Yes Singapore, you deserve a dose of incompetent government
January 10th, 2010 | 
Author: By Richard Lu
“You know, the cure for all this talk is really a good dose of incompetent government. You get that alternative and you’ll never put Singapore together again: Humpty Dumpty cannot be put together again…and your asset values will be in peril, your security will be at risk and our women will become maids in other people’s countries, foreign workers.’”
(Lee Kuan Yew justifying pay hikes for Singapore ministers, The Straits Times, 5 April 2007)
Singaporeans are an apathetic lot, always afraid to express an opinion or to take risk, preferring others to make the first move. They are afraid that the vote is not secret and fear losing their jobs if found out they voted the opposition. They are afraid to express the truth about someone in power. They are even afraid to speak up about things that effecting them directly e.g. the high cost of living, unemployment and poor quality life.
This is because they are quite unaware about their rights to free, fair and honest expression. The ISA inherited from the British and perfected by the PAP has a lot to do with this “Politics of Fear” resulting in PAP getting away with intimidations and threats. Consider these coercions:
a. Lee Kuan Yew (2006): “Please don’t assume that you can change governments. Young people don’t understand this.”
b. Lee Kuan Yew (2006):“Without the elected President and if there is a freak (election) result, within two or three years, the army would have to come in and stop it.”
If we dare to dream and we live our dreams…….. then imagine this:
Singaporeans get an opposition government and as promised, they reverse some of these past bad policies e.g.
1. Revise ministerial and civil service pay to a realistic level;
2. Revert to the original constitution and strengthen citizen rights and abolish ISA, EP, GRC and NCMP;
3. Abolish the following appointments – Minister Mentor, Senior Minister, Ministry Without Portfolio, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Minister of State and Parliamentary Secretary; and
4. Repeal Newspaper and Printing Presses Act of 1974 (NPPA) with all its attendant amendments permitting state control of the media, Legal Profession (Amendment) Act of 1987 (LP(A)A of1987), Public Order Act 2009 (POA), Official Secrets Acts (OSA).
To prevent collusion, corruption and nepotism, the opposition government then presses into law the following:
5. Limiting to one (1) Deputy Prime Minister;
Limiting the number of ministries and appointments to minister and deputy minister only;
Limiting Prime Minister and Ministers to a maximum two terms;
Limiting the age of MPs to 65 years; and
Limiting MPs to a maximum services life of 15 years;
6. Preventing MPs and civil servants from sitting on boards of listed companies; and
7. Preventing PM and Ministers from appointing their family members and relatives to GLC companies, Temasek and GIC.
To assist Singaporeans and attain a good standard of living, the opposition institute and implement the following:
8. Minimum wage;
9. Freedom of Information rules;
10. Policies to regulate and limit foreigners workers and new citizens into Singapore;
11. Polices to safeguard Singaporeans’ interests – good housing, health, education etc.;
12. Independent panels to oversee judicial appointments, ministerial pay, civil service & military appointments, election boundaries; and
13. Independent panels to oversee our sovereign wealth – GIC, Temasek and CPF;
To liberalize the political landscape and level the playing field for all political parties:
14. Free the local media from Govt. and PAP control;
15. Establish permanent Judicial Commission to hear complaints of political nature;
16. Reduce Govt.’s participation in commerce and de-couple GLCs from Govt.;
17. De-couple the PA and NUTC from the PAP and Govt. and passes law to prevent NTUC and PA from being associated or controlled by any Government of any political parties;
18. De-couple the Police and the Military from the Government and PAP; and
19. Ensure real competition on open and fair basis for the telecom, electricity, power and gas industries;
Finally, to heal the country from years of political and mental abuses, the opposition government should:
20. Apologize to all ex-political detainees and political exiles;
21. Revoke all charges against all political detainees and annul all judgments pronounced against them and reimburse their losses (even if the Govt. has to compensate them);
22. Ask all political exiles to return and enjoin Singaporeans in the re-building of our political landscape;
24. Pay a one-time token compensation for the hardships, pain and sufferings caused to political detainees and exiles by the previous government;
25. Allow and encourage all forms of open and honest debates and discussions; and
26. Set up a Truth and Re-conciliation Commission to enable the country bring closures and heal wounds caused by the past government misdeeds.
Are we dreaming? Do we dare to live our dreams? It is not time for us to move away from this politics of fear?
Singaporeans, I ask and urge you search your innermost conscience and heart of hearts and see if the above are not what you have always want, prayed for and wished for our beloved Singapore? Yes, if we have the courage we can together rebuild a nation – a nation free of fear and one that to be proud of.
If so, Singapore really deserves immediately nothing less than a huge dose of “bad” and “incompetent” government and we Singaporeans must send to the PAP Government in no unintelligible terms (and in the MM’s words) a “good dose of election signal” by not voting PAP in the next election.
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Vote out PAP
Beautiful! This is exactly what I would like the coalition government to do once they achieve the 2/3 majority. Remember to Vote The PAP out!
We should all listen to Susan Boyle song, I dreamed a dream. Perhaps we will than be able to live in our dreams.
I agree with everything except point 8 and 22.
I do not support min wage as it disrupts free market flow. If the factors affecting the current situation are gone, i.e. lesser PRs in Singapore, the problem should go away by itself. Minimum wage is not a solution.
As for point 22, I see no point and perhaps some danger of inviting people who have been exiled. Who knows what intentions (whether good or bad) they might harbor.
My 2 cents. Everything else is great.
ya I agree, deny pap 2/3 majority in 2010,then vote pap out in 2015.
My gut feeling is that this dream will be a reality. Probably, after the next 2 elections. But of course,my hope is that if this scenario happen earlier I will be very happy.We are different from the old generation and will not be easily sway by their dirty threats,bribes and schemes to con us.We are not blind, gullible to succumb to their traps. A normal thinking human being can see for themselves that this crap govt is going to ruin us for their selfish interest.Benefiting themselves, their families,friends and cronies. Any Singaporean with a clear conscience cannot continue to support such a regime for the sake of our future generation. The time has come for us to take drastic actions to throw out this dictatorial regime in the next election if POSSIBLE!!!
Only.. only if the opposition parties.. are able to do what you have listed? I wonder.. instead of some trying to be midler and more “credible”?
Will the opposition come out and affirm what you have written so well, it is difficult to add more points to it.
Fully agreed. Vote out the PAP. Win the people with your heart, not with force.
Lee Kuan Yew can threaten us with whatever jargons he can dig out from his Cambridge dictionary. God has HIS eyes. Fairness and justice will prevail. It has reach my boiling point. My vote is obvious. Out goes PAP. Out goes dear FAMILEE.
This website is run by a bunch of ingrates! Why dont you consider all the positive things that the government has done for us? What if we end up like Malaysia? Will all of you be satisfied then?
No government is perfect, for Singapore to get to where it is, sacrifices have to be made. It’s the price we have to pay for what we have.
VOTE OUT THE PAP and the 3.3 million dollars PRESIDENT who do nothing, yes man.
ILOVE PAP! on Sun, 10th Jan 2010 3:49 pm
This website is run by a bunch of ingrates! Why dont you consider all the positive things that the government has done for us? What if we end up like Malaysia? Will all of you be satisfied then?
No government is perfect, for Singapore to get to where it is, sacrifices have to be made. It’s the price we have to pay for what we have.
Probably, you are one of those that benefited by licking their Ass, brain wash,blind or lose all conscience to condone all their lies!!
PAP deserves some credit for all that we have today. No doubt they might have done better, but cut them some slack. Who is perfect anyway? Things could have been worst, and who knows what the opposition will bring – will we go 10 steps backwards? Will they even deliver what they promised?
Please count your blessings and be grateful. Be grateful that our education have taught you how to even read and that you even have access to the internet and Facebook!
“Why dont you consider all the positive things that the government has done for us?”
You means we have world’s most expensive gahmen by force and we should be grateful to them for increasing the cost and we citizens to bear the cost of their nonsense, greed stupidness ? Are you serious ?
I agree with most of the suggestions for changes. Some I have reservations.
I have some to add for considerations.
1. requirement for citizen to force a referendum. should there be at least a certain number of people signing a petition, a referendum is required.
2. Impeachment possibility for the Prime Minister should enough MPs vote a no-confidence.
3. No such thing as a WHIP. All MPs should be allowed to vote with their conscience and should represent the people who voted for them
4. Freeze boundaries for different constituencies. Only after perhaps 10 years can another change can be effected. Perhaps can even add limit of such changes.
5. Allowance for public polls to be perform by anybody – even on how the Prime Minister is performing.
6. Limit political deformation suits to no more than S$500 per case. Make it meaningless to sue. Better to embarrass the person who has said something wrong.
I am sure there are alot more of what teh MIW has corrupted the way a democracy should be but if even half of these are achieved, it will prevent another MIW monster from ever corrupting the democracy process again.
THE TIME IS RIPE TO ERADICATE THE PAP AND THEIR CRONIES!
@ILOVE PAP!
You are wrong, Singapore is already screwed up by PAP. So many foreigners. Goodness sake…
But this list shows that opposition is much worse.
8 & 10 are not going to work. Unfortunately SG has no natural resources of any kind, the only reason quite a few FTs are around because SG is an efficient and friendly place to stay. If it becomes a hassle (I’m really interested in details of 10) I certainly see quite a few MNCs leaving SG in droves for HKG as a very viable alternative.
Tan ah kow
“The Living Years” –
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Axy923G54s
“Every generation
Blames the one before”
Somehow I get the feeling that Richard Lu was heavily inspired by Australian governance in drafting all these points, especially points 20 – 26, which are similar to the Rudd government’s actions towards the lost generation of aborigines, not that it’s a bad thing of course.
3. I’m not sure if so many posts should be abolished, though I agree that the posts of SM and MM should not be there.
5. Agreed with having just one minister and deputy, but maximum 2 terms for prime minister may not be feasible given our small population. Not just any man on the street will do a good job as PM after all.
19. Some of those industries are natural monopolies in a small market like Singapore. I believe other restrictions should be in place to prevent monopoly price fixing other than trying to increase the number of firms in the industry.
Agreed on all other points.
LOVE PAP! on Sun, 10th Jan 2010 3:49 pm
This website is run by a bunch of ingrates! Why dont you consider all the positive things that the government has done for us? What if we end up like Malaysia? Will all of you be satisfied then?
No government is perfect, for Singapore to get to where it is, sacrifices have to be made. It’s the price we have to pay for what we have.
One of the best thing the PAP did is by making singaporean so rich that we can afford to pay the ministers Millions $$$$$ salaries
Hi All,
Most of the suggestions sound very useful and needed for the future political landscape of Singapore.
Last year, our national icon the Merlion was hit by lightning. Seems the guys above had given their first warning.
This year, will some government buildings or the Istana be the next victim? I hope not if the PAP government truly repents of its non-compassionate attitude towards the cries of ordinary Singaporeans!
ILovePAP – Oh..I see. Now dissenters are ingrates? Please.. please tell us some positive things that the government has done for us.. after all they expect to be paid in millions.. do .. tell us what.. what have they done that ingrates as you call should be grateful? after being paid top top salaries, over and above even the President of the United States?
What have they done to stop Singapore from ending like Malaysia? Oh by the way, what is wrong with Malaysia? that Singapore is better?
There are 26 points in the above pseudo-manifesto of an imaginary, wannabe political party. For sure we could debate endlessly and you will find it hard for all 26 points to be fully agreed.
I’m quite satisfied with more than 80% or 90% of the 26 points. I think any party which flashes the above model answers in their manifesto, deserves some attention. Of course we have to pay attention whether that wannabe oppositon party leader is an Ah Beng type who wears slippers all the time and has low education, and we have to make sure he is not one who jumps on the bandwagon durign election time, that is basic common sense.
Looking at the various blogs in the last few weeks, i feel that there is a strong wave of potential leaders with the basic substance to do something good for Singapore, in as much as PAP has done also so much good for our dear country.
A word of advice for ILOVPAP who suggested that we are “ungrateful”. I think it works both ways. The PAP is very very ungrateful to the electorate for being very very forgiving and patient with them for many years. We are the most kind and patient electorate on earth, even for the many less than correct things which they have done.
A final observation, these days, I can’t see the ruling party as being a “people’s” action party at all.
A true “people’s” action party would by definition, listen to the people, not shy away from the people, scared to mix around with the people, scared even to get into internet debates. I heard that even chinese prime minister goes on internet occasionally to discuss issues wiht citizens. So they are now corectly a “people’s” republic of china! Yes.
We have to depart from being sentimental, and accept the reality, that when something has outlived its functions and gone awry, we have to be practical and look for solutions and hope for the best. Nothing is perfect, but we have to try to look for something, this is not the era of sentimentalism.
zero
Singapore is run by a bunch of ingrates- the PAP.
They should be grateful to our forefathers who slaughter to make Singapore what it is today and contributing to its GDP. Instead, they credited themselves for everything that happens well and discredit us the citizens for everything that happens otherwise.
All these ministers and MP are drawing an impossibly high salary from what you and I are contributing.
Yet, they are so ungrateful now as to punish us with all these flawed policies (HDB, immigrations, etc.) and names-calling, such as “Quitters”, “Lesser Mortals”, “Glumbers” and what knows what later on …
I want them out. And out for good. You can say whatever you want. I am that “ungrateful”. What do you expect of someone who are treated ungratefully first?
A list of what we do not want
Sounds all too familiar
A rehash of the old wish lists
How about a list of what we need?
ILOVE PAP! @ Sun, 10th Jan 2010 3:49 pm
LOL. So obvious. PAP Internet Brigade.
Why border to reply to them???
@ILOVE PAP, U have your brain in your ASS!They keep on losing tax-payer money in investment,Salary in a million, they are incompetent, They have their brain in their ASS, U too
Silent majority are tired of the old gang but until the opposition is able to demonstrate that they are a decent alternative by sensible arguments not crazy accusations like what SDP did during that last about Singapore paying Millions to our neighbour etc they will not be moved.
I would like to see the jury being brought back. Our current situation where one judge decides everything is a disgrace.
[quote]
“You know, the cure for all this talk is really a good dose of incompetent government. You get that alternative and you’ll never put Singapore together again: Humpty Dumpty cannot be put together again…and your asset values will be in peril, your security will be at risk and our women will become maids in other people’s countries, foreign workers.’”[/quote]
this is truly a fallacy, a slippery slope argument in justifying pay hikes, because if we don’t give them $1m salary, the govt will fail, the females are going to end up as maids
truly LOL at lky’s wonderful attempt in making a powerful statement in defending their salaries
It has been said before that Singaporeans have been lulled into feeling that all is well, and not to rock the boat lest they lose the “benefits” that we currently enjoy.
I do agree that a change has to be made and soon. Having been in Shanghai for the past few years, the rapid growth that has happened in Shanghai made me pause to think why the same cannot be said for Singapore. The constant rhetoric by the government and its supporters has done little to alleviate the sandwiched group of Singaporeans.
Hope the winds of change will come soon! Just my 2 cents worth.
For last 40 years, they have build singapore to this wonderful city . So nice to leave in , plenty of jobs for everyone ( young and old ) , IR for us to gamble , sentosa for kids to play , keep our CPF for our retirement . We pay them million dollar salry so that can take care of us and our investments .
As for the opposition , they can given them fair chance during election but they failed to make the grade . We have also the president to guard our reserves against wrong usuage . Our memtor have predicted SG will be boomz for the next 50 years . CDC and SPUR have helped all seeking for jobs to be re-employed and they are all very happy . Our PM have said Singaporean comes first so what is the worry ?
There is 1 Way out. But just only.
someone once said in the blogposts, “if you don’t know where the road is leading to, any road is the same.”
Do you know where the government is leading us?
I don’t know.
Do you know where xxx opposition party will lead us to?
I don’t know.
Just do it! It’s same same. There is sufficient evil in the current environment, what can go wrong?
zero
Yes ! Yes!..I agree with your points. This should be it !
Bravo! Hip Hip Hooray !
Ilovepap,
Better enjoy what you hve now..ts going to change soon…..very soon!
The opposition parties have yet to prove that they are as capable as the ruling party.So who are we going to vote, if we vote the PAP out.And I disagree abolishing the ISA.(Eg: If we abolish the ISA, where are we going to hold those terrorists and those people that really present a threat to us?
I would like to also add that something needs to be done to the HDB prices.
As many people has invested into their HDB it not possible to allow it to drop significantly in price otherwise there will be many people hurt. However, I think we need to declare that all new HDB prices will be frozen for the next 10 years till the affordability is back to a more acceptable level.
We should also have capital gain tax on all foreigners including families that are not all singaporeans. That means if husband is singaporean and wife is non-singaporean, then the capital tax will be half for them. This will ensure they do not capitalize on the loophole. This capital gain tax will have no expiry period. This will ensure that our property indeed benefit singaporeans.
As I am an owner of a property now but I fear that what I gained will be paid back many times over by my children.
PAP please spare Singaporeans the agony of waiting. Just call for the general election now and let the result do the talking and see whether PAP is still so well supported.
Singaporeans come first? Sure when paying taxes and defending the country. I just can’t wait to cast my vote. PAP *pui*
LHL.
My biggest worry is the skeleton in the closet. Exactly how much of the people ’s money is lost thru reckless investments. There are other worries. Singapore is turning itself from a manufacturing base to a service industry. We Singaporeans are going to lose more jobs as service jobs can be easily taken up by foreigners at a lower pay scale. We are moving from bad to worse and this year will be no better. Singapore has been growing GDP by importing people and jacking up property prices. Actual GDP growth by expansion in industries is declining. Our million dollars GOV has been unable to revitalise Singapore and had to resort to CASINOs and importing people. This is a no brainer. Can we vote PAP for another term? Singaporeans might be a minority in the next 10 years. If all of us dont do something about it, you will definitely become a stranger in your home country. Urge all your friends and relatives to vote with a HEART and SOUL.
HDB can built more affordable housing without BTO and limit the price appreciation of HDB flats to no more than 2% a year. Thats means all transacted flat at the area e.g Toa Payoh for similar flat type is averaged out for the whole of last year and be used for the current year with a 2% cap max price appreciation. Therefore all similar flat type in that estate will not be able to sell higher than the max. allowed. HDB flats are not private residential should not be used as speculative/investment tool. It is public housing. One more thing, stop building DBSS and EXCONDO. HDB should focus on building affordable flats. Let the private developers go do their job, why must HDB also jumped in have a share of the pie?
Look closely at the younger generations of Singapore.
There are more and more Ah Beng with very poor command of English AND Chinese languages. Tatoos with all sorts of garbage on their body trying to be ‘cool’ but good luck when looking for employment or acceptance in this competitive society.
There are more and more Ah Lian who does nothing but trying to look pretty and cheapen themselves everywhere. With Miss Singapore saying things like Boomz and speak worse English than average Thai working girls. Many Singapore girls are nothing but bimbos, and turn into fat slags after married.
These are the crap that make up the majority of the population. Not to mention a big proportion who were raised by Phillipino maids (who are basically uneducated worker). Its as good as being raised by farmers in the jungle. Worse, these kids cannot even wipe their own ass themselves.
You can see alot of people scoring As in school but EQ=0 and cannot even do simple job in real life. That is why many employers rather employer Malaysians, who can work, than a local Singaproean. And the local Singaproean with a mouthful of Singlish things he/she is damn good in English (until they meet a native English speaker).
Very often I believe the down fall of the Singaporean locals are the result of the population who are past the 50s. These are the less educated lot and also stupid lot who allowed PAP to grow into a monster and raised a whole generation of weak and aimless lot. They raised their kids to think about money only and nothing about values. I have seen many mothers tell their daughters to ‘date as many as possible and choose the best’. The end result is the daughter screwed many men and ended up single still. If you do not believe me, check out those single women in their 40s.
Somehow, I have to concur with LKY the local Singaporeans should be replaced, reluctantly, but this is the truth. Singaporean work like shit, they blame everyone, but it is their brainless mentality that ended the whole nation in this state.
At least, I see many PRC are more enthusiastic in their work in the service sector. Local Singaproeans are like dead corpse who speaks with one word per sentence.
There is one very simple truth for Singaporeans. YOU ARE FIRED.
“This website is run by a bunch of ingrates! Why dont you consider all the positive things that the government has done for us? What if we end up like Malaysia? Will all of you be satisfied then?
No government is perfect, for Singapore to get to where it is, sacrifices have to be made. It’s the price we have to pay for what we have.”
ILOVEPAP!, what are you grateful about? Because we are not third world in economical sense?
I believe most have considered ‘all’ the positive things the ruling party have done, and perhaps you might like to wonder why many still want a change? Maybe because of their ability to see all the negative things that are being proposed, delivered and imposed?
I believe few are naive enough to think any government or policies are perfect. What is perfection anyway? What we all need to work towards is to be as ideal as possible CONSTANTLY in various circumstances in an ever changing world; Personally, socially and politically.
From your short post, it is obvious that you think the current ruling party is great. So let me ask you, even if the PAP is ‘perfect’ in your opinion, do you believe that ‘idiots’ in your eyes should have no voice? Do you believe that all these ingrates do not have a right to ask ‘ungrateful’ questions? I can understand your frustrations as a supporter of one party to read so many ‘ungrateful’ views, but I hope you also believe that all of us should have equal rights (to ask questions and make comments at least!) and that we have different aspirations and ideals.
Do you believe that we should just let the ruling party do whatever they like because you absolute trust that they are doing what is best for all of us? How do you think the ruling party can be cross check without representations from various oppossing parties with alternative views, ideas and suggestions? How do you think that is healthy?
Since you are clever enough to know that no government is perfect, and if I may assume that you have complete trust in our ruling party, you don’t think that poses a problem? You would prefer an unquestioned and complete self regulatory ruling system? How would that work? Unless you think you are not good enough to think for yourself and that it is more productive and better to let others do the thinking for you.
There are cultures out there where adult children allow their parents to choose their wives or husbands, their jobs, and dictate the way they should lead their lives. Because they believe that their parents know best. I personally am not a fan of that and have a strong suspicion that anyone who feels that is a fantastic system lacks confidence, maturity, security, self awareness and possesses simplistic cerebral activities.
I am confident to believe that most mature dissidents would not like to see any sweeping win for any oppositions where no other parties are represented because then we are back to square one.
There is much truth is a common quote – Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Do you not agree Miss/Mr ILOVE PAP! ?
a. I Love PAP – You seem to be the odd one out. Did you benefit from the PAP? Maybe you are one of monthly $3Million recipient masquerading as TR commentator.
b. LehmanBrothers – on points 20 -26, RL must have drawn his inspirations from the perspiration of Nelson Mandela.
c. Anon – on bringing back the jury and bring back the appeal to Privy Council, allow me quote you my 1967-hero, Lee Kuan Yew –
“I can only express the hope that faith in the judicial system will never be diminished, and I am sure it will not, so long as we allow a review of the judicial processes that takes place here in some other tribunal where obviously undue influence cannot be brought to bear. As long as governments are wise enough to leave alone the rights of appeal to some superior body outside Singapore, then there must be a higher degree of confidence in the integrity of our judicial process. This is most important. (Author’s underlining)” Lee Kuan Yew in Parliament, March 15, 1967.
LKY betrayed what he said to when the Privy Council overturned JBJ’s appeal in 1986. And this was the same Privy Council that LKY spoke about in 1967. MM Lee cuts the cloth to suit his needs.
d. As I see it, the PAP has at the most another 2 terms. Unless there is a change of hearts and MM and SM & DPM WKS stops propping up the LHL Government, more and more of the younger Singaporeans will desert the PAP.
The young Singaporeans want their space – their own homes, automobiles, freedom & choices and lastly careers free from competition with cheaper imports
e. The Government does not comprehend the term “Standard of Living”. Not so long ago SM Goh promised us a Swiss Stand before 2000.
The Standard of Living is often defined as the financial health of a population, as measured by the quantity of consumption by the members of that population. The measure most frequently used to estimate standard of living is gross national income per capita. Cheap labour is not synonymous with a high standard.
“Cheaper, faster and better” is not always the best – are you listening LSS?
Singaporeans have been for much too long deluding themselves they have a responsible, accountable and transparent govt. It is a myth – the reality is that it stinks from all quarters! If they really listened and not hear they would have made a big difference to many lives and Singaporeans would be proud of them as a government or what-have-u.
The undoing of Singaporeans is the fact that we are mired with a leadership that purports to be a democracy but in reality it is far from it. It is a pseudo-democracy and it is in actuality a dictatorship.
Also, the incumbent ruling party keep harping on this: that other models or so-called political models is unsuited for Singapore and it must be discouraged at any cost – is utter rubbish and crap! Beware, it is a ploy to stay in power and the rationalizations and arguments put forth is at best hollow and dubious. Citizens ought to be able to decide and it is thro wise voting. To be dictated to as to what is ‘good’ for the citizens is not being democratic but telling people that u are not wise, u are immature – ‘let me decide’. They have decided enough and ENOUGH IS ENOUGH lar.
Is not this being enslaved to a system (one-party state) that is choking us in many ways.
This bullshit about ‘Swiss standards’ or ‘good’ years – aiyoh, what an insult! Why is there no longer this mention of attaining Swiss standards. ‘It was talking cock’ during elections.
Frankly, today Singaporeans are in a relatively unfavorable state in many ways – eg, high cost of living has been oversold as high standard of livng, subsidized HDB flats though claimed to be offered at reasonable prices is in fact most likely untrue and no independent source(s) have yet verified or HDB has never till today released the actual costing or how they came about with this pricing.
One can add on – medical, transport – all one way traffice. Who are these people who sit in committees or bodies that make recommendations or … people who are yes-man/woman.
Why? Simply, one-party system is in the favour of the ruling party or govt. It is NEVER AND WILL NEVER be transparent or accoutable to the people(citizens).
Does Singapore ministries or govt depts have an OMBUDSMEN? Do we have checks n balances? Who is checking whom? Imagine an independent organisation or an oppostion party – it would make a BIG difference.
These are questions that Singaporeans need to seriously consdier when they vote and not be simply be swayed by short-term money handouts or rebates. All of us know , ti will eventaully be included (hidden) though in price escalation/increases in medical,tranport, …. add on
Also the FT policy is not in the favour of SIngaporeans but to the advantage of the govt. Do other countries allow foreigners to take up PR/citizenship so VERY easily and facilitate them and what is worse is that Singaporeans who were born here and in some ways directy/indirectly conytributed to the country have to COMPETE for jobs, schools and who knows what else is to come. Utter shame that it has come to this.
The benefit to the citizens is a mere trickle effect. It is more of a political tool to leverage (and benefit) during elections. Singaporeans have been sacrificed and are being used as pawns for political expediency.
By ignoring the realities we are unwittingly perpetuating’ tyranny’. The crime of ‘tyranny’ would persist as long as we are complicit and stay non-chalant to this charade.
Singaporeans, need to wake up and disallow these state of affairs to persist and seriously consider a two-party system or multi-party system.
Vote and vote for a CHANGE, BIG changes.
i feel tat 20-24 seems too much..
We have already tasted the dose of incompetent government under the leadership of MM’s son, with loses over billion of dollars in GIC and Temasek Holding and escalated cost of living with decreasing wage !!!
Those who still think that holding onto manufacturing base should be a priority, you do realize that you will be competing with China, the manufacturing powerhouse, that has labor prices an order of magnitude lower ?
The reason why SG, Taiwan, Germany etc are losing manufacturing: labor costs are simply too high when compared with alternatives. If you check SG’s history, SG was big on toy and textile industries, where are they now ? Yep, that’s right, they are gone. If you want manufacturing to stay be ready to accept $400/month wages then and don’t complain. That’s the global price for low qualified labor and no one will be paying more when it’s possible to get half a billion PRCs to work for same amount.
To LT1193 on Sun, 10th Jan 2010 10:12 pm
Hi, I’d just like to comment on what you said,
quote A: The opposition parties have yet to prove that they are as capable unquote and also
quote B If we abolish the ISA, where are we going to hold those terrorists unquote
Point 1 for your Quote A: I agree with you they are not that good as the ruling party. But what can you expect? It’s like your son, just graduate from Sec 4 or maybe university. How good is he? You cannot compare, he has not learn the lessons of life yet. He is still a child. He needs help to grow. Some people who don’t like him will make it hard for him. But that is life. So your son will struggle awhile. But if he is good, smart, he will learn to solve problems, with some help. Nobodoy knows for sure if he will make it but nothing venture nothing gained. The reason why it is so crucial to try NOW is because LKY has a high chance of demise between now and the next-next election 2016. So if that demise occurs, you are stuck with a disorientated possibly fractious one-party with no leadership. Make no mistake about it, when the glue that binds is gone, there will be a big confusion and the comfort and familiarity you have with the current regime will dissipate overnight, just like lehman bonds!! The chances of it happening in the next 5 years is very high.
So it is wise to open up the system to new blood new ideas new people (but choose wisely) who has potential. The current regime had already made so many boo boos, what can go worse if you allow in an intelligent oppposition member? ? Just open your eyes big big. If an opposition member is 70-80% ok, he is worth a try. No one is perfect. Of course if you look at the oppostion member and feels he is sloppy and below 50% level of acceptance, you could not possibly support him. But i have strong feeling that there are many reasonable people coming up this election season. One good thing the PAP has done, ironically, is that the many bad things they have done, has unwittingly raised awareness and caused more good people to rise to the occasion.
Quote B: Abolishing ISA. I agree with you that abolishing ISA completely may be undesirable. There are in between solutions. We could retain ISA for race-related issues and violence related issues whereby defendants are judged to be connected with any violence associated weapons or violence associated organised groups (Taleban, etc). But ISA cannot be applied to detain persons who oppose the government in a peaceful manner. We could institute a law, if ISA is to be applied it must be consensus opinion between ruling party and every single opposition party in Parliament. This will make it clear that it is really in the interest of security that ISA is applied and not for any other reasons. This way ISA will never be abused for the wrong reasons. People, citizens of the land should not live in a state of fear. It is ridiculous.
Finally, i like to suggest my favourite analogy. This is a true story. I like the Sony brand, my father had always tells me Sony is good, that was in the 1960’s, it has won my trust for many years. However lately i found that every Sony Ericsson handphone i buy has some tech problems after one year. this is a true story. I decided to try out LG. It’s not so bad after all. It’s just that i have been too sentimental about Sony and its great nice advertisements, and i havent had a chance to try LG.
zero
I was watching LKY’s 3 parts speech on CNA website (obviously given special place on the website, for so many months now), and let me say a few things…
1. He genuinely loves this country and consider everyone in it – HIS PEOPLE – the other group of people that i know that talks like that are pastors and priests – they passionately believe that they have CALLING FRM GOD, and that their congregation are their sheeps, they being the ordained shepherds.
2. He is not wrong about the immigrants factors – our grandfathers worked harder than our fathers and they work harder than us. Largely, they have to survive, there was no HDB, CPF and all that….granted…
With the influx of new migrants (esp. from China) – clearly the competition is here now, the Government will not shield its people anymore and with competition, you either do or die.
I suspect, they are taking a page from the HK government, which never really protected its people.
3. More than once, during the Q&A sessions – he said the students that asked him questions – “are you born and bred locally? your parents too? what about their parents?”
This to me – shows me that he knows about the impact of the influx of foreigners, it is deliberate, it was never discussed and yes, probably, they know the people are pissed off now.
Ironically, he asked because he cant be sure if the student is locally born and bred, he maybe talking to a migrant son….this I thought was amusing.
After these observations – I would like to clarify my stance with below 2 pts.
a. Living now in China / HK for more than 6 years now, if the PAP wants to be more like HK – they must realize 2 things
- despite the policy of not taking care of its people (in order to keep them hungry and cutting edge), HK govt is so worried about opening its doors to its motherland, even now, it is not easy to get a Resident Status in HK, from a Resident to Permanent Resident, this will take 7 years (even if you do US$1mil Investment immigration).
- The HK parliament (called Legco) – which proposes, debates and passes Laws, has a significant, vibrant and effective opposition.
My point is simple – if the PAP wants to learn or import some of its characteristics – then be clear about what it is now and how it all became like this…just becareful about what you wished for, you just might get it.
b. Unlike the Singapore government (also known as PAP, unfortunately) – the Legco as well as the Executive Branch (government) are for the people. At the very heart of it all, they clearly understand 2 things
- What they do, they do for the people of HK, not for China. I am clear that our Singapore government is more concerned about the survival of the Singapore, rather than the Singaporeans themselves…yes, the Born and Bred ones…
- Both the HK and Taiwan governments will only want to reap the benefits of the China Phenomenon, but not their problems that comes from their habits and culture. Translation – Foreign Investments and Foreign Talents are welcomed, other than that, please don’t bother.
We need a change of government.
This pap is concerned about their self interest only. It is never about everyone, it is always about them. They want to control everyone and safe guard their bloody high salary !!!
This Coming Election is the only option to free ourselves from suffering under such uncaring, irresponsible and selfish government.
The PAP NEED TO BE VOTED OUT !!!
“The opposition parties have yet to prove that they are as capable as the ruling party.”
Has not the opposition parties proven themselves in spite of the slew of policies against them? Where the opposition is right now is indeed a miracle itself! As I have mentioned before, the boxing fight has already been decided if you have the referee, judges and yes-men spectators supporting the incumbent. What is there to fight?
As an exmaple, Dr Chee can easily migrate to other countries and live well. I’m sure with his academic qualifications and credentials, he will be welcomed, and Singapore will be most happy to process his exit. One less pain to ‘fix’. Yet he is around. Have any of you read his books or articles? Go on, take a risk, read them. Then your eyes will be opened. I may not agree all that he had said, but majority makes so much sense, and so many questions niggling in my mind came to light.
Perhaps the PAP should really let Singaporeans have a good does of bad government so that they can have a landslide victory. Anyway, are not your ah-mahs and ah-peks like a maid in Singapore now? Working to clear rubbish at hawker centres, picking up cans and cardboards? How many are struggling to even find a proper job to feed themselves properly? Does this not sound like a bad government?
Think again, readers. If a party has been so good like what it had claimed, why does it have to worry about the elections and use fear-mongering tactics to drive its support?
All in all, I still want PAP to form the government. But I do not want them to have >60% of the the seats.
Kaffein
“Singaporeans, I ask and urge you search your innermost conscience and heart of hearts…”
Precisely, that’s why we can’t vote in the oppositions.
It is easier to handle the PAP than those crooks.
Any shallow monkey here dare to challenge me on this opinion?
Dear Sir
The PAP has definitely done a very very very credible job as far as I am concerned. I for one am grateful. But no matter how grateful I am – I bear two facts in mind. (1) as civil servants they had received their due compensations both in terms of substantial salaries and almost guaranteed appointments after their active services are over (2) they have the opportunity to serve and had received the due recognition in their time.There is always a balance somewhere for every issue.
The KEY word is balance. Balance implies imperfection – which is true of everything in this world. Much truer where humans are concerned.
It becomes a REAL concern when a Party becomes so entrenched that it discourages openly any voices of dissenting opinions. This is not how a civilized society can progress. Do we want to revert to the time when the RULERS rule over their SUBJECTs on the premise that the rulers knows better than the ruled?
In a democracy, real ultimate power must reside in the People. The People are always the citizens. When the ruling Party becomes intolerant of dissenting voices, it risks stoking the fears of the electorate that the Power it elected had taken things for granted.
27. Abolish National Service. Employ a full-time armed forces.
Pay people properly for a proud career defending their nation.
Enough compulsory slavery.
The wave of optimism is heartening.
However i do caution that the older generation not on the internet might not be privy to all these points. Remember the MSM is still the main source of information/ misinformation.
It’s important that we spread the message to older folks, parents, grand parents, aunites, uncles, otherwise we’ll still see a 2/3 majority in the next 5 elections.
Great Asia on Mon, 11th Jan 2010 11:02 am wrote:
“Precisely, that’s why we can’t vote in the oppositions. It is easier to handle the PAP than those crooks. Any shallow monkey here dare to challenge me on this opinion?”
I hereby challenge you to your opinion. Let’s start with our moniker names. I have my email and blog to state my real person. Do you?
For the subject, let’s start with just with being an opposition member:
- What prompted you to justify calling the opposition ‘crooks’?
- Did they steal your monies, or enslave your wives and daughters to be maids?
Put facts into where your words are to call them ‘crooks’. In other words, don’t pull words out from your ass.
Now answer these questions:
- Did not Singaporeans vote PAP into government when it was just an opposition party then? So are you saying PAP is a crook too?
- Pray tell me, did PAP had a concrete manifesto as to how they were going to address the issues at hand from the begining? Gawd one must be naive to think so.
- Wasn’t it on the job training, and dealing with issues as they arose? Did you ever think PAP was then capable to handle these issues? Wasn’t it the PAP and the _PEOPLE_ of Singapore who strived hard through the years to bring Singapore where it is today? Let’s give credit where credit is due.
Kaffein
Never in the history of Singapore so many Ministers caught off-guard on policy decision and implementation IN SUCH A SHORT SPAN OF TIME.
IT IS EVIDENCE OF CRISIS MANAGEMENT AND FAILURES IN CRISIS MANAGEMENT.
To deny the exposure of truth – RESORT TO ABSOLUTE OPPRESSION. One-man illegal assembly, criticising the Government is offence at law. security camera at HLP, intimidating Bejamin Bland, Mr. Brown and making a clown out of a teenager in Alex Tan etc etc.
FOR ALL ITS PROVEN INCOMPETENCE OF GOVERNANCE, they demand aN OBEYING mandate from voters without any hint of inward reflection of their own inadequacies but brainwashing of those remaining faithful.
I say, get rid of them – WITHOU any further consideration needed.
Why waste energy to give them a thought??
We are all waiting for election to vote the MIW out . They have done badly for the past 4 years loosing BILLIONS . Voting them out is not an option anymore.
Kaffein on Mon, 11th Jan 2010 12:08 pm PEOPLE_ of Singapore who strived hard through the years to bring Singapore where it is today? Let’s give credit where credit is due.
Well said and well done!
Just to add in: At least the opposition do not spend their time thinking of fixing opponents!
I am in my late fifties and a hardcore ANTI PAP……their demise
is overdue. We must start to drum up the anti PAP war and get rid of this tyrant regime and their cronies in the next election.The foreign infestation of Singapore is a clear indication that this dictatorial regime
plan to phase us true bread Singapore out for his own self interest to continue to manipulate and control Spore. VOTE OUT THE PAPAYA JERKS!!!!!
Great Asia – Your assumption that the opposition are crooks is very wrong. If you look into most regimes, it is the incumbent that are the crooks and that is why they most often get voted out. I agree with Kaffein. PAP once long ago was the opposition.
The reason why we are having this debate about bringing in an opposition is because the PAP and LKY have failed us – and failed us miserably. If they had been sincerely and had morality, they would not have left Singapore in the lurch without a credible opposition.
We now have to start somewhere and anyway. I think Singaporeans must send the PAP an clear and unmistakable signal this election that we intend to change and that they have better to listen to us. We own the country.
We can actually compare this to Japan before the war. The average Japanese is peace-loving but the country was hijacked by a band of militarist bent on war and against the world. In Singapore we have a band called the PAP bent on making Singapore theirs and they have hijacked us. It is this simple. And we want what is ours back – no doubt about this!
IF we sit down and think for a while,we would be truly astounded by the amounts of taxpayers’ monies squandered that could have been assigned for better use like jobs creation for our citizens.
never before in the history of singapore have so few squnadered away so many billions in so short a time
and they themselves are paid millions for “kicking citizens”
out of jobs be replacing them with ‘cheaper faster’ foreigners.
we better get in “BETTER MPs” than what we have now as the majority.
vote wisely.
All I need is just check and balances.. Without 2/3 majority in parliament, it will be extremely difficult for the ruling party to abuse its power.
I want the people I voted in to serve the people, and not treat us as lesser mortals..
I want to be in control of my retirement, and don’t need a compulsory cpf-life.. For those who think it is a great plan, then by all means opt-in instead of compulsory. We need to be able to choose.
I am seeing quite a bit similarity with Shanghai and Singapore.
But there are differences too.
Since i am oustation in Shanghai, i cant help but asking the local ‘Shanghaiese’ about their goverment and lifestyle.
To be shanghai residence, you either have to be borned or registered after a period of years. (so i would assume these are locals).
But like most of the big cities in China, its influx of immigrants are huge!. Prices of the accomodation are sky rocketing at the moment and continue to do so. Living standard up, and in most part wages remain pretty much the same. (notice the similarity??? oh yeah)
however, there’s a starck differences between us and them.
In Shanghai, certain property are only available to the locals, special benefits in terms of health care, educations and also in property buying as well.
So, no matter how much FT are streaming in (honestly you cannot stop even if they want to) the locals are still better off.
Look at ourselves, what happened?
Personal thoughts are leaders have to be trained. Voting the PAP out may not be the answer to the current problem. What we need is a better leader who will lead us to a better future. Our opposition have not proved themselves that they are able leaders of a country. But what they need is a chance to prove that they are able leaders of a country.
What we need are choices.. Stronger choices… Not another government that may end up being the same one as now.
I dont quite agree with the title of this article.
Dont we already have an incompetent govt?
When a another party comes into power, they will do exactly the same things that we accuse the PAP of doing, pay themselves millions of dollars, appoint all their supporters, friends and relatives to positions of authority in all the government linked organizations. They will treat the billions in TH and GIC as they own money and do what they want with no accountability. They will retain the ISA to clamp down any opposition.
Why should they do anything different? These are the spoils of political war. LEE KUAN YEW has to take responsibility for this because in the 50 years when he was in power, he never built any process for the orderly transition of power. All the institutions in Singapore, the different branches of government, legislative, executive and administrative have all be subjugated to the ruling party.
He has so cleverly created a situation where we have no choice but to elect him and his descendants to rule over us forever and ever. Anybody in their right mind should migrate or face being like the aborigines in Australia or the Red Indians in the United States.
What is sorely lacking in the present govt is transparency, accoutablity and most of all the checks and balances put in by the govt is ridiculous.
To elaborate further is unnecessary.
With an opposition party – transparency, accountability and checks and balances can be a reality.
Now it is an illusion.
Inherently any country in the world with a one-party system will find ways and means to avoid independent or … to check on them or make them accountable.
IT is stupid to assume that here in this country there is transparency, accoutablity and so on so forth.
Disallow the current party a two-third majority and one would see changes. Vote wisely and vote intelligently.
Otherwise, it is the same old crap and rubbish talk.
The panic button have been pressed by MIW . This site needs to be much more stable in order to compete and serve the citizen during now and election period . The MIW is all out to whack all opposition sites . Talk to IT people to avoid being attack by DDOS or any other methods . We need you badly so please do not be down at the critical period .
KennaSai,
“We now have to start somewhere and anyway.”
Anyway? The future of Singapore is about ‘anyway’?
Still meaningful for me to debate with you?
KennaSai,
“We now have to start somewhere and anyway.”
Ha ha ha!
Indeed! Indeed!
Anyway?
The future of this country is about ‘anyway’?
Is this the way you want to start the debate?
The day more marriages break because of the Chinese female PRC in singapore, then probably the citizens will realise. On second thought, don’t even know whether they will realise.
Great Asia
In 1965, Singapore was booted out of Malaysia. No one thought it would survive. There were massive social problems. Unemployment was at 10-12% with a largely unskilled population, most not having a primary or secondary education. There was also a huge shortage of housing. We stated here – our SOMEWHERE !!!!
Goh Keng Swee set up the EDB and embarked on an industrial program. Lim Kim San stepped up the HDB housing building scheme and when the British announced their pullout from Singapore, we set up the Singapore Armed Forces. I believe GKS was our first Defence Minister.
Today we have a fairly educated younger and qualified population (most secondary and many with tertiary education). We are global player in many fields –telecommunication, aviation, international sea port, education and training, medical, legal and arbitration, etc. We host research institutes and strategic think tanks.
Singapore has talents. And our talents shy away from a public life and many migrate. Why? Ask the PAP….but they will not give the truths. The PAP assumes they have the mandate to rule Singapore – exclusively and forever. They detained and bankrupt politicians they view as a threat to them.
I have no doubt that the PAP have at the maximum 2 more electoral terms – 10 years. By then LKY would be 97. Can he hold on to the reins of power by then? The young generation has nothing to be thankful to him and the PAP for. They are mobile and they have their aspirations. And I am not talking about the Ah Bengs and the Ah Sengs.
We have to start somewhere. Our young leaders have to learn just like the PAP in 1965. I do not believe that we will fail. Any self respecting Singaporean will agree on this point. We start here – our ANYWHERE !!!
Great Asia – if you’re PAP or YPAP you’ve been brainwashed. Open your eyes to Hong Kong and Taiwan. Do they let migrant Chinamen in ??? And I’m not talking of Nigerians and Indians or Nepalis. Does Taiwan and HK allow cheap labour to cloud their vision?
PAP IS INCOMPETENT period.
a good start to a list that i have not seen in totality. the PAP has bullied many generations of Singaporeans into apathy and fear. what’s people’s greatest fear if they oppose? that they are sued till bankrupt and banished forever.
how will any government embark on continuous improvement if there are no oppostion to question and put in place checks and balances? our government has a real difficulty in accepting criticisms or feedback of ANY kind. extremely defensive and many a times, arrogant and condescending in their response. its always like – you do not know any better, so shut up.
and singaporeans obediently shuts up. and forgets.
with education, comes knowledge. with knowledge, comes emancipation and the freedom of choice. we must know better and exercise our right and ability to choose for the future!
This is the Wikipedia on Chee Soon Juan:
“Chee was a lecturer in neuropsychology at the National University of Singapore when he joined the SDP in 1992. The first election Chee contested was the 1992 Marine Parade by-election when his team won 24.5% of the votes. In 1993, a few months after Chee joined the SDP, the university audited a $27,000 research grant given to Chee, terminated his employment for the alleged misappropriation of $226 and sued him for defamation when Chee contested the allegations. Chee later staged a hunger strike in response.”
CSJ had a $27K grant. If he was crooked, he would have made off with more. He was “fixed”. Why take only $226.00?
CSJ as far as I am concerned would make a good MP – courageous and unafraid. He has sacrificed a lot. His family as well. The PAP has tried to make him look tainted but I think Singaporeans must look at what the PAP has done to Tang, Seow, Drs. Lim & Poh, etc. Are these guys crooks and charlatans?
But CSJ should not get into anymore unnecessary scraps like that with CST. He should also refrain for bring on any more suits to himself and the party.
CST and LTK should bow to a coalition of opposition parties and go into the next elections united. Only this way can we all hope to achieve what we hope for.
The next elected govt should abolish the President’s post as it is ridiculous to pay that kind of salary for a figure head to grace charity events or jaga the treasury keys without even know what he is actually guarding !
They should state that the PM’s wife should not be engaged in any conflict of interest position which the Prime Minister is overseeing.
And they should make it a condition that any PM’s children or relatives should not be appointed as the next Prime Minister to avoid any nepotism allegations.
To ILOVEPAP,
The country is not built by PAP alone. Good policies is a key enabler, but on itself is not sufficient in building a nation. Singapore’s progress is also built on the sacrifices of our parents and grandparents, who:
a) gave up their home to make way for factories and office space
b) gave up their old livelihood (farming, fishing) and work studiously in the new swanky factories in Jurong
c) gave up their farms to allow HDB flats
d) gave up their freedom to serve NS (for the males only)
Just because the media did not mention these sacrifices, does not mean that our parents and grandparents did not shed blood and tears in building what Singapore is today.
Opposition parties die die will get 30% votes in any constituency.
As long as 10 to 20% of Singaporeans “swing” to vote for them, CHANGE is very much possible.
CHANGE is COMING.
Don’t change for the sake of change.
BUT, any political power which stays in power for too long has got to be questioned. The PAP has done some good but personally, with the current culture of Singapore, I don’t think we would excel in the future.
Of course, as a well-informed Singaporean, I can named at least 50 injustices and hypocritical actions and policies of the current Government.
It is ABSOLUTE rubbish to think that without PAP, we would become like Malaysia. Different culture.
In the end, any kind of government would mean the diminishing of our rights. If only we have the right NOT to vote. Let’s just hope Singapore doesnt go the way Germany went.
Adolf was elected legally and democratically.
PAP has become complacent for staying in power for too long. It has taken the citizen for granted and ready to sacrifice them to produce good GDP figure. But they have forgotten to treat the citizens with respect e.g. are the citizens consulted when they mass import the foreigners that affects the life of everyone living here ? If you want the government to treat you with respect, stop voting for them !
Richard,
I want to congratulate you on your well-written article. Your action points are exactly what Singapore needs. I can only hope that Singaporeans wake up and remove the Lee Family and the PAP car they drive at the next election.
Yes vote out PAP. But if all the said points were implemented, and all bad hats weeded out, will immunity be granted to those who one way or another,who were implicated to “illegal dealings”, “conflict of interest” etc? Too many skeletons in the closet that some already overspilt in the open.
Yes this change of political scenerio will come about in time. However, it is not a stone’s throw away. Guess Singaporeans will have to wait for deliverance for a little while more.
The change can and will only come about after the passing of this old “gentleman” (with his ungentlemanly ways of doing things) and after his son has either stepped down or voted out of politics (by the electorate, the latter of which is quite unlikely). Only after the slate of the empire syndrome is wiped clean and an independent guy (not in the fold of the previous GCK but truly independent guy) sits on the prime ministerial seat can such a change come about. Otherwise, if it is come about sooner it must be an “inside” job, i.e. a “coup” of some sort by current leaders waiting in line for the hot seat (which is very unlikely).
Hopefully when a completely Lee family free leader comes along he would not be another empire builder just like LKY. That would indeed be a sad day for us if we can’t get rid of this empire mindset.
I was once told that every government is corrupt.
But so is every single human being.
Just happens that I still believe our government is the least corrupt.
And our country is the least corruptible. That’s why I’m staying.
Not that I condone it but it’s my pragmatic view of the way of life here.
To The Horse’s Mouth:
Our government the least corrupt ????? They force tax payers to pay them million dollars in salary + special bonuses + pension etc. compared to Obama who is only paid a fraction of our PM’s obscene pay !! In short, PAP legalised corruption in Singapore !!!!
Please Wake Up !
The Horse’s Mouth / AlexTNT
Yes wake up. Are you PAP or YPAP? If so, you have been corrupted.
Give the thieves enough, the will not steal. No need.
Give the Ministers enough, the will not corrupt.
The PAP Ministers lack morality. Their salaries are shameful. Poor Singaporeans are in the meantime suffering to support them.
Actually when one thinks about it, while Singapore’s government is competent, Singaporeans are experiencing incompetent governance.
We created the Malay underclass by importing cheap foreign labor and call them ‘ foreign talents’.
Today, the cleaning profession has been taken over by banglas and chinese nationals. The government says “Singaporeans don’t want to do low pay job.” This is a myth : 10 years ago, a cleaner’s pay was $800 a month. Today, their pay is only $600 a month ! How can good government create poverty for its low income citizens by making them poorer ?
I asked many jobless low education folks if they are willing to be cleaners at $900. Plenty of takers !
But the Banglas and Chinese workers are willing to accept as low as $450 a month for the same job, and they work 16 hrs to get $900.
Can good government expect our our citizens to work 16 hrs a day?
The results is broken family and low self-esteem parents can led to very dangerous consequences like the death of children like recently seen in dysfunctional family.
We always hear government tell us Singaporeans are not good enough and they keep on glamorizing “FOREIGN TALENTS”.
What puzzles me is who they are governing for?
Government seems to look down on Singaporeans while appreciating foreigners to no end.
Whenever Singaporeans suggest some ideas to improve the country, we are also asked don’t we appreciate everything else? Government always avoid the topic by answering out of point.
Singapore scores very high on economic progress but is one of the lowest score in ‘voice of people’. Result is our pocket are full but our soul are empty.
When Singaporeans cannot contribute to their own country positively, we feel alienated from the government. This high-handed and condescending approach by PAP makes Singaporeans apathetic and selfish. We feel shit when we cannot help our country improve. We want to migrate, we want to speak up and we want to complain.
This is a failure of PAP. They think we are stupid children and they are so wise. Singapore can be so much better if Singaporeans are allowed to participate in improving the country, in decision making and in patriotism.
How I wish they are not afraid to listen and to trust own people.
Today, there is on;y one message from the PAP:
” You are vulnerable, you are not good enough, you have no resources… but luckily, you have good government!”
Creating this dependency mentality is going to make us a very weak country.
lauherow ,
if you want to praise the gahmen, go to them and praise to them, may be you will get a pretty post from them.
by who? any monkey?
Very well written article! I wish the opposition will have such vision!
dream what, most will not even have the chance to vote.
That will be achieving our own Swiss Standard.