World Bank: S'pore ranks low on accountability
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Questions about pensions, HDB, CPF, transport, jobs, charities, etc.
Posted by theonlinecitizen on August 29th, 2007
By Leong Sze Hian
On this morningÂ’s (29 August) NewsRadio 938 Talkback programme from 8.10am to 8.50am, the guest on the programme, MP Halimah Yacob, NTUC Assistant Secretary-General and Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) Chairperson on Health, said that Ministers no longer receive pensions.
She was replying to a caller who asked why and whether it is equitable for Ministers to continue to get pensions, when the people have to purchase a compulsory deferred age 85 annuity paying just $250 to $300 a month.
In a reply to the Straits Times Forum dated 4 April, 2007, the Prime MinisterÂ’s Office said that:
“The Government moved away from the pension scheme for the majority of civil servants since 1986. However, the pension scheme is retained for the Administrative Service and the Intelligence Service where there is a strong reliance on the depth of expertise and length of experience for continuity of national policies.
For the same reason, the pension scheme has been retained for Office Holders, namely, Speaker, Ministers, Ministers of State, Mayors, Parliamentary Secretaries and Political Secretaries, given their role and impact on national policies, provided they serve long enough to qualify for a pension.”
And in 2004, then-DPM Lee Hsien Loong had also clarified with former NCMP Steve Chia in Parliament that indeed, the pension scheme is still in practice. (link)
Now, Ms YacobÂ’s remarks on the radio programme may have cast doubts on both the PMO and the PMÂ’s clarifications.
So, do they get pensions or donÂ’t they?
Hello! Anybody home?
On another note, I refer to the Auditor-GeneralÂ’s (AG) report in the last few years.
If not for the questions raised by the AG, the public may not be aware of the various lapses, from the answers given by the ministries and statutory boards.
I looked back at my letters to the newspaper forums, and have listed below some of the questions that I asked, but did not get answers to.
1. Education - How many foreigners are given scholarships relative to Singaporeans ? (“What’s ratio of foreigner to local scholarships”, BT, Oct 13, 2006)
2. Healthcare - What was the surplus accumulated, and what happened to it, when MediShield Plus was privatised to an insurance company ? (“Hello ? Anybody listening”, BT, May 25, 2005)
3. HDB - What is the breakdown of the cost of land and construction for HDB flats ? (“Settle question of HDB subsidy once and for all”, ST, Jan 2, 2007)
4. Charities - Why was NKF’s Institution of Public Character (IPC) status reinstated within a month of it’s termination by the National Council of Social Services (NCSS) ? (“Lesson from Kids : Stop passing the buck”, ST, Dec 24 and 21, 2005)
5 Transport - Why is the Public Transport Council’s household income data different (much higher – up to 61 per cent more) from the Department of Statistics’ data, in the report on the affordability of fares ? (“The poor will benefit most from transport fare cap”, ST, Nov 30, 2006)
6. CPF - Why is it that poorer Singaporeans who do not withdraw their CPF at age 55 and who do not meet the Minimum Sum are given lower interest, compared to those who can meet the Minimum Sum ? (“Increase 2.5% CPF interest rate”, BT, Dec 19, 2006)
7. Investing - After 11 years, about 75 per cent of CPFIS investors did not beat the Ordinary Account’s 2.5 per cent. What are the statistics after 12 and 13 years ? (“CPFIS investors and their losses”, ST, May 20, 2005)
8. Jobs - What is the breakdown for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, for new jobs created, number of unemployed and the unemployment rate ? (“Show the numbers to dispel notion that foreigners take away jobs from S’poreans”, ST, Dec 22, 2006)
According to the World Bank report, “Governance Matters 2007 : Worldwide Governance Indicators 1996-2006”, Singapore’s score for Voice and Accountability fell further to a low 46.6.
As I believe Singaporeans may like to know the answers to some of the above questions, which pertain to the use and accountability of public funds, I would like to suggest that perhaps the AG could ask some of them in next yearÂ’s report. -
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Much as we want to know, I doubt the ruling party would want to reply. It is to their advantage not to reply. To them transparency does not serve their purpose, and they just ignore the fact that they owe us the responsibility as our govt to be transparent on these.
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If transparency and accoutability is used upon them, i think 2nd NKF incident is going to befall on them.
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You know, the endless questions to ask the PAP about their policies, but you can be almost certain not to get a response.
But then again, there are enough brainless people around, this forum not withstanding, who are happy enough to believe religiously that the Govt is doing a good job. With enough brainlessness around, the Govt can do what it likes without fear of criticism. -
Originally posted by Rock^Star:
I for 1 have been dying to know the answer to question 8 for a long looooong loooooooooooooooooong time. I also had asked in other forums but never get any reply. I actually believed that NO SINGAPOREAN HAS ANY INTEREST WHATSOVER ON THIS QUESTION. Now, I know, at least a highly educated person like Leong also shares the same question. Thus, validating my question.
[b]Questions about pensions, HDB, CPF, transport, jobs, charities, etc.
Posted by theonlinecitizen on August 29th, 2007
By Leong Sze Hian
......................
8. Jobs - What is the breakdown for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, for new jobs created, number of unemployed and the unemployment rate ? (“Show the numbers to dispel notion that foreigners take away jobs from S’poreans”, ST, Dec 22, 2006)
According to the World Bank report, “Governance Matters 2007 : Worldwide Governance Indicators 1996-2006”, Singapore’s score for Voice and Accountability fell further to a low 46.6.
As I believe Singaporeans may like to know the answers to some of the above questions, which pertain to the use and accountability of public funds, I would like to suggest that perhaps the AG could ask some of them in next yearÂ’s report.
[/b]
Without asking, answers may never come.
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Another related question would be how much of the population growth is dependent on foreigners. If one were to look at the more recent statistics, one immediately notes that from somewhere in the mid 90s, they started lumping natives with PRs. This is a distortion.Originally posted by reddressman:I for 1 have been dying to know the answer to question 8 for a long looooong loooooooooooooooooong time. I also had asked in other forums but never get any reply. I actually believed that NO SINGAPOREAN HAS ANY INTEREST WHATSOVER ON THIS QUESTION. Now, I know, at least a highly educated person like Leong also shares the same question. Thus, validating my question.
Without asking, answers may never come. -
Exactly..... All these questions are still pending. Waiting for Sky to fall.Originally posted by qlqq9:Much as we want to know, I doubt the ruling party would want to reply. It is to their advantage not to reply. To them transparency does not serve their purpose, and they just ignore the fact that they owe us the responsibility as our govt to be transparent on these.
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Of coz , most policies are meant to keep the rich in power.
Only the rich can be so creative as to provide jobs for the poor. -
One of these days, they're gonna lump all these population data as issues critical to national security.
I wouldn't put it past them. -
How come the P4P supporters never voice their comments?
Goes to show the P4P supporters will only praise the P4P, whether the policies are good or bad, they only know how to kiss a55.
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Anything is possible to them. "City of possibilities" is the theme for National Day, indeed anything is possible with MIWs.Originally posted by LazerLordz:One of these days, they're gonna lump all these population data as issues critical to national security.
I wouldn't put it past them. -
It's disgusting that they should be afraid to reveal such statistics to us knowing full well we will be irate over them. And yet they consistently get voted into power.Originally posted by LazerLordz:One of these days, they're gonna lump all these population data as issues critical to national security.
I wouldn't put it past them.
This corruption of the form of misuse of public apparatus to withhold data from us.
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Originally posted by Fingolfin_Noldor:
They are pay to believe.. Cyber agent being pay by PAP and come here trying to rebuke all statements against them. They have received massive benefits and gained advantages in current situation. They are not stupid but they are greedy. Which dog will bite their master who feeds them well???
You know, the endless questions to ask the PAP about their policies, but you can be almost certain not to get a response.
But then again, there are enough brainless people around, this forum not withstanding, who are happy enough to believe [b]religiously that the Govt is doing a good job. With enough brainlessness around, the Govt can do what it likes without fear of criticism.[/b] -
Only a dog won't bite.Originally posted by zenden9:They are pay to believe.. Cyber agent being pay by PAP and come here trying to rebuke all statements against them. They have received massive benefits and gained advantages in current situation. They are not stupid but they are greedy. Which dog will bite their master who feeds them well???
But it's an insult to man's best friend to deem such sar-kahs as pooches. -
the Lee family will tell u....... OVER MY DEAD BODY!!!!!
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still looking for the template.Originally posted by maurizio13:How come the P4P supporters never voice their comments?
Goes to show the P4P supporters will only praise the P4P, whether the policies are good or bad, they only know how to kiss a55. -
You will be surprised to know that a fair number of Singaporeans share similar view to the resident morons of this forum.Originally posted by zenden9:They are pay to believe.. Cyber agent being pay by PAP and come here trying to rebuke all statements against them. They have received massive benefits and gained advantages in current situation. They are not stupid but they are greedy. Which dog will bite their master who feeds them well??? -
Dogs are better than those MIWs, their lackeys or spies. When the master treats the dog with love and provides the dog with what it needs, the dog is faithful, loyal, very dear to be with and it brings so much joy. MIWs and their lackeys or spies are just the opposite. In other words, they can't even be compared to dogs.Originally posted by LazerLordz:Only a dog won't bite.
But it's an insult to man's best friend to deem such sar-kahs as pooches. -
Has it not been a case of - ''Ask no questions, and we tell no lies'' ?
If the Ruling Party is brazen enough to stand up and resist to submit themselves to the test imposed by the late-President-Elect Ong Teng Cheong, what is there to stop this Ruling Party from abusing the legitimacy of Government ?
Is it not a surprise that they have to amend the original plans to prevent anyother maverick President-Elect from holding the Government to account ? -
PRs are foreigners. As simple as that.Originally posted by Fingolfin_Noldor:Another related question would be how much of the population growth is dependent on foreigners. If one were to look at the more recent statistics, one immediately notes that from somewhere in the mid 90s, they started lumping natives with PRs. This is a distortion.
They are not citizens.
PRs are foreigners who happened to apply for a working permit.
They are 100% citizens of their own countries.
Its really can be very confusing to the people by lumping foreigners job occupation with local's job occupation of the jobs created by singapore.
If job creation and occupation statistic is like this, what is the implication?
Would other statistics also go in this direction in future? or maybe existing ones? Singaporeans must see the problem. I somehow feel that majority dun care or worse, fail to see it.
I am confident that HR executives, assistants maybe , could have some idea of the proportion.
Anyone's wife working in HR?
They need not reveal salary details but can give clues like whether FTs take up > 50 of created jobs or worse than that.
I am appalled that such a basic question cannot be answered and published. what is WP doing? they should not stop asking! I believe they have a right to ask and its legal to ask.
If they do, that actually could make people more convinced that Opposition has no chance! IF someone dun answer you and you just give up means next time and every other time, that person need not answer you and you will never progress. Never get any answer. So, I am also concerned about WP's ability to question AND most importantly persistence in getting the truth. The people have only them to rely on. What would my friends from true 1st worlds in the west think?! I am too ashamed to face my friends. What is there not to disclose? Why? -
If one were to go by the shabby debating skills the ministers display in Parliament, you are highly unlikely to ever get an answer. Rather, you are more likely to get a veiled insult or threat.Originally posted by LimSianTong:PRs are foreigners. As simple as that.
They are not citizens.
PRs are foreigners who happened to apply for a working permit.
They are 100% citizens of their own countries.
Its really can be very confusing to the people by lumping foreigners job occupation with local's job occupation of the jobs created by singapore.
If job creation and occupation statistic is like this, what is the implication?
Would other statistics also go in this direction in future? or maybe existing ones? Singaporeans must see the problem. I somehow feel that majority dun care or worse, fail to see it.
I am confident that HR executives, assistants maybe , could have some idea of the proportion.
Anyone's wife working in HR?
They need not reveal salary details but can give clues like whether FTs take up > 50 of created jobs or worse than that.
I am appalled that such a basic question cannot be answered and published. what is WP doing? they should not stop asking! I believe they have a right to ask and its legal to ask.
If they do, that actually could make people more convinced that Opposition has no chance! IF someone dun answer you and you just give up means next time and every other time, that person need not answer you and you will never progress. Never get any answer. So, I am also concerned about WP's ability to question AND most importantly persistence in getting the truth. The people have only them to rely on. What would my friends from true 1st worlds in the west think?! I am too ashamed to face my friends. What is there not to disclose? Why? -
Like the J Kumar and WP Silvia episode when she asked him why LHL needs to personally appoint two seats to the judiciary committee. Barbarians in the front bench of parliament.Originally posted by Fingolfin_Noldor:If one were to go by the shabby debating skills the ministers display in Parliament, you are highly unlikely to ever get an answer. Rather, you are more likely to get a veiled insult or threat. -
they muz have lost somewhere in the investments.Highly paid but dun really have brains .studied so much,make wrong judgements with our hard earned $.Now they want us the poor citizens to comply with their endless $ grabbing policies,rising living costs..to cover their Arsess
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"There are no American infidels in Baghdad. Never!"
"My feelings - as usual - we will slaughter them all"
"Our initial assessment is that they will all die"
- Iraqi Information Minister Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf. The same day, US troops marched into Baghdad and al-Sahaf disappeared.
That's exactly the level of false bravado our leaders are currently displaying. How can we hope for accountability when they can't even be realistic. When are they going to learn?