Alternative View towards opposition and the Ruling Party
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Will it kill us to have 20 opposition MPs? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Straits Times reported on its front page, 17 March 2006, that the "No.1 concern" of potential Singaporean voters, aged 21-34 was the "cost of living, followed by jobs and housing." [1]
One would have thought that's typical the world over for almost all age groups, but it's headline news in Singapore.
What is unique about the political scene here is that, "about 40 per cent said political freedom issues would influence their vote, compared to 89 percent who said costs would." This was revealed 9 paragraphs down.
This is unique because in many other countries the question of political freedom is not even a concern. It is enshrined in their constitutions and earnestly protected by various independent institutions. They can take political freedom for granted where we can't.
Now 40% is higher than I expected. For a population that has often been said to be entirely switched off, this is a large number.
However, one voter whom the newspaper quoted may typify the other 60%. "I just want to have a job, have enough money, live in a safe country," Lina Salimah, 26, a restaurant hostess, said. "I will support whoever can promise me that and deliver on the promise." [2]
While her yardstick may be fair and unremarkable in most other countries with open elections, it isn't really meaningful in the Singapore context.
First, let's put aside the question whether any government short of a communist one running a centrally-planned economy can deliver jobs and money to every citizen. In Singapore at best our government can only create the optimal conditions for a healthy economy, rather than directly find you a job and send you a weekly paycheck.
However, our opposition parties aren't even in a position to be an alternative government. That being the case, it is absurd to expect them to make promises about delivering jobs and money in your pockets. So how does one apply this yardstick to opposition candidates when they are in no position to form the next government?
But if not that, then what other yardsticks are more realistic to measure opposition candidates by?
Singaporeans need a more sophisticated understanding of where we stand politically, and therefore what choices, realistically, are before us.
One unique feature of our political landscape is that some 80% of Singaporeans live in government-built flats. Unlike those living in private condominiums who have to form their own management committees and maintain their common areas, the 80% who live in public estates look to the political authorities to maintain the common facilities (e.g. lifts, covered sidewalks, exterior repainting) and oversee sanitation matters.
As a deliberate measure to reduce the average Singapore voter to myopic small-mindedness, the People's Action Party (PAP) government, from the 1980s onwards, has made each Member of Parliament increasingly responsible for the municipal affairs of his constituency. The implied threat is that the sanitation and upkeep of your housing estate, and thus the resale value of your home, is contingent upon who your MP is. If he is managerially incompetent, or if he is not a PAP man and therefore gets no co-operation from other government agencies, the general condition of your housing estate will deteriorate and the value of your property will fall.
One has to admit that this has been a rather successful weapon, even if the intentions behind it were less than admirable. It has made voters ever so conservative when it comes to how they vote.
It has heavily skewed our parliament in favour of the PAP, but also created in many voters' minds the notion that the "right" person to send to Parliament is an efficient estate manager. It does not matter if the man (or woman) has no views on trade globalisation, environmental degradation, educational reform, healthcare or human rights, so long as he can ensure the estate is swept every morning, blown bulbs changed promptly and shrubs pruned, then he's "my man".
The PAP having made this their selling point for several elections in the past, the result you can see: we have some of the dullest "debates" in one of the world's most emasculated parliaments. Many observers have noted how even the Nominated Members of Parliament ask better questions than PAP members [3].
Yet, what is seldom realised is that by many accounts, the opposition-held wards of Potong Pasir and Hougang have so far compared creditably with the PAP wards. Even the Straits Times reported that,
In fact, so dominant is the PAP's association with efficiency and quality that one young voter, interviewed by one of my colleagues recently, had no clue she was living in one of only two opposition wards in Singapore.
Hougang was so clean and well-run that who else but the PAP could have been in charge, was her assumption.
-- Straits Times, 17 March 2006, Why PAP's
report card is glowing, by Laurel Teo
So, by this measure, it appears that even if estate management skills is all you want out of your MP, it doesn't mean that the PAP candidate is necessarily the better one.
The second main area of contact between voters and their MP is when voters want help in their struggles against the bureaucracy. That's where the weekly meet-the-people sessions come in. MPs can advise what help schemes are available for people who find themselves in a bit of a fix, or perhaps write a petition letter to give a little boost to the constituent's case.
Conceivably, a PAP MP may have more influence over the bureaucracy than an opposition MP. Bureaucrats may take more notice if the appeal letter is written by a PAP MP. Though this may be a fact of life, it would be a sorry fact, for one of the key principles of a democratic state should be the political neutrality of the civil service. They are not supposed to favour one political party over another. To expedite appeals from PAP MPs and turn a deaf ear to letters from opposition MPs would be malignant to the integrity of the civil service.
Rather than be a reason to vote PAP, this should be cause to watch eagle-eyed the way our bureaucrats do their jobs, in the longer-term interest of Singapore.
Now let's come back to jobs and the cost of living.
As I mentioned above, the reality is that the PAP will form the next government. They will be the only ones with the ability to determine economic policies. Asking opposition candidates what they're going to do to secure jobs and lower the cost of living is a moot question.
But this doesn't mean that whom we send to Parliament has no impact on jobs and the cost of living. What we need to ask ourselves is whether the best possible economic policies come out of a legislature with 84 PAP members (100% of seats), 74 versus 10, or 64 versus 20.
For many of us, intuitively, we believe that decisions are better when facts, assumptions and rationales are robustly challenged. The most dangerous form of decision-making is when everybody is in group-think mode, combined with too much deference to rank. Nobody dares tell the emperor, as sometimes must, that he has no clothes.
Yes, ultimately, it's a matter of faith rather than specifics. The opposition candidates can't tell you exactly what questions they are going to ask in Parliament over the next 5 years of the legislature's term. Their role must necessarily be reactive. Nor are all opposition candidates of equal calibre (but then neither are all PAP candidates of equal calibre). The voter has to ask himself: is this particular opposition candidate standing in my constituency more likely to ask searching questions and speak up for my concerns in Parliament than the PAP candidate?
Because if your MP doesn't speak up courageously in Parliament, he is throwing away your voice. And he is not doing his job to ensure that our government designs the best possible policies.
In the lopsided political situation that is Singapore, this is the question voters should ask when they cast their votes.
Yawning Bread -
I look only one simple things. Can our life be improved immediately as I am short sighted to see anything more than 2 months or a year.
What is the more important thing to those who stay here and had participle in NS for defending singapore. I would think is decent life, quality paid work. If having talents running the show meant more outsourcing, contract employment and retrenchment. What there for us to ask for a decent life.
What can upgrading of flat or your town do for you, you sell high and buy high. Imagine if the whole singapore is selling, then whose buying? And no forgotting that there are still a lot unsold flat around. I would say forget about proverty brooming, it's no a poor man game.
There is an established systems that the way singapore is run. Road - LTA, Police - Home Affair, Army - Defence, Trade - MTI and so on. There are many working talents knowing the way to get thing right and whole hearted committed to serve Singaporean.
With talents running the show, we singaporean had to show our hand out waiting for the goodies. Worst of all, peoples think that we singaporean will grown to have a habit of expecting goodies.
Say to said this had and will never happened when our respected MM was running the show and we were living happily under his regime without handout. Do you agree.
My life and career here is likely to be history, I don't know when is your turn. Good luck to fellow singaporean. -
To some extent, we are naturally tempted by the offerings of the Ruling Party.
When a person is faced with a choice between an alternative candidate offering a voice in parliament against a PAP candidate offering material gains in the form of upgrading and added amenities, the choice may be relatively straight forward.
But is it truly a no-brainer?
What the Ruling party has campaigned at every election is based on an election strategy of material assets in the form of sports complexes, lift and HDB upgrading and the promise of clean and vibrant surroundings. In effect they have an 'election strategy' which is unleashed once every 6 odd years, and not a long term roadmap that stretches for say, 5 years.
Seeing as how the bottomless treasure chest of the reserves feeds the monetary aspect of the Ruling party, how hard will it be to deliver on the promises of upgrading?
In other words, if we continue to pay our taxes as honest and law-abiding citizens, aren't we simply caught in a vicious cycle of politics?
If an oppositition party had access to the same resources, wouldn't it be equally realistic to expect the same?
In order to differentiate the two, we need to see beyond the treasure chest and look at them as talented, capable individuals with something to offer the constituents. In that regard, SMCs, not GRCs would offer a closer scrutiny of candidates from both sides. -
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To some extent, we are naturally tempted by the offerings of the Ruling Party.
Ans:Yes, I do agree on these. Partly, it is getting more as the numbers of needys had increased. And lot of dept ruined singaporeans including me.[/color]
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When a person is faced with a choice between an alternative candidate offering a voice in parliament against a PAP candidate offering material gains in the form of upgrading and added amenities, the choice may be relatively straight forward.
But is it truly a no-brainer?
What the Ruling party has campaigned at every election is based on an election strategy of material assets in the form of sports complexes, lift and HDB upgrading and the promise of clean and vibrant surroundings. In effect they have an 'election strategy' which is unleashed once every 6 odd years, and not a long term roadmap that stretches for say, 5 years.
Ans:Do we needs talented that come out with ideas such as more downsizing to stay afloat in market, pay cut, retrenchment and outsourcing. Telling us that we need to suffer because of their talents.
That is because of the screen saver posted by them. Besides that a lot of people still bearing the thinking that there will be no tommorrow with the existing talents. The answer is definitely no, if you know how the whole singapore system is runs. They will even more happlier to stay behind to serve us.
We should be grateful for them to use our own money for upgrading and they are grateful for giving them to serve us. Can we ask for a better service to PS21 standard?
Please get out of those issues.. This is only practicable if the economic is in good shape and when everyone is holding a quality paid job. How often you visited such places. Can we stay there when we got no place to sleep?
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Seeing as how the bottomless treasure chest of the reserves feeds the monetary aspect of the Ruling party, how hard will it be to deliver on the promises of upgrading?
Ans:
Ask yourself a simple question whose money is that?
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In other words, if we continue to pay our taxes as honest and law-abiding citizens, aren't we simply caught in a vicious cycle of politics?
Ans: It is only lawful for us to pay taxes as honest and law-abiding citzens, won't you? Only things that cannot agree is GST where everything is paying for.
GST is somethings that regardless, you earn or no earning. As long as you spend whether it's on Utilities, foods, fees, banking and other etcs. Singapore should only apply high tax for high earners and this money will go back to help the society.
Question and answer: Will the high earners leave singapore because of high tax. No, if he is loyal to singapore.
So if he is no loyal to singapore, we can have other talents to serve singapore.
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If an oppositition party had access to the same resources, wouldn't it be equally realistic to expect the same?
Ans:
They have their own formation, why follow? Only need to act when needed. Need no talent to follows, need heart to serve and solving immediate problems that all. Upgrading can only be a dream. Don't sleep with eye open.
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In order to differentiate the two, we need to see beyond the treasure chest and look at them as talented, capable individuals with something to offer the constituents. In that regard, SMCs, not GRCs would offer a closer scrutiny of candidates from both sides.
Ans:
At the end of the day, whose money is that? where it originated from?
Looking at a superband with a lead singer, while the other superband consists of many solo on their own. You choose. My choice is clear, if I am paying a ticket for a charity show for 2 hours.
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Is it gratefulness that we should display when the Ruling party uses our own taxpayer's money to improve living standards? Or relief that the money is being channelled to visible assets that are returning a reasonable dollar value from the people who legally paid their due?Originally posted by king108:We should be grateful for them to use our own money for upgrading and they are grateful for giving them to serve us. Can we ask for a better service to PS21 standard?
I shudder at the day my taxpayer's money is being used extensively in overseas acquisitions that reap little or no dividends and instead post short-term losses or create negative political implications between nations i.e. Shin Corp, Metropolis and Optus.
My point exactly. Take with your left hand, give with your right.Originally posted by king108:Ask yourself a simple question whose money is that?
Of course it is the legal right of the state to tax the people. It is only how the money is being used that we should question. If as i mentioned, it simply gets redistributed into upgrading kittys during elections and kept in reserve in other times, can we truly believe the govt when they claim budget 2006 is a generous (if not myopic) package to alleviate the financial burden of the lower-income group?Originally posted by king108:It is only lawful for us to pay taxes as honest and law-abiding citzens, won't you? Only things that cannot agree is GST where everything is paying for.
GST is somethings that regardless, you earn or no earning. As long as you spend whether it's on Utilities, foods, fees, banking and other etcs. Singapore should only apply high tax for high earners and this money will go back to help the society.
Question and answer: Will the high earners leave singapore because of high tax. No, if he is loyal to singapore.
So if he is no loyal to singapore, we can have other talents to serve singapore.
Note that Steve Chia, despite being given an unimpressive tirade by some know-it-all ministers, presented some potentially realistic economic data that pointed to funds and figures of the national reserves being manipulated at will, yet our PM and finance minister LHL chose not to answer the suggestions directly; an odd reaction given the PAP's past credentials for taking damaging statements to task with point-for-point rebuttals.
The real question is why not? The carrot and stick campaign agenda by which the Ruling Party's engine has been running for so long has proven to be a huge hit with the heartlands. So given a radical shift, isn't it natural that the winning party will string along on a winning note? Having a stout 'HEART' is evidently NOT GOOD ENOUGH in the eyes of the Ruling Party, who still pride themselves on paper qualifications and scholarly 'TALENTS'.Originally posted by king108:They have their own formation, why follow? Only need to act when needed. Need no talent to follows, need heart to serve and solving immediate problems that all. Upgrading can only be a dream. Don't sleep with eye open.
True, yet the same analogy cannot be applied here. Over the radio, the first thing that attracts you is the music, not the singers, be it a group-act or a solo-basis.Originally posted by king108:At the end of the day, whose money is that? where it originated from?
Looking at a superband with a lead singer, while the other superband consists of many solo on their own. You choose. My choice is clear, if I am paying a ticket for a charity show for 2 hours.
In politics, whether a person is credible enough to stand alone in the face of adversity and scrutiny by the public is the best bet that you will vote the RIGHT person into office. The latest plan to bring SM Goh on a campaign boost to drum up support in Hougang and Potong Pasir only leads me in the honest belief that Sitoh and Eric Low lack the ability to make the cut on their own merit, just like other nameless neophytes standing with heavy-weight ministers in other GRCs. -
Billy, read again with those with question marks?. Is for them to answer.Originally posted by BillyBong:True, yet the same analogy cannot be applied here. Over the radio, the first thing that attracts you is the music, not the singers, be it a group-act or a solo-basis.
In politics, whether a person is credible enough to stand alone in the face of adversity and scrutiny by the public is the best bet that you will vote the RIGHT person into office. The latest plan to bring SM Goh on a campaign boost to drum up support in Hougang and Potong Pasir only leads me in the honest belief that Sitoh and Eric Low lack the ability to make the cut on their own merit, just like other nameless neophytes standing with heavy-weight ministers in other GRCs.
Keep it simple, don't go aboard. (CSJ's tactic can't work and will not) domestic problem is big enough. No one will feed the pain and rally behind you when you are going to talk about oversea investment.
Read my statement on the superband again at another view. You will find another version of the statement.
Finally, thing immediately concerned Singapore singaporean is the only thing worthed to talk. Not for a single me or you, that will not improve our life. -
Yes...unfortunately, (no offence) to re-read your post is tortuous enough.Originally posted by king108:Billy, read again with those with question marks?. Is for them to answer.
Keep it simple, don't go aboard. (CSJ's tactic can't work and will not) domestic problem is big enough. No one will feed the pain and rally behind you when you are going to talk about oversea investment.
Read my statement on the superband again at another view. You will find another version of the statement.
Finally, thing immediately concerned Singapore singaporean is the only thing worthed to talk. Not for a single me or you, that will not improve our life.
i suppose your 'them' is the Sg Govt? But you will get no answers from them here.
Unfortunately, most locals only concern themselves with bread and butter issues, which while being key issues during any elections, overshadows the frivalous spending and ultimately futile ventures made overseas, to which the people have little inkling or simply cannot be bothered with.
Keep in mind these are YOUR taxpayers monies being fretted away in some wild investment plan without adequate analysis.
As for superbands, it doesn't matter whether it's one person or the whole group, what does matter is the music; the same applies to politics. -
Sorry to torture you for reading my statements. Yes is them.Originally posted by BillyBong:Yes...unfortunately, (no offence) to re-read your post is tortuous enough.
i suppose your 'them' is the Sg Govt? But you will get no answers from them here.
Unfortunately, most locals only concern themselves with bread and butter issues, which while being key issues during any elections, overshadows the frivalous spending and ultimately futile ventures made overseas, to which the people have little inkling or simply cannot be bothered with.
Keep in mind these are YOUR taxpayers monies being fretted away in some wild investment plan without adequate analysis.
As for superbands, it doesn't matter whether it's one person or the whole group, what does matter is the music; the same applies to politics.
My background is a bit complex, English educated, familiar with chinese histories especially on war tactics and practical engineering.
Simple question is a followers - talented? My answer is still a follower. (Refer to the one that got lead singer in the group) So don't classify them as talent, the most is called a team player in a corporate world.
I am not saying that music is not important, however, I would put the lyric first and choose a suitable music that brand into.
Regarding the superband is as follows:-
(If everyone can be a solo and form a band, wouldn't he be a talented? Cause he can come out with something where follower don't dare, and have many room for him to excel).
No choices that somehow this basic need came back to priority again after our MM let go his hand. There wasn't a need to hand out goodies when everyone is happily working and society is peaceful. Where had all our pride gone and needed to ask for goodies handout. Do you wanted to grow into a habit of expecting goodies. No, the answer if we are still happily working. It can only be an insult to we singaporean. (Some top gun actually say it in Channel U debate which make me
)
Without securing that basic needs, many singaporean will be filling out the reclaimed land or else be superhero or superwoman no wanting to state superkid. Just today chinese sin min, a NTU IT grad turn property agent committed sucide on 13 Jan 2006. Not to speculate on this. How would the feeling be like if you are a graduate.
I would not wanted to touch on those issues that has higher priority to you. It is like cannon ball without gun powder when fired (Sorry to say that) but it's true.
You can try getting some inspiration from our recent late co-founder, his teaching is definitely good.
Most important remarks:
I had nothing unhappy about paying tax, as long as I have a stable income. No income, no tax. If you are a high earner, you should be proud of paying more because you are contributing in the developing of a nation and helping the society that needs. Wouldn't it be generous of that tax payer. We saluate him. ( I strong recommend heavy tax for earner of $10K and above). They will be glad to pay for. Afterall it is the duty of a citizen should do and should be proud for doing so. If I have that kind of income, I will definitely happily and looking forwarded to pay for it to do my part for this society.
On the GST part, without a stable income, yet to pay 5 cents for every dollars for everythings including your potable water can be a big problems. -
Evidently, it is nice to hear that there are still down-to-earth people who are happy with the basic needs, some of which has still not been fulfilled.Originally posted by king108:Sorry to torture you for reading my statements. Yes is them.
My background is a bit complex, English educated, familiar with chinese histories especially on war tactics and practical engineering.
Simple question is a followers - talented? My answer is still a follower. (Refer to the one that got lead singer in the group) So don't classify them as talent, the most is called a team player in a corporate world.
I am not saying that music is not important, however, I would put the lyric first and choose a suitable music that brand into.
Regarding the superband is as follows:-
(If everyone can be a solo and form a band, wouldn't he be a talented? Cause he can come out with something where follower don't dare, and have many room for him to excel).
No choices that somehow this basic need came back to priority again after our MM let go his hand. There wasn't a need to hand out goodies when everyone is happily working and society is peaceful. Where had all our pride gone and needed to ask for goodies handout. Do you wanted to grow into a habit of expecting goodies. No, the answer if we are still happily working. It can only be an insult to we singaporean. (Some top gun actually say it in Channel U debate which make me )
Without securing that basic needs, many singaporean will be filling out the reclaimed land or else be superhero or superwoman no wanting to state superkid. Just today chinese sin min, a NTU IT grad turn property agent committed sucide on 13 Jan 2006. Not to speculate on this. How would the feeling be like if you are a graduate.
I would not wanted to touch on those issues that has higher priority to you. It is like cannon ball without gun powder when fired (Sorry to say that) but it's true.
You can try getting some inspiration from our recent late co-founder, his teaching is definitely good.
Most important remarks:
I had nothing unhappy about paying tax, as long as I have a stable income. No income, no tax. If you are a high earner, you should be proud of paying more because you are contributing in the developing of a nation and helping the society that needs. Wouldn't it be generous of that tax payer. We saluate him. ( I strong recommend heavy tax for earner of $10K and above). They will be glad to pay for. Afterall it is the duty of a citizen should do and should be proud for doing so. If I have that kind of income, I will definitely happily and looking forwarded to pay for it to do my part for this society.
On the GST part, without a stable income, yet to pay 5 cents for every dollars for everythings including your potable water can be a big problems.
Evidently, my position was not so much on merely unnecessary overseas investments made by the govt, but rather the good this money could have done had it been channelled into other endowment funds or housing grants to needy people to offset the rising costs of living and other basic necessities: aka your basic bread and butter.
This could have in effect, reduced the shortcomings of the budget 2006 plan and actually have a long term roadmap for locals, especially in the lower income group.
How can we be expected to accept a plan that works today with no tomorrow in sight?
On another aspect, we have been drilled in the mentality that to be successful, you have to be a graduate. This is an incorrect claim by the govt, who are only recently, subtlely attempting to boost the image of ITEs and Polytechnics by giving them a wholesome image and complete makeover.
After all, to run a factory, who's gonna do the grunt work? One cannot expect to rely exclusively on foreign labour forever as the cost of labour is slowly going up. Coupled with a pool of locals who are skilled but marginalised by many as 2nd graders, this mentality can only lead to a negative impact on the 2nd tier education programme and our lack of respect for it.
A graduate committing suicide is a shock; how many unreported cases of lower-skilled local suicides will it take to galvanise a sleeping government that they cannot treat our local population like a production line i.e. to fill a need when needed?
Many comprehend the difficulty of the job market today, but how many are willing to adapt themselves to different industries outside their major? In this aspect, should we blame the govt or the deepseated mentality that has been wrongly inculcated in us since young? -
Will it kill us to have 20 opposition MPs?
Fellow BillyBong
At the end of the day, somehow we have some kind of common understanding.
However, I am more concern on local immediate issues.
I read the headling of the article the other ways Will it kill us to have 20 opposition MPs. It actually not hinding or meant for any singapore citzen like us.
Who will be killed by 20 opposition MPs immediately ... after the polling date. (It is someone inside them)
What can 20 opposition MPs do to prevent the country from developing. (They can't use "VETO", not even 2/3 to block any passing of bills.
As long as they never so claimed that they are talents, their job is to not to propose great ideas. They just need to be there to encourage the talented to come out with new better idea whose consent is developing the singapore as a nation. It is the government's duty to run the nation, no the opposition. Unless they be the next government
Of course they still need to carry out service for resident that given the chance to them to serve us.
I think the editor may be hinding to someone else with this headline.
[b]I had seen talent that only know cut-cost, cut-head, cut-here, cut-there. Any gardener or hair dresser will be qualified for cutting.[/b]
I will saluate and respected those that can create growth in quality employment and still competitive without sacrificing singapore singaporean's pride. -
ill vote for whoever dat can put 500 bucks in my bank account.
dun have.
and dbs juz took 2 bucks as service charge.
NO VOTE FOR PAP! -
20 more will give times..believe it.Originally posted by Ito_^:ill vote for whoever dat can put 500 bucks in my bank account.
dun have.
and dbs juz took 2 bucks as service charge.
NO VOTE FOR PAP!
10,000 can take 6mths break go holiday leh. -
The smart thing for people to understand is that if they want more goodies from the government, you vote for the opposition.
This way, as more and more opposition gets voted into Parliament, the government will go all out to try to win back the constituencies it lost to the opposition.
Abalone porridge? Pfft.
Don't be surprised next time, you will be offered buffet spreads comparable to 5 star hotel standards if a GRC falls to the opposition. -
not goodies, important is we can find job, becouse i am over 40, and most company i call up they say i am too old, this contradict the government policy to employ worker beyond 40 and retire at 62. So what for i vote for PAP if they cant give me jobsOriginally posted by charlize:The smart thing for people to understand is that if they want more goodies from the government, you vote for the opposition.
This way, as more and more opposition gets voted into Parliament, the government will go all out to try to win back the constituencies it lost to the opposition.
Abalone porridge? Pfft.
Don't be surprised next time, you will be offered buffet spreads comparable to 5 star hotel standards if a GRC falls to the opposition. -
I started my SME to promote service, engineering, calibration, trading and R&D last year, wasn't able to get funding because got no balance sheet for 2 years.Originally posted by t_a_s:not goodies, important is we can find job, becouse i am over 40, and most company i call up they say i am too old, this contradict the government policy to employ worker beyond 40 and retire at 62. So what for i vote for PAP if they cant give me jobs
Applied for PE (6 months waiting), the interviewer (high salaried officers) make you "difficult" to go further, even you can tell them without cannot do the works. (SME).
I wrote to them again, telling them I will withdraw from some business and bye bye to my worker if we are not given the right to practise any more. Also "bo cha". Cause cannot match foreigner especially labour cost while the rest is the same.
With me having license was to pay the difference to my workers only by getting job for them cause I did not ask for pay cut from them. I don't even dream of going china to promote calibration as I got no paper. Experience
cannot move.
Likely, I am sending 4 of my staffs off by this April (another 4 jobless) if I really don't have the license.
Ready hardup, MP also cannot help. How to vote for them. Better get 20 in and get 5000 -10000 cash. -
The problem is that people tend to associate all the good work with the ruling party and not highlight enough of those raised or done in the opposition wards. And given the few opposition members around, we seldom hear much of what they do or their sacrifices? So, naturally the mindset is that all the good benefits will all be taken away if one voted for the opposition. But why would it be bad to have more oppositions? If it takes a longer time to come to decisions in parliament, it only means that one is guaranteed that all voices are heard, issues are clearly analyzed. Why is there so much threat in that?
Contrary to beliefs, having more opposition members will not make things worst; infact, one may have the reverse. Unless, there are ways the system just makes it more difficult for the opposition MPs to serve their wards better? Then, there are obviously problems with this format such that it must be reviewed? From the speeches and media, I seem to get that impression (maybe I am wrong), but wouldn't it be some kind of veiled threat? E.g. if you are in the opposition ward, we wouldn't listen to you, lowest priorities, be stuck in 1980s (and images of gloomy buildings or derelit structures stick out). And going back to the basics, one should ask what are the duties of the MP? To listen to their residents, bring forward a case/issue, and help them solve their problems etc. So, how do we judge the calibre of the mp? Should one be so quick and dead sure that an opposition mp will not be equally or more hardworking and capable than a candidate from the ruling party stable especially the new faces? Sometimes it is not the qualifications or how much tea party one should pass through in order to meet the so called 'stringent criterias', you can still get all sorts of people.
If it is the genuine care and concern, how one connects with the residents and help them with issues that makes a good mp, does it matter if it was an equally dedicated opposition mp? In this vein, a good mp is one who dares to speak up because there is a pressing issue, and will not mince his/her word or conform for the sake of backlash from the party or senior members. then, it would seem that the opposition mps have an advantage since he would have less baggage and will do even more to prove his or her worth in helping the residents? Unless the external conditions make it difficult to do so? then, this must be addressed. and is this the real issue? in life, do you give others enough chance and opportunities so that you yourself have an equal chance and opportunity at doing something, whether for yourself or to serve others? maybe it is good to think along this line or one will just be stuck in time, and it will take an even longer time to strive towrads true democracy. it is one thing for a small voice to be heard, and another thing if it becomes accepted and whether things get changed as a result. it is time to share the pie, but who decides? can one make a difference? And howlong would it take for there to be 20 opposition mps in parliament? at the rate it is going, half a century to be very optimistic or maybe not? Will that be a happy or sad day for singaporeans?Originally posted by king108:
Will it kill us to have 20 opposition MPs?
Fellow BillyBong
At the end of the day, somehow we have some kind of common understanding.
However, I am more concern on local immediate issues.
I read the headling of the article the other ways [b]Will it kill us to have 20 opposition MPs. It actually not hinding or meant for any singapore citzen like us.
Who will be killed by 20 opposition MPs immediately ... after the polling date. (It is someone inside them)
What can 20 opposition MPs do to prevent the country from developing. (They can't use "VETO", not even 2/3 to block any passing of bills.
As long as they never so claimed that they are talents, their job is to not to propose great ideas. They just need to be there to encourage the talented to come out with new better idea whose consent is developing the singapore as a nation. It is the government's duty to run the nation, no the opposition. Unless they be the next government Of course they still need to carry out service for resident that given the chance to them to serve us.
I think the editor may be hinding to someone else with this headline.
[b]I had seen talent that only know cut-cost, cut-head, cut-here, cut-there. Any gardener or hair dresser will be qualified for cutting.[/b]
I will saluate and respected those that can create growth in quality employment and still competitive without sacrificing singapore singaporean's pride.
[/b] -
I'd rather elect someone who has to prove himself in the work he is given as an MP, rather than a tea-party veteran who might have the safety of being able to switch GRCs next election, due to current PAP dominance of Parliament.
-
Sorry, I am a bit slow, can define what you actually meant. Thanks.Originally posted by LazerLordz:I'd rather elect someone who has to prove himself in the work he is given as an MP, rather than a tea-party veteran who might have the safety of being able to switch GRCs next election, due to current PAP dominance of Parliament. -
Originally posted by king108:
In simple English, it means vote for opposition party members who have done their best in helping their residents despite overwhelming odds and lack of resources, not some very rich MP who appears once every 5 years during election time to show his face and is likely absent for the majority of the Parliament sessions because he has more important things to attend to like his 10 over directorships in the GLCs.
[b]Sorry, I am a bit slow, can define what you actually meant. Thanks.
[/b] -
I "studied no much" mah...Originally posted by charlize:In simple English, it means vote for opposition party members who have done their best in helping their residents despite overwhelming odds and lack of resources, not some very rich MP who appears once every 5 years during election time to show his face and is likely absent for the majority of the Parliament sessions because he has more important things to attend to like his 10 over directorships in the GLCs. 
Roger over, got your message..that why Eric say got many ideas, and 10 golden years...you understand.
Resource very difficult, unless GRC.
Single seat, tip bits only. Cannot grow. After sometimes can die because of not having nutrition.Cannot growth.
GRC is the pie, then can growth. Children also fit fit.
No risk no gain.. this is the best time..and no other time. Look at meet people section, can tell the figures, (these are registered group, still a lot struggling, "no face" to ask help one. Anyway, what help can they give...sighed..by then sleep road leh...sighed...
Lift cannot sleep, wake up every floor. -
Originally posted by CosmoKing:decides? can one make a difference? And howlong would it take for there to be 20 opposition mps in parliament? at the rate it is going, half a century to be very optimistic or maybe not? Will that be a happy or sad day for singaporeans? My answer to this part."Is now or never"
Best time to hammer..make sure correct spots that all. Else forget everythings.and bye bye (No hope leh)..If you don't want to see your graduate son's merc at IR taxi stands while your hot hot daughter sitting at the lobby waving hands... -
It is interesting that the ST writer only stopped at the number 20, - why only 20 Opposition Member into Parliament only ?
Is it obvious that having 20 Opposition Members being elected into Parliament can hardly kill Singapore's economy.
The question seems to hint that having the Opposition taking over the reins of Government may kill Singapore, jeopardising the economy and job creation; and obviously the future of Singapore.
However, can this possibly happen IF - and WHEN - the Opposition get the miraculous opportunity to form the next Government ?
I would think that the present incumbent Ruling Political Party - with all its associates already well placed in the various Government Agencies and Government Linked Companies - will give the Opposition Government a hard time for at least the first TWO YEARS in Government.
There will be a problem with DISCIPLINE and TOWING the new Government Line, when the POWER OF ONE will probably be still pulling the strings behind the scene, with secret meetings being held with the POWER OF ONE that has been voted out.
This was the experience in Taiwan, when the KMT was voted out of Government, and the DPP had a tough time to rein in the leadership of all the Government Agencies and GLCs that were appointed by the KMT.
With FORTY YEARS of uninterrupted rule by the present Ruling Political Party, nearly every niche of Government and NON-Government related activities have been politicized by their appointments of individuals who are associated with Party Politics.
This scenario will most likely kill Singapore if an Opposition Government cannot come up to speed when they are presented with the opportunity to form a Government.
Can the Opposition form a credible Government with the present lot of candidates that they have selected for the next election ?
We should believe that even the least educated but with a track record in any enterprise would deem to qualify - even if the candidate is a bankrupt, as he would have paid the ultimate price of learning in the real world.
When the Opposition candidate is a graduate - is he or she any different from the graduate candidate that prefer to take shelter in the bigger umbrella of the incumbent Ruling Political Party ?
Any Singaporean looking for a job, will be facing similar ridiculous situation - in which the most frustrating demand from the Employer is that the applicant must have some years of EXPERIENCE even if educational qualification is up to par.
If every Employer refuse or cannot provide the environment to train but prefer to poach the employee from his experience with some other companies, can the economy be developing for the better ?
Similarly, if SINGAPOREANS refused to allow NEW PEOPLE to gain experience in Government, and continuously depend only on ONE PARTY to govern us,
WILL WE EVER KNOW IF SOME OTHER POLITICAL PARTY CAN SERVE US BETTER ?
Should we impose this frustrating barrier any more towards someone who has made his or hers first sacrifice to offer themselves as Candidates in the Opposition Camp to service Singaporeans ?
If the Opposition Candidates have no real world experience in Government - neither did LKY and his First Generation Team of Leaders back in the 1950s, when they only relied on their individual cunning, fighting spirit, and meaness in politiking in their fight for political power.
If a Nation can learn from History, surely we can depend on the learned Opposition Candidates to learn from the last FIFTY YEARS of Self-Rule and Independence as recorded in the archive of events, so as to be able to take over the reins of Government.
We should not see forum threads that display doubting headlines towards the Opposition any further, and make irrelevant such topics as :-
Opposition Candidates disappointing
Will it kill us to have 20 Opposition Members ? -
Originally posted by Atobe:
It is interesting that the ST writer only stopped at the number 20, - why only 20 Opposition Member into Parliament only ?
Is it obvious that having 20 Opposition Members being elected into Parliament can hardly kill Singapore's economy.
The question seems to hint that having the Opposition taking over the reins of Government may kill Singapore, jeopardising the economy and job creation; and obviously the future of Singapore.
However, can this possibly happen IF - and WHEN - the Opposition get the miraculous opportunity to form the next Government ?
I would think that the present incumbent Ruling Political Party - with all its associates already well placed in the various Government Agencies and Government Linked Companies - will give the Opposition Government a hard time for at least the first TWO YEARS in Government.
There will be a problem with DISCIPLINE and TOWING the new Government Line, when the POWER OF ONE will probably be still pulling the strings behind the scene, with secret meetings being held with the POWER OF ONE that has been voted out.
This was the experience in Taiwan, when the KMT was voted out of Government, and the DPP had a tough time to rein in the leadership of all the Government Agencies and GLCs that were appointed by the KMT.
With FORTY YEARS of uninterrupted rule by the present Ruling Political Party, nearly every niche of Government and NON-Government related activities have been politicized by their appointments of individuals who are associated with Party Politics.
This scenario will most likely kill Singapore if an Opposition Government cannot come up to speed when they are presented with the opportunity to form a Government.
Can the Opposition form a credible Government with the present lot of candidates that they have selected for the next election ?
We should believe that even the least educated but with a track record in any enterprise would deem to qualify - even if the candidate is a bankrupt, as he would have paid the ultimate price of learning in the real world.
When the Opposition candidate is a graduate - is he or she any different from the graduate candidate that prefer to take shelter in the bigger umbrella of the incumbent Ruling Political Party ?
Any Singaporean looking for a job, will be facing similar ridiculous situation - in which the most frustrating demand from the Employer is that the applicant must have some years of EXPERIENCE even if educational qualification is up to par.
If every Employer refuse or cannot provide the environment to train but prefer to poach the employee from his experience with some other companies, can the economy be developing for the better ?
Similarly, if SINGAPOREANS refused to allow NEW PEOPLE to gain experience in Government, and continuously depend only on ONE PARTY to govern us,
[b]WILL WE EVER KNOW IF SOME OTHER POLITICAL PARTY CAN SERVE US BETTER ?
Should we impose this frustrating barrier any more towards someone who has made his or hers first sacrifice to offer themselves as Candidates in the Opposition Camp to service Singaporeans ?
If the Opposition Candidates have no real world experience in Government - neither did LKY and his First Generation Team of Leaders back in the 1950s, when they only relied on their individual cunning, fighting spirit, and meaness in politiking in their fight for political power.
If a Nation can learn from History, surely we can depend on the learned Opposition Candidates to learn from the last FIFTY YEARS of Self-Rule and Independence as recorded in the archive of events, so as to be able to take over the reins of Government.
We should not see forum threads that display doubting headlines towards the Opposition any further, and make irrelevant such topics as :-
Opposition Candidates disappointing
Will it kill us to have 20 Opposition Members ?
[/b] Refer to my earlier posting. Some answers can be found.
By knowing the system operation, you can have good night sleep regardless of whoever headed. -
No doubt that such a situation will shock the ruling party out of their comfortable sofa seats; imagine a REAL Parliament suddenly alive with plenty of alternative ideas, less nodding of heads (photo inset: MM Lee caught dozing off on camera) and a parliament more open to ACTUAL DISCUSSION?Originally posted by Atobe:It is interesting that the ST writer only stopped at the number 20, - why only 20 Opposition Member into Parliament only ?
Is it obvious that having 20 Opposition Members being elected into Parliament can hardly kill Singapore's economy.
The question seems to hint that having the Opposition taking over the reins of Government may kill Singapore, jeopardising the economy and job creation; and obviously the future of Singapore.
However, can this possibly happen IF - and WHEN - the Opposition get the miraculous opportunity to form the next Government ?
I would think that the present incumbent Ruling Political Party - with all its associates already well placed in the various Government Agencies and Government Linked Companies - will give the Opposition Government a hard time for at least the first TWO YEARS in Government.
There will be a problem with DISCIPLINE and TOWING the new Government Line, when the POWER OF ONE will probably be still pulling the strings behind the scene, with secret meetings being held with the POWER OF ONE that has been voted out.
This was the experience in Taiwan, when the KMT was voted out of Government, and the DPP had a tough time to rein in the leadership of all the Government Agencies and GLCs that were appointed by the KMT.
With FORTY YEARS of uninterrupted rule by the present Ruling Political Party, nearly every niche of Government and NON-Government related activities have been politicized by their appointments of individuals who are associated with Party Politics.
This scenario will most likely kill Singapore if an Opposition Government cannot come up to speed when they are presented with the opportunity to form a Government.
Can the Opposition form a credible Government with the present lot of candidates that they have selected for the next election ?
We should believe that even the least educated but with a track record in any enterprise would deem to qualify - even if the candidate is a bankrupt, as he would have paid the ultimate price of learning in the real world.
When the Opposition candidate is a graduate - is he or she any different from the graduate candidate that prefer to take shelter in the bigger umbrella of the incumbent Ruling Political Party ?
Any Singaporean looking for a job, will be facing similar ridiculous situation - in which the most frustrating demand from the Employer is that the applicant must have some years of EXPERIENCE even if educational qualification is up to par.
If every Employer refuse or cannot provide the environment to train but prefer to poach the employee from his experience with some other companies, can the economy be developing for the better ?
Similarly, if SINGAPOREANS refused to allow NEW PEOPLE to gain experience in Government, and continuously depend only on ONE PARTY to govern us,
WILL WE EVER KNOW IF SOME OTHER POLITICAL PARTY CAN SERVE US BETTER ?
Should we impose this frustrating barrier any more towards someone who has made his or hers first sacrifice to offer themselves as Candidates in the Opposition Camp to service Singaporeans ?
If the Opposition Candidates have no real world experience in Government - neither did LKY and his First Generation Team of Leaders back in the 1950s, when they only relied on their individual cunning, fighting spirit, and meaness in politiking in their fight for political power.
If a Nation can learn from History, surely we can depend on the learned Opposition Candidates to learn from the last FIFTY YEARS of Self-Rule and Independence as recorded in the archive of events, so as to be able to take over the reins of Government.
We should not see forum threads that display doubting headlines towards the Opposition any further, and make irrelevant such topics as :-
Opposition Candidates disappointing
Will it kill us to have 20 Opposition Members ?
The Ruling Party will certainly not offer any opportunity to any of these 20 should they make it to office in what is likely to be a titanic sweep during the polls. So why bother to suggest how difficult it will be running a nation while clearing out crap from entrenched ex-PAP politicials and ministers still with one foot on the gas, adamently refusing to let go?
The situation for Chaim and Low is already untenable and doubly tough. They make more established MPs and ministers like Lim Swee Sway and Abdullah Tarmugi seem lightweight, considering that neither has actually PARTICIPATED in a REAL ELECTION, having presided in walkovers in the past. We don't even have to mention other nameless armchair neophytes who have never experienced an actual contest, remaining in the shadows of heavyweights.
A quick but sure example can be Tanjong Pagar GRC. If MM Lee were to retire and no heavyweight is thrown in to salvage the constituency, will the people actually vote in the remaining 4 unknown candidates? Incidently, what have these 4 nameless neophytes done for their constituents?
Perhaps only a handful of current MPs can claim to have contested an election and actually 'WON'. Lee Yock Suan can no doubt draw strength from his narrow win in now defunct Cheng San GRC. That experience must have been his most rewarding election feeling: like going into a soccer match and winning by the odd goal.
Will it Kill to have 20 opposition members in parliament? Apparently...to the lightning bolt....yes.
It would be seen as abject FAILURE and the start of a crumbling decline of an autocratic regime. -
I would only considered that SM is going to PP and HG to held the 2 non-ruling parties chief to their bay only.
As a SM, he will definiitely win if he himself go to PP or HG. It is easy for him to switch Eric or Sito to his GRC and himself out. SM coming out from GRC is a small matter really. The problem is that PP and HG is so small, winning will bring glory to PAP, but may no be SM personally.
As a heavy weight member wining a small non-ruling party chief may lead others to consider it's a laughting stock in our singapore history. Reason being very simple, using heavy weight to beat a small timer.
The way thing is going seen to me like he also banked in all his political capital. I am worry that the seat still remained to the non ruling parties. He will have problem facing our PM and those new candidates..sighed.....
The 2 non-ruling parties chief may be helded to their bay because of his presence. However, should they wanted to improve on their position. They can defence their fortess with 1 familiar lieutenant each while lead the troop to search for new fountiers. They are the only 2 knowned established non-ruling members to all singaporean, if they don't lead no one else can.
This coming GE can be very tactically, and also the topics that they wanted to bring across to the voters. Polish their logos, themes, visions and needs not to worry so much on qualification as heart can be more important. Some will needs to sacifire for the remaining of their fellow members. For the bigger frontier, I think it's still worthed.
As mentioned, 20 members cannot rule the nation, stop any bill that can improve singaporean commoner's life.
However, with 20 members, one thing for sure... bills and passing of bills will not be that easy anymore. We can expect bills amedments to be warmth hearted writen with passion feeling for all singaporean.
Upgrading topic can no and should no be longer a topic that be used for the debate of future election. If the ruling parties is still thinking of using it, let them use. I think with a proper planned, and no fear all out counter attack. Likely to see a new and bigger frontier for the 2 of non-ruling parties- Chiam and Low.
I think can only say sorry to SM..