The power of SPH...
-
never under-estimate it , if it could cause so much trouble for NKF , imagine the influence it has on our lifes , especially when it partially belongs to the government.
-
To the mods , im discussing about the massive influence SPH has over our lives not about NKF > do take note!
-
It came as a surprise that SPH dare to expose the failings of NKF despite the patronage of the "tai tai" of SM GCT.
Could this signal a tussle within the Ruling Elite ?
Did SPH have an agenda for writing the article about the NKF, or was it made use of by the Government or the Ruling Party for its own agenda ?
It is a fact that SPH will never write such expose about the Government, or the Ruling Party; and this is very clear, as the Editors and the Reporters know "who is the hand that feeds them".
It is also a fact that SPH is a tool that is frequently made use of by the Government and the Ruling Party; and often used to discredit those who have fallen out of favor. -
I tell your lah...Originally posted by Atobe:It came as a surprise that SPH dare to expose the failings of NKF despite the patronage of the "tai tai" of SM GCT.
Could this signal a tussle within the Ruling Elite ?
Did SPH have an agenda for writing the article about the NKF, or was it made use of by the Government or the Ruling Party for its own agenda ?
It is a fact that SPH will never write such expose about the Government, or the Ruling Party; and this is very clear, as the Editors and the Reporters know "who is the hand that feeds them".
It is also a fact that SPH is a tool that is frequently made use of by the Government and the Ruling Party; and often used to discredit those who have fallen out of favor.
In the 1st place, the source the reporter got was considered unverified back then... But the report was in a offensive manner -
I prefer to think of it in this way: That there are those among us with sufficient awareness to contemplate between doing the right thing and doing the easy thing; that being said the easy option would have been to simply publish a mundane article about the NKF with no implications and therefore completely inconsequential.
In this case, Susan Long took a giant leap forward. Whether Mrs GCT and NKF considered it a 'betrayal' or an affront to the SPH-NKF relationship is immaterial.
What matters is that for once, the cold truth was put to the sword and laid bare for all to see.Originally posted by Atobe:It came as a surprise that SPH dare to expose the failings of NKF despite the patronage of the "tai tai" of SM GCT.
Could this signal a tussle within the Ruling Elite ?
Did SPH have an agenda for writing the article about the NKF, or was it made use of by the Government or the Ruling Party for its own agenda ?
It is a fact that SPH will never write such expose about the Government, or the Ruling Party; and this is very clear, as the Editors and the Reporters know "who is the hand that feeds them".
It is also a fact that SPH is a tool that is frequently made use of by the Government and the Ruling Party; and often used to discredit those who have fallen out of favor. -
Atobe,
Let's hope our Straits Times will read this and realize they have to grow to be more independent of the executive branch to serve the nation as a whole.
They will then be able to report news and facts without being taken to tasks by any powers because they are seen even by the powers to be doing their jobs.
By being objective and factual is honourable and no one will want to be so powerful as to dictate to ST not to tell the truths. Such fundamental editorial policy will in the long run be supported by the people.
By being professional ST has another chance to be loved as an institution of the country. It is time it cuts the apron string and free itself of the powerful individuals or factions or be used as instrument to dispose of one another in power struggle. -
While your view is an angle to be considered, the entire episode is too simple to be believe, especially not in Singapore where all super-sensitive story of any local Public Institution of the stature of NKF will be subject to heavy scrutiny, vetting and approval by the most Senior Editor - who himself is carefully selected to be of similar thought values as the SPH Supremo - Mr LKS (a trusted retired stalwart from the Ruling Party, who will at times is the Acting President when the President is absent).Originally posted by BillyBong:I prefer to think of it in this way: That there are those among us with sufficient awareness to contemplate between doing the right thing and doing the easy thing; that being said the easy option would have been to simply publish a mundane article about the NKF with no implications and therefore completely inconsequential.
In this case, Susan Long took a giant leap forward. Whether Mrs GCT and NKF considered it a 'betrayal' or an affront to the SPH-NKF relationship is immaterial.
What matters is that for once, the cold truth was put to the sword and laid bare for all to see.
The other point of view could be turf battles, especially when there is such a sum of $262 MILLION in the PEANUT Reserve of NKF.
This Government has never felt comfortable when Public Money is accumulated to such a sum, and in the hands of a Private Institution that is itself the creation of an Individual.
Many past cases exist to justify such a view, the biggest prime casualty was the Singapore Turf Club, which started as a Private Club of horse owners that opened its doors to the Public for betting purposes.
The crux of the matter lay in the Huge Peanut in the Reserves of NKF, and with NKF constantly being supported by the Public, its funds can easily be used to support the activities of Opposition Parties. -
I think NKF might have been hung out to dry as a scapegoat for the constant calls of transparency.And that SPH was merely the tool for the job.Durai had the legal right to sue SPH, but consequences often outweigh the right of action these days.Originally posted by Atobe:While your view is an angle to be considered, the entire episode is too simple to be believe, especially not in Singapore where all super-sensitive story of any local Public Institution of the stature of NKF will be subject to heavy scrutiny, vetting and approval by the most Senior Editor - who himself is carefully selected to be have similar thought values of the SPH Supremo - Mr LKS (who will at times is the Acting President when the President is absent).
The other point of view could be turf battles, especially when there is such a big pool of reserves that amount to $262 MILLION.
This Government has never felt comfortable when Public Money is accumulated to such a sum, and in the hands of a Private Institution that is itself the creation of an Individual.
Many past cases exist to justify such a view, the biggest prime casualty was the Singapore Turf Club, which started as a Private Club of horse owners that opened its doors to the Public for betting purposes.
The crux of the matter lay in the Huge Peanut in the Reserves of NKF, and with NKF constantly being supported by the Public, its funds can easily be used to support the activities of Opposition Parties.
But it also heartens us to note that if SPH should decide to go independant and be a neutral but investigative pillar of the establishment, they are very powerful and they have it within them to stand firm against any governmental pressure. -
i think everyone and esp journalists have a strong opinion or two abt certain subjects.... in any case, how can a person write passionately without feelings and feelings are basically subjective anyway.... it's how she felt and if put across offensively, it only expressed her opinion through the article.Originally posted by sbst275:the report was in a offensive manner
i guess maybe we aren't used to such subjectivity locally but here in sgforums... we are subjective like mad....expressing our individualistic opinions and even vehemently defending some of our positions to the tune of insulting others.....
wat i am trying to say is that her "offensive"article is actually quite mild as compared to some overseas publications and peharps we need more of such opinionated writers so that we the masses can learn to grow our brains more maturely. if we are kept fed on neutral materials, wouldn't our brain cells just die of non-challenge?? -
Somehow, i dun see 1 peanut cent of that 262 million reserve landing in opposition hands. At least not with the current crop.
However, consipiracy theories aside, the lack of response from the PM/SM's offices seems to indicate that they are happy to sit back and allow the
the NKF saga to reach its eventual conclusion, regardless of the outcome.
There may be something greater at stake i agree, perhaps they are using the NKF outcry to mask something else? Something that may easily have been swept under the carpet and missed entirely?
But still, it is rather far fetched at this point.
After all, prior to this blow-up, rumours of fund mismanagement in NKF were already kopitiam news. Perhaps SPH simply did a little digging and came up with the tap story. Or it could be significant muscle flexing between NKF and SPH over an otherwise undisclosed incident relating the two which ended up in court.Originally posted by Atobe:While your view is an angle to be considered, the entire episode is too simple to be believe, especially not in Singapore where all super-sensitive story of any local Public Institution of the stature of NKF will be subject to heavy scrutiny, vetting and approval by the most Senior Editor - who himself is carefully selected to be of similar thought values as the SPH Supremo - Mr LKS (a trusted retired stalwart from the Ruling Party, who will at times is the Acting President when the President is absent).
The other point of view could be turf battles, especially when there is such a sum of $262 MILLION in the PEANUT Reserve of NKF.
This Government has never felt comfortable when Public Money is accumulated to such a sum, and in the hands of a Private Institution that is itself the creation of an Individual.
Many past cases exist to justify such a view, the biggest prime casualty was the Singapore Turf Club, which started as a Private Club of horse owners that opened its doors to the Public for betting purposes.
The crux of the matter lay in the Huge Peanut in the Reserves of NKF, and with NKF constantly being supported by the Public, its funds can easily be used to support the activities of Opposition Parties. -
To me, NKF offered little if any challenge. The fact that they even dared take SPH to task with such a weak background in the case is evident of poor decision-making.Originally posted by LazerLordz:But it also heartens us to note that if SPH should decide to go independant and be a neutral but investigative pillar of the establishment, they are very powerful and they have it within them to stand firm against any governmental pressure.
Consider this: If NKF simply responded through the press or forum and expressed its disappointment in writing or firmly rebutted Susan Long's claims in the article, the public would be none the wiser.
As it is, they were (in my opinion) completely unprepared for the withering attack on their integrity which is a cornerstone in litigation cases.
The NKF was easy meat. Nothing much to crow about. Taking a case against the gahmen, that would be an entirely different proposition altogether. It would be hard to maintain any neutrality in such a case. -
Since SPH is so influential, one should park some money in it via stock market!
Better than Fixed D, better than savings...
hahahaha
*just for laughs* -
Really disappointed with media blackout on reaction to Mrs GCT peanut statement.Originally posted by SMAPLionHeart:never under-estimate it , if it could cause so much trouble for NKF , imagine the influence it has on our lifes , especially when it fully belongs to the government.
-
The number of people nowadays capable to stand up and demand their rights or remedies over any incidents of abuses and wrong doings like the NKF/SPH case is by no means small.Originally posted by BillyBong:To me, NKF offered little if any challenge. The fact that they even dared take SPH to task with such a weak background in the case is evident of poor decision-making.
Consider this: If NKF simply responded through the press or forum and expressed its disappointment in writing or firmly rebutted Susan Long's claims in the article, the public would be none the wiser.
As it is, they were (in my opinion) completely unprepared for the withering attack on their integrity which is a cornerstone in litigation cases.
The NKF was easy meat. Nothing much to crow about. Taking a case against the gahmen, that would be an entirely different proposition altogether. It would be hard to maintain any neutrality in such a case.
The number of people who have posted pro-establishment views in forums even YPforum is diminishing.
I remember when I first posted in sgforum, anyone who tried to criticise government or lack of democracy will be countered by a number of counter-views praising the government and leaders to no end. Just read back posts in "Defintion of True Democracy".
So the tide is turning today with people knowing their rights and truths and they are prepared to take collective social actions to check on wrong doings. This is a good sign for our future and our children's future.
But the current GRC and political stranglehold of incumbent is real. There will be no oppositions or credible oppositions to win seats or check on the next gahment because the opposition is largely snuffed out. This fact is widely perceived by the incumbent from the way the leaders are challenging anyone to stand for election if the leaders cannot win arguments in forums.
I feel that the incumbents will stick to their past practices and policies refusing to change for another term until they finally lose another 10 % of the electoral votes or more cans of worms come out to the open. -
My friend,Originally posted by Atobe:It came as a surprise that SPH dare to expose the failings of NKF despite the patronage of the "tai tai" of SM GCT.
Could this signal a tussle within the Ruling Elite ?
Did SPH have an agenda for writing the article about the NKF, or was it made use of by the Government or the Ruling Party for its own agenda ?
It is a fact that SPH will never write such expose about the Government, or the Ruling Party; and this is very clear, as the Editors and the Reporters know "who is the hand that feeds them".
It is also a fact that SPH is a tool that is frequently made use of by the Government and the Ruling Party; and often used to discredit those who have fallen out of favor.
I would caution against reading too much into hidden agendas.
I agree with you that print media has always been a powerful political tool, regardless of who controlls it. The opinions of the general populace are oftened shaped by print media more so than other types. Let us list the hypothetical situations that are possibly occuring. For argument's sake, lets take your suggestion to be true; that there is a tussle going on in the 'ruling elite'. Let us put them into groups A (for the ruling party) and B (for the ones that have fallen out of favour).
What good will it amount to for SPH to alert the public of a possible tussle between camps A and B? Such information can only be interpreted as signs of weakness within our government. It isn't a blatant call to arms for the rest of us, neither is it a warning signal to the rest of us to prepare for an all out political war. In which both outcomes do not benefit either party or the rest of us.
Could it then be a signal by A for B to step aside?
With elections coming up within the next few years, it could be a possibility. However, consider that both A and B are well supported for their contributions to the nation. While this tactic to oust B could be initiated by A, I feel that the risks A is taking to oust B through such methods are too great for A to have considered.
But putting political agenda aside, I think the reasons for SPH's detailed expose of NKFs problems is merely a defensive tactic in response to being sued. SPH was merely taking all measures to ensure its good name was maintained. (When i say good name, I mean in its ability to report accurate facts and not hearsay).
On the topic of Mrs Goh, if her comments went unreported or received only a small amount of attention, I'm sure you would be saying that SPH was only covering for the Ruling Elite. -
In year 2000, Mrs Goh bought a Nissan Cefiro from Tan Chong Bt Timah.
Tan Chong Motor gave her a straight $5,000 discount on that!
I tot Minister family members cannot receive any term of cash and discount? Why she accepted the $5,000 discount? Isn't it more 'PEANUTS' as compare to Durai's $600,000 pay check a year?
PM Lee, pls look into this discount that Mrs Goh had in buying that Cefiro in year 2000.
http://forums.delphiforums.com/sammyboymod/messages/?msg=76794 -
Can't be, she would be buying expensive cars , Nissan Cefiro is peanuts!Originally posted by crazy monkey:In year 2000, Mrs Goh bought a Nissan Cefiro from Tan Chong Bt Timah.
Tan Chong Motor gave her a straight $5,000 discount on that!
I tot Minister family members cannot receive any term of cash and discount? Why she accepted the $5,000 discount? Isn't it more 'PEANUTS' as compare to Durai's $600,000 pay check a year?
PM Lee, pls look into this discount that Mrs Goh had in buying that Cefiro in year 2000.
http://forums.delphiforums.com/sammyboymod/messages/?msg=76794 -
http://ir.asiaone.com/sph/shareholder.htmlOriginally posted by SMAPLionHeart:never under-estimate it , if it could cause so much trouble for NKF , imagine the influence it has on our lifes , especially when it fully belongs to the government.
pai seh pai seh..i don't mean fully belong to government
-
The billions invested in foreign countries are most vulnerable to NKF kind of abuses and cover-ups.
All the CEOs and managers of investment companies have even more powerful insider information that might be used privately to benefit individuals and private companies.
Up till now apart from claims about leadership and talents have they really put in accountable or transparent performances. How do the ministers and senior offices ensure there will be no abuses as in the NKF case when serious wrongs were committed right under the nose of government patrons.
I am sure there can be greater respect for people's request for greater transparency. The issue is : are the ministers and leaders prepared to set themselves as good examples to be accountable and transparent.
People have been kept in the dark for the past 13 years over the complaints about abuses within NKF. Why should NKF want to admit more transparency if Many ministers openly refuse to answer to complaints about unjustifiable fare increases evening telling people off not to expect free lunch. It is this kind of arrogance that NKF CEO must have copied leading to his downfall.
Finally "paper cannot cover fire" as a Chinese saying puts it and something will happen like this NKF case.
This case only shows that the wrong doings would not have happened so boldly if our leaders and ministers are more humble and willing to set themselves as good examples. It is not good enough that after wrongs were committed that they then punish contractors like in the Nicol Highway case. Today despite so many talents can't they do a better job of overseeing work site safety to prevent accdients. They have not fulfilled their responsibilities and have not been transparent refusing to be open and accountable as in the case of NKF.
NKF is simply a time bomb that finally exploded due to past persistent refusal to be transparent or solve real problems. Finally the problems become too great causing extreme unhappiness. Further acquiescence by government patrons would only make matters worse.
Nothing short of changing the whole system of arrogant government practices will save the country from deteriorations and wrongs persisting under all kinds with nothing accomplished.
This state of the running of all ministries is the saddest thing to be learned from this case.
Without substantial transparency it is doubtful CEOs and managers in charge of departments and GLCs will ever change their current look-good denials and justifications like the NKF until more scandals and malpractices.
After so many years of talking about growth triangles, economic restructuring or entrepreneurship promotion, what have been achieved? We are becoming a poorer country. Arrogance is the greatest seed of self-destruction. It is countries that go about quietly apply knowledge through broad-based education that overtake the arrogant Singapore over the past years. We are also misled by all the empty talks like reaching for the Swiss standard of living or the world bests in everything when none of the above-stated promises have been fulfulled.
Unless the whole government stops all the hot airs and start to care for people like Finland, Switzerland, Korea or Taiwan I do not see how the ministers can continue to window dress all the NKF shortcomings claiming it to be talents or leadeship excellence.
Financial Times recently published an article which called all the corporate governance bull&@#&s. I have observed the corporate governance presentation over CNA and have to agree that aparf from look-good independent directors etc there is nothing excellent in truly accountable work practices at the work level. All the compliance standards would end up as window dressing just to give appearance of being complaint with codes and standards but behind all the problems and wrong doings will continue to persist as in the NKF case despite all the self-acclaims about its achievements.
The real solutions is pro-people and substantive management with ministers committed to results and solving problems not talking bulls or looking good on their presumed leadership or forms.
I would advise them to be less arrogant and try to be humble looking out for comments and opinions to reduce the high costs affecting the people who are struggling for survival.
NKF is just a tip of the iceberg. There may be many cans of worms in many more departments. The wastages caused by NLB and Changi air terminal demolitions can feed thousands of people and provide safety nets to relieve the unemployed.
Don't say these millions of losses are peanuts when the peanut dusts can feed many people more than three meals. Come down to earth and serve the people like servants once again as elites do not seem to have any interest now in understanding or solving problems.
_________________ -
Originally posted by Farmer Brown:
Thank you for your word of caution, and being sporting to follow-up with my speculation.
My friend,
I would caution against reading too much into hidden agendas.
I agree with you that print media has always been a powerful political tool, regardless of who controlls it. The opinions of the general populace are oftened shaped by print media more so than other types. Let us list the hypothetical situations that are possibly occuring. For argument's sake, lets take your suggestion to be true; that there is a tussle going on in the 'ruling elite'. Let us put them into groups A (for the ruling party) and B (for the ones that have fallen out of favour).:
During the early 1980s, the strong hand of the Mentor of the Ruling Party was shown in his dealing with some Ministers from the Old Guard of the Ruling Party concerning "Leadership Renewal".
What good will it amount to for SPH to alert the public of a possible tussle between camps A and B? Such information can only be interpreted as signs of weakness within our government. It isn't a blatant call to arms for the rest of us, neither is it a warning signal to the rest of us to prepare for an all out political war. In which both outcomes do not benefit either party or the rest of us.
Could it then be a signal by A for B to step aside?
This was despite the fact that the revelation of the disagreement of positions on this subject will surely lead to public knowledge of internal strife.
His handling of two corrupt ministers in his cabinet had also resulted in dissensions amongst his cabinet colleagues, but they held their tongue until their departure from office.:
In the early 1950s, some risks taken by the Ruling Party included the sacking of radical members of the Ruling Party, who opposed MM's position in dealing with political issues of the day.
With elections coming up within the next few years, it could be a possibility. However, consider that both A and B are well supported for their contributions to the nation. While this tactic to oust B could be initiated by A, I feel that the risks A is taking to oust B through such methods are too great for A to have considered.
This resulted in the splitting of the Ruling Party, which led to the radical members forming the Barisan Sosialis Party led by the late Dr Lee Siew Choh.
This Ruling Party has never been adverse to radical change when challenged.:
While I would like to follow your line of thought, it will seem that SPH's detailed expose of NKF's problems was the cause for being sued; and the article was not printed after it was sued - so as "to ensure its good name was maintained".
But putting political agenda aside, I think the reasons for SPH's detailed expose of NKFs problems is merely a defensive tactic in response to being sued. SPH was merely taking all measures to ensure its good name was maintained. (When i say good name, I mean in its ability to report accurate facts and not hearsay).
I will still maintain that this controversial article could not have been written unless it was sanctioned by the Senior Editor, as it would have been common knowledge that important personalities linked to the Political Elites will be involved, and this could result in embarrassment to them too.:
Under such circumstances, could Mrs Goh's comments go unreported ?
On the topic of Mrs Goh, if her comments went unreported or received only a small amount of attention, I'm sure you would be saying that SPH was only covering for the Ruling Elite.
It was in deference to her position as Patron, and also as the wife of SM GCT, that SPH had little choice but to report her remarks - which happened to be made without much depth of thought to its consequence.
Her remarks was made "off-the-cuff" in a quick response to questions popped to her as she was leaving the court premises.
If it was not reported, as it was seen to be flippant, it will not be surprising if it was edited out. Unfortunately, it was not the style when her remarks were probably picked up by reporters from the foreign press.
At the end of this entire exercise, the CEO and his Board of Directors were finally removed from office, and the Government could lay their hands to appoint "trusted" persons to manage the huge PEANUT Reserves, and implement controls to this Charity - which had over the years, glaringly expose the weak or non-existent Government's effort to help kidney patients. -
Precisely.Something tells me, though the CEO is flawed inthe way he ran things, i'm not too sure that the end-result might be more palatable.
-
Lesser of two evils. Would u preferred he remain in office?Originally posted by LazerLordz:Precisely.Something tells me, though the CEO is flawed inthe way he ran things, i'm not too sure that the end-result might be more palatable.
Of cause, that means the gahmen has one foot into that 262 million reserve now. -
Lee Kim Siang of Moral Society speaking in Channel News Asia's interview on NKF said:-
"A VWO must be accountable and transparent to its donors and must produce audited account showing where the donations go to and how the reserve will be spent in order to get donors to be satisfied with their performance."
PM LHL and Mrs Goh have both totally forgotten that the key issue is Transparency and Accountability"
The whole issue was aired over 938 radio this morning. Severall callers were heard angrily asking the question : 'WHERE IS MY MONEY". If PM wants to defend NKF record, then he will have to answer to the men in the street who will continue to ask him up to the commission of inquiry again and again: "WHERE IS MY MONEY?"
_________________ -
The power of the press comes not only from the ability to withhold/disseminate information, but from its ability to make viewers see a story from any angle of their choosing.
That was how I felt when I read the reports on AcidFlask. If I had no other source of information to compare with, and relied solely on information given out by CNA and ST, I would have assumed that AcidFlask was guilty. And I had no idea what the original contents of his article were!
I have no doubt that if SPH wanted to, they could tell their stories in such a way as to make Durai the 'reluctant scapegoat', by giving interviews about how he slept very little, giving 18hours a day for 13 years of his life into a charity. Follow this up with annecdotal accounts from patients and staff about how he cared for them despite his busy schedule etc etc, I'm sure more people will empathise with him.
Most people feel that SPH has finally taken the small steps towards being a free and open press. But until I see their reports coincide with reports given by other entities with no vested interest, or present quotes 'as is' without being taken out of context, or avoid sensationalizing issues so that other equally noteworthy matters do not go below the radar, I remain very sceptical of this 'free and open press' of ours.