a disgrunted singaporean....read first b4 giving comments..
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Quote from a member of the public...quite interesting:
I draw 1700 dollars a month with no increment for the
last 3 years. My mum draws 500 dollars a month. We
have long working hours, and rarely get to see each
other. After CPF 20% cut and other taxes, we can
barely make it through the end of the month.
Yet we have a rude shock when we both found out we
are the third highest paid workers in the world. Our
PAP Government has just told us that we draw higher
salaries than even Australia and USA! Our unemployment
problem is due to the Singapore Citizen's fault.
Our Salaries are just too high.
Well, just a few years ago, the PAP government says
they were going to resume CPF to 40%. Now, the tune
has changed. We are paid too high. Cut CPF. At the
same time the signal is being sent that salaries
should not be paid too high. Remember? China and India
much cheaper. Yes! But does the cost of a car or a
house the same as the cost in Singapore?
Next year, GST increases to 5% and everybody pays.
This they keep mum. Our ministers and MPs are the
highest paid in the whole world. They get millions a
year. Each constituency have 3 or 4 MPs. PAP is a big
party.
Singapore is very small island! Do we need so many MPs? So many civil servants are redundant, overpaid and highly
inefficient.
Here we have a government who thinks they know best
and never consults the citizen of any decision that's
made. In these times of difficulties we have a $650
million Esplanade splurge.
Plus:
We have a transport minister whose main priority
isn't transport efficiency but profits.
We have the first driverless system that cost the
citizen's transport extra and breaks down frequently
since its 1st use. We were told the fully automated
system was developed to keep running cost down. Yet
we're required to pay a lot more for it. And it
comes free value-added random breakdown feature to
'attract' passengers!
We have a government who on one hand splurge on the
Esplanade but scrimp on HDB upgrades on the other. Who won't learn after repeated mistakes of bankrupt contractors delaying the upgrading
project time and again? It is only after flare ups do they take
attention to the issue. Have they gone so fat in the
middle that they have gone thick in the head??
PAP is entirely faultless, so they claimed.
I see now an increasingly bleak future for Singapore.
The government has a death gripe on the enterprises
here and practices pseudo-deregulations and
privatizations. They have no directions. Despite top
scholarly
decisions made, Singapore's economy is going down, down,
down.
And now, to top it all, they have resorted to pointing fingers
shifting blames. The lowest of the low. Our salaries are higher
than the US (what a joke) Now we can all look forward to work till the end of our lives trying to pay up mortgage and have an absolutely zero quality of life.
I can barely survive on my own, much less talk about
getting married and having children. I guess that option is reserved for the the expats. I am in a country where Singaporeans and its government look down on its own Singaporean citizens. Where they give all the key roles and development to Angmoh expats.
Seems to me as the day goes by that the quitters are
winners
and losers are stayers.
Ask yourself today, do you want a better quality of
life? Will and can Singapore gives you a better
quality of life?
Make a decision today. You'll feel better after you
know where to go. For those who want a better quality
of life? Make plans. The PAP has shortchanged you and
makes you slave to their system till the end of your
days. Only you can change your life.
Emigrate when the time is right. -
It is a wonderful co-incidence to read your article, after posting my thread:-
"The 'Virtual World' of Swiss Standard of Living' - Crashed ? "
The cause of the problems encountered by the complainant in your post is due largely to the UNREALISTIC ASPIRATIONS of the Government to transplant a 'Swiss Standard of Living' onto Singapore.
This politically inspired vision of a 'Swiss Standard of Living' has been sold to Singaporeans to win votes, which on the one hand was supposed to create a Lifestyle similar to the Swiss - ( with all the refinements and trappings of a modern metropolis that covers first class housing, transport, arts and entertainment ); and expecting the Lifestyle to be supported by wage levels that are artificially pushed up; but without the substance nor tangible productive and creative output found in the Swiss.
If we use the HDB criteria in determining which income bracket can buy which types of HDB homes, we can safely assume that about 40% of the Singapore population are living in 3-Room Flats, about 35% live in 4-Room Flats, 15% live in 5-Room Flats, and 5% live in Executive Masonettes.
The remaining 5% live in Private Homes.
With the meticulous manner in which HDB ensure that the home buyers' income can meet monthly instalment payment for the homes purchased, one can safely assume that almost 40% of Singaporeans have a monthly family income not exceeding $2000, 35% not exceeding $4000, 15% not exceeding $6000, and 5% of HDB Executive Maisonettes dwellers have an income not exceeding $9000.
A large portion of the CPF money saved over the working life of a Singaporean will go into the purchase of an HDB or Private Home, and the remaining cash portion of the wage will pay for either car finance instalments and its operation-maintenance, or for Public Transport.
Is there anything left in Cash after paying for other expenses that include child or self improvement education and tuition, food, clothing, utilities, and telephone ? -
HDB flats are not "purchased"... they're leased for 99 years...
but, what he has said are the thoughts of the common working hack...
i worry for my country
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I find it amusing that certain Singaporeans complain and complain, without thinking of more constructive ways to build a better future.
And to those jokers who feel that emigrating is the answer to all their problems, i beg to differ. If you want to raise your kids in countries where guns are allowed to be carried around with the proper paperwork or if you want to raise them in countries whereby universities admit the majority of their students based on their religion and not academic results, go ahead. Every country has its own merits or shortfalls, and there won't ever be a 'perfect country' for everyone.
So many people are disgruntled, but all they do is talk and talk. Dude, where's the action?!
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some are voting with their feet...
some are trying their best to provide for their families..
some, like me, are trying to convince many to do something...
most, unfortunately, are happy to be sheepOriginally posted by cooleo:I find it amusing that certain Singaporeans complain and complain, without thinking of more constructive ways to build a better future.
And to those jokers who feel that emigrating is the answer to all their problems, i beg to differ. If you want to raise your kids in countries where guns are allowed to be carried around with the proper paperwork or if you want to raise them in countries whereby universities admit the majority of their students based on their religion and not academic results, go ahead. Every country has its own merits or shortfalls, and there won't ever be a 'perfect country' for everyone.
So many people are disgruntled, but all they do is talk and talk. Dude, where's the action?! -
I will like to see some action from Bear then. After all talk is cheap. Prove that u are not a German Shephard who only barks. As for me being a sheep, well that is your own assumption and if it pleases u, good for u.
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we do what we can...
they also serve, those who stand in reserveOriginally posted by cooleo:I will like to see some action from Bear then. After all talk is cheap. Prove that u are not a German Shephard who only barks. As for me being a sheep, well that is your own assumption and if it pleases u, good for u. -
Well said bro. In Singapore, its either u make it or u dontOriginally posted by BillyBong:Quote from a member of the public...quite interesting:
I draw 1700 dollars a month with no increment for the
last 3 years. My mum draws 500 dollars a month. We
have long working hours, and rarely get to see each
other. After CPF 20% cut and other taxes, we can
barely make it through the end of the month.
Yet we have a rude shock when we both found out we
are the third highest paid workers in the world. Our
PAP Government has just told us that we draw higher
salaries than even Australia and USA! Our unemployment
problem is due to the Singapore Citizen's fault.
Our Salaries are just too high.
Well, just a few years ago, the PAP government says
they were going to resume CPF to 40%. Now, the tune
has changed. We are paid too high. Cut CPF. At the
same time the signal is being sent that salaries
should not be paid too high. Remember? China and India
much cheaper. Yes! But does the cost of a car or a
house the same as the cost in Singapore?
Next year, GST increases to 5% and everybody pays.
This they keep mum. Our ministers and MPs are the
highest paid in the whole world. They get millions a
year. Each constituency have 3 or 4 MPs. PAP is a big
party.
Singapore is very small island! Do we need so many MPs? So many civil servants are redundant, overpaid and highly
inefficient.
Here we have a government who thinks they know best
and never consults the citizen of any decision that's
made. In these times of difficulties we have a $650
million Esplanade splurge.
Plus:
We have a transport minister whose main priority
isn't transport efficiency but profits.
We have the first driverless system that cost the
citizen's transport extra and breaks down frequently
since its 1st use. We were told the fully automated
system was developed to keep running cost down. Yet
we're required to pay a lot more for it. And it
comes free value-added random breakdown feature to
'attract' passengers!
We have a government who on one hand splurge on the
Esplanade but scrimp on HDB upgrades on the other. Who won't learn after repeated mistakes of bankrupt contractors delaying the upgrading
project time and again? It is only after flare ups do they take
attention to the issue. Have they gone so fat in the
middle that they have gone thick in the head??
PAP is entirely faultless, so they claimed.
I see now an increasingly bleak future for Singapore.
The government has a death gripe on the enterprises
here and practices pseudo-deregulations and
privatizations. They have no directions. Despite top
scholarly
decisions made, Singapore's economy is going down, down,
down.
And now, to top it all, they have resorted to pointing fingers
shifting blames. The lowest of the low. Our salaries are higher
than the US (what a joke) Now we can all look forward to work till the end of our lives trying to pay up mortgage and have an absolutely zero quality of life.
I can barely survive on my own, much less talk about
getting married and having children. I guess that option is reserved for the the expats. I am in a country where Singaporeans and its government look down on its own Singaporean citizens. Where they give all the key roles and development to Angmoh expats.
Seems to me as the day goes by that the quitters are
winners
and losers are stayers.
Ask yourself today, do you want a better quality of
life? Will and can Singapore gives you a better
quality of life?
Make a decision today. You'll feel better after you
know where to go. For those who want a better quality
of life? Make plans. The PAP has shortchanged you and
makes you slave to their system till the end of your
days. Only you can change your life.
Emigrate when the time is right. -
How sad that the sheep of the new generation all seem to miss the finer points in life.Originally posted by cooleo:I will like to see some action from Bear then. After all talk is cheap. Prove that u are not a German Shephard who only barks. As for me being a sheep, well that is your own assumption and if it pleases u, good for u.
Complain complain they always say. But all they do is counter-complain.... -
Good day, Mr Billy Bong. I assume u are one of those self-proclaimed 'German Shephards' who leads the sheep? And since u are so bothered and upset about the system in Singapore, why dun u be a 'doer' instead of being a 'talker'? After all empty vessels make the most noise, and u seem to be the epitome of NATO aka No Action Talk Only.
And before we applaud u for at least making the effort to speak out, i do wonder if u are one of those who meekly tick the PAP's box when it comes to voting time. After all, German Shephards are rather smart animals, they do know something besides barking away.
"Dude, where's the action?" -
Certainly ppl may complain. After all they can't very well protest on the street with pickets and signs saying: give us back our money.Originally posted by cooleo:I find it amusing that certain Singaporeans complain and complain, without thinking of more constructive ways to build a better future.
So many people are disgruntled, but all they do is talk and talk. Dude, where's the action?!
The writer can barely meet her own needs and now you want her to take some action about her plight?
What do you suggest her to do? Be an MP? In her mind she'd have to join the very party she is upset with.
Get a few friends and riot in front of the parliment building? She'll be arrested faster then she can say "help me".
Write into the press? Not every letter sent in is printed. And surely anything as strong as this would be edited by our straits times so that people don't mis-interpret the contents as provocative.
In fact, these suggested actions are pretty mild compared to what we read in the news today.
I'm part of the working class and i'm sure bear is too. We know what low-income people go through to get their dough. Most people don't take kindly to having their hard-earned cash siphoned away at every whim.
Promises made and promises broken is what is at the heart of her argument. The gahmen made many assurances but has not succeeded in staying true to them. This includes HDB prices and transportation prices.
Most ppl may not realise it but these are trying times for our gahmen as well as our people. They are on trial here to prove they can live up to their words. If not, i won't be surprised at the results of the next elections.
After all, the general public never remembers things that go right, but they hang u for every mistake you commit. -
One:Originally posted by cooleo:Good day, Mr Billy Bong. I assume u are one of those self-proclaimed 'German Shephards' who leads the sheep? And since u are so bothered and upset about the system in Singapore, why dun u be a 'doer' instead of being a 'talker'? After all empty vessels make the most noise, and u seem to be the epitome of NATO aka No Action Talk Only.
And before we applaud u for at least making the effort to speak out, i do wonder if u are one of those who meekly tick the PAP's box when it comes to voting time. After all, German Shephards are rather smart animals, they do know something besides barking away.
"Dude, where's the action?"
This article came in my email. I read it and was amazed that someone could easily sum up her disappointments in so short a passage.
Two:
There is no need to applaud anything i do since i, like the rest of my kind in here, live behind a pen name and write ( at least try to write) convincing arguments in the hopes that eventually one day the readers make something outta it and do (like you so affectionally request for) take some kind of action.
btw, unfortunately, my constituency does not allow me to vote since no one dares challenge the incumbent and is unlikely to do so for another 20 years or so...(maybe i should make that 50 years)
Oh and i don't fancy german shephards. They do (like you have already mentioned) bark rather unnecessarily to get your attention. But at least they do bark. -
Let's put it this way, the opposition parties we have in Singapore are a bunch of jokers. I wouldn't even dream of putting a tick in their boxes in a drunken state. They can't get even get their facts right and gets into trouble all the time. The sight of them selling their so called 'books' at City Hall Mrt are laughable to say the least. If this is the type of action you guys want, i can only say a silent prayer and hope for the best.
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now isn't that nice.
when people speak out, you paint them whiners and complainers. and when people actually try to make a difference, you call them jokers.
since you're so fond of action yourself, prittee thee, tell us what actions have you taken, and what should we do?
otherwise, you're just pretty NATO yourself. -
First of all, get the facts right before u start barking away, literally speaking.
One, I did not try to potray myself as a pathetic Singaporean who can barely make ends meet by emailing everyone about it.
Two, I do not go to the forums and speak out loud or shall i say 'bark' and proclaim to be a leader just by speaking out - the German Sherphard leading the sheep. And since you wanna criticise the others for being sheep, then u jolly well be a 'doer' instead of a 'barker'. If i yearn to hear some barking, i will prefer to visit the SPCA.
Three, what i said were facts. It is true that they are pathetic. To put it bluntly, i can't even remember who is the opposition party member in my constituency. The only time i've seen this joker is during voting time. Now, what does that tell us all?
"Dude, where's the action?" -
OH! IT'S DIFFERENT! you're not complaining about the big bad pap. you're complaining about the ones complaining about the big bad pap.
w00t.
someone who doesn't take action, has no right to criticise those that do, no matter how incompetent they are. -
Oh is that right? So i suppose u are not fit to criticise IF the opposition parties should suggest something stupid like imposing a 50% tax on everyone irregardless of their earnings to finance a fund to support the lazy or the jobless? Now note that i am just stating an example.
By the way who are you kidding? The fact that you describe the PAP as 'big bad PAP' means u are prejudiced against them. That alone makes your argument lack conviction.
Lastly, try to read and understand before 'barking' unnessarily. I did not complain about people who complain about the PAP, i was criticising those people who complain but dun take action - in other words a noisy German Shephard.
"Dude, where are the German Shephards who 'bite'?" -
wah... been so busy lately that i haven't posted in a long time... but i come in only i find a pro-govt, self righteous prig hounding (forgive the doggy punOriginally posted by cooleo:Oh is that right? So i suppose u are not fit to criticise IF the opposition parties should suggest something stupid like imposing a 50% tax on everyone irregardless of their earnings to finance a fund to support the lazy or the jobless? Now note that i am just stating an example.
By the way who are you kidding? The fact that you describe the PAP as 'big bad PAP' means u are prejudiced against them. That alone makes your argument lack conviction.
Lastly, try to read and understand before 'barking' unnessarily. I did not complain about people who complain about the PAP, i was criticising those people who complain but dun take action - in other words a noisy German Shephard.
"Dude, where are the German Shephards who 'bite'?" 
) everyone for speaking their mind...
bro... think about it... "no action, talk only", "all bark, no bite", "i want some ACTION" ... so tell me this: what room do we have for civic action? the gov't seeks our comments, but doesn't listen. the gov't makes promises, but doesn't always keep them. the gov't says its all for our good, but we see the singaporean dream getting flushed every day.
the opposition didn't become weak overnight. i have very little respect for numbskull chee as well (some may object to my choice of language but sorry lah... i really think the man's a buffoon...), but i respect his right and his courage for speaking his mind. and if more people would, then maybe we might have a clearer picture of where we're headed and if there's an alternative...
YES! an ALTERNATIVE. not every opinion is groundbreaking, not every comment will change the world, but the most destructive, most idiotic thing a supposedly intelligent person can say is "shut the hell up if u have nothing constructive to say".
WHY should any view be constructive at all? is 'constructiveness' a PAP monopoly? is the govt sponsored discourse the ONLY valid one?
don't be narrow and arrogant. our views may not be 'constructive', but they are nonetheless valid, free and reflections of our own (limited? by what standard?) experiences.
what is needed now, more than ever, is for pple to speak their mind, provoke debate and discussion and seek alternatives. alternatives only exist when there's a variety of views. let us ALL speak. maybe we migh come up with something interesting.
let they who would only articulate 'constructive' views keep those views to themselves until they can figure out what exactly those views are.
let those who honour the rest by sharing their views do so as well. not to worry... we respect the silence of the former as well. -
It seems like the people who are voting for opposition parties, do so not because they are good, but merely because they are discontented with PAP. I find that amusing, considering the fact that the opposition has been barking alot, but when it comes to crunch time, i got to ask my golden question "Dude, where's the action?"
Is it PAP's fault that the opposition parties are weak? No.
Is it PAP's fault that opposition parties screw up their facts and get into trouble? No.
Is it PAP's fault that opposition parties fail to get enough votes to secure seats? No.
PAP is not perfect, but given the choice between PAP and the opposition parties with the likes of Dr Chee and Co, the choice is clear as daylight.
"Dude, where are the German Shephards that really know how to 'bite'?" -
Originally posted by cooleo:
there are very good reasons for pple to be discontented with the PAP... don't be presumptuous. just because u joined their fan club doesn't mean everyone should as well.
It seems like the people who are voting for opposition parties, do so not because they are good, but merely because they are discontented with PAP. I find that amusing, considering the fact that the opposition has been barking alot, but when it comes to crunch time, i got to ask my golden question "Dude, where's the action?"
lets not forget that not many get to vote as well... some democracy this is turning out to be...Is it PAP's fault that the opposition parties are weak? No.
YES it is. u just don't know enough history to know it. the opposition wasn't always weak and the PAP wasn't always strong.
the fact is, the PAP has actively made sure that the opposition can never have a chance to challenge PAP dominance:
1)by constantly re-drawing electoral boundaries
2)by making sure that the minimum amount of time is allowed for campaigning between the announcement of election dates and the elections itself
3)by implementing the GRC to make sure that the weakened opposition can never garner enough candidates to contest
4)by coming down hard on all dissenting voices to further discourage pple from participating in the opposition
5)by actively recruiting candidates from the bureaucracy and the military to renew itself thereby binding both organisations to their loyalty
that the PAP has achieved much during its year in power is beyond question.
that its methods were heavy-handed, undemocratic and in many cases, rather objectionable, is also very much true.Is it PAP's fault that opposition parties screw up their facts and get into trouble? No.
yes. think about something that happened just a few months ago: the two economists from NTU who got their figures wrong because some of the data were 'classified'.
there is an obvious lack of transparency in what goes on in the 'black-box' ... we, the little man can only hope that what goes on is truly, to our interest, as the govt claims.
there are always two sides to every coin.Is it PAP's fault that opposition parties fail to get enough votes to secure seats? No.
yes. because they have resorted to the underhand method of tying in HDB upgrading to win votes.
this says a lot about the political maturity of the average singaporean, but thats the way the cookie crumbles when u just sit tight and not talk about pertinent issues because u don't think your views matter: u get selfish, self-centered and apathetic.
and because the oppostion has been so badly weakened by the PAP becoming stronger at its expense. we no longer question PAP dominance.PAP is not perfect, but given the choice between PAP and the opposition parties with the likes of Dr Chee and Co, the choice is clear as daylight.
is it? chee is the caricature of a bad opposition figure. he does not equate all opposition figures. in the same way that the PAP is not all good, nor all bad. but a PAP that is all powerful, without any checks, balance and restraint is a BAD thing!
we need to have a balanced view with regards to political awareness and this can only come about through active discussion."Dude, where are the German Shephards that really know how to 'bite'?"
it got mauled by the PAP to the extent that it is now bleeding, wimpering and couched in a fetal position. it is up to all singaporeans who care about their future to nurse it, nurture it, talk to it, engage it and understand it. so that it can get back on its feet and start speaking for us, the people, again.
an effective opposition does not just appear out of nowhere. the PAP even has to 'pretend' to have an opposition by having NMPs...
there IS something wrong with our political system. and we need to talk about it to address it by thinking about it, talking about it and understanding it.
try to be open minded. life is complex beyond your limited understanding... -
Hi all,
I didnt read read through every post here. Here's my 2 cents worth:
A "doer" is likely soon to be transformed into an "undoer" with NATO mentality. Our fellow compatriots in Singapore are part of this reason. It's easier to say be a doer and lead the sheep. You think it's easy leading a pack of sheep which does not wish to follow you?
Emigration seems like a good option to many. I believe most who migrate seek for a less hectic lifestyle. In Singapore, alot of things cannot be done. Area constraints is one big key factor. After all, who doesnt seek to have a better life elsewhere?
Again, it really depends on the individual. Ultimately, if he or she is really happy and in search of a better life, i think it's ok.
But as to how far will i see my Singapore progress in the years to come, it leaves me a huge question mark. True. We are a small country, we need to improve in order not to be ousted in this rat race. But there's a limit to one can hold or handle at any one time. My life in Singapore holds a huge question mark. -
Hi all,
I didnt read read through every post here. Here's my 2 cents worth:
A "doer" is likely soon to be transformed into an "undoer" with NATO mentality. Our fellow compatriots in Singapore are part of this reason. It's easier to say be a doer and lead the sheep. You think it's easy leading a pack of sheep which does not wish to follow you?
Emigration seems like a good option to many. I believe most who migrate seek for a less hectic lifestyle. In Singapore, alot of things cannot be done. Area constraints is one big key factor. After all, who doesnt seek to have a better life elsewhere?
Again, it really depends on the individual. Ultimately, if he or she is really happy and in search of a better life, i think it's ok.
But as to how far will i see my Singapore progress in the years to come, it leaves me a huge question mark. True. We are a small country, we need to improve in order not to be ousted in this rat race. But there's a limit to one can hold or handle at any one time. My life in Singapore holds a huge question mark. -
Very detailed explaination we have from u, but after all the twists and turns, we need to come to the most important part, why should i vote for a bunch of jokers who could turn out to be worse than the PAP just because there is minor discontent with the PAP?
As for your assumption of my limited knowledge, you are entitled to 'bark' all u want, after all you are just a German Shephard who knows how to 'bark' with some rhythmic tempo unlike most German Shephards. And pray tell, what is a man of pent up frustration and self-proclaimed 'ample knowledge' doing in the forum, speaking out under a pen name?
If all u do is speak out at the comfort of your home and hope that others will take action, then you are just a German Shephard who wants others to do the dirty job while u reap the rewards isn't it? And i notice that all the German Shephards seems to have failing memories, they forgot to answer my golden question with conviction, that is with action instead of hiding behind the monitor and typing away furiously. Save your flowery words for a funeral mourning, churn out the action and stop giving excuses for the lack of action.
"Dude, where are the German Shephards that really know how to 'bite'?" -
you seems like chiwawa to me....Originally posted by cooleo:Very detailed explaination we have from u, but after all the twists and turns, we need to come to the most important part, why should i vote for a bunch of jokers who could turn out to be worse than the PAP just because there is minor discontent with the PAP?
As for your assumption of my limited knowledge, you are entitled to 'bark' all u want, after all you are just a German Shephard who knows how to 'bark' with some rhythmic tempo unlike most German Shephards. And pray tell, what is a man of pent up frustration and self-proclaimed 'ample knowledge' doing in the forum, speaking out under a pen name?
If all u do is speak out at the comfort of your home and hope that others will take action, then you are just a German Shephard who wants others to do the dirty job while u reap the rewards isn't it? And i notice that all the German Shephards seems to have failing memories, they forgot to answer my golden question with conviction, that is with action instead of hiding behind the monitor and typing away furiously. Save your flowery words for a funeral mourning, churn out the action and stop giving excuses for the lack of action.
"Dude, where are the German Shephards that really know how to 'bite'?"
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You sound like a little kid who was born in the year of 1984. Maybe i can give u a title if u want.....'aspiring Singapore Shephard'?