The futility of engaging the PAP in both real life and cyberspace
March 31st, 2010 | 
Author: OPINION
The Temasek Review has often been accused of being “anti-PAP” and blatantly biased against it in many of our articles. Others implored us to be more objective, balanced and fair in our coverage and to engage the PAP instead of stirring “hatred” against it.
While we admit that our editorial stance has been and will continue to be slanted towards the opposition, we make absolutely no apologies for it.
We do not bear any ill-will or malice against the PAP and we do wish to engage it, but the time is not ripe yet.
Engagement between two parties is only possible and meaningful if both are on an equal footing. It is impossible to engage the PAP from a position of weakness; we can only do so from a position of strength.
Neither is the PAP keen to engage netizens judging from its latest posturing. Anonymous netizens are considered no more than a nuisance, to be avoided, ignored and condemned now and then it sees fit.
Unlike Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao who addressed netizens warmly as “friends”, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong only pays lip service to engaging the online community. Just a few days ago, he openly warned of “astroturfing” by netizens to pressure his administration for their own “benefits”.
Singaporeans are encouraged to use the official feedback forum REACH to “engage” the government and to stay away from the other alternative news sites whose credibility are attacked now and then by the state media.
Under the PAP’s definition, “engagement” simply means providing a channel for Singaporeans to submit their feedback about their policies and for the policy makers to explain them and to clear up any misconceptions. That’s all.
Engaging the PAP will not lead to a major overhaul of its policies except for some cosmetic changes to placate disgruntled Singaporeans.
Why is this so?
For two simple reasons:
1. The PAP holds absolute power in Singapore and the citizenry is literally powerless against it.
2. Party interests always comes first for the PAP before national interest.
The wide gulf between the two means that any attempts to seriously engage the PAP is futile because the citizenry is too weak to exert any sort of political pressure or influence on the PAP.
On the other hand, the PAP does not see the need to give way to appease Singaporeans because there is little chance of it losing power via the electoral process which is engineered over the years to guarantee and perpetuate its political hegemony.
“Engagement” becomes no more but a “wayang” for the PAP to “show” that it is “listening” to the people when it is simply pretending to listen without registering anything inside.
To quote PAP Minister Lim Swee Say:
“We (PAP) are DEAF to all criticisms!”
Singaporeans have been complaining for years at the abuse of the GRC system by the PAP to whisk its new candidates into Parliament without contesting in an election. Even the state media has expressed its reservations on the matter.
The chorus of discontent coming from the ground is so deafening that the PAP will not miss it. Whenever Singaporeans tries to “engage” it on this matter, PAP leaders will brush their concerns aside and used the same old lame excuse that the system is needed to guarantee minority representation in Parliament.
Similarly, many Singaporeans were aghast and flabbergasted at the loss of billions of dollars of national reserves by GIC last year. Attempts to obtain any official replies from GIC itself were futile as it would give a standard template answer that their investments are for the “long-term”.
And of course no MP will dare to take the GIC Chairman to task in Parliament when the Finance Minister himself appeared to be equally clueless about the losses as well.
When one party holds the cards and calls all the shots, it is impossible to expect any meaningful engagement to take place. The only way to do so is to cut the PAP right down to size and allow the emergence of another center of power in Singapore to challenge it.
In a monopolistic market dominated by a single player with no other competitors, customers will have no choice but to be led by their noses on its terms, however unreasonable they are, but once there are other players in the market, the bargaining power of the customers will increase and they will have the power to refuse.
Right now, Singaporeans have absolutely no bargaining power at all. No matter how peeved, angry or disgruntled we are, the PAP will still be “voted” into power election after election because the opposition is too feeble to mount a credible challenge to it.
In a genuine multi-party democracy, the PAP will not dare to take the electorate for granted. There will be no need for us to “engage” it for it will come crawling to us on bended knees to kiss our feet because it is always in the danger of losing power.
Singaporeans should stop harboring false hopes that the PAP will stop to listen and engage them for it will never do anything which will jeopardize its own self interests.
The right way to “engage” the PAP is through the ballot box at the next general election. We Singaporeans are the masters of this country and not the PAP leaders who are merely our servants to govern on our behalfs. They are paid by taxpayers’ monies and they should be prepared to be booted out of office if we find their performance unsatisfactory.
Let us teach the PAP a lesson it will never forget and only then will it bother to engage us on our own terms and at our own tufts.
EDITORS’ NOTE:
Please join our Facebook discussion on this article here and invite your friends to do so as well to raise awareness among fellow Singaporeans.
Posted in Opinion
1.Which editor/admin’s view is this. Since you have many and all hold independent view.
2.What happen to changes need for others before we change? Should we engage TR?
3.it will come crawling to us on bended knees to kiss our feet – is this written by a 14 year old?
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On one hand, TR claims, “the PAP holds absolute power in Singapore and the citizenry is literally powerless against it”, I and yet the same article claims, “the right way to “engage” the PAP is through the ballot box at the next general election”.
If the PAP holds absolute power over SG and the masses, wouldn’t it stand to reason that the PAP can manipulate the outcome of any election results in its favor by fair or foul means? What is there to stop the PAP from stuffing ballot boxes or from fixing tallies? Would Singaporeans be even aware of foul play in past elections? Even the Elections Dept is subordinated to the PM’s office.
I think it is rather irresponsible of TR to make such claims and provide false hope that the PAP can be “voted” out in an absolute regime. Only a people’s revolt can overthrow the PAP. Its either that or wait for the situation to deteriorate to such a point when the man in the street has nothing to lose and everything to fight for.
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4. is TR first priority, PRO Singapore or ANti PAP. if the former why no article condemning Goplan Nair’s article on Romania should ignore singapore and do not be bother with killing someone in Sg just cause he hate LKY.
5.r alternative news sites whose credibility are attacked now and then by the state media. – the credibility of TR is also attacked by Netizen, eg. GN Saga? Also why no one attack Mr.Brown?
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Hi Singaporean,
Look at your present status and the hope for your children future!…vote wisely for a caring goverment that take care of your interest!
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Agree on TR’s stance esp on arrogance.
On GIC — This man also messed up in the NY property investment. Despite managing 12 trillion US, he said sorry. http://atans1.wordpress.com/2010/03/27/i-goofedus12-trillion-man/
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@Man in Gold, “come crawling to us on bended knees” is actually what your LKY said when JBJ won Anson.
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To Man in Gold,
i think its a bit insulting to comment”is this written by a 14 year old”. You should learn to understand more rather than shooting people down.
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If it is not the job of the PAP to encourage a credible opposition in singapore, then why is the PAP-led government hindering freedom of speech and expression at TemasekReview ? Is it the PAP government’s intention to completely blackout all views that are contrary to their policies and paint a false picture that singaporeans are by and large happy with their policies ? The PAP government has been very effective and successful in using traditional media to promote PAP party as the only credible party to govern singapore but it is probably best for the PAP government not to treat New Media as Traditional Media.
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Well said. I am all in for booting out PAP, I drink to that if it happens!
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Take heart …. we and all the actvities here may just be “warning toads” of the coming impending “earthquake” result in the coming election as in :
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20100331/tts-science-quake-toads-c1b2fc3.html
So to “deaf frogs” ……. at least come and witness these activities of the “warning toads” …. and run as there is nothing you can do on this impending election “earthquake” result.
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“While we admit that our editorial stance has been and will continue to be slanted towards the opposition, we make absolutely no apologies for it.”
TR, at least I respect you for making your stand clear. This is very unlike of our so called mainstream media who goes around publishing pro-PAP propaganda and making PAP look good while in the meantime, tells everyone that they are being “objective” in their reportings… SPH is owned by the state, for heaven’s sake! HAHA!
For example, in their latest article on the good response their REACH website gets, it’s really a joke. If people bother to go into REACH and see the kind of things netizens are writing, they will see that majority of the postings are negative! Only a handful are positive and yet, they reported it as REACH getting good support from the people… HAHA!
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I actually like the word “futility” in the heading of this article. It means change is coming finally. To me, everything has its high and low points and move in a cycle. Britain has risen to power and dominated half the globe at one point of time. Look at it now, just a sidekick to the US in the Iraq war. How about US? Is 2007 their peak?
When your luck is at the lowest, there is only the bright side. Futility is already the darkest.
Singaporeans, let’s unite together for a positive change. I really do not want to waste my two and a half years in national service. PAP is too fat now and have no new ideas what is good for Singapore. To think they can just come out stupid ideas like importing more foreigners to boost the GDP (to justify their salary increase?) and settling up 5-star gambling dens to diversify the economy.
It is a sad day for Singaporeans but not the last.
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Unfortunately traditional media still work best in today’s world.
Unless we are able to get our views and perception on the current situation to most Singaporean, I see there is no way PAP will lose any more seats, even with the help of cyberspace or not.
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HI yaevlejunce
So TR is asking ppl to support them in anti pap by being what pap is?
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To all those who thinks that having a all powerful one party rule is good, and there is no need for any checks and balance, then let me ask you…
Would you buy electrical products without the psb safety-mark certification?
Would you buy a house without safety checks conducted by authorities?
Would you buy a car that doesn’t go thru’ quality and safety checks?
Why do we need AVA/HPB conducting checks on the food stuff that are sold in singapore?
Why do NEA need to grade hawkers?
It is for the same reasons that we need to have checks and balances in parliament..
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seems like the papist are mounting some sort of concerted efford to discredit TR….
It’s so obvious. if u really care and want to know what the man in the street feels about PAP, all you need to do is talk to ppl in any coffee shop.
To all those Papists, go back to your REACH website, we can see right through where u are coming from, is this the best u can do?
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“In a monopolistic market dominated by a single player with no other competitors, customers will have no choice but to be led by their noses on its terms, however unreasonable they are”
Reminds me of Henry Ford when Ford’s automobiles were dominating the marketplace. Ford said, “Any customer can have a car painted any colour that he wants so long as it is black.” Just goes to show that how arrogant he had become when he thought that he was invincible.
By the mid-1920s, sales of Ford’s car began to decline due to rising competition. Other auto makers offered payment plans through which consumers could buy their cars, which usually included more modern mechanical features and styling not available with Ford’s. Despite urgings from his son, Henry Ford steadfastly refused to incorporate new features into his cars or to form a customer credit plan. By the early 30s, GM overtook Ford to become the #1 autocar maker in the US…
Food for thought…
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man in gold and all others who think like him:
you are obviously rattled and not feeling very comfortable with views like these. you should ask yourself why. the answer is – with 46 years of political brainwashing, many of you are like the papayas, finding it extremely disconcerting and alarming to read (i said read, not even accept) alternative views.
if all of us had a chance to grow up in a truly democratic society with freedom in speech and choices, we would have evolved into political maturity. we would be able to discern what is right and wrong, without feeling flustered.
think about that.
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Have you forgotten so quickly ABOUT…
A. GRCs???
B. LAST MINUTE REDRAWING of Electoral BOundaries???
C. BANKRUPTING Lawsuits even at GE cacaueses when IT SHOULD BE A TIME OF FREE SPEECH FOR ONE & ALL???
D. You need more examples of UNfair and Unjust hairy actions to BE convinced???…
So how about LKY said these things back in 1982 and 1962???…
1. “I make no apologies that the PAP is the Government and the Government is the PAP.” – Lee Kuan Yew, 1982, Petir
2. “If I were in authority in Singapore indefinitely without having to ask those who are governed whether they like what is being done, then I would not have the slightest doubt that I could govern much more effectively in their interests.” – Lee Kuan Yew, 1962
So… as for TR making no apologies… isn’t it TR’s and Singaporeans’ right to also not make any apologies to voice their views when and where they think hairy HAS GONE WRONG with their policies THAT HURT Singaporeans???
DO you know or not… “That a HUNGRY man IS AN ANGRY MAN”???… Obviously you are NOT RETRENCHED one in your early 40s and beyond to know the AGONY of the PAINS of struggling to Pay And Pay for your college/Uni going children’s EVERY INCREASING Education FEES… that Home LOAN… That car LOAN… that every other LOANS And PaYments YOU… HAVE TO FULFILL… WITHOUT the chance of ever finding AN EQUITABLE JOB like your las t PMET one!!!… or even a lower category one!!!… SOLELY BECAUSE… OF YOUR AGE… yet with MUCH OLDER pappies drawing DREAM salaries… Yet your BEST OPTION IS to spend MORE money to train and apply for a TAXI Driver’s license!!!… And ALL BECAUSE… PAP says FTs, FWs ARE GOOD FOR YOU and I… ASS “they” ARE here to stay to Create Jobs FOR YOU and me???
Are you blind… deaf… naive… or brain dead to LIES???… Because hasn’t hairy INFLICTED enough “UNfair & UNjust” means to cheat and win GEs?… As have not those those partisan and LOPSIDED actions of hairy borne out what he said back in 1982 & 1962???… DON’T BE… SO NAIVE AND NERDY TO COME ON LINE AND TRY TO TEACH Old-Horses New-Tricks!!!… But if you are not… then your ARE obviously a hairy puppy!!!
Than you TR!!!
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Maingold
“So TR is asking ppl to support them in anti pap by being what pap is?”
There are times where fire has to fought with fire and the end justifies the means.
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What is disturbing is that, after ruling the country for so long, they have taken things for granted….they know what’s best for the ppl….shut up and just eat it. Period.
The ppl are fed-up with this arrogance. Do as you preach…ppl expect accountability for the high-salaries that MPs and Ministers received.
No coruption ?? No….it’s called “legal corruption”.
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The modus operandi of the PAP is to disguise, distort and deny the facts. They will face the backlash of a severely frustrated and disappointed electorate. The Temasek Review serves an important role in raising awareness among Singaporeans of the key policy failures and cover-ups by the ruling party. It should be supportive of good policy initiatives, because these should be encouraged even if in so doing some credit is accorded to the PAP. In other words, it should be rooting for good governance which is sorely lacking from the PAP. Only by voting the PAP out of office will they be brought to account some day for their mismanagement and incompetence in running the country.
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@Orange Oracle: What is disturbing is that, after ruling the country for so long, they have taken things for granted….they know what’s best for the ppl….shut up and just eat it. Period.
Just like Henry Ford telling his customers when Ford was dominating the marketplace, “Any customer can have a car painted any colour that he wants so long as it is black.”
HAHA!
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Hi Orange Oracle
after ruling the country for so long someone began to think like he owns Singapore.
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IF Sinkaporeans EXPECT the PAPies to SERIOUSLY LISTEN to what YOU have to say, the ONLY way to do so would be NOT to waste time with the Reach Portal but to MAKE SURE that the PAPies LOSE 1/3 of the seats in the coming GE.
There is ABSOLUTE NO OTHER WAY and I can put my head on the chopping board and bet on that!
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To: Kojakbt,
You have made a very good observation regarding TR’s honesty in admitting they are anti-PAP. I admire your honesty too.
Once I met a few Chinese nationales who are on our government scholarships here in Singapore. They said the biggest difference between Singapore and China is that at the least their government admits they are communist while Singapore government still don’t want to admit… what a joke! LOL!
Our government offered these guys free scholarships, no contract no bond, etc. and yet they insulted us. But come to think of it, they are not wrong, we do have a communistic culture where our citizens have no say about our state of affairs (or seem to have through REACH, MPs, etc.). On the surface we are a democratic nation but our government would go ahead and do whatever they please.
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@man in gold
Hi, i dun understand your point 2, and i dun understand what you meant at your post to yaevleju
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Beacause the presence of a new form free media threatens the ability of the mainstream media’s spin with PAP propaganda.
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To me, voting for a party means that I agree with their policies and ideals.
If I vote for PAP, means that I
- agree that our state government investment arm losing tens of billions of our citizens money is a “honest mistake”. Which I do not. If every serious mistake made can be called an honest mistake and move on without getting to the root cause of the problem, whats the use? Accountability has to be there.
- agree that our GIC investments are all “long term investments”. Which I do not. Locking one’s funds in a entity as volatile as listed companies or the internet is folly.
- agree that our ministers deserve a 8.8% pay raise right after the economy starts to rebound. Which I dun. Hell, I dun even believe that the economy is rebounding. Only inflation is working hard, going up steadily. Ministers in our cabinet are getting from bad to worse. It used to be that when they made a mistake, they tried to cover it up in whatever ways they could. Now it seems that MIW dun even bother to cover, which shows that they have grown far too conceited and unafraid of any repercussions from the population. This is moving towards a direction which I fear to think of.
- agree that enough is done for the poor. I want to believe this. I want to believe that our government cares for the people, all alike, without prejudice as we lay down our lives for building this nation, this country. But everyday I see more and more old people picking cans from the rubbish bins. I see more disabled people selling tissue packs outside the MRTs. Enough is done? Really? Open your eyes and see. This should not be so. If this is enough, I shudder to think what the MIW have in store for us in its future reign.
There is something wrong with this country.
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To Man in Gold – your question on “it will come crawling to us on bended knees to kiss our feet” : this was in fact said by the 87-year old narcissistic fool who once vowed to “make JBJ crawl on bended knees and beg for mercy”. TR is merely quoting from the foolish and childish utterances of that old stupid, elated but absolutely senile member of the famiLEE, you know, that soon-to-be-dead-and-I-wish-he-drop-dead-right-now MM who called Singaporeans “daff”. Let’s spit on his grave and flood his grave with spit WHEN he kicks the bucket!
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It is very naive to believe that journalism is about the objective reporting of events. The slant shows in what the journalist didn’t write about. Newspapers declare their political stances by determining what to publish, and what to omit. Forum letters can just as easily be forged.
Want to denounce a different point of view? Get somebody to take the position of the opposing view, and then make an arse out of himself in the letter, and then publish it.
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@orange oracle
The phrase you are looking for:
“power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely”
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It is damn sarcastic of our senior Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Dr Vivian BalakrishnaHe to put down MP Lily Neo who desperately pleaded and asked to increase the monthly $300 Public Assiatance allowance of the few destitute and poor recipients by another $30 so that they can have three basic simple meals a day to fill the stomachs of their whole family.
Dr Vivia got the gall to downtrodded MP Lily Neo by retorting,“How much more do you want? Do you want three meals in a hawker centre, food court or restaurant?”
Yet he has no qualms splurging $10 million dollars of taxpayers’ monies to make the foreigners feel welcomed like the Water Festival organize by the Bukit Batok grassroots and senior MP Ms Grace Fu!
Now YPAP activist Sinha Shekhar who describe PAP critics as “dogs” on the YPAP Facebook was given an “Outstanding Contributors’ award” by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on a REACH Forum last week and now got the cheek to ask our self-help groups such as SINDA, CDAC and MENDAKI
to help the foreign immigrants instead of focusing on our local people as priorty.
How to also engage the PAP when Minister Lim Swee Say said bluntly in Parliament, “We (PAP) are DEAF to all criticisms” even when we try to offer our constructive critisms or suggestions?
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I would like to know which other alternative locals have to voice dissent/unhappiness, forums run by ruling 3 or forums independent.
I sure like to voice my concerns, but where.
Many people do not even have computer at home or knows how to go about it after getting one, look at me, freshly bake here.
How about the ones sleeping on the street, changi beach and so forth. How about those scavenging dustbins for food, supply to sell. I sure if you have the time to write here, surely 1hr of rounding this island per day will enlighten you, but reason must be, “too high already”, no times for the scums of the earth.
Scums we’ll all be someday if this lopside equilibrium /situation persist.
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That point about the Chinese Premier Wen – the difference is Wen is a much more sincere person than PM Lee and his cabinet gang, including the two oldest members in his office.
It is transparently obvious that Wen is pro China and pro Chinese citizens while LHL is only pro PAP and his private property called Singapore Inc.
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Given the current mega GRCs system and the high deposits for candidates to stand for election, it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible for the opposition parties to derail the ruling party. And they know it too. Although many Sporeans are angry, frustrated and complaint alot,come election day these same people will still vote for the PAP. This has happened in the last few GEs and the way I see it, it will be the same in the coming GE. There are just far too many Kiasu and Kiasi Sporeans voters who are afraid that they will in trouble or may lose everything if they vote for the oppositions. Nevertheless, I do hope the ‘wind of change’ will come our way sooner or later. The sooner the better.
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Since when has PAP been fair in anything ?
the only times they are fair are when they are doing thingd for their own interests,isn’t it?
The rest of us cannot have social security like most developed countries but the rich ministers have some kind of ‘RETIREMENT SCHME’ after having been paid millions.
With an ageing population,family units are sometimes wihtout young children to support them in their old age,the govt has the moral duty to ensure a social safety net fr the citizens.
If by which time, our aged can’t get medical treatments cos they have insufficient funds in their meidisave or other sources and they are child-less,what woild the govt do for them?…disallow them treatment cos they can’t pay the fees?
If that be the case,eventually,then all citizens should now think carefully about putting the right kind of people in govt.
Public hospitals should noy be in the business of MAKING MORE AND MORE PROFITS YEAR AFTER YEAR.THey have a MORAL OBLIGATION TO FULFILL.
THere so many other areas like utilities where profit should not be the end-all.
If they want to look into the concernsof the common citizens,i am cocksure they can but this govt much prefer to do things to enrcih themslves and thier rich ‘FRIENDS’ and colleagues.
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Is just an Internet Portal… and so it IS… not even “a demilitarized zone”… So…
Why is ah loong so sensitive… if not fearful about it and us???… as after all…
Doesn’t he HAVE all the MSM his apa built at his beck and call by will?… Any question about this loong???…
Oilfield fires are fought with nitro-glycerine to cause a huge explosion within that consumes so much oxygen that that oil and gas fire is SNUFFED OUT BY oxygen-STARVATION!!!… and…
hairy land has STARVED US NATIVE SINGAPOREANS… OF A LEGITIMATE VOICE FAR TOO LONG INSIDIOUSLY!!!…SO…
Now that hairy is an octo going into becoming a ‘nitro” (sic)… let’s better SNUFF hairy and kongsi out before hairy STARVES US THE NATIVES OF OUR LAND to death with HUNGER… and then WE CAN’T even hunger-strike!!!… Not that that is smart AS IT IS ACTUALLY A VERY STUPID THING TO DO… like what CSJ did when he lost his job!!!… Much as I admire him for his tenacious fighting spirit… CST & wife Lina Chiam were right to have told him so!!!…
Anymore naysayers to this from the naive, nerdy or hairy kind???
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“Engaging the PAP will not lead to a major overhaul of its policies except for some cosmetic changes to placate disgruntled Singaporeans.”
This is indeed very true. No doubt about it.
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Yes. Now they are thinking : “PAP is Singapore, Singapore is PAP. We decide for them, period, no discussion, what do they know”
Farting from top to bottom, and the PAPies treat them like perfume. Sign
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Sing-A-Poor >> I agreed with you. Losing 1/3 seat is the only way for them to sit and listen as they can no longer pass bill easily.
However, if people continue to raise awareness within Singaporeans of all the PAP arrogance through whichever channel (REACH, TR, TOC, etc), they should be helping the cause
Unlike the opposition parties who are somehow disunited, we as Citizen of Singapore have only one purpose – to oust PAP or failing which, to secure 1/3 of the total seats
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Want engagement?
How about open debate, live on TV / Radio between Pui-And-Pui and oppositions on national issues?
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I do think the real problem is with us…wanting to turn the clock back..Either through the ballot-box or kicking PAP outright out of Singapore.
Every which way we locals are still the losers.We had slumbered for far too long.It’s too late to reverse Singapore to where it was before.
That is the price our children are going to pay for our complacency …
The situation is like Iraq —Saddam may die so will LKY..but the little LKYs in the system will still function…Even if the oppostitions sweeps our parliament 100%. How are we gonna dislodge all their functionaries sitting in key positions?.
Worse,what if PAP like Takshin sitting comfy outside somewhere and finance internal civil disturbances that will disrupt all our lives with no end in sight?
There is no easy solution here…We really need a Mahathma Gandhi or Nelson Mandela or Sun Yet Sen here-now!
Kicking PAP out through the ballot box or people uprising nor putting more oppositions into our parliament will give us democracy back….But only to prove LKY right that democracy alone cannot fill our stomach..Like some Russians longing for the good ole USSR ..
We are really in a bind.
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Singapore despite gaining independence in 1965, is still in the infant stages of democratic process. Hopefully a significant gain the polls by the opposition might kick start the process.
Due to the amazing success of previous PAP governments led by MM Lee Kuan Yew, Singaporeans have basically given the PAP free reign to run the country as they wish.
Unfortunately, the current PAP government I feel has succumbed to hubris. Attempts to preserve the status quo, overconfidence and a lack of humility foster a dangerous environment that can potentially wreck the future of one country. Not that I’m implying that this is Singapore’s future under the PAP, but I feel that Singapore is reaching a cross-roads where a regeneration in all areas of government might be required in order for Singapore to plough ahead in the new century.
But we Singaporeans are facing a new, harsh reality, we might no longer be the majority. Given the invasion of new citizens, PR’s or foreign workers, many might feel that ‘SINGAPOREANS’ will become the new minority. What chance of the world talking about the rise of a self-determination movement by true Singaporeans in the future due to the influx of PRC’s or Indians which might render the sovereign state of Singapore to merely a protectorate of China or India?
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PAP’s and their young sycophants psyche :
“To do evil a human being must first of all believe that what he’s doing is good . . . Ideology—that is what gives evildoing its long-sought justification and gives the evildoer the necessary steadfastness and determination. That is the social theory which helps to make his acts seem good instead of bad in his own and others’ eyes, so that he won’t hear reproaches and curses but will receive praise and honors”
what happens when a group of people, in a position of power, convince themselves that anything they do must be good, if only because they’re doing it. And that anything they do to bring about that good — lying, cheating — is therefore justified.
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In the 80s parliament sessions were broadcasted live, and JBJ thrashed the whole lot of them.
Suddenly live telecasts didnt happen anymore. Cowards.
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I think we have to grow up. For those who support the PAP irrespective they have the option to ignor TR.
TR is basically a platform for those with opposing views to the govt. It is a new media that the govt must learn to engage. Every PM in the world works best under pressure just like any Generals in the battle field. From General Powell: “In the military, when you become a four star general, people will do anything you suggest you want … I had to work at breaking down that deference to hear from my people.” He listens intently to all his men who dug the trenches. He has the determination to hear and understand what people are saying. He is not deaf to criticism. His remarkable display of candour makes him a great general who later became the Secretary of State of America. He had the courage to sidestep bureaucracy and rank to smoke out ‘outsiders’ into discussion to get the benefit of their insights. He is not motivated by money but by true display of responsibility. Chinese Premier Wen likewise displays that true responsibility by personally visiting the site of the earthquark within hours and humbly engage its netizens.
Our MPs, bureaucracy seems to be what Colin Powell said as people who will do anything that the top suggest. Is that not?
Unfortunately with the current administration this attitude will never change. Is it greed and fear.? Money overshadow responsibility. Fear silence all to bondage and slavery. It empties your personal values and principles. There seems to be only one way to change…in the GE. Is this not the true state of affairs in Singapore? Is this why the water splashing will still go no? Is this why the PUB are still investigating? Is this why the police are waiting for a fight to break out? Shame to the greatest display of arrogrance and indifference?
Grace Fu and the GRO of BB pls grow up. One day your own children/grand children will turn to tell you that you lost the moral authority to discipline them? Your children are waiting for that day. Finally the SCDF does not wait for fire to breakout – do they? Grace is that a disgrace to listen to your people? Do you need a prefix DIS added to your name?
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did anyone catch this tvc before?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRR3gEHLH8M
it does illustrate the deaf frog…truth is they only want to hear the good stuff…
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PAP reminds me of MS windows, once ppl had no choice apart from Mac despite of the problems that windows bring and its constant patching.
but now,there linux, chrome and other mobile devices with their different OS to challenge Microsoft dominance, microsoft has become more willing to listen to customers and even made some of its applications like MS office free online.
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Now that YPAP activist Sinha Shekhar who got his citizenship 17 years ago who describe PAP critics as “dogs” on the YPAP Facebook and given exceptional praise and an “Outstanding Contributors’ award” by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on a REACH Forum last week.
So it means that our PM Lee is breeding his own new group of elitist and eloquent YPAP PR & new citizens Dogs to be unlease against PAP critics less elitist and less eloquent dogs.
It will be a great challenge for netizens to challenge his well bred YPAP Dogs…
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YPAP activist Sinha Shekhar who got his citizenship 17 years ago who describe PAP critics as “dogs” on the YPAP Facebook and given exceptional praise and an “Outstanding Contributors’ award” by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on a REACH Forum last week.
So it means that our PM Lee is breeding his own new group of elitist and eloquent YPAP PR & new citizens Dogs to be unlease against PAP critics less elitist and less eloquent dogs.
It will be a great challenge for netizens to challenge his well bred YPAP Dogs…
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One thing LSS could be deadly right and accurate when he qouted the deaf frog. Frog is a early detection of earthquake warning.
LSS may sense a political earthquake here. Early comment
about freak election result can cause army tanks to roll.
The ruling elites know something we don’t know?
Anyone enlighten us?
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VOTE PAP OUT !!!
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As the saying goes,there’s no smoke without fire. This sudden interest to engage citizens using new media only proves that they(MIW)sense a growing fire of discontent in cyberspace. They have people whose job it is to scan through blogs and forums like TR and TOC to get a trend of public opinion. These people then report accordingly and decisions will be made on whether to dismiss or to engage.
The very act of discouraging people to use alternative platforms other than REACH shows that there is fire. I cannot say that TR should be pro this or anti that. I hope that it remains a viable platform for citizens to have their say, and be it pro or anti govt, it should be free and open. Off course TR should maintain its right to moderate against religious and racial comments that can sow discord.
As to the question of the futility of engaging the govt, IMHO, as long as there is communication, then there is hope. Close the channels , then we all loose. I am pro Singapore, including those newly minted ones. I served my national service and so will my sons. During national service, we pledged to defend the country, not the govt.
Our rantings, comments, feedback on forums like TR and TOC must serve to provoke change and engage other citizens. If the govt sees that netizens on platforms other than REACH, are also patriotic and concerned about the state of the nation, I hope they engage us. However, if they see us as pro opposition or ungrateful and daft people who “represent the minority view”, and therefore should be ignored. Then its their loss both as a govt and as a political party.
So continue to have your say.
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Man in Gold – honestly, the way you behave is just like how our PAP behaves; authoritarian and arrogant. they don’t pay themselves astronomical salaries then asked for help when they ran out of ideas.
yellow_people – any ordinary citizen will tell you that by holding 82 out of 84 seats, it is as good as absolute power.
AND for a “democratic society” like ours, voting is the ONLY MEANS to “kick” the PAP out of power.
AND YES! i agree with you to get them out of power, revolution is one of the way, but blood and sweat have to be shed and man will surely fall should we exercise that option, would anyone want to answer that call? would you? would this current society allow that to happen?
hence, it is incorrect to say TR is irresponsible when they said that PAP can be only be voted in n absolute regime; for this country, it is the only way, and a revolution is the last resort.
IMHO, unless a strong opposition leader appears to draw votes and to show they can put up a good fight and demand rights for us – PAP will continue to be in power.
but well, ISD won’t allow that to happen or rather their employer won’t allow that to happen.
nonetheless, a change is very much needed.
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Hey Jessica, why don’t you go do some investigative journalism on MM Lee and the conflict of interest?
http://yoursdp.org/index.php/news/singapore/1932-mr-lee-and-the-conflict-of-interest
Since you’re at the Money desk this must be an area of high concern right?
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Something funny happened today. I took a cab to see a client and while on the way, we came to the topic of politics.
The taxi uncle said, “Why the lee treat us like shit, we are also human. If he drive me up the wall, i will drive two knives into him and lift him up (he was demonstrating with his two hands while driving). At most die together, at least i can save the entire country.”
So, when i reach my destination, i gave him $2 tip. I know it’s nothing much but i just LOVE what he said. HAHA! Go Uncle Go!
(Based on a true story 3 hours ago)
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fellow singaporean,
after all said and commented, just remember this,
there is no other way,
single dominant party system has to be changed.
vote wisely.
thank you all.
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There can be no better solution than to VOTE PAP OUT and also at the same time to clear out all these “lap dogs in cyberspace” that hindered freedom on the internet.
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Hi, BT Kojak
Given the track record of the PAP in pursuing litigation against newspapers (latest victim – New York Times), what can you realistically expect from local newspapers? To be fair to the correspondent, Ms. Jessica Cheam, she like everyone else has a job to do in spite of any personal opinions and the last thing her bosses would do is to invite any trouble from the government. Maybe she’s a supporter of the opposition? We’ll never know.
I’m not a supporter of the PAP but that doesn’t mean I believe or agree with everything TR says. However TR does provide an alternative view which questions PAP policies which in my opinion the Straits Times doesn’t really provide in its newspapers. Eg. They merely repeat what the government says but they don’t really provide an alternative view that causes the reader to think ‘what if’…., its probably too dangerous to give an opinion unless it is sanitized and viewed as acceptable reading (meaning no libel suit)
I’m not sure about TR’s rigorous fact-checking system or journalistic professionalism but reading the Straits Times is like reading the articles of someone who very good at taking notes and summarizing it into an article. Sure very professional and a nice read on the bus/MRT but I’ve learnt to expect little else.
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As far as I am aware of, the PAP has been winning the majority votes in almost all the elections.This shows that it has the mandate to govern.
If any of your smart aleck writers and contributers are to stand against them I will bet that they will lose their deposits.
The people decide. Clowns should seek work in circuses only.
Enough said.
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Suppose the same happens, and now that 49% of Singaporeans voted against the FAP but due to count and recount, none of the GRCs or wards are won by the opposition and the FAP again claim 98% of parliament and 100% of the cabinet.
What will this 49% of Singaporeans do?
This is the time bomb FAP is giving to Singapore.
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YES THE PAP HAS THE PEOPLE’S MANDATE! WE SHOULD OBEY BLINDLY! WE ARE SUCH SMART ALECKS!
Serpico you’re such a clown. But if one of us Smart Alecks do decide to stand up hopefully you’ll vote for us if you’re not too busy in the circus.
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The taxi uncle said, “Why the lee treat us like shit, we are also human. If he drive me up the wall, i will drive two knives into him and lift him up (he was demonstrating with his two hands while driving). At most die together, at least i can save the entire country.”
Better still, if some powerful business owners hire some hitmen and gunned down some of those white running dogs and the rest will start crawling backward, oh I wish to see this happen. Bunch of sick b**tards!
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The whole touble with Singaporeans is that they have been indoctrinated for half a century.
It never cease to amaze me how they are obsessed with the 4 letter word FEAR.
Real or imaginary fear of losing their jobs, being arrested, instability of the country and what have you.
They can say all the negatives they want but when it comes to the crunch will they mean what they say or are just mere hypocrites when the carrot is dangled right before their very eyes.
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I wonder how much our gov “pays” for the same thing below which the chinese gov did.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/03/26/china.astroturf/index.html?hpt=Sbin
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I was taught in school that in 1955, the Labour Front led by David Marshall form the Government and he became Chief Minister and the main opposition is PAP party who became the government’s critic to ensure that the Labour Front ruled Singapore properly.
Now that YPAP activist Sinha Shekhar with new citizenship about 17 years ago had described all PAP critics meaning our present Government critics as “dogs”which should also include our opposition parties, on the YPAP Facebook and given extraordinary praise and an “Outstanding Contributors award” by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on a REACH Forum last week.
So it can also be intrepreted that during the time in 1955 when the PAP party was an opposition party that the PAP old guards which includes our revered MM Lee Kuan Yew, Dr Toh Chin Chye and Rajaratnam who were Government critics at that time are also classified as DOGS!!
Yet PM Lee who should be filial to his father, MM Lee instead of rebuking YPAP activist Sinha Shekhar still award him?
If my father is being called a Dog and I still reward that scum, I will get a smack on both cheeks and force to kneel at the ancestral altar for 3 days and 3 nights!
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@serpico: As far as I am aware of, the PAP has been winning the majority votes in almost all the elections.This shows that it has the mandate to govern.
Can you guarantee that PAP will have majority votes in all future elections? What may be true in the past may not necessarily be true in future. People change. Things change. Situation changes… you only need to look at history to know that no dynasty stays forever…
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#
I was taught in school that in 1955, the Labour Front led by David Marshall form the Government and he became Chief Minister and the main opposition is PAP party who became the government’s critic to ensure that the Labour Front ruled Singapore properly.
Now that YPAP activist Sinha Shekhar with new citizenship about 17 years ago had described all PAP critics meaning our present Government critics as “dogs”which should also include our opposition parties, on the YPAP Facebook and given extraordinary praise and an “Outstanding Contributors award” by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on a REACH Forum last week.
So it can also be intrepreted that during the time in 1955 when the PAP party was an opposition party that the PAP old guards which includes our revered MM Lee Kuan Yew, Dr Toh Chin Chye and Rajaratnam who were Government critics at that time are also classified as DOGS!!
Yet PM Lee who should be filial to his father, MM Lee instead of rebuking YPAP activist Sinha Shekhar still award him?
If my father is being called a Dog and I still reward that scum, I will get a smack on both cheeks and force to kneel at the ancestral altar for 3 days and 3 nights without any food and water!
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@SHP: To be fair to the correspondent, Ms. Jessica Cheam, she like everyone else has a job to do in spite of any personal opinions and the last thing her bosses would do is to invite any trouble from the government. Maybe she’s a supporter of the opposition? We’ll never know.
As a journalist herself, I do expect her to exercise professionalism and to report true happenings. To twist facts and report it otherwise is another matter altogether.
However TR does provide an alternative view which questions PAP policies which in my opinion the Straits Times doesn’t really provide in its newspapers. Eg. They merely repeat what the government says but they don’t really provide an alternative view that causes the reader to think ‘what if’…., its probably too dangerous to give an opinion unless it is sanitized and viewed as acceptable reading (meaning no libel suit)
Same here. I read TR to get alternative views and news. Of course, it’s always up to the individual to decide what to believe and how much to believe.
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http://jobs.st701.com/scholars/scholars_working02.html
For the love of writing
WHEN she was younger, Ms Jessica Cheam’s sole ambition was to be a lawyer. But, she chose to pursue her love of writing instead and applied for the Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) Journalism Scholarship.
“The SPH scholarship was one of the few private sector scholarships that looked attractive and offered a career path which I could envisage — a full-fledged journalist developing a beat or special interest, evolving to become a senior writer and perhaps in the longer term, an editor,” she explains.
While most Singapore students bound for the United Kingdom were choosing London colleges, Ms Cheam wanted a different educational experience. She went for something “quirky and creative” — a Bachelor of Arts degree in film and literature at the University of Warwick.
“I picked something a bit ‘out there’ but still known for its educational excellence,” she says. “Warwick (University) is known throughout the UK and even Europe for having the strongest film department, and their literature department was pretty great too. So I was happy to go for that.”
She describes the SPH scholarship as “extremely helpful” in enabling her to study overseas and have a life-changing experience. Some of the highlights of her studies include reading novels for literature class in cafés, getting a “mental epiphany” from intelligent lecturers and watching stirring films that made her cry.
She says: “The things you learn go beyond what you learn in the classroom. You experience a whole life that’s different from what you grew up in.”
The year in which her journalism skills were honed was when she pursued the Master of Arts degree in journalism at London’s Goldsmiths College under the same scholarship. Besides studying media law and writing dissertations, she learnt the different techniques of writing, produced weekly newspapers and magazines and even had writing stints at The Times and The Independent newspapers.
“This helped tremendously in building my experience as a wellrounded journalist,” she says. While she admits that her life as a reporter is hectic and stressful, Ms Cheam, 26, finds her job “immensely rewarding” and looks forward to it every day.
She now covers business, property, energy and climate change at The Straits Times’ money desk. Previously she was a housing and property reporter at the paper’s news desk.
Her deep interest in environmental issues led her to write an extensive, six-page Saturday Special report Power To the People for The Straits Times in February 2009. The story, which provided insight into the world’s rapidly evolving energy landscape and the shift towards renewable energies, won her the coveted Earth Journalism Award from the World Bank and global media organisation Internews last November. Her prize included an all-expensespaid trip to cover the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen last month.
Of her work as a journalist, she says: “The most exciting thing for me is meeting different people every single day, breaking a story, getting a scoop, or spending the time to hone a perfect commentary that eventually influences public opinion and make people think.”
“My passion for the profession comes from knowing that what I write is immortalised in print and makes an impact — whether in the mind of an individual or on society as a whole.”
Ms Cheam finds that the everchanging nature of journalism fits her driven personality to a tee. Even outside of work, her calendar is full. Besides playing the keyboard and guitar, reading, watching films and running in nature parks, she also spends time catching up with friends and family, which consists of her semi-retired parents and two brothers who are still schooling. To those who are choosing scholarships, Ms Cheam has only this to say: Follow your heart.
“Only with passion can you excel in what you’re doing because it won’t seem like work,” she says.
“Don’t force yourself to take up a scholarship or career just because your peers or your parents are telling you because at the end of the day, it is your own life that you are deciding on.”
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“While we admit that our editorial stance has been and will continue to be slanted towards the opposition, we make absolutely no apologies for it.”
I suggest you show more conviction and bravery by putting that mantra in some prominent place at the homepage.
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Was introduced to TR’s site quite recently. Enjoyed reading
objectively written articles not found in main steam media.
Keep up the good work!
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Just to give u an example of what’s wrong in this country: our huge problem is that social behaviours are taught here through the use of harsh laws and penalties.
Recently came the news that music played at wedding dinner is played without license, and the media authority and some tie-up are thinking of implementing a new law to collect money from wedding photographers. This rule even applies to couples who make their own video to show at THEIR own private wedding reception. Surely Jon has something to say to this.
Another example: Yellow boxes for smokers.
Another example: The destruction of dialect languages in the TV stations and radios. Only now is mediacorp beginning to push the boundary by inserting a little hokkien phrase that makes our spoken language unique. Why are Jack Neo films popular? Because he makes movies that people actually understand.
Another example: The law that say 2 or more people cannot congregate in front of parliament house.
Another example: Giving out flyers is a crime only if it contains political stuff. The police force is used in this instance to arrest and charge people for distribution of flyers under the misc offences act, for illegal assembly.
Another example: the ridiculous amount of rules, lines, restrictions we have on the traffic roads. New one includes mandatory give way to bus pulling out from bus stops. Yes, there is a law for it, and it’s not because they want drivers to be more gracious and give way. No, they need to make a law for it so people will follow it.
Nail in the coffin: Banning of chewing gum. We may not miss chewing gum because we’ve been weaned off it, but this is a simple yet perfect example of the draconian living condition singaporeans have to put up from this oppressive and control freak of a govt.
It’s not just about language destruction or banning of chewing gum, the signs of control has permeated every part of society. If you look out for it, u will see it.
My point is that the govt has infiltrated every crook and cranny of society with laws for practically everything, but these laws are creating another set of problems, which they have to solve by creating more ridiculous laws.
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Sing-A-Poor on Wed, 31st Mar 2010 11:50 am,
The axe can’t waiting.
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Kojakbt on Wed, 31st Mar 2010 11:42 pm,
Can’t get over your demolition by Burmese?
I remember they were up in arms and ticked you off for your flawed irrelevant attacks. Burmese swarm you. Netizens ran over you. Singaporeans lashed out at you.
Don’t take it too hard. TR will blackout the news about your demolition by Burmese. Chill, fellow.
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@Kojakbt — Just a minor note, but frankly your last comment quoting the scholarship write-up on Jessica Cheam looks rather uncomfortably close to an ad hominem attack. Regardless of whether that was indeed your intent, I’m sure you’d agree that we don’t need to stoop to such petty tactics in our dialogues with the ST writers, especially the more junior rank-and-file staff who probably don’t have much editorial control anyway.
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How to engage the PAP party when even YPAP new citizen activist Sinha Shekhar had described all PAP critics as “dogs”and still given “Outstanding Contributors award” by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on a REACH Forum last week.
PAP Minister Lim Swee Say by bluntly saying in parliament,“We (PAP) are DEAF to all criticisms”.
It can be interpreted to mean that PAP leaders will also brush all our concerns aside.
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It is extremely difficult to engage the PAP party when even YPAP new citizen activist Sinha Shekhar had described all PAP critics as “dogs”and still given “Outstanding Contributors award” by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on a REACH Forum last week.
PAP Minister Lim Swee Say also bluntly said in parliament,“We (PAP) are DEAF to all criticisms”.
It can be interpreted to mean that PAP leaders will also brush all our concerns aside.
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It is IS ABSOLUTELY CLEAR that “Civil Liberties” only belong the uncivilized who govern not by the sound principle of “Charity BEGINS AT HOME”!!!…
But BY FOOLISHLY Pacing and PITTING Singaporeans WITH OUR HARD-EARNED MONEY… to a MUCH GREATER Pool of talents in our Eastern Asian nations alone comprising ABOUT 1.8 Billion people if ONLY China is include and not India!!!… And WITH INDIA INCLUDED… IT WILL BE MORE LIKE 2.8 BILLION
people!!!… As since Hairy DID SAY…
The country with the largest population should have the greater pool of and also the best talents???…
SO WHY… did he so stupidly pit and pace Singaporeans of not more than 2.5 million strong against EVEN THE WHOLE WORLD for “talents”??????????????… And…
Is IT BECAUSE hairy DAFTLY thinks that “WITH such spurs in our hides… that will make Singaporeans ‘IntelligenTER’??????…. What an asshole idea as hairy and all his gang of daft likely never heard of “potentials” of birth!!!!!!!!!!!!… Heaven’s GOD… will at a time in the future be questioning hairy and gang over their thinking and motives on this if any???… As at that time… they shall know too THAT LIES and SPINS… WILL BE OF ABSOLUTELY … NO USE AT ALL!!! Good luck AND RIDdance TO BAD RUBBISH!!!…
Only hairy puppies ‘got talent’????????????…. Neh!!!!!!!
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@qwerty: Can’t get over your demolition by Burmese?
Bro, so you want to see more FTs coming into Singapore to swamp us? You like to see more FTs in Singapore? You want PAP to import another 1.5M FTs to make our pop instantaneously reach 6.5M? Can you imagine what Singapore will be like?
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@ML — Just a minor note, but frankly your last comment quoting the scholarship write-up on Jessica Cheam looks rather uncomfortably close to an ad hominem attack.
My purpose is to show that PAP’s scholars are not infallable afterall… they are only humans. So in the coming election, don’t be too taken in by PAP’s propaganda that they got so many scholars etc. Impt thing is, do these people feel and fight for Singaporeans…
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@sepico,
If PAP were to allow all eligible ppl to vote, maybe they may not get the full mandate at all… who knows ? because a big bunch of the ppl did not get any chance to vote at all…
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Yes I will be accused of envy that I question the humongous Minister’s pay but try to view it from the destitude’s stance when they are denied a small rise in their subsistence allowance and it will appear that they have rewarded themselves!!
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Orange Oracle, Whose fault is it? The PAP?
If you’re a true Singaporean I am sure you will agree that if Voting is not Compulsory, probably only 10 to 20 percent of the elligible voters will bother.
Made up mostly of PAP backers and those who have an axe to grind with them.And some losers!!!
Most will want to play mahjong or tune in to PAP propoganda shows on local tv.
Why waste a holiday in this’ Money is our God’ country?
Do you agree with me?
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@sepico,
Of course it is the PAP’s doing that many of us did not get a chance to vote. Afterall, they did acknowledge that it is not their job to prosper the opposition but kill it before it festers…
Many wanted to vote (to show displeasure over certain policies and snub their arrogance) but didn’t get this chance because :-
1. Zone-out
2. GRC
Besides, those eligible to vote, also succumb to their scare tactics like serialized voting slip, no upgrading etc, etc.
I am a true blue Singaporean but never get the chance to vote for the past 4 elections…
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@Sepico,
Contrary to your belief, you would be surprised that when it concerns election, many ppl would like to vote…because this is their “sense of citizenship’s rights”.
If this right is taken away, what makes a person but a Puppet, right ? I don’t want to be a puppet…I’m a bit f’up with the whole system.
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It is because the PAP top leaders are perceiving themselves not accountable to anyone and always credit themselves when they are so imperfect. Like the 2 examples i quote below:
Both Temasek Holding and Government of Singapore Investment Corp (GIC), incurred an investment loss of about 58 billion Singapore dollars of taxpayers money for bailing out US financial institutions like UBS and Citigroup when they are already in dire financial trouble in 2007.
Who is accountable when GIC just within 3 days make such a rash decision to pump billions of our money to UBC? Is it because any of our Government politician holds directorship at UBS Singapore branch and feel obligated to help out?
Health care is public policy and debated in Parliament so Mr Khaw is stupid to say otherwise.
Penang-born Singapore Health Minister Mr Khaw Boon by saying,” Leave politics out of healthcare” is also speaking with a double forked tongue.
It is a common saying among us Singaporeans that“one can afford to die, but not fall sick in Singapore.”
So Mr Khaw had suggested that we poor locals should go to Malaysian hospitals instead with legislated CPF approved scheme for medical treatments and old people should register at old folks homes in Malaysia. If run out of money, probably have to disappear into the Malaysian jungles which will be our new graveyard for us local Singaporeans.
Singapore medical and healthcare system are meant to service rich oversea tourists as a medical hub to generate more profits and when taxed by our government, can upkeep his multi-million salary as our PAP leaders are the highest paid in the entire world.
So he is already mixing his political interest into our Singapore’s healthcare system.
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You expect to engage PAP while writing negative with so much venom?
All i can say DREAM ON!
Best way to engage with them is by having meaningful discussion with loads of facts. If not …. you show your stupidity and expose your low intelligence
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Kojakbt on Thu, 1st Apr 2010 11:16 am,
I rest my case. You can’t get over the demolition. Don’t forget. It’s not only Burmese. Singaporeans also lashed out at you. Netizens were up in arms at your irrelevant attacks.
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Kojakbt on Wed, 31st Mar 2010 11:42 pm,
Educating the public to think rationally about issues is worlds apart from misleading the public with rabble-rousing propaganda and spiteful fake letters to TR.
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Kojakbt on Thu, 1st Apr 2010 11:16 am,
I rest my case. You can’t get over the demolition. Don’t forget. It’s not only Burmese. Singaporeans also lashed out at you. Netizens were up in arms at your irrelevant attacks. You were beleagured. Luckily, TR blackout the demolition for you.
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When politicians and clairvoyants plays game like this with us
http://www.islamfrominside.com/Pages/Commentary/Rules%20of%20misdirection.html
HOW TO GET ENGAGE WITH THEM IN REALITY OR CYBERSPACE?
SHOW WE SINGAPOREANS YOUR KANGAROO’S WAY IF YOU KNOW.
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Referring to the discussion between JessicaCheam and Kojakbt, esp. the post at 31st Mar 2010 4:56 pm ;
I am quite surprised someone from the “real” world, and an officer from government linked company at that, has responded to us “dogs”. To my knowledge, only one other real-world person, Haliman Yacob responded to comments from anonymours Temasek Review writers. I think this is good sign. At least the dogs here can bite and are not play toy-dogs. At least it proves that good arguments can be submitted by anyone, even anonymous, just as a stupid argument can be submitted by a famous person. We ought to judge each mail on its own merit regardless whether written anonymously or otherwise.
Now getting back to the point of Kojakbt. Will Jessica please make further comment concerning the statistics provided by kojakbt which show the proportion of pro and anti governemt posts in REACH website. The conclusion is opposite to the summary you provided in the media!!!!!
zero
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Hi Ah Pek
Never thought i’d defend the govt, but i take exception to your negative comments abt Khaw Boon Wan and his healthcare policies. Believe when he says “leave politics out of healthcare” he’s referring more to the US healthcare debate which divided the country cos of the politics. Healthcare is complex issue and Khaw has been the only one with the guts to not only listen to feedback from the ground on range of issues and complaints ranging from overcrowded clinics, medicare usage, organ donations etc and actually consulted industry experts to formulate better policies. He has not been afraid to slaughter sacred cows if it meant better healthcare.
Allowing those with CPF to seek medical care in Msia at half the price makes economic sense as it brings competition to the local mkt where pte (for profit) hospitals are jacking up medical costs as the insurance companies are conveniently billed inflated prices.
Believe credit is due when its earned & Khaw is one Minister who earns his paycheck & my respect for questioning existing policies/rationale in effort to find better solutions. Its a shame that some of the good work of such leaders get overlooked by the lack of action, denial of problems or rubber stamping of others. (Guess this happens alot with in-breeding those with same mentality and “conforming” political DNA).
Agree with you on GIC and Temasek’s lack of accountability,but when there is a cult of personality where the leaders only listens to selective advice and business decisions have been pre-determined like so many other decisions, the result is a disastrous disconnect with market (& political) reality.
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@richard Yap: Best way to engage with them is by having meaningful discussion with loads of facts. If not …. you show your stupidity and expose your low intelligence
I’ve tried engaging George Yeo on his facebook. Bascially, he told me to go ask my MP to table the question in parliament… I’m not sure I can even get to see my MP…
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@qwerty:I rest my case. You can’t get over the demolition. Don’t forget. It’s not only Burmese. Singaporeans also lashed out at you. Netizens were up in arms at your irrelevant attacks.
Don’t rest your case just yet. I’m asking a soul searching question – do you approve PAP’s current liberal FT policy? Do you want to see another 1.5M FTs coming into Singapore to increase our pop to 6.5M?
Netizens up in arms? This is the internet, for heaven’s sake. People are free to agree or disagree with me…
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@realist: Educating the public to think rationally about issues is worlds apart from misleading the public with rabble-rousing propaganda and spiteful fake letters to TR.
Are you referring to me? Would like to know which of my letters were misleading?
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@zero: I am quite surprised someone from the “real” world, and an officer from government linked company at that, has responded to us “dogs”… At least it proves that good arguments can be submitted by anyone, even anonymous, just as a stupid argument can be submitted by a famous person. We ought to judge each mail on its own merit regardless whether written anonymously or otherwise.
Bro, I always believe that the truth will always prevail, regardless of who is writing it
Even China’s Premier Wen listen to good feedbacks from anonymous Chinese netizens…
Now getting back to the point of Kojakbt. Will Jessica please make further comment concerning the statistics provided by kojakbt which show the proportion of pro and anti governemt posts in REACH website. The conclusion is opposite to the summary you provided in the media!!!!!
Obviously, something I wrote hit a raw nerve in her and that’s why she replied. I think deep down inside, she knew that she “fumbled” in writing that article except that she is too “proud” to admit her mistakes…
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So many sacred cows have been killed over the last few years in Spore, that many of the remaining cows have fled across to Msia. While some sacred cows will never leave, those that were slaughtered – IR, healthcare (medisave, organ donation), education (IB, independent schools)etc have transformed Spore for the better.
These changes didn’t take place in a vacuum; they took place cos intelligent and passionate individuals made logical and convincing arguments for change. These unappreciated individuals persisted and persevered when others complained in private but took no action. The dialogues and discussions with the power elites took a great deal of effort & patience, but the results were worth the frustration and pain.
There is a generational shift in attitude within the new leadership thats more responsive than the previous generation. You see the same changes within the civil service and uniformed entities as younger more educated leaders come forward. Change is taking place.
It is never futile to engage in a dialogue when the other party needs to listen to you. The key challenge is in making them need your support rather than to take you for granted.
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Dear Ah Pek, Zero, Dorothy who made the best comment about Khaw Boon Wan which I fully agree with. And One & All…
Please go to the UK’s follow Organization’s Website to read and see what you can make out of it and hopefully understand it too. Most of all zoom in on their comments on like Political, Economic Policy and THE GDP by YOY and in comparison with other countries.
A wise person read, analyse, digest, compare, contrast, questions, research for learning to understand more and better of a subject new to him/her.
Taken from:
Country Report March 2010 http://www.eiu.com © The Economist Intelligence Unit Limited 2010
Political structure
Republic of Singapore
Parliamentary democracy
The prime minister and the cabinet are appointed by the president and are responsible to
parliament
The president, S R Nathan, took office for a six-year term in September 2005
Unicameral parliament, which sits for five-year terms, with 84 elected members: nine
members of parliament (MPs) are directly elected from single-member constituencies, and
75 are elected in teams of five or six to represent the 14 group-representation
constituencies (GRCs). At least one member of any group standing for a GRC must be of
non-Chinese ethnicity. Currently, one non-constituency MP and nine nominated MPs also
sit in parliament, but they have limited voting rights
Courts of first instance ultimately lead, on appeal, to the Supreme Court, members of
which are appointed by the president
The most recent general election was in May 2006; the next is due by February 2012
The ruling People!s Action Party (PAP) won 66.6% of the vote at the last election and holds
82 seats in parliament. The cabinet was reshuffled in March 2009
Government: PAP; opposition: Workers! Party (WP), Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA),
Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)
Prime minister Lee Hsien Loong
Prime Minister’s Office Lim Swee Say
Lim Boon Heng
Goh Chok Tong
Lim Hwee Hua
Deputy prime minister & minister for defence Teo Chee Hean
Deputy prime minister & minister for home
affairs Wong Kan Seng
Communications, information & the arts Lui Tuck Yew
Community development Vivian Balakrishnan
Education Ng Eng Hen
Environment Yacoob Ibrahim
Finance Tharman Shanmugaratnam
Foreign affairs George Yeo
Health Khaw Boon Wan
Law K Shanmugan
Manpower Gan Kim Yong
Minister mentor, Prime Minister’s Office Lee Kuan Yew
National development Mah Bow Tan
National security & senior minister Shunmugan Jayakumar
Trade & industry Lim Hng Kiang
Transport Raymond Lim
Goh Chok Tong
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Kojakbt on Fri, 2nd Apr 2010 12:06 am,
Why not you do some soul searching on why you’re beleagured and swarmed and lashed at by Singaporeans and netizens for your irrelevant attacks?
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Hello, Ah Pek or Ah Long San,
You mentioned Temasek and GIC lost lots of money. 58 billion.
You could be are right.
How about also mentioning that they have made hundred of billions of Sing dollars since they began investing. In any investment climate there are ups and downs.
Fortunately for Singapore, Temasek,GIC and other GLCs’are not run by uncouth Ah Peks,Matts or Muthus.They’re from the cream of the crop.
How do you think the Govt. build our infrastructure, arguably among the best in Asia, if not the world?
Go do a bit of travelling, esp. to neighbouring countries, whose resources Temasek, GIC and GLC’s have wisely invested in.
Always remember, there are two sides to a story.Singaporeans are not as dumb as you, or some of the TR writers make them to be.
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@Serpico on Fri, 2nd Apr 2010 12:41 pm
Hi Serpico, You got it all wrong.
I didn’t say I intend to run for Singapore, Temasek,GIC and other GLCs’companies.
I am just an ordinary voter with my sentiments whether to vote for PAP or the opposition for the coming election.
Temasek, run by Ms Ho Ching who later became flustered and distraught by saying she don’t have expertise to deal with such financial turmoil in 2007 and a cream of her inefficient corp which managed $130 billion in assets following the financial crisis due to the Subprime mortgage crisis which erupted in 2007 run into the loss of Singapore dollars in billions, having taken major stakes in Barclays and Merrill Lynch which are already in dire financial crisis meaning throwing our tax payers money away.
The same goes with Government of Singapore Investment Corp (GIC), incurred an investment loss of billions Singapore dollars of taxpayers money for bailing out US financial institutions like UBS and Citigroup when they are also already in dire financial trouble in same year of 2007.
Both Temasek and GIC lost about $58 billion singapore dollars.
Though our sovereign wealth with 30 years of accumulative taxpayers money and wise investment returns totalling 300 billions singapore dollars but if mismanaged within 6 financial crisis will become almost zero dollar left.
So what I intend to do is to vote wisely for a better future government.
Young Singaporeans are now highly qualified with better education and some are scholars and able to articulate better.
Not only the PAP but the opposition parties are also recruiting these local Singaporeans.
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@Serpico on Fri, 2nd Apr 2010 12:41 p
Hi Serpico, You got it all wrong and you must be an elitist to say another person is dumb.
I didn’t say I intend to run for Singapore, Temasek,GIC and other GLCs’companies.
I am just an ordinary voter with my sentiments whether to vote for PAP or the opposition for the coming election.
Temasek, run by Ms Ho Ching who later became flustered and distraught by saying she don’t have expertise to deal with such financial turmoil in 2007 and a cream of her inefficient corp which managed $130 billion in assets following the financial crisis due to the Subprime mortgage crisis which erupted in 2007 run into the loss of Singapore dollars in billions, having taken major stakes in Barclays and Merrill Lynch which are already in dire financial crisis meaning throwing our tax payers money away.
The same goes with Government of Singapore Investment Corp (GIC), incurred an investment loss of billions Singapore dollars of taxpayers money for bailing out US financial institutions like UBS and Citigroup when they are also already in dire financial trouble in same year of 2007.
Both Temasek and GIC lost about $58 billion singapore dollars.
Though our sovereign wealth with 30 years of accumulative taxpayers money and wise investment returns totalling 300 billions singapore dollars but if mismanaged within 6 financial crisis will become almost zero dollar left.
So what I intend to do is to vote wisely for a better future government.
Young Singaporeans are now highly qualified with better education and some are scholars and able to articulate better.
Not only the PAP but the opposition parties are also recruiting these local Singaporeans.
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@qwerty: Why not you do some soul searching on why you’re beleagured and swarmed and lashed at by Singaporeans and netizens for your irrelevant attacks?
The only guy seems to be attacking me in support of Bt Batok CC celebrating water festival with FTs is you… most netizens are negative towards this event organized by PAP grassroots.
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@Kojakbt on Fri, 2nd Apr 2010 9:45 pm ;
HI Kojakbt.
Thank you for writing to all the relevant bodies to clarify on the Water Festival on 18 April 2010, organized by the Bukit Batok grassroot organizations and their de facto Senior minister, Ms Grace Fu as a respect and to entertain the foreigners already in Singapore.
Reckless wastage of our precious water in Public is a great criminal offence under the Public Utilities Act (CAP 261) 50b and we are liable to a fine of $50,000 or 3 years jail term for us local singaporeans.
And you are helping us to clarify whether the Public Utilities Act (CAP 261) 50b also apply to the foreigners as well.
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PM Lee said that the names and phone numbers attached to recent emails criticizing the government to be fake.
He should do some soul searching in solitute for himself and his oppressive PAP party.
Why is his PAP party not so concern about the diverse feedbacks and concerns about the policies of his party and instead get computer detectives and forensic experts to trace any perceived detractors.
PAP top leaders are perceiving themselves to be above the commoners and not accountable to the public and always credit themselves even with imperfect policies that they just shoved to us citizens.
PAP MinisteLIm Swee Say had said in parliament, “We (PAP) are DEAF to all criticisms!” So any diverse feedback will be considered as opposing to their political stability.
Even new citizen YPAP activist Sinha Shekhar who describe PAP critics as “dogs” and still being praised and given an “Outstanding Contributors’award” by PM Lee on REACH Forum.
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Well said, well defined. To be frank, I’ve been waiting eons ago for this to materialize.
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