Keep this philosophy in mind the next time you hear, or are out to repeat a rumour.

In ancient Greece (469 – 399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom.

One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance, who ran up to him excitedly and said, “Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of your students…? ”

“Wait a moment,” Socrates replied. “Before you tell me, I’d like you to pass a little test. It’s called the Test of Three.”

“Test of Three?”

“That’s correct,” Socrates continued.

“Before you talk to me about my student let’s take a moment to test what you’re going to say.. The first test is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?”

“No,” the man replied, “actually I just heard about it.”

“All right,” said Socrates.. “So you don’t really know if it’s true or not. Now let’s try the second test, the test of Goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about my student something good?”

“No, on the contrary…”

“So,” Socrates continued, “you want to tell me something bad about him even though you’re not certain it’s true?”

The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.

Socrates continued, “You may still pass though because there is a third test – the filter of Usefulness. Is what you want to tell me about my student going to be useful to me?”

“No, not really…”

“Well,” concluded Socrates, “if what you want to tell me is neither True nor Good nor even Useful, why tell it to me at all?”

The man was defeated and ashamed and said no more.

This is the reason Socrates was a great philosopher and held in such high esteem.

I was driving out of my carpark on the 3rd day of Chinese New Year at about 7pm when my friends pointed out to me “look at these two banners, someone must be so angry with LKY and your MP to slash their face like that”..

I took a glance and saw that true enough, MM Lee banner on the CNY dinner at Commonwealth on 18 Feb 2010 and Baey Yam Keng’s CNY greeting to the constituents, both of their pictures have a slash across their face, same stroke, same slash spot on their face.  Must have been from the same ‘culprit’.

As the cars behind were honking impatiently at me, I was not in time to take the 2 pictures of the banner.

The next day when I send Jo-Elle to school at 8+ in the morning, I have my camera ready to take pictures of these 2 banner.

To my great disappointment, these 2 banners were gone overnight.  The banner were likely removed by our RC members here.  I am truly impressed by their efficiency.

This incident truly reflected the sentiments from the ground, I am sure with the skyrocketing cost of living in Singapore whereby public housing and transportation becomes rather unaffordable, this is citizens way of showing their displeasure.

This incident also show how efficient our Brickworks Zone RC Committee are. Damage control of their beloved master in such short period of time is amazing.

If election is really coming this year, PAP beware, the ground might not be as sweet as you think.

Unlike other developed nations who discriminate against foreign workers, the ruling party of Singapore is extremely pro-foreigner and amendable to your interests..

In Singapore , you will enjoy essentially the same rights and benefits as the Singapore citizens without their accompanying responsibilities such as serving two years of mandatory National Service in the army.

You will be welcomed as a “talent” with the red carpet rolled out for you whether you are really talented or not.

Here are 10 top reasons why Singapore is the best place to work in for foreigners:

10. Getting a social visit pass or work permit is relatively EASY:

You can go to Singapore under a tourist vist ( Social Visit Pass ) and you will be allowed to stay in the country for up to 30 days. This can even be extended for another 30 days so that’s almost 2 months in total. Use that time to find work and chances are, you will find one.

Many women from China came to Singapore to work as freelance prostitutes and they can earn a year of their salaries back home within a month.

If you have the right connections, getting a work permit to work in Singapore is very easy as it is in desperate need of cheap foreign workers. As long you are willing to work long hours for a pittance without asking for too much, you are sure to get a job in Singapore which pays more than what you are getting in your country.

9. Safe place protected by citizens serving NATIONAL SERVICE:

Singapore is one of the safest place in Asia . All Singapore male citizens have to serve two years in the army followed by another 10 years of reservist. They will be  mobilized during times of unrest to protect your lives and properties. In the event that war breaks out which is highly unlikely, you can always return back to your own country with your money and let the Singaporeans do the fighting and dying for you.

Singapore ’s ruling party has no qualms sacrificing its citizens to protect the interests of foreigners. Every year, there are unknown numbers of Singapore citizens who are killed, crippled or injured during National Service, yet there is no outcry among Singaporeans.

8. Easy to ADAPT to local culture and language:

Singapore is a multi-cultural immigrant society. Regardless of where you are from, you will bound to find your fellow countrymen in Singapore . If you are mainland Chinese, you will realize that certain parts of Singapore resemble some small towns in China like Geylang and Chinatown . One can find Chinese from all the 23 provinces of China congregated along the narrow alleys of Geylang between Lorongs 4 and 22.

If you are from India , you won’t feel lost in Serangoon because so many of your kind is there! You can find Indian cuisine from all across India in Singapore itself!

For Filipinos, Thais, Burmese and Vietnamese, you have enclaves of your own such as Lucky Plaza, Golden Mile Complex and Peninsula Plaza where you can hang out with your friends during the weekends.

7. No need to INTEGRATE into  Singapore society:

Unlike other countries where you belong to the minority and may be pressurized to conform to the resident population, there is absolutely no need to do so in Singapore where 36 per cent of its population are foreigners. Of the remaining 64 per cents so-called “citizens”, a rising proportion are new citizens born overseas like you.

There are large number of mainland Chinese in Singapore and it is likely that you will be able to find your own clique there without bothering too much about the locals. The Indians have their own gang too and they are now branching out into HDB estates like Punggol, Sembawang and Seng Kang.

In Singapore , foreigners are the kings and you call the shots. The timid locals will not dare to step on your toes so long you assert your rights and they will give in to you like sheep, as they were called lately by a Senior Minister.

6. PREFERENTIAL treatment for foreigners:

Racism is rife in some countries like Australia which saw a spate of protests against Indians lately, but not in Singapore where the ruling party is extremely protective of foreigners to the extent of dishing out preferential treatment to them.

Singaporeans will never dare to attack foreigners openly or protest against their presence because they will be arrested immediately by the police under the new Public Order Act.

However, foreigners are free to campaign for their rights and interests without much interference from the authorities.

When over 200 PRC workers protested outside the Manpower Ministry last year over unpaid wages, they were allowed to block the traffic to its entrance for hours. The employer was eventually forced to repay the workers.

In a recent case, a PRC couple together with 3 others “hijacked” a SBS bus for six hours and was given a free cab ride home in the end. The police was called to “escort” them from the bus down to the cab.

5. Get PERMANENT RESIDENT status easily:

Getting a PR means you get almost the same benefits as Singapore citizen without necessarily giving up your native citizenship which enables you can reap the full benefits offered by both and enjoy the best of the two worlds.

If you are a Singapore PR, you are allowed to stay in the country over a long period of time, you can sponsor your family to come over and stay legally, you can set-up a business here, and many other benefits.

You do not have to be a professional or world class talent to qualify for PR. Singapore’s ruling party is so desperate to boost its flagging population via immigration that they will accept any Tom, Dick or Harry.

Even cleaners, masseurs, construction workers and prostitutes are able to become PRs and citizens. Two out of every three applications for PRs are successful and you do not have to wait very long for it.

On average, if you are a professional like doctors or nurses, you will get your PR within half a year of application. A China national and Singapore PR Zhang Yuanyuan who worked as a teacher in a private school received her PR in just 2 months.

4. Take up Singapore  CITIZENSHIP as a springboard to greener pastures elsewhere:

One good thing about the Singapore passport is that it enables you to travel around the world without a visa to most countries. If you have made up your mind to leave your country for good and wishes to emigrate to other countries like Australia , Canada or Britain , the easiest way to do it is to take up Singapore citizenship first and use it as a springboard.

A Filipino nurse worked in Singapore for a 5 years after which she obtained its citizenship. Within a year, she applied to work in Britain and was accepted immediately. She is now a British citizen and has brought her entire family from the Philipines to Leicester where she now works in a local hospital.

Since Singapore has already offered you a stepping stone to a better future elsewhere, it will be a waste not to make full use of it.

3. There are MANY jobs available:

There are plenty of jobs available in Singapore and foreigners are usually preferred to locals as they cost less and do not have reservist obligations.

It is easier to get a job in Singapore than in your own country. That is why your leaders are all turning to Singapore to solve the rising unemployment back home

Philipines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo sent a delegation to Singapore last year to explore possible job opportunities for migrant Filipino and they were offered a cool 5,000 jobs by the Resort World Sentosa. (read report here)

As long you are willing to try your luck, you are assured of getting a job in Singapore .

2. The pay can make you RICH:

Though you will earn less compared to Singapore workers, you will still earn far more than what you will back in your own countries due to the strong Singapore dollar.

As of now SGD$1 = RM$2.4 = RMB$4.9 = PHP32.

Even if you earn only SGD$500 a month, you will be able to set up a business in your homeland, buy a property and send your children to school if you use your earnings wisely.

1. Easy chance to become a MILLIONAIRE in Singapore :

It’s easier to become a millionaire in Singapore than in your own country. Just get a PR, buy a HDB flat and wait for a few years for its price to go up before selling it off at a hefty profit.

Though this may seem shocking to you, it is true that the ruling party allows PRs to buy HDB flats meant for citizens in the open market liberally and to pocket the profits upon selling them later absolutely TAX-FREE!

With the prices of HDB flats set to continue rising due to limited supply of new flats and increased demand contributed by the relentless influx of foreigners, you will surely stand to make a profit when you invest in one now.

In other countries, you will have to either rent a place to live in or buy an expensive flat from the private sector, but in Singapore you get to buy public housing at affordable prices and somemore can make money out of it. Where else can you get such a good deal in the world?

Two case studies in point:

1. A Malaysian and Singapore PR bought a 5-room HDB flat in the prime district of Bishan for $150,000 in the early 1990s. He sold it recently for $600,000 thereby making a profit of $450,000 which amounts to more than RM$1.1 million dollars! He became a millionaire in Malaysia after working for 2 decades in Singapore . Do you think he can earn that much money in his lifetime had he remained in Malaysia ? The best part of it is, after his children completed their secondary and college education in Singapore , he packed them off to Australia with his earnings to further their studies so that they can evade National Service. They are now Australian PRs and he is going to retire in Australia together with them.

2. A Chinese national and Singapore PR bought a 4 room HDB flat in Bukit Merah for $250,000 in the early 2000s and sold it for $460,000 at the peak of the market last year, pocketing $210,000 in an instance which is more than RMB$1 million dollars when converted to Chinese currency. She has since returned to her hometown in China where she built a luxurious 3 storey mansion for herself and family. She can live on her earnings made in Singapore for the rest of her life without lifting a finger to work.

So if you want to become a millionaire in your lifetime, come to Singapore now and you will not be disappointed by its extremely pro-foreigner government!

Adapted from this article posted on sugarpinoy.com

Democrats join Liberal International
Tuesday, 17 November 2009 17:09

Singapore Democrats

Jaslyn Go (far left) and John Tan (2nd right) with Anwar Ibrahim (3rd left) and Sam Rainsy (4th left)

The SDP was officially accepted as an Observer in the Liberal International last week at its annual Congress which was held in Cairo, Egypt.

Together with the SDP, Burma’s National League for Democracy headed by Mdm Aung San Suu Kyi and Thailand’s ruling Democrat Party led by prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva were also accepted into LI.

Earlier in May this year, the organisation’s Bureau (LI’s governing body) had approved the Singapore Democrats’ application in Vancouver, Canada.

The other Asian members of LI are the Democratic Progressive Party (Taiwan), the Gerakan Party (Malaysia), and the Liberal Party (Philippines).

John Tan making a point during the conference

Represented by Assistant Secretary-General Mr John Tan and Ms Jaslyn Go, the acceptance of the SDP was unanimous. Mr Tan gave an impassioned presentation on the repression in Singapore.

He also chaired a session on New Technology, Development and Education where the subject of the use of the Internet to spread democratic values was the focus.

Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim was invited to give the opening address. Ms Go caught up with the Malaysian Opposition Leader.

“Yes, we have a lot to learn from each other,” Mr Anwar told Ms Go, “I am in contact with some of the youth from your party.” He was referring to the Young Democrats who had visited Malaysia earlier this year. (See here)

The SDP representatives also invited the LI to hold its Congress in Singapore, an idea which was warmly received by its leaders, including president Hans van Baalen.

John and Jaslyn at the Giza

Ms Go focused on expanding the Singapore Democrats’ international network. She said, “I believe we have shown our new friends the real Singapore and not the false facade that has been portrayed by the PAP.”

But it was not all work and no play for the delegates. Mr Tan and Ms Go managed to catch some sightseeing outside of the conference. They visited the Pyramids of Giza and took a cruise down the Nile.

The PAP was itself a member of another international organisation, the Socialist International. In 1976, it was called to answer for its crackdown on the opposition and the media.

The late president Devan Nair and former PAP stalwart attended the conference in London and chided the SI for its “absurd allegations of ill-treatment, torture and inhuman conditions in our prisons and detention centres.” The party then quickly resigned to save itself the ignominy of being sacked.

Nair was to later recant. “I am obliged to eat a good number of the words I uttered in London in 1976,” he wrote in his foreword in To Catch A Tartar by Mr Francis Seow. He admitted that he was “all too gullible” when he accepted the Government’s words at face value.

The Bizarre Behaviour of Singaporeans
- observations made by a German national who has lived in Singapore for 9 years.

44 years of economic and material success have spawned some very strange behaviours among Singaporeans. They spent so much to buy a house or flat, furnished it up like a palace, but spent their time outside, most of the time at work. And the maids are the ones enjoying the million-dollar or multi-million-dollar assets.

Then they pay so much, the highest in the world, for a car only to park at home. Too expensive to drive, too many ERPs and car park charges to pay. And they are encouraged to park their cars at home and take public transport, being cheaper and more convenient.

And when Singaporeans travel, instead of seeing the places, they went shopping. The best part is that they would head for the cheapest bargains, buying stuff that they could get in Chinatown or pasar malam, at even cheaper prices. But they are still happy that they got a bargain.

And while the heartlanders are busy trying to make a life here, being told to bust off if they are not happy, which they could not, the rich and presumably very happy and contented citizens are buying up properties overseas just in case they need to make that escape from this paradise.

While many Singaporeans are thinking of jumping ship, or preparing to jump ship, hoards of new immigrants are rushing in to take their place in this paradise.

And to top it all up, they keep complaining about the govt and all the policies that they found unpalatable, but come every election, they will vote and return the govt to power.

Strange Singaporean behaviour

Not my composition but someone sent this to me.

Sad Life of Singaporeans

Once upon a time, in nineteen sixty-nine.
HDB were not only subsidized, but standard of living also very nice.
One spouse working, all can survive,
children are children all running around so nice.

Fast forward 40 years, it is the dreaded two thousand nine,
HDB flats had all became smaller in size.
Now termed “market subsidized, their prices are not so kind.
Cost of living had grown so high, now both spouses have to work nine to nine.

We all have to work like mice, just so we can get some rice.
While ministers all sitting on cloud-nine, busy scheming for our every dime.
PAP MPs, all pretending to sign, but in reality, have no minds.
Terrorist escaped, no need to resign, fixed the oppositions also never mind.

Children from two, are getting up-sized, before they even recognize, whatever is life.
Their minds are filled, with all sort of lies, that Lee Kuan Yew is the only one who ever sacrificed.
Golden age came and went, in a flash of an eye, economy chewed to death, by rodents and mice.

The government is simply, not so nice, hinting us to send our elderly, far off to die.
Asking to explain, they are not kind, “Lesser mortals” we became, while they walk high.

Is this the end? We can’t resign.

This sad story of Singaporeans is our life.

Found some articles from bloggers who rebutted Mr Tan Hau Teck’s letter..

1) http://street71.wordpress.com/2009/04/02/what-if-hes-your-own-bright-future-son-on-dr-ooi-death/

2) http://wayangparty.com/?p=7321

This morning when I flip through Today, the letter by a Mr Tan Hau Teck caught my eyes..

I am rather disturb by his comments and mercenary attitude..as I am rather tied up recently with work, I highlight this article to my trusted friend E-Jay whom I know can come up with a better rebuttal than me.

Living up to his name, E-Jay came up with the following article shortly, and while chatting with him, I was mentioning to him that I am quite sure, the way the letter was crafted, this must be someone pro-establishment trying to defend Mindef at a time when there is a tremendous public sympathy towards Dr Allan Ooi’s tragic demise.

I try googling for Mr Tan Hau Teck, and this is what I found :

Centre for Culture and Communication

Hau Teck graduated from the National University of Singapore with a degree in Arts and Social Sciences, majoring in Political Science and Psychology. After spending ten years in the army, he decided that it was time to seek a new challenge. Since he always had a keen interest in education, he chose to join RP. Hau Teck has a keen interest in current affairs and volunteer work, and he hopes that he will be able to positively influence the youths of today.

Need I say more?

MINDEF should conduct a formal inquiry into Dr Allan Ooi’s tragic demise

Written by Ng E-Jay
02 April 2009

I REFER to the letter by Mr Tan Hau Teck published in the TODAY newspaper on 02 April 2009, entitled “Rather than point the finger …”. (See here.)

Mr Tan is of the opinion that MINDEF should not have anything to do with Dr Allan Ooi’s tragic demise because it was Dr Ooi who chose to sign on the dotted line, even if Dr Ooi’s job turned out to be too stressful for him to manage. He is also of the opinion that it is a waste of taxpayer’s money for MINDEF to set up an inquiry into the incident.

Mr Tan is not only missing the point, he is adopting a mercenery attitude that is utterly beyond my comprehension. Someone has already died. And we are talking about saving money by avoiding a formal inquiry into his death?

I do not know which netizens, in Mr Tan’s own words, are suggesting that “MINDEF is to blame for (Dr Allan Ooi’s) death”. As far as I am concerned, I am blaming nobody as I do not have enough facts to make a complete judgment about the case. However, it is my strong opinion that MINDEF has a lot of accounting to do to the parents of Dr Allan Ooi, especially when the contents of Dr Ooi’s farewell letter, which has been published by both the mainstream press as well as alternative media, and MINDEF’s version of the story are at odds with each other.

In a letter to the Straits Times forum page dated 20 March 2009, MINDEF claimed that on 03 Oct 2008, Dr Ooi’s superior offered him the option of posting to an alternative appointment, but Dr Ooi did not get back to his superior on the offer.

However, in his farewell letter to friends, Dr Allan Ooi wrote about his bond being “unbreakable”, and he suggested that 12 years of bonded service had been arbitrarily extended to possibly 15 or 16 “at will by an administration” (due to his participation in a six-month specialist training stint in Britain).

Dr Ooi’s family claimed that his bond was “subject to policy changes”, and that MINDEF’s condition that it was “breakable only in strong, extenuating circumstances” had not been stated in his contract.

Contrary to mainstream media speculation that Dr Ooi had committed suicide over a failed romantic relationship, Dr Ooi wrote categorically in his farewell letter that his anger and resentment over his career situation was the “main reason” for ending his life (even though it was not the only one).

Mr Tan is correct to say that not all questions can be answered by MINDEF. But many can. Given the discrepencies between Dr Allan Ooi’s and MINDEF’s testimonies, is it not fair and reasonable to ask for a commission on inquiry to be established to look into possible abuse of authority or administrative incompetence at MINDEF?

A young, promising life has been tragically lost. We have to do everything in our power to reduce the chance of such happening again. Our human capital is the only natural resource that we have. For Mr Tan Hau Teck to even suggest that it would be a waste of taxpayer’s money looking into the cause of Dr Ooi’s death is unthinkable and unconsciable.

Mr Tan is correct to say that instead of always pointing the finger, we should look around us and see what we can do for the people near us.

One good way we can help those around us is to hold the authorities accountable and put their feet to the fire.

SEND AH KONG to J B – Dr. Mahathir & Mr. Brown respond

http://www.mrbrownshow.com/2009/02/16/the-mrbrown-show-send-ah-kong/
http://feedmetothefish.blogspot.com/2009/02/please-mr-khaw-have-heart.html

Click the Speaker Icon to listen to the song
This is pretty good from Mr. Brown
http://www.mrbrownshow.com/2009/02/16/the-mrbrown-show-send-ah-kong/


Theres a place Batu Pahat.
Where the old folks can roam free.
And this place very cheap. Got many palm trees.
Work whole life in Singapore.
But still Broke until teng kor.
Don’t want you.
Go and die in another country.
When its time to Mati,
90 cents for a kopi.
Send ur dad and mum.
They have chewing gum.
Send ah kong
Fine budget old folks home.
Health minster say got discount across borders.
Since we are dying.
Might as well make space for the living.
Singapore too small
Pls go to JB.
You may think it is far
Scally bad guys steal ur car.
Lagi worse if u drive bm or Honda.
Don’t be scared
Not so scared.
Just don’t stop if tire flat.
Theres no jam if u choose to go on wkdays.
When u go to johor, u can also do some shopping
Seafood cheap n fresh.
U can save some cash.
Send ah kong move to a bigger plc
Health minister say malaysa Oleh.
They got pirate ship and power tokat ali.
Why? Singapore
Better go Jb.
Send ah kong if he kana sick.
Health minster say ambulances on the way
Gahment very caring. Just an option they are sharing.
Singapore loves u. Grow old in Jb.
Gahment very caring. Just an option they are sharing.
Singapore loves u. Grow old in Jb.
For you and for me
Got no erp
Its cheaper u see.
Go die in jb.




Lyrics and song on the old folks home in JB by mr brown

Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Please Mr Khaw, have a heart.
“So what is the difference in putting them in Johor Bahru?” asked Khaw Boon Wan in ST 10 Feb 2009. Look at “them” lying on the floor in the picture and read here.

“Mr Health Minister Sir, if there is no difference, why don’t you ask Mr Lee Hsien Loong to put his mother in a nursing home in JB?” Though it is not nice to use Mrs Lee as an example, it is worse for a minister to offer advice that’s offensive to Singaporeans!

I do not know if the Lee family gets preferential treatment at Woodlands Checkpoint but for lesser mortals, Wong Kan Seng’s men will be looking for Mas Selamat in every bus, van, car and bicycle everytime we visit sick relatives in JB nursing homes. No sir, in trying to make ends meet, we neither have the luxury of time nor money like you have.

It’s so sad that when we grow old and become unproductive and need nursing care, we are nothing but bad news to our caring Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan. We do NS here, work here, slog here, pay our taxes here but we are encourage to go die in Johor Bahru! For being grey, we become part of the “silver tsunami”? To me tsunami means bad waves that kill without mercy, not unlike the fire storms in Australia now. I’m human, I’m sensitive. I’m angered by such derogatory remark made by insensitive and callous minister. It’s such a shame that a health minister whose duty is to take care of the welfare and health of its citizens is taking all preventive measures to ensure that his rich government need not cough out a cent when the ’silver tsunami’ hits!

“He also disclosed that his ministry is looking at how to help Singaporeans set aside a sum of money for long-term care in their old age. This could take the form of a compulsory medical savings account like Medisave, but called Eldersave.”

It is sad. It is so very sad!

CPF was a retirement savings plan when I started work more than 40 years ago. I was promised that my contribution of 25% and my employer’s contribution of 25% (yes, total contribution was 50% then) will be returned to me in full with interest when I retire at 55. Along the way the CPF scheme went scheming with Medisave, minimum sum scheme, retirement account, compulsory longevity annuity scheme and now, Eldersave???

For me 55 has come and gone and the promise of me getting my retirement savings (promised made to me 40 years ago) was nothing but a mirage. Yes, they tell me it’s still there but I cannot touch it till I’m 62 (minimum sum) which may change to 67 or 85. It’s their call. They can change it anytime they please.

Now the cause of my next heart attack. I have my Medisave that I can’t use it for my medical care. I need to pay co-payment and deductible before I can use it for my medicines and doctor visits. What hurts most is I have to pay an administrative fee to use my Medisave after paying out of pocket cash for co-payment and deductible. It’s my money, been my money but I can’t use it even it’s specifically meant for my medical care. WTF!

Alas, even under such tough time for common folks, the Health Minister is scheming “with no plan to do so” “Eldersave” to squeeze us further.

‘This is, of course, not the time to be talking about raising the CPF contribution rate and we have no plans to do so. But when the economy eventually recovers fully, we should revisit this issue of saving for our long-term care.’ he said.

Dear Singaporeans, have your lubricant ready and be prepared to be screwed again as “his ministry is looking at how to help Singaporeans set aside a sum of money for long-term care in their old age.“

Good Luck!

feedmetothefish

Source: http://feedmetothefish.blogspot.com/2009/02/please-mr-khaw-have-heart.html

With the recent speculation that a snap election will be held sooner than later..

I would like to share the following video from youtube..
credit goes to bugusjunction for producing this video..

“With election fever round the corner, the perfect inspirational song! With apologies to Mr Cameron Mackintosh!” – bugusjunction.

Miserables in Singapore

I urge Singaporeans to vote wisely this time round!

Rejected ST letter written by Mr David See Leong Kit

HDB’s reply “Market-based pricing of flats fairer to all” (ST Nov 11) is a good example of the frequent exasperating “half-answer” replies from our public bodies that Forum writers have impatiently tolerated for years.

It did not address various points I raised in my letters nor Forum writer Tan Kim Chuan’s contention that “the HDB is either over-pricing its flats or is profiteering from the property boom”.

Our private property market is now facing a downturn. But the HDB resale flat market is still firm due to Permanent Resident buyers pushing up prices.

Under such a scenario, HDB’s pegging the price of its new flats to the prevailing market price of similar resale flats will result in prices of new flats and resale flats chasing each other in an upward spiral that is detrimental to buyers of both new and resale flats.

The Total Breakeven Cost of a new flat comprises Construction Cost (CC), Land Cost (LC) and Other Related Cost (ORC).

Its Pinnacle@Duxton project comprise 1,848 units in 50-storey blocks occupying a very small plot of land.

From available public tender information, the CC component of each unit is known to be $150,000. It now remains for the HDB to be transparent in disclosing the remaining LC and ORC components so that HDB buyers will know the actual Total Breakeven Cost

A quick estimate of the LC plus ORC is about $70,000, leading to an estimated Total Breakeven Cost of each new flat to be around $220,000.

When launched in 2004, average Selling Price was $370,000 (actual range: $288,000 to $450,000), which translates to an average profit to the HDB of $150,000 per unit sold.

428 unsold units were recently relaunched at average Selling Price of $550,000 (actual range: $450,000 to $645,000), which is $180,000 higher than initial launch prices. This arose from the HDB market-based pricing approach as the prevailing market prices of similar resale flats in the vicinity was in the $593,000 to $670,000 range.

Applicants of HDB new flats are mostly young Singaporeans wanting to get married, move into their own homes and start a family by producing babies.

Why then is the HDB not living up to its role as a not-for-profit low-cost public housing developer by passing on to such citizens the economy-of-scale cost savings in its hugh developments through pricing new flats on a cost-based breakeven basis?

A recent Trade and Industry Ministry reply on the huge electricity price hike had stated that “the Government’s approach is to price goods and services at their full cost”. Why then the double standards in the HDB statement that “the prices of new HDB flats are based on the market prices of resale HDB flats, and not their costs of construction”?

For the average Singaporean, his HDB flat is the single most expensive purchase item in his lifetime. Thus, it is of utmost urgency for the HDB to clear the air once-and-for-all through providing transparent direct replies to the above two simple questions, and to disclose actual cost figures for its Pinnacle project.

http://www.sgpolitics.net/?p=1202

From a friend;

Why should you continue voting for PAP? Here is why:

You voted for PAP, and you get to pay 7% GST instead of 5%.

You voted for PAP and your CPF money gets lock up for another 3 years
more than the original.

You voted for PAP, and your ministers demanded a 85% pay raises.

You voted for PAP, and your job went to a foreigner.

You voted for PAP, and your neighbors become foreigners.

You voted for PAP, and your elderly gets to enjoy the dignity of
employment by cleaning toilets, scavenging trash bins for aluminum
cans and selling tissue papers.

You voted for PAP, and your minsters tell you it is your fault that
Mas Selemat escaped.

You voted for PAP, and your government would rather lose millions at
sinking foreign banks rather than to save you from starvation.

You voted for PAP, and not only do your ministers literally spit on
you, but their scions tell you to “get out of their elite uncaring faces”.

You voted for PAP, and you are amply rewarded with ERPs at your doorstep.

You voted for PAP, and Lee Hsien Loong pledged to fix the oppositions.

You voted for PAP, and you got a Division 3 Prime Minister who needs
2 mentors to hold his hand.

You voted for PAP, and you got a large serving of Mee Siam Mai Hum,
at your own expense.

You voted for PAP, and your salary stayed stagnant for more than a
decade while the cost of living shoot sky high.

You voted for PAP, and you see the foreign kids get a place in school
while you child get zilch.

You voted for PAP, and you find that your public transport is no
longer “public”.

You voted for PAP, and your ministers want to house 1,500 foreign
workers right smacked in the middle of a peaceful neighborhood
without any concerns for you.

You voted for PAP, and the government readily reward your men with
more hookers than they can ever poked in Geylang.

You voted for PAP, and your government happily demands $5000 ang pao
from you when your maid runaway or get pregnant even though you had
nothing to do with it.

You voted for PAP, and your government glorify themselves with
Olympic sized banners of their ghastly faces to scare away ghosts
during the Chinese 7th month, courtesy of your S&C contribution to
your town councils which is suppose to go toward making life in your
neighborhood better.

You voted for PAP, and they protect the interests of the petrol
companies by making you pump 3/4 tank before you cross the causeway.

You voted for PAP, and they see nothing wrong with fining you for
driving a foreign registered car into Singapore.

You voted for PAP, and you discover that world-class super talented
multi-million dollar minister with all the state resources and
manpowers cannot even catch a limping man in this tiny island state
after more than half a year.

You voted for PAP, and you realise that your MP’s job is not to speak
out for you in parliament, but to tell you to tighten the belt, bite
the bullet, eat lesser and work longer.

You voted for PAP, and your kids have to stay with you till 40 years
old, as they cannot afford the cheapest “public” housing.

You voted for PAP, and your government tells you that their
interpretation of subsidies is the profit that they forgo making,
instead of actually paying part of the cost.

You voted for PAP, and everyone in Singapore suddenly got elevated to
Swiss standard of living, except you, and everyone around you.

You voted for PAP, and your neighbors can sell your home for you
(en-block), whether you like it or not.

You voted for PAP, and your organs automatically belongs to the
government (HOTA).

You voted for PAP, and you have to pay administration fee to use your
own money when you are sick (Medisave).

You voted for PAP, and your sons get to spend 2 or more years as free
labour in National Service and 13 more years as reservists, so that
the foreigners can have a safe country to work in.

You voted for PAP, and you found out that each of your son is worth
$30k, because that is what you are going to get if your son die while
serving the foreigners.

You voted for PAP, and you get a grand party every year on 9th August
celebrating more salaries for PAP.Not everyone is invited though, you
will still have to ballot for it.

You voted for PAP, and they tell you that there is a corner called
Hong Lim Park where you can go to talk all you want, other than that,
shut up unless you have something nice to say.

You voted for PAP, and you get a world-bottom “nation-building” press
serving you the latest propagandas, regardless of truth.

You voted for PAP, and in order to buy a car, you have to first pay
for a piece of paper that cost more than the car itself.

You voted for PAP, and you must vote for PAP! You cannot even think
about not voting for PAP. Because a certain inaccurate old man said
that he will call in the army if you don’t.

So vote for PAP. Read the list above again, and vote for PAP. Go
ahead, vote for PAP. More good years eh? Vote for PAP. For Swiss
standard of living. Vote for PAP. Mee Siam Mai Hum ok?

Today ST

Singapore’s success not about PAP or opposition

I AM from the same senior-citizen generation as Mr Lee Choon Wah, who wrote the laudatory letter last Saturday, ‘Opposition yet to show it can deliver’.
In the past few decades, this generation lent its unquestioning support and blind loyalty to the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) Government.

Taking its place will be a new generation of younger, better-educated and Internet-savvy Singaporeans who can think, read between the lines and add two and two to make five.

The PAP Government can rightly claim some but not all credit for Singapore’s success so far.

Its hardworking people, favourable time zone and geographical location have also contributed to its development as a financial centre and an air and sea hub.

Put simply, had the PAP governed Timbuktu in Africa, would the outcome have been similar?

Singapore’s continued survival must depend ultimately on the collective input and teamwork spirit of its politicians, civil servants and people. No one group has a monopoly on ideas or can claim all credit for Singapore’s achievements. Each group makes its share of contribution, big or small.

The necessary ingredients for good political governance are:

Caring politicians, who know they are answerable to the people to earn public respect, as well as encourage people to speak up freely to understand their concerns and tap their contributions.

Competent civil servants, who try hard to serve the public better and accept responsibility for mistakes.

Active citizens, who must overcome their fear of speaking up to highlight society’s shortcomings and know there are more important things in life than making money, asset enhancement and HDB upgrades – such as good health.
Only when people can speak freely will they have a sense of rootedness as citizens of Singapore. They will then not be ‘quitters’ but ’stayers’ and will not be indifferent and leave everything to the Government.

This is one critical challenge facing Singapore. Politicians must make up their minds once and for all whether to continue breeding ‘yes-man’ citizens who will let them govern ‘their country their way’, or sincerely nurture thinking Singaporeans who will team up with them to govern ‘our country our way’.

See Leong Kit