Political SalesMaN on Tue, 10th Nov 2009 8:29 pm 

Stupid Chee! U make a move, so did other Singpaorean followed: Do U think U’re Martin Luther King. One Blow of Whistle Million will follow U. This is Singapore Not USA. Try some where else.

USA on Tue, 10th Nov 2009 8:51 pm 

DR CHEE IS MY HERO!!!
political salesman, dun come here and sell ur pap propaganda ko-yo lah. give free also nobody want. dun try to be some marthar fuhker king.

tookie on Tue, 10th Nov 2009 9:50 pm 

Why is he putting on a fake accent.

Hock Beng on Tue, 10th Nov 2009 10:36 pm 

He has indeed angered many Singaporeans for running down Singapore. Best of luck to you Mr Chee Bxx.

“It is a shame that a U.S. Singapore would come to a place like Singapore and extol the virtues of doing trade and basically speaking up for the MNCs.”

Whilst Singapore is trying hard to create employment for its people during these global trying times, here you have a turncoat going around sabotaging it by saying those sickening stuff against Singapore.

I think you are inviting Singaporeans to be really mad with you. You don’t belong here! Better get lost before it’s too late.

Democracy rising on Tue, 10th Nov 2009 10:59 pm 

Hock Beng on Tue, 10th Nov 2009 10:36 pm

Be positive, Hock Beng. Take it that he is the catalyst for change. These are unconventional times ( in your words these are global trying times) needing unconventional catalyst to instigate and inspire change. Please don’t take on him personally.

Democracy rising will help us CHANGE FOR THE BETTER even if what he says is likely to ruffle a few feathers.

janetnt on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 12:26 am 

Who die and make him THE opposition leader?

janetnt on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 12:59 am 

WOW did he get any visitors?
The reporter is clearly trying to sensationalize the news rather then getting the true. I tot most ppl would ask wow 32 years, wat did he do?

It sound like a very one sided interview.

citizenofSG on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 4:16 am 

My 2cts worth on Dr. Chee Soon Juan.
When Dr. Chee was first introduced by Mr. Chiam, the expectation for him to perform was high because he has a PHD. Even if you were an ordinary graduate joining the opposition, you are considered an outstanding candidate not to mention a PHD in those days.
The battle between Dr. Chee and the PAP, has shown that Dr. Chee was not politically matured enough hence he lost all the mother and child battles to the PAP.
He became a loser and he continues to lose, what the hack to someone like Mathias Yeow, a political light weight at a by election. To me it was shameful. He is a let down.
His speeches, the sight of him and everything else about him has just become a sore sight.
When he was whacked again after last election, I thought he would probably be in the worst state and he no longer can do much to make any come back. I even thought SDP is a spent force and crippled, not operational.
To my surprise they have make a comeback much rejuvenated and seem well organized. SDP seems to be well run and I have not heard of much infighting, maybe there is but sorry I am unaware of it. It just goes to say that Dr. Chee does have organizing and management ability which I believe he will be able to run a constituency far better than some of his rival PAP.
Yes his reputation is dented. However people are more forgiving towards politician who can serve their purpose. His tenacities and purpose did not wane and so long as he persists he will make it someday. What he needed now is to WIN, WIN and more WIN. One big win by his party will boost his reputation and he can start standing up tall once again.
Go, go, go Dr. Chee, you can do it.

A Francis on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 4:50 am 

Being one of the very few Singaporeans on American radio, its good that Americans are interested in Chee and Singapore. I heard him on radio..the full interview. Plse allow him to talk lah..And for those who are not interested..just turn it “OFF”.

David Ong Kian Kok on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 7:52 am 

DR.Chee you are great! and always my hero. I will always support you until my death.I will continue to look upon you as my mentor. Together with many other supporters we will overcome these dictators very soon .We must be strong, united and brave ! With the two big CASINO coming soon,we will soon see more disaster in this island. Regarding the email from HONG BENG please forgive him ,he is just a stupid ” NUT ” still sucking his mother’s breasts. Let MOVE ON ! Do not let this “NUT” discourage us. Dr.Chee keep up your good work I believe you will be rewarded abundantly soon! GOD BLESS everyone in your team. BRAVO!

Get real on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 8:38 am 

Dr Chee, you are the sunrise from the evil darkness of this almost soulless country.

You done us all proud as a nation with new hope for the future.

LHL's Dead Wife on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 10:00 am 

@ Political Salesman, Janetnt, Hock Beng,

basically you guys are saying the same thing i.e. that if Dr Chee doesnt like it here he should shut up and leave…well that’s great advice that you should dish out for yourselves too i.e. if you dont like what you read here on TR, then please shut up and leave. no one is forcing you to come here…unless of course your PAP bosses have instructed you to come and spread your propaganda here.

jolly on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 10:37 am 

Although chee sound and act a little rash at times, this is a learning process for him. one sure thing is that he can stand up to scrutiny where many politicans will falter. he worked his way up in the midst of much hardship. This deserves admiration from many.

jolly on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 10:48 am 

it is a learning process for chee in this political arena and he may not be doing everything right the first time. At least he is standing up to scrutiny whereas many politicians would have faltered. I think he deserves my admiration for standing up to his beliefs and convictions rather than be a poodle(s) held tightly by the owner.

Worried about sg future on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 10:53 am 

Dr Chee is one brave fellow. Sold house and car to fight the Lees & Goh. He had lost all he can lose so now he got nothing to lose.

Do you actually think he got something to gain? We should appreciate him for the sacrifices he made in his fight for democracy. We all know that he is not the person we want to be leading this Country, but it would be good to have him as a check against PAP. But then again, I think PAP just ignored him now.

Political SalesMaN on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 11:38 am 

USA & LHL death wife;
U’re just a lousy and blind commentor. U don’t get my meaning in my sentence.Most of our people here always look for big gun.
even in recent there is one double first brand arrive from London.RP Everybody rush to suport. It is a landmine or a time bomd.I have been in this political arena for thirty over years.
I didn’t get sue by my apponent.Boys learn to be smart.Watch your step carefully don’t go blindly. My advice to U

tookie on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 11:53 am 

1. The news radio station couldn’t be bothered to even get his name right.
2. The news radio station was under FOX network, which we all know has the credibility of a cow.
3. The interviewer, Ellen Ratner, who is quite a well known personality, barely seemed to know anything about Singapore(her knowledge extended to what her friend in India told her), and clearly did not prep, and did not seem to be very compelled to really dig deep for this very ‘important’ interview
4. Why does Chee Soon Juan need to put on a fake American accent? It barely even sounds like him, especially at the beginning.
5. What makes him think that Barack Obama is going to listen to him of all people? Very big headed.
6. He may have some general, valid points, but I think he exaggerates way too much. He has in his previous address to Obama said that Singapore’s repression is equivalent to Myanmar. This is embarrassing and shameful to say. Anyone with brains would know that this is not true.
7. Yes, as Janetnt says, who died and made him leader of the opposition? It’s very egoistic. Even when people have had the chance to vote for him, nobody does. His party only scored 25% at the last elections, far worse than any other opposition teams. the government has been unfair to him and SDP, but people clearly do not like him.

I hope for the love of god, that the PAP has the brains to ignore him and just let him discredit himself. He’s doing a good job of that.

singaporean on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 12:11 pm 

Dr.Chee is the greatest fear and nightmare of PAP and its supporters. Why?

1) He is a brave Chinese
2) He stands for truth
3) He is highly educated and knowledgeable
4) He does not use violence or aggression
5) He never gives up
6) He stands for democracy and freedom
7) He wants accountability and transparency
He is prepared to loose all material well-being in life
9) He does not care about seeking popularity from people
10)He puts the country and people before himeslf and his family

that means
1) the PAP government and media may ostracise him
2) some or many singaporeans may disregard him
3) the world will give their attention to him
4) he already will be gloried by history books tomorrow
5) he will inevitably be an important catalyst to cause change in Singapore when the time comes
6) he may be the prime minister of singapore one day

deoxin on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 12:15 pm 

@tookie on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 11:53 am

“4. Why does Chee Soon Juan need to put on a fake American accent? It barely even sounds like him, especially at the beginning.”

r u singaporean?
if u r, u should know that it’s in the unwritten LAW that every s’porean must adopt the angmoh-accent of the person he talked to.
this unwritten-LAW applies regardless whether or not the person he talked to is an AngMoh; as long as it’s AngMoh accent, he must follow!

hahahahahahha

Anonymous on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 12:32 pm 

@ tookie on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 11:53 am

Is “tookie” a new breed of edible fish?

Your blinkered views left me in balanced thought that you a fish hooked on by the Pappies fishermen in hunger of and ready for dinner.

Hope you are as delicious to them. Maybe you could bait around in the YPAP blogs – they would love to hear from you!

Sawdust on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 1:15 pm 

Dr Chee is like the “Bu Dao Onn”. The lower he was pressed down, the harder he is bouncing back. Most weak hearts would have given in already! Just like the “Bu dao Onn” he wants to be standing upright in dignity. Standing for what is right and just. His fighting spirit is much admired.

Allen Fang on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 1:37 pm 

1) He is a brave Chinese
#With only a few chaps marching up and down the street? And prematurely terminating his fast?

2) He stands for truth
#What truth? Every educated & well-travelled Singaporean already knows the whole truth and nothing but the truth except for his tooth.

3) He is highly educated and knowledgeable
#For a psycho grad? One who couldn’t even be admitted into our local university?

4) He does not use violence or aggression
#That you would have to ask his wife.

5) He never gives up
#Give on on his job of bring Singapore down? That’s his job now. Everyone knows he getting remunerated for doing so.

6) He stands for democracy and freedom
#He knows he stands no chance for either. Lost, let alone Low & Chiam, at GEs successively.

7) He wants accountability and transparency
#He got it. His employer fired him for putting his hand into the petty cash till.

He is prepared to loose all material well-being in life
#No, not prepared. He in fact lost the cushy job. Now he wants everyone to join him – human nature.

9) He does not care about seeking popularity from people
#Who doesn’t? But popularity for the PAP comes providing the people with housing, clean water, electricity, schools, polyclinics, air-con buses, fast trains, tv programmes, shopping malls, jobs, etc.

10)He puts the country and people before himeslf and his family
#Telling the listeners not to put their investments in Singapore at the radio talk show means he loves Singapore? He even used his little daughter for political gains as a cry baby when the police shooed him away. Did u know that?
that means
1) the PAP government and media may ostracise him
#Seriously, no one has time for a stooge & clown. There’re better things to do.
2) some or many singaporeans may disregard him
#Yes. On the dot. Many Singaporeans disregard him. So in the nature of true democracy that’s why he’ll never get elected as an MP, let alone a government psychiatrist.

3) the world will give their attention to him
#Are you serious? Nobel, FORBES, US lifetime Award, etc.,???? In fact many in Singapore nicknamed him thaty ‘Chee Bxx’ face fellow.

4) he already will be gloried by history books tomorrow
#You mean our beloved and grand master MM?

5) he will inevitably be an important catalyst to cause change in Singapore when the time comes
#If… if .. ever the time comes. Change for what when we’re already in the 1st World, one of the highest per capita income in the world, Best this & that, etc.

6) he may be the prime minister of singapore one day
#Yes if Singapore was spelled SinkaPoor.

fair and square on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 1:51 pm 

WOW!when MM LEE went to the USa,i could hear the same bunch of
apemen and ape-woman aping and “hee-hor-ing(echoing) loudly
and noisily about how proud they are for TINY AND insignificant
Singapore and MM LEE.
this time around,the same clowns are echoing a different sound..which sounded like :’ WHO WOULD BOTHER ABOUT SINAGPORE..OBAMA IS TOO BUSY WITH HUMAN RIGHTS IN TIBET…”
so you see,these chaps are merely “sucking up” hoping to receive their “BBM” which they missed last NATIONAL DAY!
what A shame!
Those who barked loud (and are still barking ever so noisily)
on FAIR GLOBAL COMPETITION AND FTs,do not even have the basic courtesy of allowing for FAIR COMPETITION for their very own
countrymen to voisce out and up their honest and earnest problems!how can claim we honestly want to nature real talents
when we merely promte the ideas and interests of those who sheepishly echo the same inside-the box(locked tight and fed
happily) ideas?To inject true out-of-the-box type of thinking,we need fresh talents with fresh and workable ideas for our NATION-building!This,we can do by not “harbouring”
“chiak-liao-bee”(incompetent)CANDIDATES who merely ride on their more able masters during elections!
To give better and meaningful exposure to such coat-tails’ rders,i suggest that we remove the GRC system!
If we have more out-of-the-box honest and sincere(NOT kiasi or kiasu) thinkers,we could have averted the prevalent soio-economic problems,the most severe of which is locals’ UNEMPLOYMENT.

Vote of Opposition on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 2:04 pm 

I used to think that Dr Chee is foolish and his craps in the Singapore political scene.

However, my view had changed. Those who say bad things about Dr Chee, do u want the statas quo in the political landscape where PAP is the dominant party, bulldozing policies down our throats such as the open door policy to immigrations etc?

Or change? I used to think this idiot Dr Chee always wanted to make a hell of noise about PAP and LKY etc. He had what most of us still do not have:

Political awakening! PAP wanted us to be sleeping and keep telling that we will become dinosaurs, our women became maids in other countries etc.

They (PAP) are afraid of losing political controls, with strong opposition, the books of Temasek will be opened and many eye brows will be raised (my own opinion).

I am interested to know how much pay the directors and chairman such MM Lee and this men are drawing in the bad times.

Thus Vote for opposition and stop listening to PAP propaganda!

Jim on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 2:44 pm 

Guys, I think it is better to focus on Low Thia Khiang as he appears to be a formidable opponent of the PAP. He conducts himself with political candour and propriety and has earned a considerable amount of respect from the electorate (even some PAP members of Parliament as well). His Workers’ Party has undergone a lot of reforms and re-organisation like what the SDP has done. But unlike Dr Chee or SDP, Low Thia Khiang and his re-constituted WP do not go for the jugular by launching personal attacks (on LKY and the likes). They are very policy aligned and their “anti-government” views or disagreements are mostly policy based (and not personalised). Dr Chee and his SDP, if they want to be a force to be reckoned with, should take a leaf from Low Thia Khiang.

Also Low Thia Khiang does not go around outside Singapore to clamour for foreign support because he knows and respects that our political system and its evolvement is something that only Singaporeans can and should determine by themselves.

Mike Neo on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 3:31 pm 

Vote of Opposition on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 2:04 pm -

“the books of Temasek will be opened”

Are you a BLOCKHEAD?

“Temasek Holdings has kept its position as one of the world’s most transparent sovereign wealth funds (SWFs).

It attained a perfect score in the third quarter of this year on a United States-based transparency index which evaluates such entities.

Temasek scored 10 out of 10 on the latest Linaburg-Maduell Transparency Index, published quarterly by the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute in California.”

Hello, people can read better lah.

Anonymous on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 3:43 pm 

Allen Fang on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 1:37 pm

Did you just had finished a bottle of vodka given by your “Russian friend” B4 you posted those giddy convoluted spins?.

I read only about 1/4 and gave up the rest.

Jim on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 3:53 pm 

Mike Neo

If it is that transparent can you give me a break down of all the assets that Temasek has invested in? Give me the details please, how much, where, in what assets according to their liquidity, sovereign risks, etc. If you can’t, at least tell me where I can obtain such information.

That’s so much for all the transparency propaganda stuff.

WatchSG on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 6:26 pm 

Chee is a weird fellow.

Mike Neo on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 8:56 pm 

■Jim on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 3:53 pm

Mike Neo

“If it is that transparent can you give me a break down of all the assets that Temasek has invested in? Give me the details please, how much, where, in what assets according to their liquidity, sovereign risks, etc. If you can’t, at least tell me where I can obtain such information.

That’s so much for all the transparency propaganda stuff.”

# Are you ok? Give you? Who do you think you are? Emperor? So when the 4.5 million S’poreans ask for such data then how? Be realistic lah. Shd DBS or OCBC give people data. Financial data are very sensitive materials in today’s competitive business world. Stupid.

Btw, you must be a not so smart S’porean. Temasek has openly declared in the national media on several occasions that it does not manage our CPF, GST or wat-have-YOUR money (in fact people have been receiving freely its gains over the years eg Bonus Dividends and wat-not from the Fund). This is not Malaysia or some 3rd world country you know. Hey brother, we have had 44 good years relative to hundreds of bigger & resource rich countries on this planet. Check it out.

Temasek started with $300m under our MM in the 70s; today, a whopping $150 BILLION.

Get that into your thick skull. And please check your facts before you embarass your intellect i.e. if you have any.

Anonymous on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 9:52 pm 

Mike Neo on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 8:56 pm

..”Temasek started with $300m under our MM in the 70s; today, a whopping $150 BILLION.

Get that into your thick skull. And please check your facts before you embarass your intellect i.e. if you have any.
…”

OH, Mike Neo. I am VERY IMPRESSED just by your closing declaration BUT UNFORTUNATELY NOT BE THE SUBSTANCE OF THOSE DECLARATION.

They proved your MONUMENTAL STUPIDITY beyond measurement.I don’t need to look further than just your last concluding economic statement.

You mean the rest of the world has GONE BACKWARD in the last 44 years such that you are so impressed of $300 million in the early 70s to $150 billion today?

Perhaps are you implying that $300 million grew via investment gain to reach $150 billion now after those Bonus dividend? Or do you mean that these were budget surplus accumulations over the years and A LOT WERE LOST IN THE 2008 FINANCIAL MARKET MELTDOWN which you conveniently swept under by your sweeping generalisation and expecting everyone to be impressed?

What is your truth of substance to prove you got any intellect?

Did “44 good years” prove your intellect or proved your ignorance of thick skull? I am sure the Economic Restructuring Committee would cast doubt about 44 years of economic development was really “good” at all. Otherwise they would not have to crack their heads so hard of restructuring our economic just 6 years ago FOR LONG TERM DEVELOPMENT AND NOW HAVING TO REWORK THROUGH ALL THE ASSUMPTIONS, WORKINGS AND REMODELLING – the economy is on knife edge now – to put it bluntly.

I bet the Economic Restructuring Committee is as clueless as me as to what the impact will be like if the US$ fell another 15% in the next 6 months GIVEN THIS CURRENT STATE OF OUR ECONOMY AFTER 44 YEARS OF DRIFT.

Jim on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 10:20 pm 

Mike Neo – Just exactly how old are you can you be frank with me here (from what you have written I have to assume you are still relatively young – nothing wrong with that of course, just being curious that’s all).

You can access the accounts of DBS, UOB and all the big time companies that are publicly listed on the SGX website. You can also access them directly (including those from any companies incorporated in Singapore with an operational volume exceeding $1m) from ACRA. For those who are highly pc geared you can sownload direct from ACRA (for a fee, of course). You can also access the financial statements from all statutory boards and even the budget of each Ministry (didn’t you know that?). You are acting stupid by disclosing your ignorance of all these facts.

Property companies have, besides satisfying this statutory requirement, also to publish their accounts in the Government Gazette. Do you know what a Government Gazette is? Its the newspaper of the government and they are printed and available to the public regularly (at a price, of course).

For the banks which you have mentioned (DBS and UOB) or any other bank for that matter, they are required by law (the Banking Act) to publish their annual accounts in ALL the four official newspapers yearly. In addition, they must present their accounts at a conspicous part of their main banking hall with easy reading access for their customers. Don’t be a nut, go to your bank tomorrow and see for yourself then swallow your words.

You don’t even know all these elementary stuff and you want to give us your 2 cents worth ? Please do not engage in issues in which you do not have sufficient grounding.

The accounts of every business, statutory boards, societies, associations, etc. are all accessible through various channels by law. Even clubs are not spared.

However, only Temasek Holdings and GIC are excused from this mandatory requirement. They are out of bounds. Even the President of Singapore only can access to them upon request ! Didn’t you know the late ex=President tried to have access to them but he was denied?

The shallowness of your knowledge in these areas is astounding, not to mention your base arguments being put forth. But I rest my case. I shall not engage you any further on issues which you are blatantly ignorant of, less I be termed a bully.

Low on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 10:50 pm 

Mike Neo

Do you know the rest of us at this forum are laughing at your ignorance of business affairs and regulatory requirements.

Please do not make a further fool of yourself in this area. Financial statments are readily available for all companies at ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore). You pay a few dollars to download them from the web (you can do that via company link, i.e. if your company maintains an open account with ACRA).

Some institutions have additional regulations to comply, e.g. banks, which had to place their current year financial statements at a prominent place (wall) at banking hall, and they have also to publish them yearly in all the four official newspapers, namely in the English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil newspapers (the public listed ones do so twice a year, interim and final statements, under SGX requirements).

The financial statements of statutory boards are available through Government Gazette.

Jim on Wed, 11th Nov 2009 11:27 pm 

Anonymous

Mike Neo is probably only a school boy or just fresh from school or NS as can be noted by his lack of understanding on how the business world is conducted.

So I think we should lay off engaging him in areas where he is lacking, and he should have the discretion by now not to post any further reply less he becomes a favourite entertainment guy for readers here.

Fxxk*Chee on Thu, 12th Nov 2009 12:02 am 

What has Singapore situations and happenings got to do with Canadians and Americans??

This bloody Chee Bxx, he is always such a born loser, and resorting to going overseas to run down Singapore is probably the only thing he is so far capable of doing…clearly a highly despicable traitor.

If I do bump into him anywhere, I will definitely spit at his fxxking face!

Exposer on Thu, 12th Nov 2009 12:38 am 

Wow !!! So many PAP Internet Bridge members have come to TR site. Welcome to all the PAP lackeys, whoever you are. Never have so many PAP morons gather in such place before !

Anonymous on Thu, 12th Nov 2009 10:30 am 

Jim & Chee,

Check this out. Shd we be among these 150 countries too and starving like the MAJORITY there? Are we a MIRACLE? (Btw, that’s wat they world think)

http://www.ams.org/membership/develop.html

WTF on Thu, 12th Nov 2009 10:53 am 

Mike Neo

Dear Mikey, or is it Mickey?

You must be a greenhorn in the business world. It is so downright obvious that you are not a management staff and you have neither any knowledge of management matters. In short, you are just a “child” in this arena.

So do not go round criticising others matters and issues which you do not understand nor have any in depth knowledge of.

All companies are registered with ACRA (previously ROC) and by law, they are required to submit annual accounts, and these are readily available to the public upon paying a fee (nothing is for free here). If you are in business and you don’t know this simple fundamental fact then you must be a hawker or stallholder, or maybe a ah long san?

Temasek Holding exist through a charter (not registered with ACRA) so they dont have to comply with this requirement. Only the PM,SM, MM, and the Finance Minister have direct access to its accounts. Even the President of Singapore do not have direct access to them. He may, upon request, be given access to certain particular parts of the accounts relevant to the discharge of his duties at any given time, but on a need to know basis (i.e. limited disclosure).

So when we talk about transparency, we are talking about easy access to instruments, be it accounts or otherwise, which the public may acquire in order to understand the basis in which the management of the company is conducting its business. Do you even know what the meaning of “transparency” mean at all?

Your childish emotional outburst portray you as a small kid delving into a discussion among adults. Please stick to playing marbles and don’t engage in adult talk.

MIke Neo on Thu, 12th Nov 2009 11:59 am 

WTF on Thu, 12th Nov 2009 10:53 am -

“Do you even know what the meaning of “transparency” mean at all?”

I thought an international renowned organisation just answered your question.

“TEMASEK’S transparency won the organisation a perfect score on the Linaburg-Maduell Transparency Index,

(’Temasek scores perfect 10 on SWF transparency index’)

Jim on Thu, 12th Nov 2009 12:01 pm 

Anonymous

They think it obvious that Singaporeans can afford to pay more than US $16.

BTW did you know that we are ranked as one of the richest nations by international standards based based on GDP at purchasing power parity per capita as follows :

a) Ranked 4th by IMF with per capita of US$51,226 (overtaken Brunei)
b) Ranked 3rd by World Bank per capita US$49,228
c) Ranked 7th by CIA World Fact Book per capital US$51,500

Interesting eh.

Anonymous on Thu, 12th Nov 2009 12:22 pm 

@ Anonymous on Thu, 12th Nov 2009 10:30 am

“Shd we be among these 150 countries too and starving like the MAJORITY there? Are we a MIRACLE”

“MIRACLE” need to re-invent itself within 6 years of last great economic restructuring?

You might have to ask a fortune teller when the next miracle will happen in your life – it does NOT happen to the rest of Singaporeans.

But don’t worry. Streetside clairvoyant in Singapore only about $2 for some jostick and a bit of pocket change to discover your next miracle or if it is bad omen, the way to turn that into good fortune.

We are only interested in reality.

Your reference link prove no substance of your post. If you need encouragement of illustrious HIGH DRAMA comparison of how the imagined MAJORITY (your word in quote) STARVATION, maybe you could provide links 150 U-tube video of each of the country showing their poor scavenging for food in public rubbish dump for survival. It might be a bit more convincing to the niave and uninformed.

The rest of us might think you are mentally deranged of reality.

OBVIOUSLY THE REST OF THE WORLD HAS GONE BACKWARD FOR YOU IN YOUR DERANGED MIND PERHAPS.

WTF on Thu, 12th Nov 2009 12:40 pm 

Mike Neo

It’s good that you have toned down your vociferous approach. I respect that.

Anyway, regarding your reference to Linaburg-Maduell Transparency Index, I have 2 questions for you :

a) Do you know who are the people behind the organisation that conducts this transparency test ?

b) Do you know what are the yardsticks of measurement they use for the test?

It is a free world out there and many organisations exist just like universities which are abundant everywhere. But when you talk of Oxford – Cambridge or MIT you are talking of venerable institutions. So the point I am making is that a degree you obtain from the mentioned universities has a more respectable weight than those private universities elsewhere (plenty in the US and Australia). Its the same for organisations that conduct transparency tests or human rights organisations, etc.

Jim on Thu, 12th Nov 2009 12:44 pm 

There are 2 anonymous here ?

Anonymous on Thu, 12th Nov 2009 12:58 pm 

@ Jim on Thu, 12th Nov 2009 12:44 pm

yes. Miracle talk is rubbish.

btan on Thu, 12th Nov 2009 11:44 pm 

It is sad to see some here making disparaging remarks at Dr Chee when the man is fighting for the rights of all Singaporeans.

Are you so cowed by PAP that you are afraid to be truly free? Rather than working in a rat cage and staying in a pigeon hole for the rest of your pathetic life?

Are you so dim witted not to see that Singapore is heading for our ice berg and the ship will eventually sink if we allow PAP to continue its disastrous course?

Only with a two or multi party system can we avoid this ice berg by way of proper acountability and transparency in parliament. 2 MPs are not going to be able to do the job. We will need at least 20% to 40% of MPs in parliament to be able to do a good job anyway.

Yes, what you see now is the glitz and the physical materialism of success. And when the shits hits the fan, maybe you will wake up, but it will be too late.

Best to wake up now and see for yourself. You guys are living in the Matrix too long that even if freedom is given to you, you will still want to run back to your rat cage again.

And so you continue to disparage and give snide remarks to the man who is seeking to free you.

reader on Fri, 13th Nov 2009 11:46 am 

he is fighting it the wrong way, that’s why. how will this help the average singaporean trying to make ends meet? what has he done so far that is meant to help the poor?

chee’s problem is that he thinks that just shouting freedom freedom people will follow him. but you need to do more than that. if he really wants to help singaporeans and understands this is not working, he would have changed tactics. but he doesnt want to change. so it makes people wonder is he doing this for the people, or for his own personal vendetta against lky.

btan on Sat, 14th Nov 2009 12:18 am 

@reader on Fri, 13th Nov 2009 11:46 am

[[he is fighting it the wrong way,]]

Then what, in your infinite wisdom, do you think is the right way, pray tell?

btan on Sat, 14th Nov 2009 12:36 am 

source : http://yoursdp.org/index.php/perspective/vantage/1521-an-open-letter-to-shafiies-mom

An open letter to Shafi’ie’s Mom
Saturday, 13 December 2008 16:10

Huang Chih Mei

Dear Madam,

I’m Chee Soon Juan’s wife, Mei. We have never met, but I heard that you were present at every session of Shafi’ie’s trials and that you have been very sad with his imprisonment.

At times, I wonder whether Singaporean parents’ biggest nightmare is to learn that their children are engaging in political activism and, worse, involved in civil disobedience work with my husband.

Once, we had a 18-year-old girl come to our place to stay over because she had an altercation with her mother over her taking part in SDP’s activities. Her mum was so frightened that her daughter was involved in opposition politics that she threatened to complain to her MP about my husband. We managed to coax her to return home the following day.

On another occasion, a distraught young man called my home several times within one evening because his father was threatening to disown him if he continued to associate with the SDP. His father had also confiscated his passport when he wanted to attend a Nonviolent Action workshop in Malaysia.

When asked about whether his parents would attend his Tak Boleh Tahan trial that took place recently, another activist replied that it would be better if they didn’t because his dad “would be too distressed and angry at Dr Chee.”

As a parent myself, I have thought about how I would react if my children wanted to follow in their father’s footsteps when they grow up. Hopefully, Singapore would be a different place by then. If it is not, I would really prefer them to have an easier and more comfortable life, not a life of hardship and uncertainty. But if that is the path they have chosen for themselves, I would give them all the support and encouragement and accept it as their aspirations in life.

Years ago before we had kids, Soon Juan and I once talked about what beliefs and values we’d like to impart to our children. He mentioned something about being a respectful and respected person. To be honest, I was rather peeved by such an abstract and simplistic answer. “What about intelligence and competence?” I thought of other important qualities, “How about professional achievement and social status?”

Over the years, I have come to learn that there are many intelligent and competent people who have attained high professional and social status. But I also know that this does not necessarily mean that they have earned the respect of their country men and women. Respect, in its most noble meaning, is not as easy to earn as I had assumed.

It may sound strange that I bring up this subject when Shafi’ie was just convicted and is now serving a prison sentence. This is not what Singaporeans would normally associate with a person to be respected or one whom a mother feels proud of.

However, I beg to differ with such a notion especially in this unique situation in Singapore. As Shafi’ie commented on his own actions of civil disobedience, “we hurt no one and neither did we create any disorder. What we did was to express our concerns as citizens on issues that affect us deeply.”

Obviously, he feels strongly about the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and he took it upon himself to defy and challenge unjust laws which restrict such basic rights of citizens. That’s because he is extraordinarily patriotic and loyal to his own country. He is doing what he can do within his means to seek democracy, justice and equality for his fellow Singaporeans.

When given two chances by the judge to apologise before he was convicted and once more before his sentence was passed down, Shafi’ie cited “personal convictions” for his reason of standing by his actions and not apologising. As a young man, his courage and determination are admirable. I can also imagine that the temptation of giving it up must have been extremely great for him to resist.

But aren’t these among the values we had been taught in school as well as the kinds of attitudes we should educate and impart to our children? Shouldn’t we as parents feel proud of them when they try to turn their beliefs into actions, to change things for the betterment of society? We should be happy to see them as confident, well-informed and thinking young adults, instead of becoming disillusioned, depressed, cynical and detached souls.

Things may get a bit more complicated and confusing for my own children. They are at the age of learning right from wrong and why. I was amused to notice that during their play, they would have the police catch the baddies and put them in jail. But in real life, they don’t perceive their own father as a bad person, neither do they feel ashamed of him. They know he’s been in prison and that he will have to go there many more times, and we will go to those familiar prison visits again.

That’s because my children see their father more for what he does, the people he associates with, and how others relate to him. They don’t apply the social norms by which people are generally perceived and treated. When he is greeted or approached by strangers on the street, they would turn and ask him, “Did you know them?” or “Are you famous?”

My husband may not be understood or accepted by people who have unfavourable opinions of him, but being respectful and respected is still the guiding principle for what he does in his work, political or otherwise. Most important for me, it is the opinion of those who care about him and those he loves that matter. He has his work to do and we have our lives to live as a family, these two areas are not mutually exclusive and incompatible.

As for Shafi’ie, I first noticed him at the candlelight vigil outside the Myanmar Embassy last year. This lithe, quiet young man with wavy hair seemed to show up almost every evening which aroused my curiosity. I asked him, “Are you a Burmese?” He smiled shyly and replied, “No, no…I am a Singaporean.”

I have seen him around since with an easy and laid back presence, a young person of few words. But I heard that Shafi’ie told his lawyer that he wanted to speak for himself in his own closing submissions during his kangaroo t-shirt trial. I’m not sure if he had done so, but I am certain that whatever he wanted to say had to do with his sense of duty to Singapore and his belongingness to this country as a true blue Singaporean.

Madam, you have a brave and precious son who is also a good citizen. Please have no doubt about it. Let us give him all the support and encouragement he needs during his tribulations. It is one way to make his and his friends’ journey to freedom and democracy less lonely.

Best regards,
Chih Mei

Shafi’ie and Isrizal began serving their 7-day jail sentences on 12 Dec 08. The two activists, together with SDP’s Assistant Secretary-General, John Tan, were sentenced to 7 days and 15 days imprisonment for wearing a T-shirt with a kangaroo in a judge’s gown during the defamation hearing between Lee Kuan Yew and the Singapore Democrats. John Tan will begin his prison sentence on 16 Dec 08.

nick on Wed, 18th Nov 2009 3:41 pm 

singapore deserves change.
the world has changed, oh so much, since 1964, and yet this country isn’t willing to give the people a chance to try something new.
not even the ones who built this country from down up.

every single time i see an elderly lady in her 70-80s working in mcdonalds (serving, cleaning and carrying junk food to kids), i die a little bit more on the inside.

and the routine of the media rhetoric, “please hire old ppl. old ppl love to work” is sickening and is blatant propaganda.

the insistant and misguided belief that anarchy will break loose with a little slip of the grip is testament to how distrustful this society is becoming.