Govt mouthpiece selective reportings again.
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It has not reported and inform the readers the latest airport rankings.
It has not reported and inform the readers about the latest internet furore on potshot on Mindef by US soldier.
It has praised the ruling MP again today. It has not inform the reader that the parliament was almost empty towards the end of the Budget debate.
Editors are perpetuating the self-censorship again? -
2.oh dear,can u do some home works first??Originally posted by qpicanto:.....
It has not reported and inform the readers about the latest internet furore on potshot on Mindef by US soldier......
Editors are perpetuating the self-censorship again?
Mindef responds to criticism over inexperienced scholars, soft soldiers, status of Malays
By :Loh Chee Kong, TODAY.Date : 12 Mar 2007 0803 hrs (GMT + 8hrs)Are Singapore's top military commanders too young and inexperienced?
---http://www.channelnewsasia.com/cna/cgi-bin/search/search_7days.pl?status=&search=MINDEF&id=263407
Are they fast-tracked to the upper echelons because of their scholar credentials, while more experienced non-scholars or "farmers" — as they have been unceremoniously labelled — toil in vain?
Are soldiers here soft because of the emphasis on safety during training at the expense of realism?
And do officers lack professionalism and commitment because mandatory retirement at 45 means many see their time in uniform "as a stepping stone" to a second career in politics or business.
These questions, and several others, are the subject of a critique of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) published in United States-based journal Armed Forces & Society. The quarterly circulates some 2000 copies worldwide.
The article, which has made its rounds in Singapore and created a stir among the uniformed ranks, was written by an American soldier Sean Walsh, who was stationed at the United States Embassy in Singapore for several weeks in 2004, during his summer break from the US Military Academy.
In the article, The Roar of the Lion City, the writer also claimed that women have been held back from holding high posts in the SAF, and that there is a policy to keep Malays out of sensitive areas.
Despite his criticism of the SAF, Mr Walsh, who graduated from the US Army Ranger School, concluded his article by saying "there can be no doubt that the SAF is the most competent, well-equipped and best trained force in the whole of South-east Asia" — a claim the SAF itself has not made.
He also admitted that the SAF was "more than capable" of defending Singapore's borders, conducting peacekeeping missions and dealing with asymmetric threats in the wake of 911. It possessed a "world-class" special operations force which would not require outside assistance, he noted.
So, why the paradoxical praise and criticism of the SAF?
Mr Walsh, who is deployed in Germany, could not be contacted, but in his article he pointed to the age of SAF's top commanders — such as Brigadier-General Desmond Kuek, who was 39 when he was promoted to the post of Army Chief — and concluded that "youth naturally corresponds to inexperience" and this "casts obvious doubts on their ability to lead in a conflict against battle-hardened troops".
However, responding to queries from TODAY, Col Benedict Lim, director of public affairs at the Ministry of Defence ( Mindef ), said: "The SAF does not seek out wars but will not flinch from putting its soldiers into harm's way to fulfil its primary mission of protecting the vital interests of our country."
He also pointed out that the SAF carries out about 70 exercises annually with other countries' armed forces, some of which have considerable combat experience, and has been praised for its professionalism. The SAF has also carried out humanitarian missions, for example during Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.
Defence analyst Dr Alvin Chew told TODAY that the debate centred on Singapore's defence policy, which is based on diplomacy and deterrence. As such, the relative youthfulness of SAF officers, who are groomed in building bilateral or multi-lateral relationships with foreign militaries, was not a major drawback.
Also, given that fighting a war is not the Republic's most pressing concern, defence analyst Dr Bernard Loo said that early retirement meant that the SAF's best and brightest could be deployed for "broader or higher national purposes —whether it is in running the economy, or running the Government".
Defending Mindef 's policy to aggressively recruit and offer scholarships to the "brightest and most capable young men and women", Col Lim said that the SAF, like the rest of the public sector, operates on the principle of meritocracy, and those "who do not perform adequately are released".
But are Singapore soldiers ready to be stand in harm's way?
Mr Walsh wrote that a heavy emphasis on safety and the fact that "any major injury or death causes a very public uproar among parents" has resulted in a force less than ready for deployment.
Taking a different view, Col Lim argued that "an emphasis on safety and rigorous, realistic training are not mutually exclusive" and that the SAF prepares its servicemen to "fight, survive and win" in battle.
As for women in uniform, Mr Walsh's claimed that one of the SAF's "greatest shortcomings" was that high rank and important commands were closed to most women. Admitting "there was no policy that pushes gender integration for its own sake", Col Lim said that women with proven merit in the SAF currently "command ships and army units, fly combat aircraft and serve in many combat vocations".
Perhaps the most controversial claim by the US soldier was that "official discrimination against the Malay population remains an open secret" and those of the race are "systematically kept out" of sensitive areas.
Mr Walsh claims that this has two major consequences: It "limits the involvement of the ethnic group most inclined to join the military" and it feeds the "perception of a second-class status among Malays, a fact which terrorist recruiters have taken advantage of before, and they may do so again" — referring to the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) members arrested in Singapore for plotting terrorist attacks.
Addressing this charge, Col Lim said: "The writer's prescription for ethnic integration in the SAF seriously underestimates the challenges of building ethnic and religious harmony in Singapore.
"Singapore has made much progress in ethnic and religious integration. Singapore does not gloss over the fact that there is yet more to be done and addresses these challenges directly and openly."
Stressing that integration in the SAF would proceed in tandem with nation-building, Col Lim added that there are a good number of Malay SAF officers, some with higher degrees, whose studies were sponsored by the SAF, and whether a Malay SAF officer makes it to a higher appointment depends solely on merit.
In fact, Malay officers have risen through the ranks and held senior appointments.
"We have Malay pilots, commandos and air defence personnel. Those who have shown the potential to take on higher appointments in the SAF are given every opportunity to do so. Malay officers in the SAF hold key appointments such as Commanding Officer," said Col Lim.
"In fact, the proportion of eligible Malays selected for specialist and officer training is similar to the proportion for eligible non-Malays."
Mr Zulkifli Baharudin, a Malay community leader and former Nominated MP, said that the JI arrests had shown that some Singaporeans "will not react primarily to our national interests and are not completely colour-blind in our instincts".
He added: "We have also seen in the past that events in India and China have had — and I'm putting it mildly — reverberations here." - TODAY -
I dunno about the third one, but I read about the first two articles in Today.Originally posted by qpicanto:It has not reported and inform the readers the latest airport rankings.
It has not reported and inform the readers about the latest internet furore on potshot on Mindef by US soldier.
It has praised the ruling MP again today. It has not inform the reader that the parliament was almost empty towards the end of the Budget debate.
Editors are perpetuating the self-censorship again?
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2.oh ,dear again,pl do some home work.It is a serious forum.Originally posted by qpicanto:It has not reported and inform the readers the latest airport rankings.
......
Editors are perpetuating the self-censorship again?.
Even u are Primary 5 or 6.we expect u read some before post,pl.
Title : Changi gets a wake-up call,By : Leong Wee Keat , TODAY
Date : 14 Mar 2007 0935 hrsSINGAPORE: SingaporeÂ’s gateway to the skies has been brought back to earth by an upstart in its own backyard.
--http://www.channelnewsasia.com/cna/cgi-bin/search/search_7days.pl?status=&search=Changi%20airport&id=263844
Often acknowledged as the world's best airport - it swept 25 international awards last year - Changi finds itself in the unfamiliar position of being pipped in the rankings by Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
When the Airports Council International (ACI) announced its service quality awards on Tuesday, KLIA came out top in the "15 to 25 million passengers per year" category.
Changi, which handled a record 35 million passengers last year, finished second in the category for bigger airports - those handling under 40 million passengers - behind South Korea's Incheon.
But in the race for the overall prize - Best Airport Worldwide - Incheon finished first, Hong Kong's Chek Lap Kok second, KLIA third and Changi fourth.
With 573 members operating more than 1,643 airports, ACI is the global trade organisation for the airport community and its list cannot be scoffed at.
Analysts said that KLIA's achievement comes as a wake-up call to Changi at a time when the chase for tourist dollars is hotting up and several cities are trying to position themselves as air hubs.
As far back as 2004, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew had stressed the importance of this when asked about the threat of budget carriers to Singapore Airlines. Mr Lee said then: "My job is to see that Singapore's position as an air hub is not lost. And if budget airlines were to eat up Singapore Airlines' profits but retain Singapore as a hub ... so be it."
Analysts pointed out that while Singapore had set the benchmark with its airport, cities like Dubai and Kuala Lumpur were now copying the template - making it imperative for Changi to move even faster.
The awards measured the performance of various airports based on service quality, facilities and passengers' feedback. In the 2005 survey, Changi had finished second behind Incheon, while KLIA was third.
Determined to turn the tables last year, the Malaysian airport planned its assault on the award systematically.
"There are 28 features in the ACI survey and we had to monitor each feature to ensure that we did not slip behind," said Malaysia Airports Holdings managing director Bashir Ahmad.
"This is a very nice feeling," said Mr Bashir of edging out its southern neighbour in the list. "As you all know, we are always compared to Changi Airport and it's nice to know that we have done very well this particular year."
There was no response from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore by press time.
While aviation analysts said that awards could be subjective, some were surprised by the turnaround. "I thought Changi did quite well last year," aviation consultant Prithpal Singh told TODAY. "In terms of facilities, efficiency and comfort, Changi is second to none."
Last year, the signs were particularly encouraging. More than 7.2 million airline passengers surveyed by London-based market researcher Skytrax helped Changi win its first Skytrax Airport of the Year award. Britain's Business Traveller magazine voted it the best airport for the 19th straight year. Its weekly flights reached a record high of 4,199.
The fact that KLIA has sneaked ahead in this particular survey underlines the constant need for improvement, analysts said.
Even minor things - like shops being understaffed or hiring unhelpful sales staff - could sway perceptions, Mr Singh said. "You cannot ignore this ranking. Basically it shows that we need to put more emphasis on this human aspect," he added.
Just last week, Transport Minister Raymond Lim said in Parliament that the "software" aspects of the "Changi Experience" would be strengthened.
When Terminal 3 opens its doors next year, Changi's handling capacity will rise by about 45 per cent to 67 million passengers a year, he said, adding that the airport "will also continue to provide training for frontline staff to ensure that the highest service standards are maintained".
This was critical as airports sought to attract transit passengers as well as tourist, said Flight International's regional managing editor Nicholas Ionides.
"Airports recognise that they are symbols of a country," he added. "Airport operators put a lot of focus and investment on creating a good impression on travellers."
Mr Peter Harbison, executive chairman of the Centre for Asia-Pacific Aviation, said: "There is a great deal at stake for airports, for their airlines and for the national economy.
"This has been recognised in Singapore by the importance attached to the success of Changi. Its neighbours will continue to be tough competitors, although Changi has set the benchmark in the past." - TODAY/yy
3.TODAY is a 30% opposition paper!!
4.SG never tell u the bad news later.We are vulerable,short of water,
losing jobs to other countries if we dunt change,terrorists attack,ration
of foods,petrol already in place ,U are advised to stockpile TWO weeks
of foods etc
5.SG is not a banana country.We are a durian country. -
I believe the poster referred to ST which is the Govt Mouth piece. Today hardly qualifies, having run into trouble with the Govt countless times.
So Lionnoisy.. where is your evidence now? -
Dunt u think CNA is not mouth piece of gov?
The news appear in CNA site.
Hv u checked ST forum? -
Quit running away from the issue. It wasn't reported in the ST and that was it. The ST Forum is hardly readable as it is and even some of the letters aren't even published on print. Between CNA and ST, ST indulges in groveling of the first order which no other print media can compare.Originally posted by lionnoisy:Dunt u think CNA is not mouth piece of gov?
The news appear in CNA site.
Hv u checked ST forum? -
The govt mouthpeice has a article on IPPT today, it says that IPPT is on par with american stds, it has not reported and inform the readers that the American's APFT has no STANDING BROAD JUMP AND SHUTTLE RUN.
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Really, not only do u need to do ur homework, but also, u must try to understand their english better. The "government mouthpiece" never once said that the idea of IPPT is copied from American's APFT TOTALLY. What they tried to say when they say that its on par with American standards means that the level of fitness tested is almost similar to that of American standards.Originally posted by qpicanto:The govt mouthpeice has a article on IPPT today, it says that IPPT is on par with american stds, it has not reported and inform the readers that the American's APFT has no STANDING BROAD JUMP AND SHUTTLE RUN. -
The mouthpiece reported 80-90% per year passed the IPPT test.
It has not informed the readers based on 300,000 reservists 10-20% failures equal to 30,000 to 60,000 RT personnels per years. -
I kept wondering too why it wasn't reported in The Straits Times. Instead it ran a front page news about Singapore being the most so and so in the world. Maybe it has taken on a role as a cheerleader - only say the good things about Singapore. But it seems to have no qualms about reporting other countries in great details, warts and all, with the exception of some countries like Taiwan and India. Maybe, it is still under the mercy of Western agenda.Originally posted by qpicanto:It has not reported and inform the readers the latest airport rankings.
It has not reported and inform the readers about the latest internet furore on potshot on Mindef by US soldier.
It has praised the ruling MP again today. It has not inform the reader that the parliament was almost empty towards the end of the Budget debate.
Editors are perpetuating the self-censorship again? -
I always wonder too why ST likes to report on the problems happening in othere countries. Perhaps it's some subtle way of reminding us of our good fortune and the need to stay on our toes and avoid the pitfalls which other nations stepped into?Originally posted by chiabaliao:I kept wondering too why it wasn't reported in The Straits Times. Instead it ran a front page news about Singapore being the most so and so in the world. Maybe it has taken on a role as a cheerleader - only say the good things about Singapore. But it seems to have no qualms about reporting other countries in great details, warts and all, with the exception of some countries like Taiwan and India. Maybe, it is still under the mercy of Western agenda. -
The only thing good about ST is that the recruit section is big. I dun read news on ST, I read Today.
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this is my take of the ST's reporting of its neighbours:
negative
1. malaysia - things not rosy, tackling corruption no effect, fta with USA in trouble, so on and so forth
2. thailand - lagi teruk...violence in south, environmental disaster in the north, flip flopping gahmen, so on and so forth....
3. indonesia - poor disaster mgmt, indecisv gahmen, poor air safety record, etc
4. taiwan - china province on the brink...
flavor of the month
1. middle east - best
2. india - best
3. china - best
4. usa - best
instead of more varied and balanced reporting all the issues the countries faced and giving us more news and views other than the above, it went on an overdrive in order to show how clean, peaceful and singapore class this country is in. the thing is, u can pat yourself in the back w/out denegrating the others... -
If only the classified section is sold separately like some countries.Originally posted by Hogzilla:The only thing good about ST is that the recruit section is big. I dun read news on ST, I read Today. -
Not surprising isn't it? Our Govt doesn't just chastise papers for being adversarial, it removes the editors in question. What more can we expect?Originally posted by weiqimun:this is my take of the ST's reporting of its neighbours:
negative
1. malaysia - things not rosy, tackling corruption no effect, fta with USA in trouble, so on and so forth
2. thailand - lagi teruk...violence in south, environmental disaster in the north, flip flopping gahmen, so on and so forth....
3. indonesia - poor disaster mgmt, indecisv gahmen, poor air safety record, etc
4. taiwan - china province on the brink...
flavor of the month
1. middle east - best
2. india - best
3. china - best
4. usa - best
instead of more varied and balanced reporting all the issues the countries faced and giving us more news and views other than the above, it went on an overdrive in order to show how clean, peaceful and singapore class this country is in. the thing is, u can pat yourself in the back w/out denegrating the others... -
As u said like a reminder to all Sporean on how fortunate they r by staying in Spore.Originally posted by dakkon_blackblade:I always wonder too why ST likes to report on the problems happening in othere countries. Perhaps it's some subtle way of reminding us of our good fortune and the need to stay on our toes and avoid the pitfalls which other nations stepped into? -
hahahaha.. I think so tooOriginally posted by qpicanto:If only the classified section is sold separately like some countries. -
Why get so uptight? Its the same case in MY.. Alamak. I had read the Airport news online I think in Business time. Its also reported in MY media online sites.
You think only SG Gov control the press? Same with most countries in ASEAN as claim by their own citizens. Only thing is how much... and what are being published. Published whatever tehy like, but at least published the truth rahter than fictions... not to mislead the public. -
What's so surprising or disturbing about that? Given the civvie lifestyle after ORD I wonder if 80 or 90 percent is even a realistic number...Originally posted by qpicanto:The mouthpiece reported 80-90% per year passed the IPPT test.
It has not informed the readers based on 300,000 reservists 10-20% failures equal to 30,000 to 60,000 RT personnels per years.
If it's 80 to 90 percent then it's certainly good news.