Open letter to Courts CEO Terry O’Connor by a Singapore consumer
January 20th, 2010 | 
Author: Dear Sir,
I needed to purchase one set of DEC phones and a memory stick for my computer earlier on this week and the Courts store in Toa Payoh is just the right place – conveniently located, good layout and display and the price is right.
Having read Temasek Review’s (TR) article of 15 January and how your company intends to recruit only Malaysians to work in your stores here in Singapore, I have decided against going to your store temporarily until you change your employment policy. I have since also emailed your employment advertisement and the TR article to my friends with a request for them to boycott your stores and to spread the message to Singaporeans.
This letter was written in response to another article in TR yesterday (19 January) informing readers you had, via a communications group, written to TR to clarify Court’s recruitment policy. You said the article was “erroneous” and “aroused negative sentiments towards Courts.” You demanded to remove the damaging articles (immediately) and to provide you with a right of reply.
Sir, we Singaporeans are a patient, largely humble, co-operative and most accommodating. Our present disposition is due to our past history – of migrant background and quietly seeking a living, colonized, conquered (by the Japanese) , re-possessed, struggled for independence, booted out of Malaysia; political strive and finally arrived in no small ways through our diligence and hard work.
Right now, we Singaporeans are engaged in a test of will with our Government. You will ask what has this to do with you. You see the Singapore PAP Government lacks morality on all counts. Despite the economic downturn it has permitted an influx of cheap labor that directly competes with unemployed Singaporeans. In their words, they are “cheaper, faster and better”. This First World PAP government adopts and implements cheap Third World policies.
The able-bodied Singaporeans are not of concern but what of our unemployed older citizens? The PAP government has abandoned them and they are asked to fend for themselves. Unwittingly, Courts and other MNCs have capitalized on this policy to their advantage – drive wages down.
Courts:
Courts as described in your website “is one of the United Kingdom’s leading retail furniture and home appliance companies…… more than 300 stores operating in 20 countries worldwide, Courts is also a globally operating company that can boast that the sun never sets on its retail empire”.
Truly, we expect Courts to be no less than a good corporate citizen in whichever jurisdiction they operated in with enlightened employment policies and above all upright principles. Our Government may not be moral and upright in their policies(we have other examples, Zimbabwe, North Korean, etc.), it does not mean that Courts should follow and take advantage as well.
Mr. Terry O’Connors CEO):
Mr. O’Connors, most Singaporeans look at you are a corporate leader and a captain of your industry. We expect you to be noble and upright in your personal bearing as well. Do what is right and do what is good.
What can Courts do now? The fact is the Malaysian recruitment exercise did happen. There is no reason to widen the rift. If Courts is sincere in wanting to clear the air and move on, I am suggesting that you do the following immediately:
a. Tender an open apology (perhaps to TR) humbly penitent;
b. Undertake to uphold fair employment practices; and
c. Promise not to repeat the mistake.
There is no need for lengthy explanation. Singaporeans are a pragmatic lot. We forgive and forget. We all from time to time make mistakes. Recognize and correct them and move on.
All Singaporeans ask is that you do what is right and fair and nothing more.
Thank you.
Yours Sincerely.
Richard Lu
Admin’s Note: Letter contributed by a reader to TR published verbatim.
Posted in 
LOL…some people really think that they can mobilize Singaporeans to boycott Courts…Ha Ha Ha!
All Courts need to do is to advertize some electronics products or electrical appliances at half price and Singaporeans will queue overnight…guaranteed!
It is so easy to deal with the suckers’ mentality of Singaporeans…chicken feet lah!
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Aoi, use your brain lah…boycott Courts then go bankrupt, and Singaporean employees will lose job…no brain isn’t?
Siow Ding Dong!
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See if Courts do the same with their stores in UK?
Suggest have we have an on-line petition.
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@LOL
At least we get something out from Courts. Their profit margin are also affected if they are selling at half price or lower.
I would be happy if Courts goes bankrupt if they keep on running half price sales just to win back customers. After all they are not a good corporate citizen.
@Ding Dong
We sacrifice a few Singaporeans for the benefit of the majority Singaporeans. Anyway how many Singaporeans staff are there working in Courts? If 98% of the staffs are Singaporeans as they claim to be. Why do they have problems in attracting the remaining 2%????
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LOL & Ding Dong
Don’t you think it would be bad for business if they get bad publicity? The business will also get a poor image. Why do you think they are engaging us now?
We do we need to bankrupt them? They will suffer if their normal sales are reduced. Companies are here to make profits. If they don’t then heads will roll. Terry O’Connors will be looking for a job next.
Yes they can have special offers and slash their prices and why shouldn’t we buy these goods at reduced prices? But how long can they go on like this? Cleverer if they realize their mistake and take corrective action.
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Oh yes, Mr. Terry, Your adsvertisement could have simply been, All ARE WELCOME! Whether only the Malaysians respond or Singaporeans as well,surely,then, there would not be any hooha!
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LOL on Wed, 20th Jan 2010 2:12 pm All Courts need to do is to advertize some electronics products or electrical appliances at half price and Singaporeans will queue overnight…guaranteed
Well, if thats happens, their competitors will also lelong mah, then Singaporeans will all get things at half price, and they will be the winners, laughing all night long, right? The economy will also grows as a result of this Singaporeans reaction lol!
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Hello Mr Conner,
Perhaps you’ve been offering too little for the employees. I’m sure if Courts were to have an opening for CEO and the pay was 3000SGD, you wouldn’t have filled the role you’re in right now. And perhaps they can Advertise in a eastern European country citing that no one is willing to fill the job.
Regards
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i was at courts megastore 2 nights ago. All i saw were Singaporean employees. Some were eager to serve but most just stood around and chit-chatted. Courts should employ willing workers irregardless of nationality as long as the nation allows you too.
Most information on this site is skewed and biased. People should really read everything here with more than a pinch of salt. Shame on owners to this site.
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One of the Singaporean Indian male staff at the door happily showed me where the posb atm machine was. He gave me a really freindly smile. But most of the others Singaporean staff on the IT level were really just standing around pretending not to see me when i obviously needed help.
The Singapore uncle working at Ikea looked like i owed him millions when i asked him if there was a DBS or POSB atm machine there. Gave me an angry look and shook his head. Despite that, i thanked him.
And how do i tell if one was a Singaporean or not? I can tell from their accent when they were busy chit chatting away.
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this is a perfect example of irrationality.
a company with 98% singaporean/PR …bashed for recruiting malaysian, n “these” people call for boycott.
if they (investor) just fed up n go, they’ll lose a tiny market, access to ’small’ 3.5m people. the real lose is not what’s recorded on their account book, it’s the unemployment number in our statistic book.
the real loser will be singaporean.
..and whose fault? well, if it indeed happens, TR will play a major role for creating unemployment of former COURTS employee, but the blame will go to gahmen.
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When the French president called for a boycott of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the Chinese citizenry retaliated by boycotting the Beijing stores of the French supermarket chain Carrefour. The boycott brought Carrefour to its knees. Do not under-estimate the power of (unorganized) unity.
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To Courts
Attn : CEO, Mr Terry O’Connor
Decision
I am contemplating to buy one unit of washing machine costing about S$850 and S$650 32″ inch LCD.
Total Amount S$1500
Both brand : samsung
If you think my order is small, do let me know.
Waiting for your reply.
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Most companies primarily aim to sustain long term presence in competitive market, but would also take extra effort to participate in Social Responsibility towards business/ environment/ community
Beside focusing/ reviewing economic strategy, Government/ CSR organization can do more to tackle corporate concerns, and to help citizens to cope with growing high cost of living in Singapore
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During the 1997 crisis, my cousin’s pay was cut by half from $4000 to $2000 working as a designer. after the crisis, his grateful boss reinstated his pay back to $4000 and a increment.
A friend of mine lost his job as a mananger in the same period. He refused to take any jobs that pays him lower than what he used to draw and he was jobless for 10 years! But he is back now in a managerial position commanding a monthly pay of $7000 and has been since 2008. I actually find him ridiculous, though.
Why can’t people accept lower wages while at the same time look for a better-paying job? Saying a job does not pay you enough to feed your family is no excuse! It’s still better than getting $0 every month, getting depressed and whacky!
I have seen so many people able to work their way up despite the difficult circumstancesthe face. There are so many people with heavier burdens, with less education and less help able to make ends meets, who do not complain and are far more contented.
Some of you worry so much to the point that this worry becomes your burden. A burden so heavy that leaves little strength for you to progress. You now can only talk(complain). You no longer appreciate anything and takes everything for granted. You don’t give thanks when every night when husbands, wives, children or parents come back to you safe and sound. You don;t give thanks when you are 99% sure that you will not die from a gunshot in the streets or when everyday your money has not been robbed. You couldn’t care less about anyone else or everything else.
I am glad that none of my friends are nothing like you. They may not be rich or very well educated but they hardworking, dilligent and best of all is they don’t bitch about life. Everyone has problems and not a single person is living an easy life like you would want to believe. Start asking if the problems lies within you. You’re most probably jealous of others and is indulging in self-pitiness!
No one is going to save you or give you more brains or new skills unless you change your attitude. Singapore is a capitalist country and if you so prefer everyone else to be a communinist, always helping you and protecting you, then why not move to China? Your idealistic views align with the PLA! Go help them become a real communist country.
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Instead of posting free advertisments for who is employing foriengers, why don’t this site help post job openings for the locals?
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Hi Stupid,
Thanks for the suggestion. We will be publishing an article on it tomorrow. Keep a lookout for it.
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LOL on Wed, 20th Jan 2010 2:12 pm
“All Courts need to do is to advertize some electronics products or electrical appliances at half price and Singaporeans will queue overnight…guaranteed!”
Tell me how long can they advertise and sell their products for for half price? You think is sustainable? If Courts do that they can close shop in no time. I dun think Court is as stupid as you.
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I had an unhappy encounter with one of the Courts Sales staff some time ago. I was not satisfied with his service, so i requested to see his manager. And you know what he said? He said “I am the manager”. I found out later that he was just telling lies. My question is, how can Courts employed such an irresponsible staff? From then, my impression on this Courts is bad till now.
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“Instead of posting free advertisments for who is employing foriengers, why don’t this site help post job openings for the locals?”
bad publicity against big business, unlikely you will get it from mainstream media. but you still cannot deny the fact that this so-called free advertisement for foreigners is attracting the “attention”, albeit unwanted, of singaporeans.
if there are REAL job openings around, don’t worry cos a lot of agents will be fighting to tell you so for the pie. people who are looking for a job most likely won’t come to TR to look for one.
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Yes I agreed that I will only support entities that support sporeans in their jobs employment.
I will boycott organisations or organisation that edge out the mom and pop electrical stores and it kills the livelihood
and breathes out the job pride they have in serving and selling
Courts do wake up as your sense of commitment to sporeans are zero you would not earn a cent from me despite the mom and pop stores lack of variety.
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Dear Editor,
Maybe TR should be more stringent with their moderation. 2 comments in point:
1. ThisSiteisFullofStupidArticles on Wed, 20th Jan 2010 5:04 pm
Sir, sorry but this imbecile’s comments contribute little or no value to our discussion. What bearing has “eagerness to serve” or “chit-chatting” or showing him the ATM got to do with Courts advertising for Malaysian workers to the exclusion of Singaporeans?
2. deoxin on Wed, 20th Jan 2010 5:17 pm
This deoxin guy is both gullible and stupid. “a company with 98% Singaporean/PRs” – is this possible when they are trying to recruit Malaysians?
“they (investors) just fed up n go” – Courts is not an investor. They operate retail outlets. Wake up !!!
There is a saying “It’s better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid, than to open it and remove any doubt.”
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i think the government should shut down this f**k up site. hey richard lui, please do us a favour and just shit yourself out of here. this is such BS! complaining all the way to your mummy’s boobies.
come on! u sound like some freako! get a life man!
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@deoxin on Wed, 20th Jan 2010 5:17 pm
(quote)this is a perfect example of irrationality.
a company with 98% singaporean/PR …bashed for recruiting malaysian, n “these” people call for boycott.
if they (investor) just fed up n go, they’ll lose a tiny market, access to ’small’ 3.5m people. the real lose is not what’s recorded on their account book, it’s the unemployment number in our statistic book.
the real loser will be singaporean.
..and whose fault? well, if it indeed happens, TR will play a major role for creating unemployment of former COURTS employee, but the blame will go to gahmen.
(end quote)
Dear Deoxin,
Lapping up to the PAP is probably your favorite pass time. Things they throw at you becomes the gospel truth. If they tell you when foreign investment walk out of Singapore we are going to eat grass you wouldn’t question more. So to you if the British company closed down, Singaporean will be down and out.
How I hope Courts give up their business now? If they do that it is a big windfall for some local fellow who can take the opportunity to buy over their assets at half price and continue to expand business overseas. They can employ Singaporean for their Singapore business and they can send PR to work overseas. Big retailers don’t just close up and ship out especially they have so many branches all over Singapore.
Moreover the cause of this issue is not irreversible, once Courts apologize by their new CEO, they will be forgiven and business they can continue to do.
There can only be one loser, that is Courts and not Singaporean workers. Courts come for Singapore market and not Singapore market go after Courts. Please have all your facts right.
It is still the government fault, who ask them to be so scared of MNC. PAP is afraid MNC shipped out and we will lose out and unwilling to aid Singaporean owned business to move up and take over and create true Singapore jobs for Singaporean. Foreign enterprise is threatening our government if they don’t get the required workers they will ship out and our government limbs go soft hence giving in to them by supplying cheap labors from abroad which resulted in overcrowding inside Singapore. In conclusion Singapore government is to be blamed.
As a man, you should have two limbs down and two limbs up, please don’t go down on all four.
Regards,
CitizenofSG
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Dear Editor,
Maybe TR should be more stringent with their moderation. 2 comments in point:
1. ThisSiteisFullofStupidArticles on Wed, 20th Jan 2010 5:04 pm
Sir, sorry but this imbecile’s comments contribute little or no value to our discussion. What bearing has “eagerness to serve” or “chit-chatting” or showing him the ATM got to do with Courts advertising for Malaysian workers to the exclusion of Singaporeans?
2. deoxin on Wed, 20th Jan 2010 5:17 pm
This deoxin guy is both gullible and stupid.
“a company with 98% Singaporean/PRs” – is this possible when they are trying to recruit Malaysians?
“they (investors) just fed up n go” – Courts is not an investor. They are retail store operators.
There is a saying “It’s better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid, than to open it and remove any doubt.”
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deoxin,
Don’t be silly. If Courts pull out of Singapore, some other company will take their place. Why do you think they have been aggressively trying to increase their market share?
It is really silly to think that companies are indispensable.
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Picky,
How low should people go for a job? $50 a month? In your theory, it is better than $0. Maybe I can hire some Haitian refugees to Singapore and pay them $50 a month, and then tell Singaporeans they are picky.
Can you also tell that to my cousin who works a supervisor in a factory drawing $1300? He has been stuck on $1300 for years and has not been able to change jobs. Why? Because there is a ready supply of young cheaper foreign workers whose family can survive on $100 a month back home. Even at $1300, his job is not secure.
So are you suggesting we send our families to Haiti so that we can stay here to work for $50? Then what is Singapore for? We might as well all pack up and return to the land of our forefathers!
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COURTS can take their business out of singapore… there will be others to fill its place… otherwise why do you think Mr Conner bothers to react like the pap… *LOL*
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deoxin on Wed, 20th Jan 2010 5:17 pm
this is a perfect example of irrationality.
a company with 98% singaporean/PR …bashed for recruiting malaysian, n “these” people call for boycott.
if they (investor) just fed up n go, they’ll lose a tiny market, access to ’small’ 3.5m people. the real lose is not what’s recorded on their account book, it’s the unemployment number in our statistic book.
the real loser will be singaporean.
..and whose fault? well, if it indeed happens, TR will play a major role for creating unemployment of former COURTS employee, but the blame will go to gahmen.
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All this is just driving Courts into a corner and have not choice to Sue TR, which is what all u people are contributing to.
The End is near
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Hi KS,
We cannot stop people from flaunting their stupidity in public if they want to.
Just ignore them and engage those who are worth engaging.
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Ha Ha Ha…so laughable!
Just from the ignorant responses to my post, I can see that many Singaporeans are indeed…ah…hmm…you know!
I mentioned some products, not all products, and in retailing, there is what they call lose-leader strategy, where they offered some selected goods or services at steep discounts (generally below cost) in order to attract customers to the store to stimulate other profitable sales (of other products).
Courts have been doing it all this while and that’s why they attracted so many shoppers, and therefore, Richard or TR’s suggestion of a boycott will never work! If I am Terry, I would not worry or even bother a single bit at all!
Told you, Singaporeans are…ah…hmm…you know, yet always so lau-lan in wanting to comment here and there, and then make a great disgrace of themselves!
Would you guys just save the trouble and embarrassment? Wu-liao!
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@ admin on Wed, 20th Jan 2010 9:36 pm
“We cannot stop people from flaunting their stupidity in public if they want to.”
Similarly, no one can also stop TR from flaunting your stupidity through your biased and provocative articles just for the sake of getting more hits. But it may not be fair at all to put the blame entirely on you, as there are also many stupid and ignorant netizens (like myself) who likes to engage or side with your stupidity!
I really hope Courts will in turn take-up the challenge and sue you guys till your pants drop! That will definitely make the alternative media scene much more inetresting and explosive!
Yummy Yummy!
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Hi KS,
We cannot stop people from flaunting their stupidity in public if they want to.
Just ignore them and engage those who are worth engaging.
The ADMIN has just admitted that anyone one how is not anti-goverment is is stupid.
The END is NEAR
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LOL,
The problem is are you Terry? If not, just shut up and watch how a real CEO conduct himself. You are clearly fit to be a running dog that’s all.
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Don’t point fingers at a profit organisation,it’s not quite fair.
The companies merely follow the example of the TLCs and GLCs and the code of ‘CHEAPER FASTER BETTER’.
If our own governemnt-related companies are employing foreigners even at top level/s,why point fingers at COURTS or any other companies for trying to employ foreigners?
The UNION should go and chastise our TLCs and GLCs for setting a bad example!
Let’s nail down the right people and the rest of the market prticipants will just follow.
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■admin on Wed, 20th Jan 2010 9:36 pm
“We cannot stop people from flaunting their stupidity in public if they want to. ”
if I may add, in the safety of a pseunonym
btw, C is really in the biz of financing under the mask of a retailer.
interesting.
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terry,
tell us how would britons feel if Courts were to do the same and hire , say, Turkish residents by advertising in Turkey and saying the place of employment will be in Britain and let britons know about it.
Tell us leh. come on, pls, pretty pls?
I curious to know leh. U dig my singlish not? i english no strength leh.
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I have very bad experiences with Courts. Everything I paid for, bits and pieces get delivered here and there. Many times I had to wait in vain for my goods to arrive. Finally 1 month after I paid, all the electrical goods (tv etc) came in. LOUSY SERVICE! Why?
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Suzie Bombastik
Suzie, give small chance to the big burly angmo leh. you spoking singlish he catch no ball how?
Even though last time mamny many moons ago his ancestor came here as a hai chat (pirate, you know) suck the living daylights out of the poor inhabitants living then and consider that he foundeed the island even the peasants was there centuries before him. More strangely we still keep his statue by the river. But evevry night at 3 pm, he leaves the post to pee : )
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@ Myanmar NOT WELCOME IN SG on Wed, 20th Jan 2010 10:09 pm
Ha ha ha…
Neither are you Terry too! So, why not take your own advice, shut up and watch how a real CEO conduct himself. You are similarly and clearly fit to be just a running dog of TR too!
Anyway, there’s no need for me to learn from Terry, as I do not agree with his response. However, I do not agree with the shallowness and narrow-mindedness of people here calling for a boycott of Courts! It serve no purposes at all!
Time to put an end to childish games of “you beat me, I beat you back”!
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Mr. Lu, well done, well said. If they threaten more, boycott longer. I was eyeing a laptop. Now, I have no urgent need.
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@kopitiamapek
heh, was just a matter of time when people pick that up. All those loans they resell to banks, nice returns.
Anyone realise that more PAP dogs are in here nowadays?
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so long never come in, now see this silly thing. aiyoh.
mr & ms singaporeans in mnc and sme, remember these people. they make trouble without thinking all facts. if you unemployed, they don’t care. not their business. sacrifice you no problem. why? politic agenda la!
whey silviu leh? tr no open letter to romania government? no reader got open letter to romania about their trial and investigation? hypocrites.
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LOL and Get rid of f**kup singaporeans!!- You two are entitled to be stupid but please do not abuse this privilege.
The Sims – Companies are in business to make money. Suing is incidental. Long before Courts sue, Terry will be looking for a job. Do you think his bosses in UK would condone Courts Singapore employment practices?
Like Suzie Bombastik says, it is akin to Courts advertising in Turkey for employment in UK. Would the Brits like it?
Talknonsense – yes agreed. The unions should be addressing this issue with Courts. But we have a PAP-owned and administered union, toothless and totally useless. The union chief is a PAP man. Even the Consumer Association chief is a PAP man. What then do you expect of the GLCs?
The PAP has infiltrated all these organizations that should be independent.
There root causes of many of the problems for Singaporeans are bad policies that we depended on the government to formulate e.g. high HDB prices ; low wages ; influx of unskilled or semi-skilled foreigners competing with older unemployed Singaporeans ; giving away of citizenship freely thereby adding to social pressures ; etc.
People are getting annoyed with the increasing autocratic controls in the country. Singaporeans do not have a voice and the Government does not want to listen.
In the case of Courts, instead of being upright, they do what is convenient and best for them. They forget that they are here making money from Singaporeans. They forget about their social responsibility.
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CruEL : Anyone realise that more PAP dogs are in here nowadays?
These dogs are here to bark as what BGLee encouraged. If they were Singaporean then they were too included by their master’s farting about Singaporean. If they were foreigner, then you can ignore these ungrateful dogs.
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@ KennaSai on Wed, 20th Jan 2010 11:55 pm
You are as your name described, KENNA SAI!!!
What privilege am I abusing? You are talking just like the MIW!
If we have more stupid no-brainers like you around, then for sure there’ll be more Singaporeans out of job! Spare us your shallowness and narrow-mindedness, would you?
What? You think when PAP is voted out, and SDP or any other opposition parties comes in, the prices and cost of living will drop? Are you really that naive huh?
Perhaps it will drop, but the drop would be more reflective of the lost of confidence in Singapore by investors, and there will be exodus of investment and money out of Singapore. When that happen, you can be sure that more people will be out of job without any hope of what’s ahead for them. And of course, there’ll not be any foreign workers or talent interested in coming to Singapore…that is what you want, right? Is that really practical, and is that what you prefer as an option as compared to what we have now?
Getting rid of PAP is not just about opposing and attacking their policies. it is also about having the kind of alternatives that we are all willing to try. Until and unless an opposition party comes up with a sound alternative, getting rid of PAP would only means doomsday for Singapore!
Anyway, I have to accept the fact that Dumbass will always know how to complain and whin, but they will never use their stupid brain to think of the consequences!
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The “editorial oversight” (if it can called such) here is amazing…
Nobody should expect a responsible reply from a non-committal anonymous site. That’s paying more compliment than deserved.
The things here are emotive propaganda, not sensible facts.
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Richard Lu writes in bloody bad English, almost like he is illterate. It is not due to laziness on his part or anything of that sort but just damn lousy English.
The way he construct his sentences is horrible. Grammar = 20/100. Vocab = 50/100.
It is sad. Singaporeans cannot even write or speak proper English these days even though it is the first language of the Country.
Screwed up Country and screwed up citizens.
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LOL – Sorry lah.
You are dumber than I thought. My statement “You two are entitled to be stupid but please do not abuse this privilege” is meant to be a joke. It really is a pun but you really are too shallow to appreciate a pun.
(For your little mind, the description of a pun is that it is a form of word play for humorous or rhetorical effect.)
You fly off at a tangent on loss of confidence, doomsday, consequences etc. getting rid of the PAP. Sorry lah, this is an area that is also beyod your tiny brains.
Do you understand this proverb : “From little acorn big oak grows”? They also say “You have to think big to be big” – another pun. When Lee Kuan Yew was in the opposition in 1963/1965, did he think he would stay in power for 45 years? He started somewhere.
You just wallow in your shallowness. But then, maybe you are just a PAP implant, a boot-licker – set up to irritate TR readers.
Better you go play with yourself.
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FINALLY, SOMEONE HAS SPOKEN THE TRUTH! GREAT WORK RICHARD LU!
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There’s no need for courts or any other retailer actually… just order online~
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@ KennaSai on Thu, 21st Jan 2010 1:41 am
Aiyoh…you are still spilling shit out from your mouth…or was it from your head? No…do you have one in the first place?
Still complaining and whining, but unable to logically discuss about cause and effects, alternatives and consequences!
Beyond polluting the discussions here with your indescribable shallowness and narrow-mindedness, we haven’t really hear anything substantially “wow” from you! So, tell me, what’s the alternatives beyond PAP era, huh? What happened if investors all run away and companies closed down one after another, what’s your alternatives huh? Are you sure it will not happen, why and what makes you so sure?
Or maybe you don’t care anything else except to overthrow PAP, with or without alternatives?
See, I’ve told you, your pseudonym KENNA SAI really fits you well and proper, no others can qualify at all to use this pseudonym except you!
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@ Picky,
I would like to see you work for low thousand dollar wage for the job courts is advertising for and see how u maintain the life with a wife and 3 kids and a sky high mortage loan…..
During the 97, 2000 was still alot of money. Now it’s a decade over and courts is paying less than 2k.. Please make some sense.. My stock broker took a 70% paycut in 2008 from 50k a month cut to 15k a month.. A big cut.. But still alot of money… Please look at the relative amount and not the percentage..
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This is sad…fighting among ourselves just on one corporate recruitment ad, when I felt we have missed the bigger picture.
Correct me if I am wrong, places in America, Australia and some countries will not allow recruitment ads to qualify candidates amounting to discrimination such as gender, age or race. Something like that which I am sure well travelled and educated people can verify this information.
The bigger question is how is corporate entity allow such recruitment ad be placed and repeatedly on several other occasions?
It is the making of our own gahment, their quiet acknowledgment of these ads to be placed without concrete action. That is why we see these ads placed again and again.
Forget about Courts, lets focus the bigger picture and fight for our rights as Singaporeans. Vote for Change!!!!
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@LOL – I take it that you are worried that foreign investors are frightened away if we are not careful.
Granted that that is a valid reason to be mindful of what we are doing, what is your take in resolving the challenge. As citizen we cannot afford to be second class and marginalized, can you tell us should we bow before these foreigners and allow them to trample all over our body.
Their business demise is unlikely to be our doing rather their principal holding is invariably the cause. The business culture of a big business is important for their own survival, what TR and Richard have done is to point to their social responsibility. Boycotting is part and parcel of many societies and hardly any country collapse because of boycotting.
Do you want Singapore to be lke China in the year of the dowager? They were really afraid of the foreigners, soon they were consumed by what they feared.
Prior to furthering our discourse, would appreciate if you could tell us if you are also like us a Singaporean. We just dont want to be barking up the wrong tree. Your contribution is quite interesting and it opens up a new angle.
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Dear citizenofSG,
Kicking the ass of PAP is probably your favorite pass time. Things they throw at you becomes the biggest lie. If they tell you when foreign investment walk out of Singapore we are going to eat grass you are sure that’s a lie.
How I hope Courts give up their business now? If they do that it is a big windfall for some local fellow who can take the opportunity to buy over their assets at half price and continue to expand business overseas. They can employ Singaporean for their Singapore business and they can send PR to work overseas.
Sounds like another Indonesian that thinks that this will ever work out. (note, i have NEVER said that we are never capable of managing new found wealth, but unfortunately this is not what u think it is like most Indonesian realised now)
Big retailers don’t just close up and ship out especially they have so many branches all over Singapore.
Totally agree, in fact i dun think they will come near to close up and if there’s ever a boycott, at best they will sell things at half price and cut their man-power cuts by half as well.
Moreover the cause of this issue is not irreversible, once Courts apologize by their new CEO, they will be forgiven and business they can continue to do.
Agree. They will just apologize, anyway it is just another letter. Who cares when this bring more money. If i were the CEO, i will “apologize” as well and continues more hiring plan as well. At best, i just need to do it more tactically.
There can only be one loser, that is Courts and not Singaporean workers. Courts come for Singapore market and not Singapore market go after Courts. Please have all your facts right.
LOL. Although i dun think we will lose out completely, but come on, do you really think Courts will lose out because they lose Singapore market? You are really thinking too highly of Singapore, do you really really think we are that indispensable to courts or MNC. Please have all your facts right as well.
It is still the government fault, who ask them to be so scared of MNC. PAP is afraid MNC shipped out and we will lose out and unwilling to aid Singaporean owned business to move up and take over and create true Singapore jobs for Singaporean.
Maybe u wanna search for any BIG MNC that gotten plenty of aid from the gov FROM START (when they are NOT a mnc). And of course there will be, but pls compare that in ratio to that who don’t
Foreign enterprise is threatening our government if they don’t get the required workers they will ship out and our government limbs go soft hence giving in to them by supplying cheap labors from abroad which resulted in overcrowding inside Singapore. In conclusion Singapore government is to be blamed.
Although i dun think they “threatening” our gov, but i do agree that the gov. is too soft when it comes with dealing with MNC. There must be rules and regulation to maintain the well-being of singaporean as well.
As a man, you should have two limbs down and two limbs up, please don’t go down on all four.
As a man, I will go down to all 4 if i need to feed my parents and children.
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(quote)
Kicking the ass of PAP is probably your favorite pass time. Things they throw at you becomes the biggest lie. If they tell you when foreign investment walk out of Singapore we are going to eat grass you are sure that’s a lie.(quote)
Well kicking their ass is not just a pass or part time, it is full time. I don’t except pappies dog to assist me, I do it with my own energy. If they tell you foreign investment is like toilet paper money, want to pull out and they can pull out just like that, you believe then you should have your head examined.
(quote)
How I hope Courts give up their business now? If they do that it is a big windfall for some local fellow who can take the opportunity to buy over their assets at half price and continue to expand business overseas. They can employ Singaporean for their Singapore business and they can send PR to work overseas.
Sounds like another Indonesian that thinks that this will ever work out. (note, i have NEVER said that we are never capable of managing new found wealth, but unfortunately this is not what u think it is like most Indonesian realised now)(quote)
Tell it to our folks that when Indonesian cannot make it, we better not try. Does Indonesia has the high percentage of educated like Singapore? Of course if we need to run multi national, we need big brains and you are saying we haven’t got much brain. We are damned.
(quote)Big retailers don’t just close up and ship out especially they have so many branches all over Singapore.
Totally agree, in fact i dun think they will come near to close up and if there’s ever a boycott, at best they will sell things at half price and cut their man-power cuts by half as well.(quote)
There is always the demand and supply. If they cannot supply and the demand is there, bet someone will be there to take up the share.
(quote)
Moreover the cause of this issue is not irreversible, once Courts apologize by their new CEO, they will be forgiven and business they can continue to do.
Agree. They will just apologize, anyway it is just another letter. Who cares when this bring more money. If i were the CEO, i will “apologize” as well and continues more hiring plan as well. At best, i just need to do it more tactically.(quote)
Good for crying out loud just apologize what are they waiting for..
(quote)There can only be one loser, that is Courts and not Singaporean workers. Courts come for Singapore market and not Singapore market go after Courts. Please have all your facts right.
LOL. Although i dun think we will lose out completely, but come on, do you really think Courts will lose out because they lose Singapore market? You are really thinking too highly of Singapore, do you really really think we are that indispensable to courts or MNC. Please have all your facts right as well.(quote)
DO you not think they will not lose out? Do you think you can simply pull out from one market and pluck it into another market just like that? Simpleton think simply. Anyway those jobs offered by courts does not contribute to a superior workforce and they are transient and nothing to brag about. It may even be a blessing in disguise for Singaporean to move up to better jobs than to stick to such doldrum jobs.
(quote)As a man, you should have two limbs down and two limbs up, please don’t go down on all four.
As a man, I will go down to all 4 if i need to feed my parents and children.(quote)
Ok! Ok! I can understand why the some Mei Mei standing outside Geylang telling us why they sprawl, it is also because of feeding their parents and children. Please for Singaporean face don’t ask your sister or mother to go there also. Don’t blame me for giving you ideas.
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Hi Lol, you have been calling others all kinds of names and it only goes to show what kind of person you are. You spoke of lost-leader pricing which is not uncommon long time ago but, if business is so aimply as you say, well, why don’t you open another “Courts” and make money too! BTW, empty vessel makes the most noise!
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typo error on aimply, should be simply
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Richard Lu, well written… I have since boycotted Courts as well, even if it means slightly more costly to buy elsewhere (factor in transportation cost).
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CruEL on Wed, 20th Jan 2010 11:27 pm
I cannot verify this, but was told that since they target on a particular sector of customers who buy on credit regardless of their ability to pay, they recondition and recycle their repossessed stuff to sell again in the stores.
This too happens in the 2nd hand motorcycle trade. The more bikers default on their payment, the happier the sellers are as they get to sell it all over again.
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Hi Anthony, you have got to be kidding! I have just moved to a new home and not a single thing I bought was from Courts as their prices are always higher in my comparisons!
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Well kicking their ass is not just a pass or part time, it is full time. I don’t except pappies dog to assist me, I do it with my own energy. If they tell you foreign investment is like toilet paper money, want to pull out and they can pull out just like that, you believe then you should have your head examined.
It obivious my previous post on this has NOTHING to do with trusting the gov but to do this mindless bashing of the gov.
Tell it to our folks that when Indonesian cannot make it, we better not try. Does Indonesia has the high percentage of educated like Singapore? Of course if we need to run multi national, we need big brains and you are saying we haven’t got much brain. We are damned.
AGAIN, i DID NOT say that we cannot make it… but it is NOT liked what u are dreaming of. And if u are looking for top brain, u are expected TOP money and MAX ROI => low production and man power cost.
There is always the demand and supply. If they cannot supply and the demand is there, bet someone will be there to take up the share.
You are certainly right when it comes to supply and demand. But has it ever cross your mind that if there’s risk is another factor when it comes to business. And if boycotting is widely exercise, this is CERTAINLY a high risk business.
Good for crying out loud just apologize what are they waiting for..
I guess they really should do that… at once i’m on your side or twice.. iguess
DO you not think they will not lose out? Do you think you can simply pull out from one market and pluck it into another market just like that? Simpleton think simply. Anyway those jobs offered by courts does not contribute to a superior workforce and they are transient and nothing to brag about. It may even be a blessing in disguise for Singaporean to move up to better jobs than to stick to such doldrum jobs.
NO one in the right will pull out from a market if it’s not necessary. BUT again if boycott is widely exercise then i would say it makes more sense to leave as it’s a HIGH risk business if the return is poor. As for singaporean move up their career, i really dun see HOW courts is stopping people from improving, in fact the only thing that can stop someone is your laziness.
Ok! Ok! I can understand why the some Mei Mei standing outside Geylang telling us why they sprawl, it is also because of feeding their parents and children. Please for Singaporean face don’t ask your sister or mother to go there also. Don’t blame me for giving you ideas.
I never believe that someone who fight for their/their families survival are “throwing” singaporean face. In fact those who has been living in comfort are most likely the one that tried to live a life of “high” dignity. Although being a “chicken” may not be the best job you can find, at least IF you are doing that for survival, i guess i would be proud of that person as well. And to think that you start the name calling (bring in my mum or sis) while i’m here discussing something serious.
I certainly hope TR can spend sometime auditting some posting to reach some level of intelligent debate than to resort to name calling and personal attack
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■ThisSiteisFullofStupidArticles on Wed, 20th Jan 2010 5:04 pm
i was at courts megastore 2 nights ago. All i saw were Singaporean employees. Some were eager to serve but most just stood around and chit-chatted. Courts should employ willing workers irregardless of nationality as long as the nation allows you too.
Hi, who are you trying to fool? How do you know they are all Singaporeans? Was the word ‘Singaporeans’ written on their face?
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Oh the dogs are all out! Oh, I wanna sing, “Who lets the dogs out?
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I have just got the keys to my new HDB flat in Punggol and will be shopping around for new furniture for a living-cum-dining room, three bedrooms, a kitchen and shelving system for the bomb-proof room to convert it into a storeroom. I will also be buying an air-conditioning system, four ceiling fans and lights for all the spaces in the flat, plus all the many household gadgets and accessories a home needs.
At first I had thought of buying from Courts but because of it’s unfair employment policy against Singaporeans I will instead be shopping at it’s rivals’ shops. This is my personal boycott in support of unemployed Singaporeans. I have three more months to set up my new flat before moving in so I have a little time to observe Courts behaviour before buying. I know that I am only a small customer but if Courts is interested in my business it had better do something quickly to please me. There is still time, but not much.
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Be smart!
Vote with your money.
I certainly am not going to part with my money just because this establishment is giving huge discounts on electronic or household items.
Money staying in my pocket is more important.
I am adamant about teaching Courts a lesson.
It is just disgraceful how some on this forum would choose to belittle our fellow Singaporeans like this. Shame on you.
What a weakling.
No back bone.
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i’ll not buy things there anymore cos i don’t to waste my time trying to tell and explain what i wanted to buy.
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Why no reply from the defiant Courts on the open letter above?
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Recently I intending to buy aircon system for coming New year. I will heed the petition to boycott courts. Buy from Harvey Norman or best denki instead. The price don’t really differs alot anyway. Just ask them to meet price, they will be willing to sell already.
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Courts target lower income earners who can not afford to buy things in cash term.
They capitalize on poor people who wanted a TV, computer for their children and more, the interested incurred can buy 3 set of what they bought.
Boycott them SOB Court, there Audio House, Harvey Norman, and something Japanese is better fairer then courts.
Kick that SOB back to Europe!
His brain full of shite! Golfing so hard the brain got hammer down to rectum.
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Courts target lower income earners who can not afford to buy things in cash term.
They capitalize on poor people who wanted a TV, computer for their children and more, the monthly payment interest incurred can buy 3 set of what they bought.
Boycott them SOB Courts, theres Audio House, Harvey Norman, and something Japanese call Denky is better fairer then courts.
Kick them that SOB back to Europe!
His brain full of shite! Golfing so hard the brain got hammer down to his rectum.
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terry, you are a LIAR….
During one weekend, COURTS advertised a photo of one 12″ HP notebook at S$999. But there was no HP notebook at all at the store. And the HP promoter tried to con me by showing me a 14″ Compaq note at S$999.
SHARME ON YOU….
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Compaq belongs to HP lah… what are you thinking my friend???
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Terry should learn from Grandmaster Lee.
Stare at us for 3 secs and say “it’s settled.”
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Richard stupid.
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