Halimah Yacob writes in to TR to clarify her stance on underemployment in Singapore
January 2nd, 2010 | 
Author: EDITORS’ NOTE:
NTUC’s Deputy Secretary-General and PAP MP Madam Halimah Yacob had written to The Temasek Review to clarify her stance on underemployment in an article we published on 31 December 2009. We have made the necessary amendments to the article to better reflect her views.
The letter below is republished here as it is without any editing with kind permission from Madam Halimah Yacob.
Dear Editor of Temasek Review,
I refer to your article dated 31 December 2009 (read article here)
Your article did not accurately reflect the essence of what I had said during the interview.
The entire interview was on the issue of underemployment and how middle aged degree holders could be more affected than others. Although there are no available statistics on underemployment here, I acknowledged that this is a possibility and is an area for greater tripartite focus in 2010.
I did not say that it is unavoidable that middle aged degree holders end up driving taxis. I am not quite sure how you came to that conclusion. I was asked what are the possible causes for a higher number of underemployed middle aged degree holders.
I responded that one reason could be the poor economic situation which made this unavoidable as there are less job opportunities for them. Hence, underemployed older PMETS would have reckoned that it is better to do whatever jobs that are available rather than have no jobs and no income at all.
I had also pointed out that this is sustainable only in the short term as, in the long term if not corrected, people will be demoralised as it is an underutilisation of their skill and earning capabilities. This point was also repeated over 938 Live.
Based on my experience as a Governing Body member of the International Labour Organisation, this is a global phenomenon apparent even in the US where there are higher numbers of white collar workers affected because of the financial crisis. ILO, too, recognised the need for more support for PMETs at the national, regional and international levels. In fact, in many developed countries, the young (both PMETs and non PMETs) has become the casualty as the rate of unemployment is much, much higher among them.
Trying times like these require us, as Singaporeans, to remain focussed and in solidarity so that each and everyone of us can do our part to provide support and understanding to all who need our help.
I would appreciate it if you could make the necessary correction for the sake of accuracy.
Halimah Yacob
Posted in 
Stop the in-flux of so called “foreign talent” that took away the jobs of Singaporean. Isn’t this one of the solution !
I would like to make some changes too:
From: “The entire interview was on the issue of underemployment and how middle aged degree holders could be more affected than others. Although there are no available statistics on underemployment here, I acknowledged that this is a possibility and is an area for greater tripartite focus in 2010.”
To: “The entire interview was on the issue of underemployment and how middle aged DIPLOMA holders could be more SERIOUSLY affected than others. Although there are no available statistics on underemployment here, I acknowledged that this is a possibility and is an area for greater tripartite focus in 2010.”
Dear Madam,
Thank you for your reply to clarify details. We would also like to know what SOLID & PRACTICAL solutions have you and your ministry started or plan to start to resolve this?We trust that with your million dollar salaries, your and your team should be able to formulate the relevant policies soon.
Happy New Year
PS – Fish is still expensive.
good to see halimah responding to TR.
the underemployment situation is here before economic recession, surely halimah can’t blame this totally on it. Foreign influx, manufacturing restructuring,outsourcing has also contributed to underemployment.
“Hence, underemployed older PMETS would have reckoned that it is better to do whatever jobs that are available rather than have no jobs and no income at all.”
Hey TR, go and tell her lei; recuitment cost a lot of money. There are: job advertisement cost, interview cost, training cost, and opportunity cost etc.
Though PMETs might want to lower their expectations, but the recruiters are not stupid also. Which HR manager want to take such risk? He/She has bosses to report to, you know?
So what if they created the best housing , best roads , best universities , best education systems , best envirnoment in Singapore .. They failed to create the single most important thing which is Quality JOBS .
She knows the ‘POWER’ of people’s power in TR
” NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND ”
“Singaporeans Come First For Govt.” [FIRST To Be Left Behind]
http://news.asiaone.com/News/NDP+Rally+2007/NDP+Rally+2007.html
After all that publicity and stupid damage control letter to TR, still no concrete measures to improve the situation.
pap was the one that created the problem in the first place by opening the floodgates to foreigners and lhl is still advocating pro-foreigner stance. We don’t need pap to tell us the situation and problems that pap has created.
We need people to come up with solutions and who dare to execute these solutions even if it means a loss of face.
VOTE THE PAP OUT.
Its a good sign that a very senior PAP/MP like Mdm Halimah to respond, lets likewise return the respect rationally without the usual rhetorics
Heard that 25 MPs are forced to step down, and we must have petitioned that one of the MPs is Halimah Yacob, and at the same time, she also step down as NTUC’s Deputy Secretary-General. The only job she can apply is as Taxi Driver, which I very sure she has no complain about.
i fully agree that Haliman Yacob has been misquoted,in the original article, i had dropped a comment on the original post and it was published today (2 Jan 2010). My main point was that the word :unavoidable: did not appear in the quotation lifted and pasted in TR original posting which claimed that she used such word.
On the other hand, reading Madame’s own reply, i do see that she actually used the words :unavoidable: during the interview. I also see that in the context of the interview, she didn’t use the word unavoidable in the spirit of “despondency”, but rather in the spirit of “lamentable, sadly true, regretable”. Some commentators challenged her to give a solution, but this is a different issue altogether from the original intent of the TR editorial posting. Yes?
I note that this is the first time a PAP leader of her stature had humbled down to speak to mortals like the rest of us here, and I salute her honesty. We would like to see more of her views, if Madame is kindly enough to avail herself of the opportunity to explain some numerous things which make many singaporeans agitated, bloggers would be most delighted.
Zero
This is rather surprising, to have a cabinet minister writting in to TR to explain her stand! And I thought TR is a “non-credible” source as exclaimed by YPAP Sear Hock Rong?
What’s this? Conflict of interest again!?
MORE COMPASSIONATE MPs N SENIOR PUBLIC/CIVIL SERVANTS , PLEASE
ANOTHER CASE THAT IS IGNORED
Handicap man stuck at home and public queries and pleas for help, which were ignored by the below people for nearly 2 months despite being published in TR, REACH, TODAY Newspaper forum, Straits Times Forum, HWZ, TOC, and other forums.
HDB CEO Tay Kim Poh
HDB Deputy Director Chee Kheng Chye
MP Arthur Fong [Clementi Ave 5]
GM WCTC-Clementi Tay Eng Hwa
THANK YOU.
http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC091126-0000059/Direct-lift-access-not-always-possible–HDB
http://app.reach.gov.sg/reach/YourSay/YourDiscussionCorner/tabid/117/ptid/414/page/2147483647/threadid/2848/forumtype/posts/Default.aspx
http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showthread.php?t=2579980
Dear Madam
it puzzles me greatly that if NTUC and hence,the gahmen, know from ILO that massive unemployemnt is a worldwide phenomenon and affects most countries,why then is the gahmen so adamant about their FT policy.This tantamounts to inconsiderate and uncaring policy implementation.
in itself and by itself,the FT policy may be needed over the long run-that i trust the gahmen-but to insist on implementing it amidst a worldwide economic slowdown whence even the biggest global companies are down-sizing to cut costs is to me a display irrational attitude by the gahmen and NTUC should have humbly stepped in and advise the MOM for the PM to make a
wiser and more meaningful decision.
i believe workers from all walks of life put their trust and confidence in NTUC to speak out and out for them in times like this.
i am sure that the leaders in NTUC have the wisdom of judgement
and coupled with your experience and ILO statistics, you could have helped singaporeans to keep their jobs by advising the gahmen to temporarily ease or STOP the influx of these foreign
FTs.
What is done is done BUT what is crucial for you and for us is to ask the gahmen to CREATE more meningful jobs for true blue
citizens.This,i am comfident that NTUC can do and must do.
citizen-workers and their families have contributed in no small
ways to the past successes of our nation-building,economics or otherwise,and i strongly believe that with the right attitudes and aptitudes inculcated through thorough moral and academic education excellence,singaporeans are resilient enough to face
any future challenges.
the sorry state of the current situation is a matter of poorly
implemented policies and CHANGES must be made for you and us to
continue together the journey of our nation building.
the recent events go to show that the gahmen has not reciprocated to the trust and confidence teh citizens have placed in the gahmen and the hard driving and hard striving that we have put in over the last 40 years.
40 years of hard driving and hard striving is not meant to be
squandered away of some UNCERTAIN policies like the FTs who may not ultimately stick with us when things turn sour here or when their own homelands offer them better economic seasons.
Only true bliue singaporeans will be here to stay in sunshine
or in rain and the gahmen must remind themselves of this truth
once again.
thank you and wishing you a HAPPY AND BRIGHT WORKERS’ NEW YEAR.
Halimah says: “Although there are no available statistics on underemployment here”
I find that very hard to believe and understand, given the PAP’s obsession with statistics ..
” NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND ” except for the underemployed?
Interested in statistics that portrays rosy picture?
Congratulations to TR. You know that PAP MP’s or/and even ministers are reading your articles. You are providing great feedback to them!
The problem with retrenched older PMETs was already there since 1997s asian financial crisis.
Ofcos there were a lot of suggestions like retraining, job re-creation and re-employment including lowering job expections but nothing concrete has been found.
Todate, still there isn’t any solution forthcoming for this group.
2/1/10
Too late and the damages had been done.
Regards
Andrew Chuah
@Stop It ! on Sat, 2nd Jan 2010 11:08 am
I support your notion!
Stop the in-flux of so called “foreign talent” that took away the jobs of Singaporeans!!!!
In fact, send them home!
We ought to give Hamilah Yacob our due respects for clarifying her stand via writing to Temasek Review. How many MPs will bother to do that? I hope she is not in the list of 25. Stay on, Hamilah. We want you maintain this channel of engagement with us.
You have created a spark.
You will certainly be rated a notch higher.
Well done TR!
TR should truely write a thank you letter to Halimah Yacob and encourage her to participate more and also invite her to ask her fellow PAP MPs to engage comments, views and opinions in TR positively like her. didnt she talk about solidarity in difficult times.
as for Halimah, in developed countries when a PMET works as a taxi driver, they wont suffer an astronomical drop in their incomes. however that is not the case in Singapore. in developed countries, when a PMET drive taxi for a long time, they wont get demoralised as their incomes are still high enough. it will just be an underutilisation of their labour resource. but in singapore when a PMET drive taxi for a long time, he will get demoralised because of the gap between when he earns and what he should be earning as a PMET.
so one major measure your NTUC must do is divest its control of NTUC cabs. make it into an indepedent cooperative run and managed by taxi drivers themselves just like in developed countries. they wont need to pay your NTUC $90-$120 in daily tax rental. instead they will just pay the cost of the car loan plus assessories (taxi booking system) which will be like $30-$40 per day. they wont need to pay the extra $60-$80 per day that goes to the million dolar and $X00,000K paychecks of senior management of NTUC, employment costs of dozens of unnecessary admin staff etc.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/cna/cgi-bin/search/search_7days.pl?status=&search=halimah%2520yacob&id=1027780
HY’s response
“I did not say that it is unavoidable that middle aged degree holders end up driving taxis.”
CNA Article Proper:
“She said such under-employment is unavoidable as with slow economic growth, job opportunities are limited.”
I don’t think TR misquoted CNA wrongly on this one…
Hear ye ! Hear ye !
Election coming ;Election coming ;Election coming.
Make hay while the sun shine TR.
Start a column like the STOMP now.At least Ministers & MP would now have to hear the small man’s grievances ; even if they sleep comfy on ivory towers .
Remember it’s the little drops that makes an ocean.
post @11:58 , We shouldn’t cast sarcastic remarks against someone trying to be sincere. We need to be a gracious society even if certain leaders in the hierachy, have not yet learned such rudimentary skills. IT achieves nothing to belittle someone writing to the blog for the first time.
zero
“I had also pointed out that this is sustainable only in the short term as, in the long term if not corrected, people will be demoralised as it is an underutilisation of their skill and earning capabilities.”
Halimah,
Many of us in Singapore would like hear from you, the labour movement and the PAP govt on a proposed solution. Talk is cheap. So far there is no substantive or concrete initiative from the PAP govt.
“The letter below is republished here as it is without any editing with kind permission from Madam Halimah Yacob.“
When a letter is addressed to TR, and TR being the recipient, there is NO NEED to ask permission to publish it unless it is marked ‘without prejudice’.
Having said that, here we see one ‘responsible leader’ who is willing to engage and correct, which is a good sign, as opposed to the ‘other bunch’ of arrogant so-called elites.
TR should be glad that an MP and a Union Leader is willing to ‘grace’ its blog and provide an avenue for clarification of gahment policies and listen.
Readers please accord her the proper respect that she is due and tackle issues, not get personal.
Yes, also thank you to Halimah for her response so that netizens can get a better picture. She at least took the time & trouble to give some thought to us netizens. Plus point to you Halimah.
If she is reading this, too many foreigners on employment passes & PRs are being admitted that is crowding the PMETs in the late 30s to 40s age group. How do you resolve this?
Sometimes when leaders are not even providing decent excuses and used words like “unavoidable”, caught “off guard”, foreign talents needed…It is very sad as Singaporean depend on them to lead and expect world-class standard. The Ministries do have the resource and man-power to better serve Singaporean and provide quicker solution. If not, please request them from your BOSS.
I am even sure they are monitoring this site using these resources and man-power.
I am confident decent Singaporean are not interest to “mis-quote” anyone with inaccurate statement. Therefore it is good to have them corrected. Like it or not, as Singapore leaders, please do better. Singaporean are watching and they are not stupid, you know.
When reporting issues, it would be prudent to exercise restraint and not go over board, be overzealous and sensational. Misquotes, deliberate or otherwise steals the new media of its credibilty. We should not shoot ourself on the foot.
a point of clarification. Mdm Halimah is NOT a Cabinet Minister. she is not even a junior minister (i.e. senior minister of state and minister of state), nor even a parlimentary secretary. her position is in NTUC, making her a ‘labour’ MP.
(quote HY)I responded that one reason could be the poor economic situation which made this unavoidable as there are less job opportunities for them. Hence, underemployed older PMETS would have reckoned that it is better to do whatever jobs that are available rather than have no jobs and no income at all. (End quote HY)
Dear Hatimah Yacob,
Thanks for your concern of our perception and we welcome your response.
You have given democracy a little push by being able to engage us.
Based on your view, PMETS should not be choosy anymore and do whatever jobs that are available in order to avoid unemployment.
This is very challenging to the PMETS if they don’t end up as a taxi driver from a practical point of view. Currently in my knowledge, this is one of the rare occupations in which local people have a little unspoken right to be shielded from the challenge of foreign imports. Even if the PMETS wants to be a food court cleaner they have to compete with foreign workers who are cheaper, better and faster. In jobs like this, academic qualifications can go into the dustbin, rather, physical capabilities are the better quality to contest for the position. Imagine if we allow foreign imports to get taxi license to compete with our local people, then really even PMETS will “mati”. The jobs are currently readily available to our local PMETS is because there is a build in protection element within.
If the government does not in double quick time put in place some protection element in some jobs to ensure these PMETS get employed, the government entrusted by the people has failed to live up to that trust. I could suggest one job that should have the protection element, and that would be the the job of real estate agents. This area must be strictly out of bound to foreigners. Don’t tell me we need foreign talent in this area of expertise.
Hope you could give my view some thought. I respect TR for republishing your letter undistorted. This shows that new media is moving towards impartiality and strive for credibility if those in power is willing to engage sincerely.
Thanks,
Regards,
CitizenofSG
I comment Halimah Yacob’s response. This is what we need from a responsible PAP MP…more communication, more engagement and more accountability to the people that elects them!
I hope she will also come back with what kind of solutions NTUC will adopt the address the problems at hand…perhaps, she can also make use of TR to solicit ideas as well, since there are so many creative and critical posters here!
TR has shown and proven that its a site to be taken seriously with a no nonsense approach.
Disregarding bias blogs elsewhere, the ruling elites should seriously consider engaging Sinkaporeans on TR, where what you see is what you get.
I have never in my life voted for ANY PAPies candidate but if I have a choice to vote, here’s one MP I would gladly TICK just based on this little but milestone gesture of hers.
Any supporter now of PAP should be suspected.
They are milking the system and are under delivering.
We need them to work and perform a lot harder.
Voting in the opposition is the only way left. They will still be in power but the ones remaining will be freaked out and work harder for us.
They have used up our patience.
Why let them under perform again and again. and lie again and again.
A minimum wage policy would help our local citizens, and coupled this with reducing the continuing the inflow of foreign labour while there is still unemployment of our locals should be seriously considered.
It is hard to accept the argument that we need to continue to import foreign labour because we need to maintain and raise our economic growth while our local citizens continued to be unemployed. Who is really benefiting from this so-called economic growth? Certainly not the majority of the local citizens.
***one reason could be the poor economic situation which made this unavoidable as there are less job opportunities for them.***
what is the point paying you extremely high salary and now you state your unconvincing “reasons “.
hey ! you mention less job, how come we there are relentless influx of PR here working ???
Are you implying less job opportunities for singaporeans and more job opportunities for foreign talents and PR.
Listen ! if they are so talented, they won’t be here !!!
I agree with ZERO,Halimah Yaacob unlike those living in ivory towers is willing to step into TR’s arena please show the Lady some courtesy & respect.
I wonder why she does not mention the so-called foreign talent – with the exception of a few – most are taking away jobs that Singaporeans can do and are willing to do. That is the reality and to say that it is costly or …. aiyah, stop lying and being manipulative.
I would agree that some would have been retrenched or made dedundant but this crap about econmic factor(s) and … utter bullshit.
The undoing of Singapore is the politics of PAP – divisive and self-serving!
Foreingers are brought in for simply to build a base so that the incumbent party can elicit votes during elections and stay in power.
So much for honesty, integrity, principles which they goe around preaching. Biggest hypocrites.
Halimah Yacob is definitely much better than some cabinet ministers! At least she seeks to engage, clarify and explain.
Remember that Senior Minister Of State, S. Iswaran, who made a big boo-boo in denying that there was no controversial contents within AWARE’s CSE materials and had asked Josie & gangs to “get your facts right!”.
Well, when his boss (Dr. Ng Eng Han) reveal that there was indeed controversial contents, which shows that he was the one who did not get his facts right, he did not even bother to apologize and show accountability for his mistake…
Sinkapore,
U R SO RIGHT. Temasek Review [TR] is now being taken seriously.
Even at REACH, the Administrator ’stone-wall’ public queries to Government agency and Govt agency refuses to reply. An example below.
http://app.reach.gov.sg/reach/YourSay/YourDiscussionCorner/tabid/117/ptid/414/page/2147483647/threadid/2848/forumtype/posts/Default.aspx
Madam Halimah Yacob,
U R a GOOD MP, go help that guy at the above posting.
1) Send hone 80% of the so called foreign talent and PR from china and india home, I guarantee all singaporean have enough job.
2) Stress Test for new citizens : Restrict them from bringing money out of singapore.
3) There mus be a Differentiation between new and OLD citizens.
Importantly, all new citizens need to go through NS for two and half years.
Many PMETs especially the older ones are still unemployed because, many companies prefer to employ younger FTs/FWs even for junior management/executive posts. These are the people that are taking away jobs which I am very sure many Sporeans are qualified to do the jobs. By and large,I think most Sporeans don’t mind top quality professionals FTs/FWs and construction workers that can add value to our economy. But certainly not those jobs where Sporeans are qualified to do. By allowing companies to freely employ FTs/FWs even for junior management/executive positions, many Sporeans PMETs are deprived of the opportunity to be employed. The floodgate should be closed for this category of FTs/Fws. Sporeans, especially the older PMETs deserves a better deal.
A few things to keep in mind…
1. Madam Yacob’s response both in Cyberspace makes you realize that the PAP is taking this space seriously…they know that there are rational (as well as irrational) comments here and it is a space which they need to establish themselves – if not, the cyberspace itself will create a voice for them.
Temasek Review is being taken seriously as one of the top sites for political forum.
2. Unemployment is a both a Political as well as an Economic Issues. Same thing but will be managed differently to different ends as well.
The Economics – the unemployment faced by the world right now -due to the free spending US consumers and greedy bankers – is largely Structural – this means that you will see a strange phenomenon, that while jobs are being created and companies are scrambling to fill positions, they cannot find the right people to fill these positions. Many applicants but none which are relavent.
The Biotech industry, the new Green Ecomony (as well the companies and jobs created) cannot fill the largely hi tech or rather new tech positons from the average engineers which has been layed off from any of the current Japanese or American / European factories lay-offs.
These positons will then need to be imported (usually 1stly as Work Permits, then to PRs and maybe eventually Citizens)
The Political – The MOM (Ministry of Manpower) and NTUC knows the above, but how do you “position” and “manage” the messgae to the people.
“Unavoidable” is a key word used in the interview above – it is a very political word, maybe a better word will be “Unfortunate” – to expel the responsibilty to the citizens.
yes, these words will create a sense that “we did not start this mess, so dont blame me for the cause” – also “please dont blame me for my countermeasures” – which is to increase the influx of foreigners….after all, it was “unavoidable and most unfortunate”
Having painted both the Economics as well as the Political faces towards the issues of Unemployment – I would like to pose the following to both the authorities as well as to the readership at large…
1. Ok, under the assumption that bringing in foreigners to fix the mismatch of skills is successful – that this will be a stop gap measure for the period of unemployment, WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THE LOCAL UNEMPLOYED DURING THIS TIME？ they certainly cannot “retrain” or “re-experienced” in time…
As the democratically elected ruling party as well the government, as well as the “top priority” of PM LHL, – You guys have the ROLE as well as the RESPONSIBILITY – to solve this problem.
Yes, in case you have not woken up to smell the roses, WE ARE YOU PEOPLE, YOU ARE RESPONSIBILE FOR US AND YOU BETTER HAVE A SOLUTION….
Here’s a little headsup to the people making the various ecomonic and poltical policies – Treat the Unemployment issue as and ECONOMICS problems and related Strategies and the POLITICS will sort itself out.
There has been lots of voices that Native Singaporeans are willing to accept the problem of Structural Unemployment – thus willing to accept Skilled and Talented Foreigners.
But explain to me why are “Student Visa” for PRCs working in Hawker Centres, Coffee Shops, Petrol Kioks and 7-11s – solving the issue of Structual Unemployment?
I am a 40 year old native singaporean, worked in MNC for 14 years, managed people of various nationalities and currently now running a factory employing under a 100 people….
I understand PEOPLE, POLICIES and POLITICS and EMPLOYMENT…
AND I STILL DONT GET IT….! HOW CAN U EXCEPT THE AVG PEMT, OR EVEN THE UNCLE AUNTIES TO ？
“Although there are no available statistics on underemployment here, I acknowledged that this is a possibility and is an area for greater tripartite focus in 2010.”
How come she is not “hard-driven” to get the required statistics rather than using it as an excuse to her speech?
Mdm Hailah Yacob wrote:
“Based on my experience as a Governing Body member of the International Labour Organisation, this is a global phenomenon apparent even in the US where there are higher numbers of white collar workers affected because of the financial crisis. ILO, too, recognised the need for more support for PMETs at the national, regional and international levels. In fact, in many developed countries, the young (both PMETs and non PMETs) has become the casualty as the rate of unemployment is much, much higher among them.”
The above is a slap in the face of SG citizens who are largely humble white collar workers such as admin clerks, sales executives, IT personnel, associate engineers, technicians, customer service officers etc etc. These are the typical jobs that most citizens are well qualified to do, and yet the govt is opening the floodgates to PRs and foreigners to do all these jobs. SG don’t need these PRs and foreigners — they don’t have wonderful super-duper skillsets that are able to produce SG patents or inventions, and neither do they create any jobs for citizens.
I also have no idea what Mdm Halimah is thinking when she mention that unemployment for younger people in developed countries is higher. (I have come across this statistic in previous reports in bloombeg/reuters etc.) For S’pore it is exactly the opposite. The reason is that in other developed countries, their working citizens have better job security and protection. Even during recession like now, if their companies can still manage, they will tend to retain their existing workers even if 40+ or 50+ yrs old. Legally, they cannot simply fire/retrench their older workers to hire younger workers, or to get cheaper, better and faster foreigners. This last sentence is precisely what many Singapore firms are doing.
This woman deserves to be respect, for her willingness to clarify matters with TR whether it is being misquoted or not. It makes all the other 81 MPs look like children hiding behind mother cloaks.
Remember , They have said in the last election more jobs creation for the locals . Until now, all jobs still goes to the FT so this coming election is judgement date . No more bullshit from them anymore .
i also think we should thank Dr Halimah for being responsible and taking time to response. this is the first time a PAP MP or minister has bothered to address issues that are close to many singaporeans and suffering of their families affected by job losses.
My friends spent lot of money and time (7 years) study at usa but end up cannot get a job there and have return to singapore.
Because their gov want to save job for their local due to downturn!! BUT during this time, singapore gov open both hand and welcome outsider..
I “love” singapore gov
I am a cold hard fact for your statistics on UnderEmployment, Halimah Yacob.
1. 38 years old.
2. male citizen , degree grad. served all cycles NS.
3. 15 years IT consulting.
4. jobless for 2 years excluding 3 months as Sim Lim Square sales for computers. Top sales man for the 3 months until I takboleh tahan standing for 9 hours daily, 6 days a week including all holidays and weekends except CNY.
5. salary went down from $7800 to $1200.
last but not least, do you know how much a HDB flat costs to construct? Do you know how much subsidy exactly does a flat leaseholder receive for eg. a 3 room, type A flat?
tell us all about it. These questions are of public interest. What is there not to reveal? why? Tell us.
During my sch day, holiday and we still able to find holiday part time jobs to earn some income. Now all kids stay at home doing nothing because all part time job had took over by PRC.. well done
@Sad on Sat, 2nd Jan 2010 5:42 pm
I hear you. I have friends in the same plight too.
While the governments of ALL countries in the world are saving jobs for their locals. MIW give jobs to foreigners and PRs.
“this is a global phenomenon apparent even in the US where there are higher numbers of white collar workers affected because of the financial crisis.”
global phenomenon? – I’m not sure how many countries actually have foreigners accounting for 25% of their population to exacebarate ?!
“this is a global phenomenon apparent even in the US where there are higher numbers of white collar workers affected because of the financial crisis.”
global phenomenon? – I’m not sure how many countries actually have foreigners accounting for 25% of their population to exacerbate their unemployment?!
Madam Halimah has at times shown signs of being one of few geniunely concerned MPs. Maybe she should consider leaving darkness and cross over to join the people and the Opposition Parties.
This proves 2 thing.
1.Woman are more sensitive.
2.Malays are more humble.
Let us have a Malay woman as our PM for a change.
I graduated in 2008 with a diploma.
I am 26 years old now.
I was unemployed for 7 months from Dec 2008 – June 2009.
From June 2009 – Present, I am working at a job that pays me $5.50/hour as no one replied to me for the resumes I sent out.
On top of that, I have to pay back my mother’s CPF Education Loan that was supposed to start in July 2009 with a monthly interest of $6 added, if deferred (which I did defer).
I also have to pay another education loan worth $3060, thankfully, without interest.
I have to pay the home bills as I am not one of those with parents paying everything for them.
On top of that, people look at me as if I’m some uneducated, stupid, “low” person because of my profession.
Halimah Yaacob is just full of talk.
The unemployment issue with the PMETs has been in existence since the last economic downturn.This has snowballed to the current downturn with another dose of bitter medicine, ie.
the high influx of the foreigners to take over the jobs which many could have been going to our local PMETs.
As some of the forumers in this treat have mentioned, it’s the govt. policy and the timing of the influx of foreigners
which have aggravated the PMET issue. If not for the foreigners taking over the jobs which most of our PMETs are capable of performing,the situation would not have deteriorated to such an extend! Many were forced to become taxis drivers in order to put food on the table!
Perhaps Mdm. Halimah, who is holding quite a responsible position in NTUC would care to give us, the plans or actions the NTUC is working on to solve this sorry state of affairsin Singapore! PMETs are assets of Singapore, abeit, movable ones, which Singapore has accumulated over the years.It will be a real waste when most of them are fitting into wrong holes or are sitting at home, waiting for the next meaningful jobs to come by!The longer they wait the more they feel that they are being marginalised! Frustration
will set in.
Mdm. Halimah, there are many PMETs out there who are really frustrated! And you know who they will vote in the coming election- just to vent their frustration!!!
@ Sad on Sat, 2nd Jan 2010 5:42 pm
Because their gov want to save job for their local due to downturn!! BUT during this time, singapore gov open both hand and welcome outsider..
Australia also welcomed skilled TEMPORARY MIGRANT WORKERS UNDER 457 VISA CATEGORY valid for UP TO BUT NOT DEFINITIVELY 4 YEARS SINCE 1996.
Employers have been hiring them on the cheap at bare minimum required under labour law undercutting the local employment.
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/breakfast/stories/2008/2237348.htm
And guess what happened this year?
“A review of the 457 visa program for skilled workers means they will now be paid the same as local workers. From the first of January 2010, overseas workers will be paid what are known as market rates.
Immigration minister Chris Evans says it serves two purposes.
“It ensures overseas workers are not brought in more cheaply to undercut Australian workers and their conditions” he says.
“Secondly it ensures that Australian workers aren’t disadvantaged because overseas workers will now be more expensive and preference will go to Australian workers.”
http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/200912/s2767645.htm
Mdm. Halimah Yacob SHOULD EXPLAIN TO SINGAPOREANS TWO THINGS
1) WHY IS HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS FOR FOREIGN WORKERS, SKILLED OR SEMI-SKILLED OR UNSKILLED GIVEN PERMANENT RESIDENCY TO COMPETE FOR LOCAL JOBS when Singapore could have followed the Australian examples of 457 visa category for UP TO 4 years and can be terminated as immigration’s option.
2) WHY IS THE GOVERNMENT NOT CHANGING ITS LIBERAL PRs policies either to stop it permanently except for the highly skilled or for expertise unavailable locally and CONVERT ALL PRs into Professional Employment Pass for up to 4 years giving space for retrenched Singaporean professionals the opportunity to get back into the workforce cycle?
We are interested in hearing your reply or from Minister Wong Kan Seng to send to Temasek Review and the Straits Times for public information.
Thank you very much and waiting….
Halimah Yaacob is probably the ONLY PAP MP that is the most sympathetic and is doing something for the people.
But since she’s from the PAP, I’m not saying that she’s so great either, but the best compared to the other PAP MP/Ministers, in terms of sympathy, empathy etc.
She is puttting her head on the chopping board . We need this type of honest people to serve us . 3 cheers to her
hello bloggers
To be fair, Lim Swee Say is the real NTUC secretary general and grilling Haliman Yacob to such extent as above, will be a futile attempt. She works for him (deputy Sec Gen report to Sec Gen, yes?)
So i opine that Haliman Yacob would not make comemnts to the hundreds of questions just posted above unless her boss’ approve it first (protocol).
So bloggers don’t expect any further reply from Haliman Yacob. But i would be most delighted if i am proven wrong.
zero
PS>>If Lim Swee Say is a good boss, he will make an appearnace here or he will empower Haliman Yacob to answer some of the numerous questions posed. Dream on!!!
IF WE LOOK AT THE SUPPORT THE CITIZENS HAVE GIVEN TO THE PAP
WE WOULD HAVE LOGICALLY EXPECTED MORE THAN 95 PCT OF ALL
CITIZENS TO BE HAPPY WITH THE GOVT AND THEREFORE,APPROXIMATELY
THE SAME PERCENTAGE OF CITIZEN-WORKERS, TO BE SATISFIED.
I REALLY DOUBT THIS IS THE CASE,PERHAPS FAR FROM IT WITH ALL
THIS INSENSITIVE FT POLICY AND COST-CUTTING THAT MERELY
‘CHOPS’ AWAY OTHERWISE HARDWORKING WORKERS,SOME OF WHOM ARE REPLACED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY WITH “CHEAPER” FTs who may not evn have the relevant or equivalent experience…small wonder our economy has been backsliding…so much for madam halimah’s boss
ranting of ‘cheaper faster better’.
i believe that when you pay peanuts,chances you get monkeys.
even my new tv set breaks down faster than the old one i had that was “made in japan”,though,they are from the same comapny!
i would like to add to my humble request to MDM HALIMAH YACOB
to consider putting up to ILO about this globalised wolrd
‘unfair wage competition’ that merely serves to propagate
the “bosses’” interests at the grave expense of not only
laid-off workers,but more so,the economy in aggregate,whether
national or global.
this global exploitation of workers-both blue and white and other colours-need to be seriouly examined at the international level in order for the world to resolve the
massive unemployment problem and its attendant consequences.
the new economic order should be attuned towards ‘profit optimisation’ than merely profit MAXIMISATION at all cost,even to causing structural economic problems.
labour,as a function of production, must be held at a economically REASONABLE level in order to have meaningful
CONSUMPTION that needs to be fueled by decent wages and gainful
employment.
in conclusion,the reply by MDM HALIMAH YACOB is defintely a giant step forward for workers and union leaders to work
together more meaningfully for the betterment of singapore and the citizen-workers and more dialogue and exchanges should be permitted to bring his NATION forward in this globalised wolrd
that still groping for the RIGHT DIRECTION.
The LESSON of WALLSTREET must not be relegated to just a mistake as is seemingly now the case with the top bankers in the usa who do not seem to have learnt their lesson.
in order for true globalisation to propel forward,the wolrd
political and business elites need to manage the explosive
“globalised” GREED FACTOR,which could even be observed in a
so-called communist country like CHINA.
THANK-YOU,MADAM,AND BEST WISHES.
fair and square
a true blue citizen and ex-PMET.
This pap govt is not a caring govt.it says, singaporeans first then why so many PMET jobless? Pls don’t fool us.If the govt can reduce 100,000 foreigners from coming in,then our PMET will have gainfully employed.We still can’t trust this govt.SDA is correct to say, Singapore for Singaporerans.I will vote for SDA, RP, WP SDP , NSP and independent candidates come election time.This time we singaporeans must be coorperative by reducing pap’s majority and hopefully in 10 years time, vote the pap out.
1. Glad that Halimah actually bothers to respond to TR. She may not have the solutions for now, but she has identified the problem. Compare this with MPs who chose to remain oblivious and instead accuse lesser mortals of being envious.
2. Congratulations to TR, even a PAP MP respect TR enough to write in to clarify. Shows that she does not underestimate TR’s influence. Rather than some Elite-wannabe who just brush off TR.
3. C’mon people… To totally stop the influx of foreign workers, the Singapore economy will suffer. However, I think the hiring of Foreign workers needs to be well regulated and restricted. If foreign labour = inferior labour, we might as well make do with local labour. Especially those in the front-line, they must at least be able to speak basic english. Some FnBs are merely being cost-effective but not service-efficient.
If you read the responses you will notice that there is a general trend.
1. What Singaporeans want is a sympathetic government. One that is in touch and listens. The expectation that the government owes us a living is not there. However, saying that we are lazy compared to new immigrants, allowing alot of them to come in with little quality control and considerations for the unemployed, spending so much money to integrate the new immigrants, saying that we should talk whatever job is available is not being sympathetic.
2. What Singaporeans want is a humble government. One that does not go around running singaporeans down (like saying we are less driven than other nationalities), saying 600k is peanuts, going to France to cooking lessons in the height of a recession, not apolgizing for mistakes like mas selamat, losing billions of dollars, etc.
3. What Singaporeans want is a accountable government. MIW (and those related) who made mistakes must be seen to be taken to task. Losing billions of dollars and still get to say no regrest and keep the job just doesn’t demonstrate this.
4. What Singaporeans want is a not a petty government. One that does not sue for words that are fair comment. One that does not get overly sensitive and deploy resources of the civil services to pursue an adversary.
5. What Singaporeans want is a fair government. One who does not change the rules to fit its goals. Be it the excessive pay structure, the GRC, boundaries, election duration, dates, etc.
I am sure there is more but if they can start understanding these characteristics of a desired government, you will realize that a lot of their policies would be different and singaporeans will be alot less divided.
@underemployed graduate on Sat, 2nd Jan 2010 6:52 pm
Brudder, I hear you and understand. Same situation here.
I graduated 3 years ago and I am still doing odd jobs now as no one replied to resumes too.
My Cert and my pink IC is trash…unless I accept $1,500 pay to undercut foreigners.
When we are middle aged, probably we’ll be driving taxis…ferrying PRs and foreigners who actually have jobs.
Understandably, I curse the MIW and their famiLEE every single day.
Frankly , those who don’t play by the rules laid down by the father and the son , they will not last long. Only way is to inject much more ( 20 to 30 ) oppositions to keep the checks . As we know , the party have become very lazy and slow in responses since they are not challenge for so long . They forgot how to loose and how we ( the citizens ) have suffered and work so hard for them . No matter what , time has come to inject these opposition in . They know very well the time has come but they don’t know how it will affect their overall percentage but they will be shock ……
Newsreader’s comment 10.30pm above is spot on. PAP would do well to seriously adopt the majority if not all, of the “resolutions” as listed. I could not understand to this day what does it gain from them to go the other way? Surely they have brains to see the obvious?
Oh, i should add number 6 to the resolutions, what singapore want is a government which is not creating such a absurdly high monthly operating expenses – salaries of ministers 5 times of President of USA is daylight robbery on daily basis of taxpayers money. The year just passed, another $400,000 gone someone’s account (include 13th month remember).
zero
I think those who praised/commended HY are too shallow and too easily satisfied.
HY replying to TR does not equate to solving the problems. Talk is cheap, as proven from last GE.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCZJYPW3QXw
I will still vote against PAP. HY is nothing within pap compared to lky and lhl who are still adamant about the pro-foreigner policy.
Don’t expect the employment problems to be solved just because some useless pap-controlled union replied to TR. For all you know, it’s just a public relations stunt to do damage control for HY’s slip of tongue.
■PAP MALE DOMINATED on Sat, 2nd Jan 2010 6:47 pm
This proves 2 thing.
1.Woman are more sensitive.
2.Malays are more humble.
Let us have a Malay woman as our PM for a change.
==========
I am a chinese. I find chinese not as united as other ethinicities in terms of :
1. Religion : in any religion , you can find a chinese as follower. Blindly or not. There is no single uniting religion for chinese – they are into islam, taoism (all flavors), buddhism(all flavors), christianity (all flavors), any’ism (all flavors).
2. Culture : whille some chinese can speak one of the many languages or dialects of the chinese, there are many who other than having chinese genes, is not a chinese in all other aspects. There is no uniting culture as strong as other ethnicities.
3. Mindset : all man for himself. self interest is the most important. More important than ideals. What cannot be eaten is not worth doing. Who pay and pay you is your sugar daddy. To some, Money more important than kindship.
I like the unitedness of Malays. Even indians are more united or should i say homogenous in culture than chinese which are , in certain ways, like scattered sand particles.
40+ underemployed for more than 6 years.
Ex – I.T professional/manager. Engineering Graduate.
No responses to resume since 6 years ago, when I was in mid-30s.
Was told by my friend that I can perform better (write better program) than FTs in his company, but sorry Pal, you’re simply too old (even 6 years ago).
Ageism is a big problem here in Singapore. Except when you are with the PAP, or LKY.
Hey TR, you cannot say you are a nobody now, even an MP took the trouble to write to your site. Shows that you are now under the radar of the powers that be.
I guess it is a good and bad thing. Take care and good luck in this new year.
The only way to make the party work hard for his citizen is to have more opposition . They know if they don’t perform , next election will get kick out . But some old party members are still day dreaming and don’t give a shit . Elect them based on what was done and not wat they promised as we have already given them enough time create quality jobs for our own citizen . They have prefered to get FT instead . Very sad .
Yes all the foreign ‘talents’ – notice – in quotes cos it is defined for and by the incumbent party so as to rationalize, canvass to Singaporeans that it would work for us – ie, contribute to the country.
Yes, it is certainly contributing to a lot of misery, unhappiness and hardships for people who were born here and deserve more than this crap of a policy – which is to the advantage of … for political manouevring/leverage and the rest, even the common man now knows it is a ploy to stay in power at any cost.
Well, all these is happening cos we unwittingly opted and tacitly agreed to a one-party system and today the results are resoundingly a big dissapointment to the masses and an utter failure.
The solution is never trust any politician who tells u that a one-party system is ‘good’ for the country or as the incumbent party (govt) has been saying that policies/legislation … add on …. Truly, impartially it is to the advantage of the party, and not the people.
Watch, listen and observe and read between the lines of speeches or what have you – the ugliness of the system can be seen for what it is.
Singaporeans, wake up lar, instead of being lulled into a future that one never knows would come or not.
Come election time – vote intelligently and don’t discount the opposing parties cos qualifications alone is not good enough.
The present govt has many so-called qualified – but what good is if they are so alienated – which of course is not unknowingly, but dangling the carrot and have all us following like donkeys!
Governing is for the people by the people, here it is the other way around. A politician of any hue or color is answerable/accountable to the people. Is it happenening?
Wake up – the past does not equal the future!
Newsreader on Sat, 2nd Jan 2010 10:39 pm
Good summary, let me add a few if you don’t mind,
1. What Singapore want is a compassion government, one who give chances to people who fall behind or make a mistake. Be it the additional sentences for law breaker when they appeal or to deter others potential offender, employment discrimination for people with criminal records, early streaming of education system etc.
2. What Singapore want is not a “Police State” government, be it highly regulated media rules, papers, news, fines system, canning, death sentences etc.
Maybe that was used to govern Singapore, even Communist China is copying Singapore system to govern their people. We should be pride with efficient and clean system, not the unforgiving and strict regulation system.
@Sinkapore, wah, she reply only u will give her ur vote if an opposition is fighting against her?
No wonder its so easy for PAP to keep ruling and lording over us. All they have to do is just ’show’. How long the show? 9 days? after get elected kill u for another 5years?
HAHA! but still, thank you Mdm Halimah for replying and I’m pretty your peers DO NOT LIKE that you are corresponding with TR. Hope you can put up a good fight. Better yet, if they do grill you for it, leave the PAP and join an Opposition party and MAKE THAT CHANGE, I will definitely vote for you ONLY IF you are not in the PAP. I do not agree for what they stand for, what they have done and what they are about to do.
@Sinkapore dude i’m joking ok, don’t take offense please.
@TR, WELL DONE! small steps baby, small steps!
I got nothing against this lady Halimah but she represent
the goverment. If I am paid millions a year ..easy for me to
say ” We are One People ” ( yet the Banks cheat people of their saving and garment doing nothing for a fair justice.)
So many Singaporean are jobless and going through very
stressful life considering they have kids going to school and there no income. I am sure the real situation is real bad…the roads are pave with beatiful flowers and good quality public housing but there no soul in Singaporean life. Hope the goverment be truthful instead of reporting only the positive news which are not real.
So sad that Singapore are so divided with the ” Have ” and ” Have Not “..the poor and the rich.
In US, the company has to prove that they are unable to get a person locally with the required skills and experiences before it is allowed to recruit foreigner. But here in Singapore, locals are 100% not protected despite the locals here, unlike those in US, have to commit 2.5 years of full time NS and 13 years of reservist !!! PAP government is a GDP driven government with little regards on the welfare of the locals. When PM Lee said Singaporean come first for government, what he actually meant is that local is first to be sacrificed in order to achieve the government GDP target !!!
Aren’t you people all tired of being so negative? Your minds are all about what’s not working. What about what’s working? Like dat how to say Happy New Year to you all?
TRIPARTITE – The tripartite the PAP so pride themselves is a flaw concept and a bane for the Singapore’s workers.
Mr. Lim SS said that the whole thing about tripartite must be pro business. When you are pro businesses, you are pro employers. Being pro employers is a very dangerous proposition.
Which employer does not want cheap labor? They can tell you anything, at the end of the day they want labor that can multiply their investment, thats all. Even a fool knows that employing foreigners from third world countries give them the cheapest labor. So long as the government provide them with the cheapest labor, they will be willing to co operate with the other partners.
Employers are ever threatening to the other partners in the tripartite that they can and will pull their business out of Singapore if they are not being able to get what they want. What they want is cheap labor? That put us in a fix.
The stake is too high now to rock this partnership, the end result is Singaporean workers will be the net loser. They call it Win, Win, Win. The final outcome is a Win, Win, Win, Lose situation, the loser is Singaporean. The labor arm will just represent foreign labor, they will not lose at all.
Singaporean cannot depend on this government to help them, they must do something for themselves that is to find a more hard bargaining government that is pro people. A pro people government is not necessary opposition lead government. If PAP is able to do a self renewal within the party and produce better leaders, Singapore can still change for the better. However the need of alternate government in parliament too has its usefulness and its not an option but a must. The alternate government is not necessary one single party but rather parties that can form an alliance when necessary to counter PAP.
If you read carefully HY’s reply you will note the following:
1. She acknowledges it is trying times, but the solution she proposes is for all to get together in solidarity (another PAP word for blind and unquestioning support to them),
3. She acknowledges the situation, but says that the cause of it is the economic recession (not the free flow of foreigners into Singapore to displace Singaporeans),
4. She acknowledges that it is a world wide phenomenon so nothing can be done except to provide support for the displaced PMETs.
Hey, we pay millions for them to tell us what our situation is? Where and what are the solutions? There is never the slightest admission that the MIWs are themselves part of the problem.
This convinces me that the PAP is in a world of their own. Basking in the millions that they earn without the slightest care and concern for the ordinary Singaporeans. They feed each other with their own deceptions. The ultimate insult is that they blame Singaporeans for all the problems that they have caused. We are lazy, complacent, lack ambition and are not driven. So their solution, bring in cheaper, better and faster foreigners to replace us.
Read again her response. It is an issue, a situation or a phenomenon, never a problem. Until they admit that it is real problem, nothing will be done. What better way to solve problems then to say that it is not a problem?
Madam Halimah Yacob is a good and caring MP.
She has worked very hard to help Singapore workers in this difficult times.
No point in scolding her, as many things are beyond her control.
If you have good suggestions, email them to her.
Madam Halimah,
Ma’am,
Do help Ryman Lim and other residents at Clementi Ave 5.
[see postings @12.17pm and @3.38pm].
THANK YOU
@Wizard of Id – agreed with you absolutely and wholly. Without opposition rein in, these directionless creatures will run helter skelter without leading us the right direction which they should in the first place.
These creatures know the answer and the right way to go but yet they will bring us merry go round because they are weary of their master whip. They look upon us with teary eyes but then again who can is willing to part with such mind boggling salaries. Every man has his price, once that is breached, he is more than willing to trade his dignity.
//Albino Lizard on Sat, 2nd Jan 2010 5:46 pm
//Unemploy – Jobless on Sun, 3rd Jan 2010 1:27 am
This govt runs out of ideas to create new jobs for Singaporeans. My friend 48yo, a civil engineer was retrenched end 2002, and worked 1 1/2y as a night security guard then driving his taxi for last 3 1/2 years.
What can the govt do for him? nothing.
At the end of the day,who is lim swee ’say’ ?
Only what ‘the gang of four’ ’say’ hold ’swee’(sway).
Halimah is just in the same shoes as your singaporean workplace’s supervisors who merely execute whatever order that is handed down from their big bosses like retrenchment.
singaporeans are themselves to be blamed for being so self-interested…look at the FTs,their numbers keep growing precisely because they subscribe to the motto of “member get member”.
Even if we put in OPPOSITION mpS,there is only so much they can do unless they are the majority.
in the end,it is really up to singaporean bosses,supervisors and workers!
don’t agree? pause for a minute and look around at your office
this coming work year and you may be surprised that you don’t
already realised you have more foreigners surrounding you that
you previously noticed.
one local to four foreigner is not a “play,play matter”.
Praises aside, one must come back and face the true reality that “PROBLEMS ARE STILL NOT SOLVED”.
An MP without any official ministerial portfolio is completely without any powers to change anything, even if she had wanted GENUINELY to help. Other than writing letters, she will still be writing letters and these letters are subject to ‘APPROVAL’ from the TOP.
If she had been elevated to the post of PM, would her sympathy and empathy brought about a new and better Sinkapore? This is not going to happen, so no point going there.
Sinkaporeans must realise that one LONE CARING MP is not going to do Sinkapore any good and that only the PEOPLE with the power to vote can effect the necessary changes and set into motion one of the most IMPORTANT CHANGES in SInkapore’s history, one of TRUE DEMOCRACY.
Sinkapore must be allowed to walk FREE in the streets without any worry that wearing a T Shirt with a Kangaroo might end up being charged for disrespect to the Juduciary.
Sinkapore-
I totally agree that Mdm Halimah on her own with the most genuine of intentions can do nothing much.
The very fact that she wade into a space where most PAP big wigs fear to tread or ignore except for the little irritating house flies speaks volume of TR non partisan stand and that is a +++
Wearing Kangaroo t shirts or even vulgar words which is seen around town is common and I believe ignored or accepted,but walking into court or the vicinity of a court with innuendos or insinuations Ah!!! that is different, inviting unnecessary trouble but I admire their guts. I know I am skating on thin ice but like everyone advocates, freedom of speech and comment ya,
@petrus.c
one local to four foreigner is not a “play,play matter”.
every working day during peak hours at jurong-east mrt, i would dare to say soon, one local to ten foreigners is not a “play,play matter anymore – by then, it already too late”.
citizens wake-up! don be fool anymore – no way will our wages move-up as long the floodgate remains welcoming open for the FT/Fw , to continue sustain the GDP, we are just numbers to be exploited to keep driving their million$….
When you take a position of office as an MP, as HY does, the least you can do (after earning all that money) is to make representations on our behalf to the Almighty Powers. You don’t close your eyes, switch off your conscience and make dunno like nothing is wrong! Granted she may be a nice person, but officially she has to do her job or is she just a ventriloquist’s dummy? What galls me is that after I read these posts last night, I turned on Channel 5 9.30 News last night and they proudly featured a successful product of the SPUR program. It was of an engineer who underwent a retraining program. But when they interviewed him, he was obviously a foreigner! Couldn’t Mediacorp get a better example, or is the program only for foreigners or is it that they just couldn’t care less of the feelings or intelligence of Singaporeans?
Can TR get a copy of the news clip so we can re-watch it and weep?
wao i am impressed that MP Madam Halimah Yacob actually wrote in to TR to give clarifications.
While I appreciate Madam Halimah Yacob reply, the basic question is still unanswered:
What is the TRUE objective behind the FT policy? Helping to create jobs or trying to get number right for the coming GE?
To Halimah,
If you are reading this, I hope you will be honest and let readers know how many official appointments you are holding in different organizations at this point in time. I recall counting something like more than 12.
It would make a lot of sense if all PAP MPs who hold multiple appointments pass on some of their appointments to Sporeans, especially under present circumstances where good jobs are scarce.
Give her the respect for engaging TR. But spare her the scolding & questioning. She is only a junior even though she is a MP. The people who suppose to answer those questions are those Cabinet Ministers.
Soon all these junior MPs will realize they are scapegoats. Make to do the dirty works for those top few elites.
Yes, leave Madame alone. She has done enought for the time being, under the circumstances i think her boss Lim Swee Say already behind her back all the time after the episode.
One small step at a time, be patient, leave her alone. Sudah lah.
zero
Thank you Madam Halimah. Your honesty shows but I would really want to know your thoughts on this:
“Well, we make them say the national pledge and sing the national anthem but suppose we have a famine, will your Malay neighbour give you the last few grains of rice or will she share it with her family or fellow Muslim or vice versa?”. – Lee Kuan Yew
My experience in several local publication firms found that they hire quite a number of Indonesians and Phillipinos to fill positions such as graphic designer and even sales and marketing. These are real examples of positions which could have been filled by Singaporeans but are instead going to cheap FTs. Any wonder why so many Singapoireans are underemployed?
To: “xd”
It is an unfair question which you asked Madame.
It is nothing to do with race. Our Great Leader sometimes say funny things. Old man always say funny things, heck. Forgive him.
I could ask the same question “if we have a famine, will you give the last few grains of rice to your colleague or will you give it to your sister, your wife etc/?”
Or,. “if your wife and mother were at sea and the ship sank, who would you save?”
Be real, it is nothing to do with race religion or politics. Self preservation is an instinct. Never ask such silly questions.
zero
TR slants and misquotes with malicious intent, as long as it serves its anti-establishment rhetoric. It’s a wonder TR amend their article. I wonder if we can expect anything balanced and objective from TR.
“Trying times like these require us, as Singaporeans, to remain focussed and in solidarity…”
Halimah,
So the govt allow a HUGE influx of foreigners (who easily become PRs and citizens) to promote “solidarity” amongst S’poreans????!!!!
dear anonymous at Thu, 7th Jan 2010 8:48 pm
You said,
TR slants and misquotes with malicious intent, as long as it serves its anti-establishment rhetoric. It’s a wonder TR amend their article. I wonder if we can expect anything balanced and objective from TR.
I have been following Temasek Review for about a month only. I agree with you that the site is quite clearly promoting “anti establishment” articles.
However I found that most if not all of the articles are thought provoking and fact-based and published only after some research. It is refreshing to read some facts of cases from TR, because you have to balance your diet for healthy lifestyle. Too much of straits times will give you indigestion, for they are 100% pro establishment.
You said “it’s a wonder TR amend their article”. In the short time i have been here, this is the third time I see TR admin willing to make amends and respond to reader’s comments (in this case the deputy secretary of ntuc). There was the case of Tan Kin Lian complaining that they sensationalise his disagreement to LKY’s speech as “condemning”. Shortly after TR changed the words in response. There was the case of KJ dispute with TR, i think it was settled amicably. So, to say “it’s a wonder TR amend their article” is not fair because it gives the impression that TR never ever cares about anything but to destroy the establishment.
You wondered if you expect anything “balanced” from TR. I guess not in the introductory thread articles from TR. But if you want to balance it, just pick up a copy of Straits Times. You can also balance the articles by submitting comments on why you feel certain specific articles, which specific points are unfair to the government. There are a lot of intellectuals and reasonable responsible Singaporeans coming to this site, you will get some response definitely in the comments pages. DIY balancing. Just Do It.
zero