Differences in perception : PM & acting PM.
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Interesting to note the different in language used by both offices in
the same capital regarding Singapore's increased custom checks.
Badawi's comment is in stake contrast with the tone used by
Dr M's people who seems to try very hard to paint Singapore in
negative light. Disappoints me again when this Spin-Doc's clown
are back to their usual practice again. Don't they ever learn ?
New Straits Times
Singapore's right to tightened security
Hamidah Atan and M. K. Megan
KUALA LUMPUR, Singapore's move to tighten border controls with Malaysia is a security measure within the republic's jurisdiction, acting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said today.
"They are worried that a war might break out in Iraq any time. So, as a security measure, they want more stringent inspections of motorcycles and cars entering the country," Abdullah said after launching the Ninth National Handicapped People's Day celebration at the Putra World Trade Centre.
Abdullah, who is also Home Minister, was commenting on Singapore's announcement that it was tightening boarder controls with Malaysia and subjecting all cars and motorcycles entering from Johor Baru to more stringent measures.
Announcing the move in Singapore Parliament was Minister of Home Affairs Wong Kan Seng, who said it was designed to thwart any attack by Islamic radicals as a war against Iraq appeared imminent.
Wong said Singapore remained a target and that it was concerned that extremists linked to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network might retaliate for Washington's action by hitting Asian targets such as Singapore, which has big expatriate population.
Meanwhile, in Jelebu, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim described Singapore's move as "a direct signal that it is suspicious of Malaysians".
"The move is also a direct signal that they do not want Malaysians to go there anymore. Perhaps, it wants to be on its own ... an island unto itself."
Rais, who is also Jelebu MP, was speaking to reporters after launching a reunion of students and teachers of Sekolah Menengah Dato' Undang Musa Al-Haj near here.
The minister said Singapore might have resorted to such move as it did not want to see "extra incoming materials" contravening its laws.
"The way Singapore handles it, however, is being misspelt across the causeway. Malaysia can do likewise but it has been very practical ...live and let's live.
"We will not do such things to Singapore vehicles." -
Outgoing PM has no stake liao... create a mess for his incoming PM...
Current Affairs Manager, COB
Singapore -
It seems that the differences between the PM and the Acting PM is not too much different in Singapore too.
During the last day of the visit to Hanoi, our Singapore PM spoke to the Singapore Press that the present economic woes may not be over so soon, and that Singaporeans should prepare for the worst that has yet to come in the latter half of the Year.
However, during the recent Parliament sitting, the Acting PM (DPM and Finance Minister) in his reply to the Chairman of the Feedback Committee, said that Singapore's current prospects remain bouyant, and events may not be as bleak at anticipated, except for the uncertainties of the US war on Iraq.
Are both DPM trying to upstage the performance of the "soon-to-be" outgoing PMs of both countries ? -
This is trying to compare apples to oranges. In the MalaysianOriginally posted by Atobe:It seems that the differences between the PM and the Acting PM is not too much different in Singapore too.
.........
Are both DPM trying to upstage the performance of the "soon-to-be" outgoing PMs of both countries ?
case, the comments are made with a known fact of policies changes
in Singapore's security preparation.
As for the seemly difference in opinion on Singapore's economy
outlook with relation to current situation, I don't think anyone can
be sure of the outcome. Even the best economist, policy makes or
advanturous punders are more than ready to wait on the sidelines
before putting money where their mouth is. And that includes
policians with instinctive nature to market their future plan using
current unpreditable situation.
Will it get worst or better ? It is any one's guess. We see optimist
saying things will get better ONLY if the war is short and decisive
one, to the naysayer like BG George Yeo who paints a darker
world of "irreparable damage to the Western Alliance" and "far
reaching political and economic implications long after the war has
ended."
Who can we believe? Only time will tell.
But we can be sure that actions that are within Singapore's control
are taken to nullify the repercusions if war breaks out.
That is what Singapore's governemnt attitude,which many has
come to ignore, that made the difference:
Prepare for the worst. -
Thanks for your clarification, but "apples" or "oranges" they are all fruits in a common "fruit basket".Originally posted by Gun:This is trying to compare apples to oranges. In the Malaysian
case, the comments are made with a known fact of policies changes
in Singapore's security preparation.
As for the seemly difference in opinion on Singapore's economy
outlook with relation to current situation, I don't think anyone can
be sure of the outcome. Even the best economist, policy makes or
advanturous punders are more than ready to wait on the sidelines
before putting money where their mouth is. And that includes
policians with instinctive nature to market their future plan using
current unpreditable situation.
Will it get worst or better ? It is any one's guess. We see optimist
saying things will get better ONLY if the war is short and decisive
one, to the naysayer like BG George Yeo who paints a darker
world of "irreparable damage to the Western Alliance" and "far
reaching political and economic implications long after the war has
ended."
Who can we believe? Only time will tell.
But we can be sure that actions that are within Singapore's control
are taken to nullify the repercusions if war breaks out.
That is what Singapore's governemnt attitude,which many has
come to ignore, that made the difference:
Prepare for the worst.
Without doubt, while the Malaysian Acting PM comments were made in the proper perspective towards SGP's policy changes to prepare for the worst case scenario, his minister prefer to twist the fact to suit his own personal political agenda.
While the SGP Cabinet has generally seen the upcoming political climate as gloomy - (including even the Secretary General of NTUC who is also a Cabinet Minister) - and with the PM being the chief spokesman; it is surprising that the DPM decides to take on a different outlook.
His different direction to prepare for the worst economic outlook can only be called perplexing, when the future is already determined by nearly all in the Cabinet and with the PM calling "to expect the WORST".
Is the DPM's buoyant expectation to boost his own image - by insisting that his "economic" or "budget plan" is workable, and refusing to make any immediate provisions to prepare for the worse despite the pleas from the Chairman of the Feedback Unit ?
However, the DPM was politically savvy enough, by acknowledging and qualifying that his expectation can be negatively affected by outside factor that will retard his plans.
Keeping "enough bullets" to meet the situation when it appears, is almost tantamount to holding the issuing of the ammo until the enemy is on top of our bunker.
By the time the ammo is distributed, the war would soon be over.
This same policy of procrastination had occurred, when the 'Know-All" Government refused to heed the pleas of the Business Community for assistance - by lowering of charges such as CPF, SDF, property taxes, etc - before the last 1987 recession bite in.
When it did, the Government finally responded but too late, as its new policy changes took almost a year before its effects kick in - and during the interim year, many business failures resulted in job losses and bankruptcies.
To prepare for an upcoming known epidemic, one would expect to take early preparation by innoculating the population, so that sufficient strength will be available when the epidemic hit.
As matter stand, our economy is still floundering, and flip flopping, with more retrenchments expected to be worst then the last round that has effected. Still nothing more is to be done to improve the economic environment to boost its prospect and give confidence to all sectors of the business and manufacturing communities.
One can only wonder if our SGP Ministers deserve to be paid their MILLION Dollar Salary, when everything that they do, is dependent on a US$1000 salaried Saddam Hussein, and a George Bush who is paid only US$150,000 per month (or is per year ?). -
Originally posted by Atobe:
Thanks for your clarification, but "apples" or "oranges" they are all fruits in a common "fruit basket".
Not if you can sort out the good from the rotting ones. Alas, it
is a figure of speech that I am pointing out the disparities within
the Malaysian governments as far as foreign policies is concerned.
[quote]Without doubt, while the Malaysian Acting PM comments were made in the proper perspective towards SGP's policy changes to prepare for the worst case scenario, his minister prefer to twist the fact to suit his own personal political agenda.
A relatively fresh one in a basket full of rotten fruits you might say.
Your remarks on the governments inactions is most interesting.
But isn't it a fact that Singapore was able to enjoy an average of
over +6%/yr GSP for over 10 yrs since 1986 ?I am not pro-gov, but
track records had shown even since the 1st recession in 1985~86,
the economy actually rebounded to +2% in '86 and shot to +9%
in a yr later. Now, one can made an educated guess that
the positive extenal env had contributed to this recovery, but one
certainly cannot downplay the fact that proper governance reaction,
abait slow or unpopular, had allowed Singapore sustain growth
for over a decade before another crisis hit in 97.
Now in 21st century paradiagm, things had gotten tougher and no
one likes a rosy picture that can get smeared by a simple sneeze
from MrBean. But that's the fact. Information age and globalisation
had compounded a greater competition where human skills and
knowledge can be transfered from one place to another at lightning
speed. PSA paid a heavy priced for her complacency and inactions
that truely was a water-shed event to GLC and government inst
alikes. Action must be taken, but the inherent delay in outcomes
will inevitably require continous policy tweakings in such
fluid situation like this Iraq crisis or terrorist activities.
Singapore is now not only at the mercy of her geophysical limit,
but also a victim of her own prominent success. We know Iraq war
is coming, that can be prepared. We know terrorist org are
targeting the Republic, but we don't know when, how and where.
This is precisely where Singapore gov planning for the worst comes
into play. If rapid policy changes (flip-flopping to say ?) is needed,
so be it. If policy changes causes hardship and inconvenience,
like the latest 100% check at customs, so be it. If Newater is
going to cost us more than raw water price from someone else,
so be it.
Cause any inaction, no matter how bitter or delayed, may cost
Singaporean more. And so if it cost extra to keep good apples
from getting bad, I think that extra is worth every cents as there
is premium in any quality fruit product.
You get what you pay for. -
Interesting angle that you have presented, and entirely non-controversial.Originally posted by Gun:A relatively fresh one in a basket full of rotten fruits you might say.
Your remarks on the governments inactions is most interesting.
But isn't it a fact that Singapore was able to enjoy an average of
over +6%/yr GSP for over 10 yrs since 1986 ?I am not pro-gov, but
track records had shown even since the 1st recession in 1985~86,
the economy actually rebounded to +2% in '86 and shot to +9%
in a yr later. Now, one can made an educated guess that
the positive extenal env had contributed to this recovery, but one
certainly cannot downplay the fact that proper governance reaction,
abait slow or unpopular, had allowed Singapore sustain growth
for over a decade before another crisis hit in 97.
Now in 21st century paradiagm, things had gotten tougher and no
one likes a rosy picture that can get smeared by a simple sneeze
from MrBean. But that's the fact. Information age and globalisation
had compounded a greater competition where human skills and
knowledge can be transfered from one place to another at lightning
speed. PSA paid a heavy priced for her complacency and inactions
that truely was a water-shed event to GLC and government inst
alikes. Action must be taken, but the inherent delay in outcomes
will inevitably require continous policy tweakings in such
fluid situation like this Iraq crisis or terrorist activities.
Singapore is now not only at the mercy of her geophysical limit,
but also a victim of her own prominent success. We know Iraq war
is coming, that can be prepared. We know terrorist org are
targeting the Republic, but we don't know when, how and where.
This is precisely where Singapore gov planning for the worst comes
into play. If rapid policy changes (flip-flopping to say ?) is needed,
so be it. If policy changes causes hardship and inconvenience,
like the latest 100% check at customs, so be it. If Newater is
going to cost us more than raw water price from someone else,
so be it.
Cause any inaction, no matter how bitter or delayed, may cost
Singaporean more. And so if it cost extra to keep good apples
from getting bad, I think that extra is worth every cents as there
is premium in any quality fruit product.
You get what you pay for.
However, as much as I would agree with you that the AVERAGE GDP performance of Singapore has been above the most poor performing economies, I would not give all the credit to the Government entirely.
The fact of the matter is that when bad times can affect Singapore's economic performance and admitted by the Government to be beyond their control; then logically when the good times come, nothing they can do can influence its arrival either sooner or later.
The performance of the economy is largely made possible by the diligence and discipline of the Singapore Citizens, by their good work ethics and thrifty habits.
The Ministers that are paid the "Million Dollar" Package to hold Public Office, are largely supported by the "Thousand Dollar" Salaried Personal Secretaries, Administrators, Civil Servants, Government Officers, Grass Root Leaders, and minor office holders.
The real work of Government is done by these "Thousand Dollar" Salaried workers that are no different from the other Citizens being employed in the Private Sectors (or the GLCs) - all with the objective of bringing home enough for the family.
Certainly, the terrorist problems have started the Twenty First Century with some new challenges; but whatever that is being thought out and implemented are basically from the various Specialist Advisers in the various Security Services in the Government. These Specialist Advisers are the normal salaried worker, like any salaried worker from the Singapore Citizenry.
What then does the Government Leaders actually do, to deserve the "Million Dollar" Package, when almost everything in the world that can affect Singapore is beyond their control, and all others that are within their control are performed by ordinary Singaporeans in their employ ?
The Government Leaders can be compared to the work done of the Director, Manager, Supervisor, Foreman, or even the Section Head. If you have seen the way these guys work in some organisation, then you wonder if they truly deserve the pay package that they are being paid.
To make matters worse, the Singapore Inc is formed not by the private capital from these "Directors of Singapore", but with the capital coming from the enterprise and contribution of ordinary Singaporeans, who have little say in how much of OUR money should go to pay for the salary of these "Directors of Singapore Inc".
In Public Listed Companies, the shareholders will be peeved if they see the C.E.O and Directors of the Board paying themselves better than the average shareholder benefits, and will scream when they are continuously paid high remunerations even when the Company is NOT performing at all. -
But it still takes 2 to tango. If a policy is ill-planned or executed byOriginally posted by Atobe:The fact of the matter is that when bad times can affect Singapore's economic performance and admitted by the Government to be beyond their control; then logically when the good times come, nothing they can do can influence its arrival either sooner or later.
I think that is the irony: Thinking that we can't do a thing about
these factors "beyond our control" by the Singapore government
that average Singaporean will come to let the matter rest.
This is NOT the way we should be telling ourselves.
True go-getters (entrepasn ) don;t just sit down let let things happen: They MAKE things happen.
[quote]
The performance of the economy is largely made possible by the diligence and discipline of the Singapore Citizens, by their good work ethics and thrifty habits.
corrupted/incompetent officials, even the effort of most industrious
workforce will be invein. Having said that, I agree that the gov
self-interests will severly handicup Singapore's future development
in their relutance to release its grip.
Ultimately these "Million Dollar" ministers will need to face the fact
that their pay-cheque will come into increasing scrutiny like it
or not. But how ? We have all these former cabinet members and
relatives sitting at the board of directors of a Billion$ owned
by the Finance ministry,
Temasek Holdings
I'd be embarrased to place my close ones in these high- powered
positions even if they are capable and others wants it.
This is for a very simple reason: People can see & observe. If you
are not up to task, it'll become everyone's pantry-talk. From
Suchou to Micropolise to PSA, these recent track records will
have profound implications to PAP's future standing event with its "pround" history NOT because of this failures, but because
the Singapore goverment has been less forthcoming and
transparent in its dealings with these loses.
And having policians in business dealings will only make enemies
with local entrepreneurs . See how Sim Wong Hoo, consistently
exercise his charity programs without the need for $1-for-$1 and
frequently out of his own pocket and kept the 20% CPF contrib
to his workforce ? I think he has already make a mockery of the
GLC (and gov) without even joining oppositions.!
He had not only won the hearts of many locals, but also made
overseas allies from Malaysian business circles to China itself.
Now, that sets me thinking what Jayakumar truely meant when
says Singapore government do not "duck issues"
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You have made very relevant points that shows your perceptive observations of current events.
At times I wonder if the Government realise that Singapore was a great trading post, made possible by the tremendous enterprise of the migrant communities that formed Singapore - even during the Colonial Days.
The indomitable and ambitious spirit of entreprenuerships from the PRIVATE Merchants, Tradesmen, Artisans, Laborers and Unskilled Workers have created dreams that led to the foundation of Singapore.
With or Without the Government, Singapore will be Singapore, as Hong Kong has become Hong Kong even without any interference from Government policies and regulatory inputs.
The Singapore Government had interfered with the laissez-faire system established since the founding of Singapore, and has brought us one full circle to events in the historical past - and in the process doused the flame of enterprise and entrepreneurship which is currently being lamented.
Since the 1950's, Singapore was serviced by more then six to eight bus companies that were ALL PRIVATELY owned. The bus fares were strictly regulated to prevent unwarranted price hikes that affect the cost of transportation and enriching the Private Owners.
Without the price hike reviews, and with tight fare controls, the bus operators were caught between the pressures to upgrade their operations with newer buses, and to keep their costs down.
By 1970's, the Government of Independent Singapore, decided that it was not efficient to have bus companies owned and operated Privately; and forced the various companies to amalgamate or to be closed.
Subsequently, the entire bus transport system was basically NATIONALISED, for the simple reason of efficiency and less wastage of resources, that was to result in higher standards with better transport costs controls resulting in affordable fares.
The full circle has now returned, with more bus companies appearing (supplementary services) to support the three main stream companies (SBS, Translink, CCS).
Although newer buses have appeared, the bus fares have seen tremendous hikes, when compared to those charged before, and when compared to similar size operation and standards as found in Hong Kong. (It is ironical that the Privately operated Bus Companies were prevented from any fare hikes in the 1950's).
This is only one part of the full circle experience, as the same reasons were given to remove the many Privately Owned Taxi services; and the full circle now returning with many taxi companies being formed today but all State Owned through GLCs.
With or without the Singapore Government, the ingenuity of the Singapore business spirit will continue to SILENTLY develop without too much fanfare.
The fear of most Singapore businessmen is that any good idea that becomes big, will attract the interest of the Government, who will form competitive businesses to take a cut of the market share for their own treasury.
From the Privately Owned Race Horse Betting, to Supermarkets, to Ship Buildings, to Transportation, to armed Security Service, to Beer and Soft Drinks manufacturing, to processor chip manufacturing, to services such as architectural and engineering consultancy, to Software Development - and too many to be named - the Government has used legislations to thwart private enterprise, or to compete with private enterprise so as to prevent wealth from being accumulated in the hands of the privileged and enterprising.
A new class of wealthy rich now exist, which come from a new route that is NOT from Private INGENUITY and ENTERPRISE, but through correct political association with the correct Political Party.
Even before the call to develop a "Second Wing", the private businessmen has already spread far and wide, and with more success than the Government led efforts in Suzhou, and investments in the purchases of over inflated prime properties in several major cities of the developed world.
Government should remain in the realm of governance, and leave Business to the Business Community.
This can never be accepted by our Singapore Government, as their superiority complex have given them the belief that they are the talented few - the "creme-de-la-creme" of what little talent can be found in Singapore - and that there is nothing beyond their ability to handle.
It is not too surprising that there can be contradictions in the opinions between the PM and the DPM, when the full cycle of contradiction in Government Policies can also happen.