Is CSJ a hooligan politician as portrayed by our press?
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What a load of bull!Originally posted by LazerLordz:that's the biggest problem. Citizens should have the power to request for information to make an informed choice rather than have to get elected. This culture has to change, politics for the elite is not politics for the people.
If we had a FOIA legislation that empowers any ordinary citizen with legal assistance to issue a binding request for records and any information not covered under the OSA or ISA, many problems like lack of transparency would have been solved.
Can I, as citizen, request your name, NRIC number and address to make an informed choice about the validity of what you said? Are you not hiding behind information fog?
Given what I have seen of CSJ capability to have selective reading of facts and ability to contort, conjure and what was the last thing about % over % crap accounting. I am not sure I want to even tell him where I go for kpoi. -
Hi BillyBong, refresh me on what important points and arguments that CSJ has brought up? Sensational and "how I wish those were true" points are hardly things a responsible political party leader clamour to spout, in domestic or international arena. I half suspect CSJ say all these things to make himself famous and shown as a defender of free speech and freedom.Originally posted by BillyBong:We should not whitewash freedom of speech simply because of the extreme manner in which Chee chooses to exercise it.
As many have already pointed out, Chee has indeed raised some very important points and arguments which the ruling party has chosen to sidestep.
But due to his ruined credibility, the Ruling party is able to convincingly claim that Chee is making wild and baseless accusations, thereby opening himself to a barrage of legal action. -
This is Chee Soon Juan's message to all Singaporeans.
25 Apr 06
The Singapore Democrats have been ordered to remove our podcasts, including
the address Dr Chee Soon Juan gave regarding the persecuting of the SDP and
its leaders. Below is the text of the speech.
My fellow Singaporeans,
This is Chee Soon Juan The elections are upon us again and the Singapore
Democrats are busy preparing for the polls on May 6.
But unlike previous campaigns, this one is a little different in that even
before the hustings begin, the PAP is up to its favourite tactic of suing
its opponents for defamation. It is certainly whipping up anti-SDP
sentiments through the mass media that it controls.
But that's not all. The PAP is hell-bent on crippling the SDP's election
campaign.
First, it bans podcasting knowing full well that we had set up our podcast
last year specifically so that we can better reach out to voters in this
election.
Two, MM Lee Kuan Yew and his son, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have sued
our Party for defamation.
Three, the PAP has even gone after the SDP's printer, Mr David Sum, who is
now so fearful he dares not print our election material.
Four, everywhere that we go for our walkabouts, undercover police agents are
on hand to harass us and issue us warnings.
Five, the PAP is so desperate that it has even changed the rules to bar both
Mr J B Jeyaretnam and I from speaking at the election rallies. It goes to
the extent to rule that no one can read my speeches out for me at the
rallies.
Let me ask you one simple question: Does this sound like a Government that
is confident of the popular support that it claims to have or does this
sound more like an insecure regime determined to prevent the SDP from
telling voters its views and competing with the PAP for votes?
Mr Lee Kuan Yew says that Singapore should have a First World Government and
opposition. I couldn't agree more. But I'd like to remind him that First
World Governments don't sue their political opponents or their printers,
they don't have police officers tailing the opposition wherever they go out
to meet voters, or prevent them from speaking at election rallies, or ban
podcasting.
What First World Governments do is to have public debates with their
opponents uncensored and unedited so that voters can watch and make up their
own minds. To this end, I would like to invite Mr Lee Kuan Yew and/or Mr Lee
Hsien Loong to demonstrate the PAP's First World-ness by engaging my
colleagues and I in public debate during one of our rallies - telecast live.
This would be a wonderful opportunity for the PAP to show how much of a
First World government it is and if what Mr Lee Kuan Yew says about the SDP
being a 'hooligan' party is true or not. The SDP is confident of letting the
people of Singapore be the judge. What about the PAP?
The truth of the matter is that Singaporeans must not let the PAP dictate
what kind of an opposition Singapore should have. The state-controlled media
will portray the SDP as a party not worthy of the people's support. That's
not surprising because the Singapore Democrats are openly calling for reform
of our political system and for the Government to truly serve the people and
not vice versa. The PAP is terrified of this message and wants to shut the
party down.
An opposition must speak clearly and loudly when the people are being
bullied, when ministers are paying themselves millions of dollars in
salaries while the people continue to take cuts in their wages and CPF.
An opposition must spell out its alternative ideas clearly as we have done
in our newspaper and various books and reports.
An opposition must not be intimidated by the ruling party no matter how
tough the going gets.
Because ultimately an opposition exists to keep democracy alive by speaking
up for the people.
Clearly, the Government is going all out to crush the Singapore Democrats.
It wants to shut the SDP down. We're not surprised by this because that's
what undemocratic regimes do to parties that call for reform - reform so
that power can be rightly returned to the citizens.
Everything I've done, I've done it with our nation at heart. You may not
agree with everything I say or do. But you cannot accuse me of not speaking
up for the people. I love my country as much as anyone else in Singapore.
But loving my country and being loyal to it doesn't mean I have to bow down
to the PAP and look the other way when injustice occurs.
We, the members of the SDP, will continue to speak up and we will tell the
PAP when it is wrong no matter how much we are persecuted. We will not
kow-tow to bullying and to arrogance.
We will continue to speak up and to fight for you. Why? Because Singapore
belongs to us Singaporeans, not the PAP. Whatever happens in this election,
the SDP will always remain true to our beliefs, our people and, most
important, our nation.
Thank you and may God bless all of you and your loved ones.
Hhm..He certainly doesn't sound like a hooligan.In my opinion I think LKY keep calling him a hooligan not because Chee Soon Juan is really a hooligan but because LKY is frightened of his message to all Singaporeans .His questions and demands for transparency and accountability from the Pap seems to really make them shiver .I wonder why the Pap is so scared if they have nothing to hide.. -
Like so many others, you prefer to see Chee for how he expresses himself, not for the points he makes. Incidently, you have 'hit the tree, but missed the entire forest".Originally posted by Blue Dolphin:Hi BillyBong, refresh me on what important points and arguments that CSJ has brought up? Sensational and "how I wish those were true" points are hardly things a responsible political party leader clamour to spout, in domestic or international arena. I half suspect CSJ say all these things to make himself famous and shown as a defender of free speech and freedom.
1) Everyone has speculated on the close ties and links between the manner NKF is run and how the Ruling party runs Singapore. Yet ONLY Chee brought the issue from kopitiam talk out into the open.
2) The issue of ministerial salaries has been brought up many times before, but Chee actually tried to show that while the people were taking CPF and wage cuts during the financial crisis, the minister's pay was effectively restored within a fixed time period. Were the people made aware of this fact had he not brought the issue to light?
I doubt so.
Would you like to know more? Get a copy of the New Democrat and perhaps you will witness first hand how 'dirty' politics can be. Chee is correct to say that the Police seems to take a particular interest in SDP affairs when they sell their newsletter. A uniformed officer is usually within visual distance. Deepseated insecurity perhaps? Or genuine work?
You decide. They frequent Yishun MRT often. -
BillyBong, NOT EVERYONE has speculated on what you mention. I fail to see any connection. In fact, I felt the NKF issues were well handled by Health Minister. He earned my respect as a Health Minister and as a politician.Originally posted by BillyBong:Like so many others, you prefer to see Chee for how he expresses himself, not for the points he makes. Incidently, you have 'hit the tree, but missed the entire forest".
1) Everyone has speculated on the close ties and links between the manner NKF is run and how the Ruling party runs Singapore. Yet ONLY Chee brought the issue from kopitiam talk out into the open.
2) The issue of ministerial salaries has been brought up many times before, but Chee actually tried to show that while the people were taking CPF and wage cuts during the financial crisis, the minister's pay was effectively restored within a fixed time period. Were the people made aware of this fact had he not brought the issue to light?
I doubt so.
Would you like to know more? Get a copy of the New Democrat and perhaps you will witness first hand how 'dirty' politics can be. Chee is correct to say that the Police seems to take a particular interest in SDP affairs when they sell their newsletter. A uniformed officer is usually within visual distance. Deepseated insecurity perhaps? Or genuine work?
You decide. They frequent Yishun MRT often.
Do you know that during the financial crisis, some wealthy individuals made more money than before the crisis? Perhaps you and I suffered a pay-cut. I know I did but not sure if you did. But does that mean we have the right to wish it upon all other people? Including Minister? I believed their pay is pegged to (using a formula that I really do not know) the pay of top few professionals. Much as I like to be one of those professionals, I am not. Thing is, they made more money, unless you say IRAS is collecting more tax from them than allowed and they coughed it up without making a fuss....
Sorry to quote and paraphrase you but "like so few of you, you failed to see Chee for who he is and what he stands for........ Darth Vader!!"
I think the moderator better lock this threat.... someone hijacked it for broadcasting DARTH VADER message.... think not allowed hor -
I wonder how Durai n his accomplices can pay for the damages?Originally posted by Blue Dolphin:BillyBong, NOT EVERYONE has speculated on what you mention. I fail to see any connection. In fact, I felt the NKF issues were well handled by Health Minister. He earned my respect as a Health Minister and as a politician.
Do you know that during the financial crisis, some wealthy individuals made more money than before the crisis? Perhaps you and I suffered a pay-cut. I know I did but not sure if you did. But does that mean we have the right to wish it upon all other people? Including Minister? I believed their pay is pegged to (using a formula that I really do not know) the pay of top few professionals. Much as I like to be one of those professionals, I am not. Thing is, they made more money, unless you say IRAS is collecting more tax from them than allowed and they coughed it up without making a fuss....
Sorry to quote and paraphrase you but "like so few of you, you failed to see Chee for who he is and what he stands for........ Darth Vader!!"
I think the moderator better lock this threat.... someone hijacked it for broadcasting DARTH VADER message.... think not allowed hor -
CSJ partners are leaving him one by one, guess they are afraid of trouble as we all know CSJ love to voice out against the PAP and in the end get himself and the party lawyer letters.
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I'm not sure whether to laugh or show genuine surprise at your shallow grasp of national issues.Originally posted by Blue Dolphin:BillyBong, NOT EVERYONE has speculated on what you mention. I fail to see any connection. In fact, I felt the NKF issues were well handled by Health Minister. He earned my respect as a Health Minister and as a politician.
Do you know that during the financial crisis, some wealthy individuals made more money than before the crisis? Perhaps you and I suffered a pay-cut. I know I did but not sure if you did. But does that mean we have the right to wish it upon all other people? Including Minister? I believed their pay is pegged to (using a formula that I really do not know) the pay of top few professionals. Much as I like to be one of those professionals, I am not. Thing is, they made more money, unless you say IRAS is collecting more tax from them than allowed and they coughed it up without making a fuss....
Sorry to quote and paraphrase you but "like so few of you, you failed to see Chee for who he is and what he stands for........ Darth Vader!!"
I think the moderator better lock this threat.... someone hijacked it for broadcasting DARTH VADER message.... think not allowed hor
The NKF issue has been debated many times and it gets tiresome convincing 'brainwashed' people to see the truth.
1. The NKF uses defamation suits to bully their detractors into settling out of court.
2. The board of directors and CEO pay themselves 'obscene' salaries to govern a charity origanisation.
If by now you still do not see the perceived connection, then you are really a product of the ellaborate propaganda machine that has pulled the plug to your thinking cap.
And no, just because i suffer a pay cut doesn't mean i wish it on someone else.
Far from it. (And i did get a wage component absorbed)
But i assume one resets one's pay only after the storm is weathered, or if one has helped a company recover from a financial slump.
With so many people still suffering loss in wages, how did our million-dollar ministers justify their own pay adjustments? Did they prematurely give themselves a 'pat on the back' for a JOB WELL DONE ?!?!
During the recent slump of 2000-2001, i suffered a 5% pay cut, managers in my company suffered a 15% pay cut and top executives absorbed a 20% pay cut.
None of these were restored till the company recovered fully from the slump. And none were backpaid.
So considering the ministers did not manage the economy well enough to get the people OUT OF THE DOLDRUMS which is contrary to what they claim, what justification did they comfort themselves with when they TOOK THE LEAD and reset their massive salaries first?
Perhaps 'firebrand Chee', like any aggressive sales person, is pitching his product in a manner that would be seen as 'pushing sales'. But it doesn't mean his product is entirely faulty.
After all, Darth Vader was Anakin Skywalker, HERO OF THE CLONE WARS, before he became DARK LORD OF THE SITH. -
Go and read up on the history of what an FOIA is, then think about the speciousness of your words.Originally posted by Blue Dolphin:What a load of bull!
Can I, as citizen, request your name, NRIC number and address to make an informed choice about the validity of what you said? Are you not hiding behind information fog?
Given what I have seen of CSJ capability to have selective reading of facts and ability to contort, conjure and what was the last thing about % over % crap accounting. I am not sure I want to even tell him where I go for kpoi.
Two different issues are raised here, the million dollar question is whether you can differentiate themsleves and not get jumbled up.
Cheers. -
BillyBong, let's focus on the European Cup final. At least those dreams are worth watching
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The connection of NKF to government on the contrary is very clear. The patron has supported him all the way by dismissing Durai's $600 K salary package as peanut. The minister and regulatory authority did not seem to have taken any steps to address public concern over a number of years and have failed to regulate the way public donation was put to use : asking simple question like whether Kidney Patients were benefitting from public donation. To which extent or per dollar donation were the patients benefitting ? Were there accountability and transparency in awards of contracts to directors' connected contractors and suppliers and payments and incremets of salaries and bonuses out of public donations against the background of the government steadfastly refusing to give help to kidney patients deeming it as a risk to welfarism. So if the only way for kidney patients to survive is out of public donations, then a responsible MOH, regulatory authority and patron will have taken active and sufficient actions to address fundamental oversight in NKF admnistration.Originally posted by Blue Dolphin:BillyBong, NOT EVERYONE has speculated on what you mention. I fail to see any connection. In fact, I felt the NKF issues were well handled by Health Minister. He earned my respect as a Health Minister and as a politician.Do you know that during the financial crisis, some wealthy individuals made more money than before the crisis? Perhaps you and I suffered a pay-cut. I know I did but not sure if you did. But does that mean we have the right to wish it upon all other people? Including Minister? I believed their pay is pegged to (using a formula that I really do not know) the pay of top few professionals. Much as I like to be one of those professionals, I am not. Thing is, they made more money, unless you say IRAS is collecting more tax from them than allowed and they coughed it up without making a fuss....
I hope that Singapore ministers being paid million-dollar above-first-world standard salaries will not compare with third-world practices or conditions to give themselves any excuses for any failures in solving problems including the "20 major policy errors of the government" as posted or the NKF blunder people are now discussing as the microcosm reflecting government's own lack of accountability and transparency.
Sorry to quote and paraphrase you but "like so few of you, you failed to see Chee for who he is and what he stands for........ Darth Vader!!"
I think the moderator better lock this threat.... someone hijacked it for broadcasting DARTH VADER message.... think not allowed hor
NKF clearly reflects deep and serious underlying problems affecting the whole government machinery. It would be irresponsible and third-world standard in trying to deny the larger NKF problem affecting the whole government. This NKF on the surface might look to be its own internal problem but as explained in the foregoing, it is too deeply connected to the government by the patron's support and ministries lack of solutions to its many problems until confronted by the public outcry over the court revelation in the NKF/SPH face-off.
NKF therefore should be examined more thoroughly and the minister, previous ministers, ministerial regulatory authorities and all ministers speaking in support of NKF denials in the past and presently be brought down to size and reality from their high horse or ivory towers to look into solving real problems. -
Well..well...these issues with CSJ..a guy with doctorate and a ex-NUS lecturer and with buch of educated people....I don't know whether to believe they the geniune opposition party. Seemed like a wayang to me among the parties
Would you accuse someone if you do not have concrete prove....even if you are not educated.
Take the last election....CSJ shouted at then the PM lau goh...I just cannot believe that...even a gangster would know how to respect a pm..regardless how much hatred that he had in him(CSJ).
In olden days...secret societies' gangster will also pay some repects to whoever the heads of the secret societies...but look at this case now....what a joke...I don't know other countries would laugh at our wayang or not.
Just too real to be ture....the only words that I can describe....wayang..... -
i think he shouted at goh cause goh shouted at him first?
and when he asked wheres the money,goh pointed to his pocket. -
it takes ah peh to be the sensible one here.Originally posted by ahpeh:i think he shouted at goh cause goh shouted at him first?
and when he asked wheres the money,goh pointed to his pocket. -
If we pay attention to the Liang Shang brothers story, recently screened on TV Channel 8, we will no doublt understand many lessons.
Liang Shan brothers are a group of bandits traditionally despised by society. But they became bandits not because of their own choice or desire. They were originally morally upright and courageous people who were forced to give up their careers and their righteous way to join the bandits in the mountain due to circumstances beyond their control.
Take the case of Wu Song, he was a courageous and upright person who has helped people in difficulty. However he finally turned violent and took the law into his own hand because he saw no prospect of justice due to corruption of the official in covering up the poisoning of his own brother by the powerful adulterer of his own sister-in-law Pan Jin Lian.
In the case of Song Jiang, he was a very generous and helpful person who have won over many friends. But despite his original belief and conviction to stay on the right course, he was proven wrong and was forced to join the bandits in Liang Shan because he was framed by the corrupt official who used his drunken behaviour to accuse him wrongly as a rebel to get his own promotion.
A first-world country surely will treasure talents and not drive them to the extreme with name calling or deprive them of opportunity to live their lives or serve the people in proper occupations and professions. -
Dr Chee is True Singaporean no matter what people say.
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Originally posted by Blue Dolphin:
Which sea have the 'Blue Dolphin' been swimming in ?
BillyBong, NOT EVERYONE has speculated on what you mention. I fail to see any connection. In fact, I felt the NKF issues were well handled by Health Minister. He earned my respect as a Health Minister and as a politician.
To the best of everyone's knowledge - those who are stuck on this land between the Straits of Johor and Straits of Singapore, the following had been heard and seen in Parliamentary debate broadcasted nightly after each day Parliamentary proceeding, and published the next day in the Singapore Straits Times during the early days - when the NKF whistle was FIRST blown as early as in 2003-2004.
It took CSJ to 'call a spade, as it is - nothing more, but a spade' - while all other Opposition Parties avoided making reference to this episode.extracted from SDP site:
And you were impressed by the Minister of Health's performance in salvaging the situation for his reputation and that of his Party ?
Media Release: Ministers still have explaining to do over NKF scandal
19 Apr 06
The arrest and arraignment of Mr T T Durai and other former employees of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) takes care of only one aspect of the NKF scandal. The other concerns the GovernmentÂ’s handling of the entire saga.
Despite alarm bells ringing over the matter the Government continued to endorse the NKF and its operations. Minister for Health Mr Khaw Boon Wan, in particular, had said that he “took [his] hat off to the NKF.”
He was supported by Mr Lim Hng Kiang, the Second Finance Minister, who assured everyone that the NKF was on “quite a sound record” and that the charity was “in full compliance of the regulations.”
These Ministerial assurances were given in response to misgivings that were raised by NKF volunteers as well as the general public. The warnings over NKFÂ’s operations were also brought up in Parliament in 2004.
What is particularly worrying about the episode is that the National Council of Social Services (NCSS) had tightened the leash on NKF and revoked its Institute of Public Character (IPC) status which the charity needed to exempt itself from paying taxes on the donations collected.
The Ministry of Health, however, reinstated the IPC status for the NKF. Why did it do this? The Minister for Health needs to give a full account to the Singaporean public why his Ministry did this.
When the details were exposed the Government claimed that it had been “misled” and that it was an “oversight” on its part. Given all the warning signals and the fact that the matter was brought to its direct attention, it is hardly credible for the Government to simply say that its actions, or non-action, was an oversight.
Sure, everyone was impressed by the smooth talk and efficiently calm demeanour that he put up at the many Press Conferences when the NKF bubble burst into the open.
Did anyone remembered the overbearing confidence in their performance in Parliament during 2004 ?
While no one wish bad things to befall on someone else, Ministers included - are we asking that Ministers should have a pay cut simply for the reason that Singaporeans have not got their pay restored after a hefty pay and CPF cut ?
Do you know that during the financial crisis, some wealthy individuals made more money than before the crisis? Perhaps you and I suffered a pay-cut. I know I did but not sure if you did. But does that mean we have the right to wish it upon all other people? Including Minister? I believed their pay is pegged to (using a formula that I really do not know) the pay of top few professionals. Much as I like to be one of those professionals, I am not. Thing is, they made more money, unless you say IRAS is collecting more tax from them than allowed and they coughed it up without making a fuss....
YES, we are expecting LEADERSHIP from the Elite - the LEADERS who claim to be leading a FIRST WORLD COUNTRY, a LEADERSHIP who believe in GOVERNING BY EXAMPLE, but yet will restore their WAGE CUTS while the majority of Singaporeans continue to have problems looking for jobs besides others who are waiting for their Companies to recover sufficiently to restore the wage and CPF cuts.
You may wish to read more from this site :
Mindboggling Numbers behind Singapore High Cost of Living
as recommended by Cindyfeh, in the thread of the same name that was started by 'duotiga83'.
Did you see the final sequel of the Star Wars ?
Sorry to quote and paraphrase you but "like so few of you, you failed to see Chee for who he is and what he stands for........ Darth Vader!!"
Darth Vader claimed his Son, who was the young lad - the Star of the Star Wars !!!
Are you sure you are in the right Movie or Theatre, and watching the right show ?
Perhaps, you are stuck in the MATRIX, unable to differentiate the effects of the pills that have been fed to you constantly for the last FORTY FIVE YEARS.
How does this 'THREAD' threaten anyone's interest or anyone's safety ?
I think the moderator better lock this threat.... someone hijacked it for broadcasting DARTH VADER message.... think not allowed hor
The suggestion that 'CSJ is a hooligan' was first made by the POWER OF ONE, and it opened a 'THREAD' for all to discuss - did anyone make any 'THREAT' ? -
Chee Siok Chin has made a fairly good speech tonight. She revealed how SDP has been targeted with a hate campaign. True or not judge it for yourself.
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It strikes me as odd that BillyBong, LazerLordz and Robertteh seems to post one after another....
BillyBong posted on 27 Apr 07:01pm
LazerLordz posted on 27 Apr 07:05pm
Robertteh posted on 27 Apr 07:14pm
LazerLordz posted on 28 Apr 10:19pm
Robertteh posted on 27 Apr 10:49pm
Then on 29 Apr...
Atobe posted at 11:35pm
Robertteh posted at 11:36pm with a short message.
Is there a link? -
NKF was found to have been "run like a one-man-show" by Durai
SDP was said to have been "run like a one-man-show" by CSJ
Shallow Dolphin lah... -
He better start finding a way... I did not donate much but he took a chunk of it that I meant it for the patients. Dumb that I am, I still think the patients are worth helping.Originally posted by will4:I wonder how Durai n his accomplices can pay for the damages? -
csj a hooligan???? personally having to side with the queens counsel to fight on your own land........internally we have problems..........with people like csj who wants to kill our own people..........just what does the people think abou him siding with some other people against our own..........what's your impression???? doesn't it sound a bit silly ?????come on..........
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that's because we share some passion for this thread.Originally posted by Blue Dolphin:It strikes me as odd that BillyBong, LazerLordz and Robertteh seems to post one after another....
BillyBong posted on 27 Apr 07:01pm
LazerLordz posted on 27 Apr 07:05pm
Robertteh posted on 27 Apr 07:14pm
LazerLordz posted on 28 Apr 10:19pm
Robertteh posted on 27 Apr 10:49pm
Then on 29 Apr...
Atobe posted at 11:35pm
Robertteh posted at 11:36pm with a short message.
Is there a link? -
Originally posted by BillyBong:
Hey, not nice to call people shallow hor.... I only attack issues, never call people stupid hor. Even the Darth Vader comment is also done in jest. NOT NICE.
I'm not sure whether to laugh or show genuine surprise at your shallow grasp of national issues.
The NKF issue has been debated many times and it gets tiresome convincing 'brainwashed' people to see the truth.
1. The NKF uses defamation suits to bully their detractors into settling out of court.
2. The board of directors and CEO pay themselves 'obscene' salaries to govern a charity origanisation.
If by now you still do not see the perceived connection, then you are really a product of the ellaborate propaganda machine that has pulled the plug to your thinking cap.
And no, just because i suffer a pay cut doesn't mean i wish it on someone else.
Far from it. (And i did get a wage component absorbed)
But i assume one resets one's pay only after the storm is weathered, or if one has helped a company recover from a financial slump.
With so many people still suffering loss in wages, how did our million-dollar ministers justify their own pay adjustments? Did they prematurely give themselves a 'pat on the back' for a [b]JOB WELL DONE ?!?!
During the recent slump of 2000-2001, i suffered a 5% pay cut, managers in my company suffered a 15% pay cut and top executives absorbed a 20% pay cut.
None of these were restored till the company recovered fully from the slump. And none were backpaid.
So considering the ministers did not manage the economy well enough to get the people OUT OF THE DOLDRUMS which is contrary to what they claim, what justification did they comfort themselves with when they TOOK THE LEAD and reset their massive salaries first?
Perhaps 'firebrand Chee', like any aggressive sales person, is pitching his product in a manner that would be seen as 'pushing sales'. But it doesn't mean his product is entirely faulty.
After all, Darth Vader was Anakin Skywalker, HERO OF THE CLONE WARS, before he became DARK LORD OF THE SITH. [/b]
In the NKF issue, I really do not see how it connects to Country governance. Sure, the Patron was SM (then PM) wife and ministers attended the shows. To say that these link the health minister to the saga is a bit far fetched. One can say that TT Durai is so good that he hookwink Ministers, blew smoke and played games. I also got con to donate money, mind you, NEVER during the show as I see it as a form of gambling. My donation is small but I meant every cent to help the patients one way or the other.
The point I tried to make is that during the financial crisis, many many many head of companies made money, more money than before the crisis. As such, with the understanding that we equate Minister's pay to the pay package of these people, we should follow through in good times as well as in bad times. Fair right? At work, we abide by contracts signed, so... while we can cry about it, we still have to agree with contracts right?
Back to CSJ. I do not see him as a salesman, I think he is seeking fame and perhaps fortune, through his own means. He is NOT doing anything good for us, Singaporean. -
In my opinion, ALL charities in Singapore should work towards some form of self funding. I have no qualms with how NKF raise funds. In this perspective, I take my hat off to the fund raising team in NKF for being able to achieve self-reliance and build up an admirable reserve. If I was an NKF patient, I would have been quite glad that if need be, there is resources to take care of me.Originally posted by robertteh:I hope that Singapore ministers being paid million-dollar above-first-world standard salaries will not compare with third-world practices or conditions to give themselves any excuses for any failures in solving problems including the "20 major policy errors of the government" as posted or the NKF blunder people are now discussing as the microcosm reflecting government's own lack of accountability and transparency.
NKF clearly reflects deep and serious underlying problems affecting the whole government machinery. It would be irresponsible and third-world standard in trying to deny the larger NKF problem affecting the whole government. This NKF on the surface might look to be its own internal problem but as explained in the foregoing, it is too deeply connected to the government by the patron's support and ministries lack of solutions to its many problems until confronted by the public outcry over the court revelation in the NKF/SPH face-off.
NKF therefore should be examined more thoroughly and the minister, previous ministers, ministerial regulatory authorities and all ministers speaking in support of NKF denials in the past and presently be brought down to size and reality from their high horse or ivory towers to look into solving real problems.
There are so more charities in Singapore than I can possibly help with my income; am I to decide who deserves more or less? Who am I to say the children at Yishun needs less money than the society of the blind? Every charity has a cause and I believe all are just. How much can I give? How much is EVERY Singaporean willing to give through taxation? Those who spend time doing charity will tell that resource is never enough. So I am still abit worried that the present NKF is not raising enough funds and not seeking to use shows to raise funds.
The question is integrity. The chap at the top, Mr Durai, has misappropriate funds for his own benefit. If we had a person with integrity like, say, Gerald Ee, would we have NKF saga? Information transparency and process is the key to preventing this from happening? Please, it helps but THE KEY is the INTEGRITY of PEOPLE.
If we think that US politics is accountable and transparent, one may find many instances of corruption, money politics and "pork-barrel projects", pay-offs and not to mention all the various "gates" and "I do not recall". The key, for being lor sor, is INTEGRITY of PEOPLE. CSJ, please, not even close. If anything else, he is from the "I do not recall" and "typo error" camp.