able to tell the difference between good and bad, and realise that they exist not to overthrow the PAP government, but to complement it and grow. Doesn't it speaks of being tackless and having no political sense when an opposition leader goes directly against a government known for having no mercy on opposition leaders? Thus, we too must acknowledge that the opposition parties in Singapore currently have no pedigree to speak of, and thus why should we vote them in, just for the sake of voting them in?
But, i too must agree with certain forumers on the proportion of Singapore's economical assets that the Lee Family currently are in control of. While nepotism and cronyism is present in every government in the world, the extent to which the Lee Family controls assets are in my point of view baseless and incorrect. That they must change and we can only hope that the third generation of leaders are able to unwind that. We have hope in that sense, as no other scions of the third generation Lee Family are poised to enter the major political scene. -
We need more sensible people like you who are able to look at both sides of the coin.Originally posted by runningismylife:It's quite ironical to claim that the PAP government does not look forward if you yourself cannot get over the fact that the government makes mistakes.
I will say that yes, the government can improve in its PR department by being more transparent in decision-making and being more frank in mistakes that have cropped up.
However in my opinon, doing so will not benefit the government and in the long run, Singapore as well.
By looking at the forum posts in the Speaker's Corner, it's obvious that most forum posters are immature. We cannot label a forum poster whom agrees with the PAP's decisions as being "LKY's Lackey", "joining the PAP fan club" etc. Just as we recognise the anti-PAP remarks you make, you too must accept other people's judgements. It harks of contridiction when in one post you claim the government is not listening to the people, to insulting other people when they support the PAP. As such, i will say that Singaporeans as a whole are not ready to embrace any greater freedom.
We too have to recognise that the PAP government does not have an obligation to ensure the survival of the opposition. In fact it would be political suicide if any leading party encourages and support opposition parties. To be fair, i would say that PAP's modus operandi towards opposition parties are draconian, but it is by no means stiffling. Opposition parties should be able to tell the difference between good and bad, and realise that they exist not to overthrow the PAP government, but to complement it and grow. Doesn't it speaks of being tackless and having no political sense when an opposition leader goes directly against a government known for having no mercy on opposition leaders? Thus, we too must acknowledge that the opposition parties in Singapore currently have no pedigree to speak of, and thus why should we vote them in, just for the sake of voting them in?
But, i too must agree with certain forumers on the proportion of Singapore's economical assets that the Lee Family currently are in control of. While nepotism and cronyism is present in every government in the world, the extent to which the Lee Family controls assets are in my point of view baseless and incorrect. That they must change and we can only hope that the third generation of leaders are able to unwind that. We have hope in that sense, as no other scions of the third generation Lee Family are poised to enter the major political scene. -
runningismylife,Originally posted by runningismylife:It's quite ironical to claim that the PAP government does not look forward if you yourself cannot get over the fact that the government makes mistakes.
I will say that yes, the government can improve in its PR department by being more transparent in decision-making and being more frank in mistakes that have cropped up.
However in my opinon, doing so will not benefit the government and in the long run, Singapore as well.
By looking at the forum posts in the Speaker's Corner, it's obvious that most forum posters are immature. We cannot label a forum poster whom agrees with the PAP's decisions as being "LKY's Lackey", "joining the PAP fan club" etc. Just as we recognise the anti-PAP remarks you make, you too must accept other people's judgements. It harks of contridiction when in one post you claim the government is not listening to the people, to insulting other people when they support the PAP. As such, i will say that Singaporeans as a whole are not ready to embrace any greater freedom.
We too have to recognise that the PAP government does not have an obligation to ensure the survival of the opposition. In fact it would be political suicide if any leading party encourages and support opposition parties. To be fair, i would say that PAP's modus operandi towards opposition parties are draconian, but it is by no means stiffling. Opposition parties should be able to tell the difference between good and bad, and realise that they exist not to overthrow the PAP government, but to complement it and grow. Doesn't it speaks of being tackless and having no political sense when an opposition leader goes directly against a government known for having no mercy on opposition leaders? Thus, we too must acknowledge that the opposition parties in Singapore currently have no pedigree to speak of, and thus why should we vote them in, just for the sake of voting them in?
But, i too must agree with certain forumers on the proportion of Singapore's economical assets that the Lee Family currently are in control of. While nepotism and cronyism is present in every government in the world, the extent to which the Lee Family controls assets are in my point of view baseless and incorrect. That they must change and we can only hope that the third generation of leaders are able to unwind that. We have hope in that sense, as no other scions of the third generation Lee Family are poised to enter the major political scene.
it's good that you have improved tremendously since the last time I replied to one of your posts (or perhaps I'm confusing you with somebody else - sorry if so. This post is certainly significantly objective. Not that I agree with all your points entirely though. (for the record, I'm the absolute cynic)
Firstly, The government is not equal to Singapore; it is merely a subset. What is bad for the govt eg. losing seats in the GE is not necessarily bad for Singaporeans as a whole.
Secondly, calling forummers immature is not exactly being very objective. I do agree with you that people who post stuff like "LKY"s lackey" or "Scumbag" or whatever are certianly very rude. But I would say - however uncomfortable u may feel - that this is merely an expression, albeit a rather forceful one, of their anger and discontent, although perhaps the mods should open up another forum for venting of such ...err.. violent sentiments. ANd I might remind you too that whilst there are these people in the anti-PAP camp, there is the same type of people in the pro-PAP camp. And I guess these people have to realize that calling people "traitors" or "useless idiots" just because they oppose government policy is equally as rude and uncouth. Apparently, you seem to ahve given this point oversight.
ANyway, it is too hasty to conclude from this that Singaporeans are not ready to embrace more freedom. What defines readiness anyway? I would say that some have already embraced it.
Thirdly, go read up on the Shadow Parliament system of the UK. the UK government finances the shadow parliament, and I don't really see that granting teh current UK government any form of political suicide, at least not yet. PAP does have an obligation to ensure the survival of the opposition parties, because it has the obligation to maintain Singapore's Democracy. Without the oppo, there can be no genuine elections, because all the candidates will be from one party - then the elections will just be like Soviet elections. And it is interesting to note that while the oppo have the complement the PAP, there is no obligation of the PAP to complement the oppo. I am really doubtful that the opposition really have no pedigree, and I'm sure there are otehrs who agree.
Fourthly, I agree with your point on the assets. But of course apart from the assets, the Family certainly indirectly owns more things eg. the press, which is supposed to be a joint-stock company, SIA, which is supposed to be a private company, and PSA. So it stands really true that they must start relinquishing their control, or Singapore might be doomed to stagnation.
regards,
the pikamaster -
You know, although some people believe that I, by branding some pro-PAP members as "Fans of the LKY fan club" as a rude gesture- I believe that I'm right .
I do however and obviously do respect what they say but that doesn't mean I accept their words as truth. The same can be said for them regarding me. But no matter. What I want to say is this: I'm a brutally honest person. Sometimes I make extremely blunt comments and remarks regarding any kind of issue. It will rub the wrong way with some people. I expect that. But nothing gets people going than the harsh truth.
The truth hurts but it gets people going. It makes a discussion interesting. A vibrant discussion will come up with new ideas. That's why in overseas companies, such an environment is cultivated. I'm doing my part in trying to have a culture like this in Singapore- to re-vitalise the stale, boring working culture.
Anyway, I have read a bit of Bill Clinton's My Life autobiography and I think this message by him can also apply here regarding the PAP. As always, anyone from any political side can discuss this:
" The Republican burden is their record of denial, evasion and neglect. But our burden is to give people a new choice, rooted in old values, a new choice that is simplem that offers opportunity, demands responsibility, gives citizens more say, provides them responsive government- all because we recognize that we are a community. We are all in this together, and we are going up or down together."
And then he goes on to elaborate:
" The opportunity agenda meant economic growth through free and fair trade, as well as more investments in new technologies and in world class education and skills. The responsibility agenda required something of all citizens: national service for young people in return for college aid; welfare reforms that required able-bodied parents to work but provided more support for their children; tougher child-support enforcement; more efforts by parents to keep their kids in school; a reinvented government, with less bureaucracy and more choices in child care, public schools, job training, eldery care, neighbourhood policing and the management of public housing.
The community Agenda requires us to invest more in our millions of poor children(maybe not applicable to most S'porean families) , and to reach across the racial divide, to build a politics based on lifting up all Americans, not dividing them against each other[/b]
Discuss. -
Thirdly, go read up on the Shadow Parliament system of the UK. the UK government finances the shadow parliament, and I don't really see that granting teh current UK government any form of political suicide, at least not yet. PAP does have an obligation to ensure the survival of the opposition parties, because it has the obligation to maintain Singapore's Democracy. Without the oppo, there can be no genuine elections, because all the candidates will be from one party - then the elections will just be like Soviet elections. And it is interesting to note that while the oppo have the complement the PAP, there is no obligation of the PAP to complement the oppo. I am really doubtful that the opposition really have no pedigree, and I'm sure there are otehrs who agree.
I do feel that a shadow cabinet is not practical in the case of Singapore.
Firstly, and most importantly, the people will never agree to the additional financing that the government(and thus the tax-payers) must pay up for the democratic practice that the proposed change will bring about. Why do i say so? Simply because Singapore do have to a less extent, the formulation of a shadow minister post, the NMP or the NCMP in the elections. However how is this viewed among cynical Singaporeans? They reckon that these MPs are nothing but running dogs of the PAP establishment. We cannot validate the authencity of their claim, but this notion is commonly held. Thus what makes you think the PAP government's decision to create a Shadow Cabinet will be widely accepted as a move towards greater democracy? I am sure the majority will feel this is another of the government's attempt to fool the public.
Secondly, practicality must be exercised. In Singapore's parliament there are currently 94 MPs, in contrast the British parliament have nearly 1000+ members in the House of Lords and the House of Commons. How are we supposed to create a shadow parliament when in the very place, we do not have the manpower to do so? A watered-down version may be suggested(like having only Shadow Ministers for the more important posts), but than again, i do not see how the public will react to a say Shadow Minister of Defense. You being the absolute cynic, knows better than i do on what general reactions we will receive.
I believe the most imporant factor here would be the level of readiness among Singaporeans. Yes, you may feel that you are ready and mature enough to vote. Yet i believe majority of Singaporeans are not, we are pocurante in every aspect of life. We have developed, in a colloquial term, a "kiasee" attitude which is present in all Singaporeans, be it rich or poor, educated or not.
You want democracy? Yes you may. But first we have to get the grounding. You cannot have democracy overnight. Just as Rome wasn't built in a day, we have to take a democractic process step by step. Thus the matter in context now is not whether we have a democractic nation, but rather, are we moving towards democracy?
I do see positive steps being made towards achieving a responsible, participated nation. For one, the setting up of the Today newspaper. I believe it has achieved what the Straits Times cannot. Look at the news it covers and compare them with the same article being pasted in the Straits Time. I have observed that numerous sensitive articles which normally will not have appeared in the Straits Time have been printed in Today. I will quote a very recent example. The recent loss of an American survillence aircraft in "Western Asia". This was printed lock stock barrell in the Straits Times. But Today included a more( i believe a step towards greater relaxation of censorship) controversial line -"which many analysts believe to refer to the Middle East." Yes, this may seem inconsequential to many of you people. But it IS a positive step taken by the government and we must acknowledge it.
Again, we take steps forward yet we backtrack. However you don't expect a man to stop smoking overnight, similarly the government will not attempt to transform its image overnight. It is something they won't, and cannot do. Imagine the social backlash if tomorrow the government pardons JBJ? Euphoria will erupt, BUT the public will expect greater steps to be taken immediately. It's like the classic chinese saying "De Chun Jin Chi", everybody wants more. Hence it is in my view, incorrect to liberalise the country overnight. Step by step it must be, no matter how small it is. The Catholic Church is one great example, it too was once a sectarian, dogmatic monolitic organisation which have opposed changes. However with time it has changed, and yet not even completely. Their refusal to admit female cardinals is but one of them. Thus, how can we expect the PAP government, from its authoritarian roots to transform overnight? Not possible.
The last point i would like to make you may not agree. I for one am no advocate for democracy at its purest. It is impossible for us to achieve pure democracy in a society, an Asian society where we have no slightest inclination of what democracy really means. Instead, we must adapt democracy to suit us. Just like the Chinese adapted socialism, we cannot blindly follow the examples set by democractic predecessors and follow suit. I shudder to think how China will have turned out to be if the reformists in the CCP have not proceed with their non-Soviet lines of policy.
The Chinese case would be a good comparison for us. The reformists took nearly 50years to accomplish their goal. We too must not rush. I believe many things can only be said in retrospect. Hence decisions taken now can only be evaluated in hindsight. We cannot judge present decisions in a present context. I would not say that our ministers are demi godly who can think so far ahead, but i believe they have the ability and capability to think for the future. Many have criticised the Esplanade, the BioPark ventures as being a waste of money and a white elephant. But i for one, enjoy the Esplanade. It is being host to an increasing smorgasbord of arts. Do indie bands once have a venue to play at? While they do now, the Baybeats concert at Esplanade. Changes are taking place, yet it is slow, and we are impatient.
Yes there are failures. But without the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, would China have progressed? Similarly, without the Challenger incident, would space travel progress? We must learn from mistakes that is most important. And thus in a bid for democracy, we too must accept that mistakes will be made.
And that is where we, the People come in. We voice our opinons in a bid to make it heard. At least than, we're doing our part. No matter how insignificant you think it is. -
Your views are respectable, but not inpracticable. For any progress to be made, there must be concrete steps in doing so. If you want to implement candor, honesty and transparency in a business system and culture, then you need to implement it in a good speed but not as slow as you advocate.
The reason on why I believe we must liberate or die is because competition doesn't wait for one to catch up- or for one to be No.1. Let's face it, it's a huge competitive environment there. If we don't open up our markets and allow SMEs to become a real component of the S'pore economy, then when are we gonna do it?
The economy is fading, my friend and it's fading fast- faster than you think. While you advocate a slow-and-easy path, others are running way ahead of you. I'm not advocating we start running at 100km/hr when we can barely run up to 80. But still we must continue to push ourselves to start running at 100km/hr...or even better push our limits to run at 110km/hr.
If we were ahead, I wouldn't mind taking an easier pace. But the fact remains we are getting real behind. And if we want to regain our former position, then we need to stop thinking that "slow is easy and progress inevitable".
Forget about the PAP. They are no longer gonna care about general Singaporeans. They never change their spots. Reform to the current system will never address the issues because the current system benefits them greatly. If we want a Singapore govt that truly speaks for the people and is elected by the people, then its time to consider a different party that can run the country in the manner that we all want it to be.
The PAP will be history.
P.S I think about Jack Welch and I think about the way he managed GE from 1980 to 2001. Of course, change must be implemented in such a way that people in the system will not get disorientated. But still we must maintain a certain speed in the process of change. There's little chance of progress if we are too slow and vice versa. So if we wanna progress, then we must push the limit at a regular basis. -
That's why I said this:
Abandon them. Abandon the PAP. Don't vote for them again. Cast an empty vote or a spolit one. Or you can go overseas for that day or even at the Eve. You don't need to do much- what you just need is this: use your vote to show your displeasure at the govt.
The PAP has long casted the people aside for themselves and their cronies. So its time to show them we aren't as stupid as they think. -
timothytsgsg
your actions would be as fruitful as refusing to pay tax in a bid to show your displeasure at wastage of taxpayer's money.
show me a revolution that ended well in the short run.
you want to revolutionise Singapore and expect Singapore to recover in 5 years time? I would say give Singapore 10 years, and in the time where we managed to recover, hey the world is now 10 years ahead! -
I too do not feel that a shadow cabinet is practical in the case of Singapore. But for different reasons.
The shadow cabinet in the UK exist for the populace to measure and compare political alternatives. With Labor in power, the shadow cabinet of Conservatives gives the electorate an idea of the policies they would have implemented as opposed to those being implemented by the actual government.
To form a shadow cabinet from the PAP ranks that reports to the PAP leadership is a complete and utter farce, and serves only to distract the people from the fact that Singapore is, and have been a one party system for the last couple of decades.
To move towards a responsible, participative nation that is politically aware, moves must be made to encourage political debate and the participation of citizens in the electoral process. While the government has been very active in the talking aspect - implemented policies tend to run in the opposite direction.
Multi-million defamation suits based on flimsy innuendoes. Stat boards slapping down overseas student for daring to criticize it. Political donations act. Political films act. Writers get the smack down from the PM for suggesting thereÂ’s a growing rift in our society. Imaginary, vague OB lines that are scattered like landmines over the landscape of political discourse... the list goes on and on. Actions speak far louder than words - from the actions it seems that our leadership is not truly ready for real political debates.
On the spectrum of democratic models Singapore is not even anywhere remotely near a pure democracy. In reality we have been a one party state model that have unceasingly used all available tools to perpetuate its existence. The justification offered by the one party, is that it is good - and that the 'simplification' of the political process aids it in its goal of achieving greater prosperity for Singapore.
At this point of time, I am not quite ready to buy the above line hook and sinker anymore. To me, the greatest need for Singapore now is a political alternative. To Singapore, the creation of a real political alternative is the first true step towards fostering a responsible, participative nation that is politically conscious. After all, what to see/think/talk about if its just one party bullying its way to sure win victory har? -
My revolution is not a violent one. As I said, changes are inevitable. Either we change or we die. I rather that we do change at a constant pace than not change at all.Originally posted by runningismylife:timothytsgsg
your actions would be as fruitful as refusing to pay tax in a bid to show your displeasure at wastage of taxpayer's money.
show me a revolution that ended well in the short run.
you want to revolutionise Singapore and expect Singapore to recover in 5 years time? I would say give Singapore 10 years, and in the time where we managed to recover, hey the world is now 10 years ahead!
My view of change doesn't just address short term issues but also long term issues- in that respect, it will not be sudden and short. Rather, we will have a system, renewed with reforms, based on old values and created by old values that will not only address the current problems at hand, but also takes a long term view of the future ahead of us. More importantly, a transparent business and political system, based on traditional values such as honesty(candor), openess and responsibility will last long enough as long as the right people are appointed at regular intervals to ensure that not only the system remains strong and relevant- it remains efficient and with little cost to the ordinary people on the street.
I do not trust the PAP to do that. The current system is their cash cow and as long as it remains so, any reform attempt by them will not address the problem on a long term basis. Sure, it may help at the short term but that's never enough. Besides, like I said, any reform attempt will not go deep enough. It only addresses the current illnesses but it will not fully treat the virus fully that has infected our system.
The only way I feel, is to have good reforms that goes deep enough, not just to address the short term issues, but also address the long term issues that affect the problem. In this respect, the system that the PAP has had created for its sole benefit must be addressed fully and fully given the best medicine it needs. That's why I believe that the Temasek Holdings' empire locally and overseas must be dismantled.
And I truly believe that, to reduce the inefficiency in our bloated civil system, harsh, tough reforms must be made to ensure it is so. There will be less fat cats in the civil service. There's no way around it- just hard, tough reforms for the civil service.
If the rich fat cats get sacked, that's because they have their own poor performances to blame for it. When they get sacked, the reasons will be publicly released on why they were sacked. There won't be mumbo-jumbo crap like "I resigned for personal reasons" or "I agreed to resign so as to take care of my family". If they get sacked, then the real reasons will be given. They are hanged publicly.
Only then, will the public take the government seriously about reform. Reducing the scale of civil servants in public service will reduce the red tape and inefficiency and streamline the burecuracy in the govt. In that respect, I will spare nothing or no-one to reach that goal: reduce the number of layers in government to the absolute minimum.
I wouldn't mind called "Neutron Tim" for the matter. I just believe that, in order to get back the efficiency, then we must address the heart of the problem. To do that, we must not only consider the short term future, but the long term one as well. -
*double post*
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Is there anything we can do ? if we do do anything is it going to change anything ? if we do change anything, is it gonna have any significant effect ? If your answer is 'No' then no need talk so much, either vote for OP or dun vote...dat simple.
accept wat u cannot change and change wat u cannot accept. -
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yes, so I simply don understand why a couple of casino is casing such an uproar in the whole nation. In my view, the governemnt is planning for our future, what makes you think PAP digging at its own grave?Even if they knew minorarity doesnt support them and they may loses some seats, they still make the decision. For whom may I ask? The reasons MM lee gives for building the resort has alreadly been stated, and it is clear enough, it is for the nation.Originally posted by timothytsgsg:Did this guy just join the LKY fan club recently? Or does he not know that Macau already has 5 international casinos and that HK will have a Disneyland come this Sept? Didn't Genting had a casino for quite a long time too?
Hmmmm...so are we in front or behind?
Oops, sorry to spolit the party, mate.
I don join fan club, but I respect LKY. He really try his best for the nation, since 60s, read up the history book if you don know anything.
I am not so sure about his son's capabilities and foresight, so we shall wait and see. -
so everything drop?your point? governement fault? PAP fault? so what do you propose? I don think, much can be done about this..Singaporean are so highly eduated, thet explain why labour costs for factories is so high and too explain why production factories is withdrawing from SG and looking for neighbouring countries for cheaper labour in order to remain in competition.Originally posted by timothytsgsg:Here's some food for thought, heavenly fire. Something u might wanna consider...u know- to see our side of thought. Compare & contrast if u like...
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MAS's current policies defy logic;
"``The current policy of currency appreciation makes no sense when
there's very little industrial growth, exports are suffering and
inflation is,'' said CLSA's Rendell, who today cut his 2005 growth
forecast for Singapore to 2.8 percent from 3.5 percent. The MAS is
``going to have to change in September,'' he said.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000080&sid=anl__c1jCMEY&refer=asia
Singapore's May Output Fell More-Than-Expected 4.8%
June 27 (Bloomberg) -- Singapore's factory production fell in May for
the fourth month in five, declining at more than double the pace
economists had predicted, as makers of pharmaceuticals and
electronics reduced output.
Manufacturing, which accounts for a quarter of Singapore's economy,
fell by a seasonally adjusted 4.8 percent from April, when it rose a
revised 13 percent, the Economic Development Board said in a report
today. The median forecast of 11 economists surveyed by Bloomberg was
for a 2.2 percent decline. From a year earlier, manufacturing rose
1.7 percent in May.
Singapore is counting on shipments from companies such as Chartered
Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd. and Pfizer Inc. to head off a second
straight quarterly contraction, which would tip the economy into its
fourth recession since 1998. The economy shrank at a 5.5 percent
annual pace in the first quarter, its worst performance since the
SARS outbreak disrupted business across Asia in the second quarter of
2003.
``This is a pretty disappointing number and if the industrial side is
weak it's not going to give much confidence to the rest of the
economy,'' said Nigel Rendell, an economist at CLSA Singapore. The
economy may avoid a recession because May's decline in manufacturing
isn't big enough to erase the gain in April, Rendell said.
Production of drugs and medical devices in May slumped a seasonally-
adjusted 26.5 percent from April, accounting for the bulk of the
decline, said Kok Yit Hoe, a research officer at the Economic
Development Board. Output of electronics and transport equipment also
declined from April, she said by telephone.
`Temporary Blip'
``This could just be a temporary blip and we are looking for a better
second half for the electronics sector,'' said Chua Hak Bin, an
economist at DBS Group Holdings Ltd. ``Electronics inventories are
still declining and all indicators point to a pick up ahead.''
Singapore's exports unexpectedly fell in May as companies shipped
fewer computer chips and pharmaceuticals to the U.S. and Europe.
Non-oil domestic exports fell a seasonally adjusted 5.3 percent from
April, when they gained 4.6 percent, International Enterprise
Singapore, the trade promotion body, said in a June 17 report. From a
year earlier, Singapore's non-oil exports fell 5.6 percent, the first
decline in 35 months.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's government cut its 2005 growth
forecast to as little as 2.5 percent on May 17 after the economy
shrank in the first quarter. The economy grew 8.4 percent last year.
Singapore's consumer price index also unexpectedly failed to rise in
May from a year earlier, according to a report last week by the
Department of Statistics, suggesting the central bank has room to
ease monetary policy by allowing its currency to weaken.
Inflation
The Monetary Authority of Singapore uses the level of the island's
currency to control monetary conditions, instead of interest rates.
On April 12, the central bank extended its year- old strategy of
seeking a ``modest and gradual'' appreciation of the Singapore dollar
to keep inflation in check. Policy makers are scheduled to meet again
in September.
The central bank seeks to prevent the dollar from rising or falling
outside an undisclosed band based on a basket of currencies of its
biggest trading partners. The Singapore dollar has risen by about 2
percent against the U.S. dollar in the past 12 months.
`No Sense'
``The current policy of currency appreciation makes no sense when
there's very little industrial growth, exports are suffering and
inflation is,'' said CLSA's Rendell, who today cut his 2005 growth
forecast for Singapore to 2.8 percent from 3.5 percent. The MAS is
``going to have to change in September,'' he said.
Electronics production declined a seasonally-adjusted 3 percent from
April. From a year earlier, electronics output gained 2.7 percent in
May, following a revised 9.4 percent rise in April, today's report
said.
Computer chips fell 3.4 percent, reversing a revised 3.4 percent gain
in April. Production of disk drives surged almost 36 percent from a
year earlier, after gaining almost 32 percent in April.
``Contractions in the semiconductors and computer peripherals
segments moderated the expansions in the other segments,'' the EDB's
report said.
Electronics account for 32 percent of Singapore's manufacturing.
Pharmaceuticals, where temporary shutdowns for cleaning or expansion
for new products can cause big swings in output because of the small
number of drug factories in Singapore, make up 19 percent.
Pharmaceuticals shrank almost 19 percent in May from a year earlier,
following April's 14.6 percent contraction, today's report said.
Drug production has slumped almost 21 percent in the first five
months from a year earlier, the report said.
Excluding pharmaceuticals and medical devices, production gained 5.8
percent in May from a year earlier following a revised 8.3 percent
gain in April.
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That is where tourisim 21 comes in. Tourisim 21 promote South-east ASia as a whole, with Singapore as a hub, or rather a stopping point to other countries. THe governemnt promote huge corporations to set up their HQ over here as we can provide the HR, and hence use Singapore as stepping stone to nearby neighbouring countries.
And there is the triangle relationship between Singapore, Malaysia and Indo. where Singapore chips in the manpower, resources while the latter provides land. one successful example is the batam island and you guys heard of SUzhou Industry park? heard they even have a small merlion there.
Do not think that the ministers is staying in their offices, shake leg and count notes? They are now looking forward to such opportinuites in India now, that explain the visits from our ministers to isolated countries. The ministers' wish is that if one day they become successful, they will not forget us and give us a piece of the pie.
we are talking about globalisation now, our leaders know that we cant survive alone, that is why governemnt is calling us to go out of SG, to venture out, but remain as Singaporean -
Originally posted by Lowclassman:
friend, you know about japan and HK? dont you know that their houses cost more. pls stop the whining. HDB provides subsidies for those who cant afford the housing. check out if you don know anything. I too find it costly compared to our parents time,but little can i do, unless you want to emigrate?
You forgot to add,!!! HDB was meant for [b]public housing subsidy??? and HDB had become super rich in selling houses to us singaporeans. Later it was bought over by tomasick at special price. What is the meaning??? [/b] -
Salaries in Hong Kong and Japan are higher too.Originally posted by heavenlyfire:friend, you know about japan and HK? dont you know that their houses cost more. pls stop the whining. HDB provides subsidies for those who cant afford the housing. check out if you don know anything. I too find it costly compared to our parents time,but little can i do, unless you want to emigrate?
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i am not sure whether i am in the upper middle class, but I am a contended person.Originally posted by Profounder:From your post, I can deduce that u are either in the upper middle class and hence can afford to sit in your comfortable couch and type such obfuscating propaganda, oblivious to the suffering of the lower class many of whom have to go scrounging for drink cans or cardboard boxes to make a living.
Or you are a conservative PAP supporter like those inmates in Ken Kesey's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" who feel more secure within their highly regulated and repressive cells, having been drummed into their head the propaganda that the world outside is dangerous and unstable.
you mentioned "the suffering of the lower class many of whom have to go scrounging for drink cans or cardboard boxes to make a living" are usually older ppl. some of them have children, but do not want to support them. so they have infillial son, whose fault? government for not teaching them the right values? or is it themselves?
the governemnt provides funds for those really who cant support themselves, they them selves is worried about the rising number of such cases, that is why they adjust The CPF rules again and again, they adjusted the age where you can draw out your CPF, so that you can use it for retirement. Heard of cases where old folks got cheated of their CPF by strangers or even their children.
I am not a conservative PAP supporter, I questions about every decision they make, and ask if there were better ways or if the opposing party could do better, the answer is no. please enlighten me if you can. thanks in advance. -
If what you say is going to happen, I can tell you, Singapore will be doomed to oblivion. The Worst case scnerio, the seats is divided equally. Then wouldnt it be more chaotic? one guy is pushing for somthing and the other guy is agruing against it for pride or for rights?whateverOriginally posted by timothytsgsg:That's why I said this:
Abandon them. Abandon the PAP. Don't vote for them again. Cast an empty vote or a spolit one. Or you can go overseas for that day or even at the Eve. You don't need to do much- what you just need is this: use your vote to show your displeasure at the govt.
The PAP has long casted the people aside for themselves and their cronies. So its time to show them we aren't as stupid as they think.
Then changes for the better would take twice as long,I forsee chao and there will be a power struggle. Singapore will step further behind, then by the time we pickedup, wouldn it be to late. Total reform? easier said than done. if you look back at history, how much seats is given to the opposing party?
ppl who thinks like you belong to the minority, why don you start thinking about the things you can do for the country instead of what the country can do for you?