废除不平等和无法执行的条例 This is my letter to ZaoBao Forum.废除不平等和无法执行的条例我读宏茂桥-杨厝港市镇理事会于2008年8月19日《联合早报交流站》对于宏茂桥“红格”收费的回复，我总觉得宏茂桥-杨厝港市镇理事会并没有勇气去尝试为这明显不合理的收费与其它有关条例给于一合理的解释。第一，用“大多数的市镇会也这样做”来为自己的无理收费辩护是非常可笑的。这有如一个无理取闹、不负责任的司机为自己鲁莽驾驶，在转弯时不出示讯号灯时所用的辩词一样，很多人都如此，所以他也可理直气壮的这样驾驶！第二，这收费的不合理之处是显而易见的。店主为了配合建屋局的“翻新”，须为建设这户外走廊付出一定限额的钱。在寻求店主赞成付这笔钱时，市镇会都会巧言令色的对店主说，建成后店主便可利用此空间来摆放货物，但并没有申明这是必须受费的！如果当初市镇会讲明是须收费的话，我想许多店主也许会多加三思到底要不要付这笔钱，而且还要忍受生意受影响的痛苦。再说，为何只跟在市中心有红格子的店主收钱而不跟邻里的店主收钱呢？第三，这好比叫人自己付钱建个小亭，然后市镇会便在小亭内用红漆画个格子，就对付钱建亭子的人说，“好了，你们要用这亭子就得付钱！”这合理吗？也许市镇会的确对许多店主的不满根本不了解，但以我在宏茂桥中心经商十多年的接触，这的确是许多店主敢怒不敢言的心里状态。我相信这问题不只限于宏茂桥-杨厝港市镇理事会，而其它依样画葫芦的市镇理事会也一样对这种不合理的条例所引起的不满视若无睹。第四，我们姑且不对这十五元一方尺“店外”的收费的合理性做出任何质疑，市镇会不只是以似是而非的理由收取不合理的收费，它又对店主定下无理的规定。店外摆放的货物必须跟店内一样。言下之意，就是店主不能把店外分租给其它人或行业。这规定简直是只许州官放火，不许百姓点灯吗！市镇理事会可以把店外租给出钱建设的店主，但店主就不可以把他们出钱建设的店外走廊分租给别人！其实这种种不合理的条例，只有向来逆来顺受的新加坡人才会默默的忍受。但我希望身为一个自称世界第一级的政府和官爷们，不要以为我们都是是非不分。我相信许多市镇理事会里的基层员工都意识到这一切的无理条例都不应该有的，甚至到执行这一些条例时，他们都是开只眼闭只眼的。譬如，如果真的要严厉实行店主不能在店外摆放与店内不一样的货品的话，我保守的估计是，单单在宏茂桥中心，八成的店主必定会收到罚单！上千人的生计将受影响。店主必定会提高店内主要租户的租金而到最后，商家们一定会把这租金转嫁给普罗大众！据我所知，在宏茂桥中心许多租户是以分租店外的红格子才能承担高租金而继续营业的。还好有市镇理事会基层职员的通融，才“拯救”了许许多多人的生计和生意！也避免了物价再一次的上升。也许坐在冷气办公室里的高官们都以为他们所设订的条例是多么好，但我想要不是这一些基层员工的通情达理，我想民怨必定四起！这令我想起也是宏茂桥集选区议员李显龙总理刚在国庆群众大会宣布“为了与时并进”而“放宽”网际网络的政治条例的约束。与其说是“放宽”倒不如说是废除那一些无理、无法有效执行的条例！这才是明智之举。同样的，如果市镇理事会能真正的为广大的商家着想，在这高通货膨胀的环境里，除了只会呼吁商家不要起价、工人不要“过高”的加薪要求外，何不顺民意，废除这一些不合理、事实上不易执行的诸多条例？吴明盛 NSP - INTERESTING BUT WITHOUT SUFFICIENT IMPACT NSP Press Release:INTERESTING BUT WITHOUT SUFFICIENT IMPACT The Prime Minister’s National Day speech was generally interesting in terms of linguistic versatility and showmanship. It however lacked sufficient impact as many of its measures were deemed to be short, despite the lengthy 3.5 hours delivery.POLITICAL LANDSCAPEFew people are surprised at the Government’s lackluster efforts to “liberalize” the political landscape, considering its paranoiac obsession towards power consolidation over the years. The nominal gestures in softening media controls and confining outdoor demonstrations to the Speakers’ Corner, are rather insignificant responses to international pressure for Singapore to reveal its true posture in the arena of democracy. Those superficial measures are grossly insufficient in meeting the needs of an expanding, politically conscious and active citizenry. The Government could be more proactive by expanding the platform for greater public participation in politics and parliamentary elections. A genuine attempt to liberalize should include the easing of cumbersome election procedures, reverting mega-sized GRCs to their original size of three, introducing proportional representation, and refraining from any eleventh-hour “stick & carrot” inducements. Here lies the toughest challenge for the PAP … to be truthful to itself.PARENTHOOD PERKSPM Lee exhorts the people to look beyond complaints and see the bigger picture. But the bigger picture also comprises of high inflation and job insecurity made worse by intense competition from locally based foreigners. The average, middle-class family would take a rational, double look and flinch away from the risk of a 21-year responsibility of raising a child in the light of such uncertainties. The change in lifestyle of the now generation, coupled with social pressure and the usual marital stress, would render the latest tranche of goodies with only limited appeal. Thus, the Government should have tackled the “bigger picture” first.LIVING STANDARDSInstead of wringing blames on “external factors” the Government is expected to well manage the steep rise in inflationary rates -– a job for which it has, for long, been very well paid. Instead of pointing at “uncontrollable factors”, it could reduce and not increase the GST rates, ERP rates & gantries, and public transport fares. In fact, the inflation rate started to climb along with the increment of the GST rate from 5% to 7%. The PAP Government had, in many ways, helped to initiate the inflationary price hikes; it therefore cannot be free from blame!SOCIAL GRACEThe decades-old Courtesy Campaign has never been successful. So has the annual ritual by the Government to inspire grace as a way of life. Its consistent emphasis on materialism, elitism and officiousness effectively cancels any budding effort toward graciousness. The Executive and the Judiciary – in effect, the entire Establishment -– are always so full of pride and prejudice. Compassion seems to be a galactic term. The recent STTA power-hungry fiasco easily brings one to mind the ease of corruptability of naked power. Ego and materialism have now dug deep as a full-bred culture. Perhaps, the PAP Government could conduct a little introspection on itself first, before its next pronouncement on the need for social grace. Nevertheless, we do sincerely applaud the Prime Minister for his continuing efforts to bring about improvements. We also hope that all these improvements would ultimately be for the betterment of our little red dot of an island. Majulah Singapura !! Ken SunSecretary-GeneralNATIONAL SOLIDARITY PARTY A "Tribute" to Ah Hua This is from a Chinese forum, not written by me. 眼高手低也称才，若不集选难上台；初掌乒总担大任，鲁莽轻率一起来。三把火、谁能挨，老旧茅坑今日拆；可怜银牌刚到手，过桥抽板老臣哀。Another one:名扬天下有奇招，茅坑臭屎出英豪；哗众取宠等闲事，捅破蜂窝也糟糕。重组织、再应聘，越描越黑何唠叨；冷言冷语尖似箭，难堪气焰遇寒潮。 忆父亲 父亲，天堂的日子还好过吗？我想您应该过得很不错，因为您这一年来都没有对我们要求过什么。我们都还过得去，只不过母亲偶尔也会思念您而不禁独自流泪。但是您也不用挂心，我们都把母亲照顾得很好。想起去年的今天，我们八个兄弟姐妹面对您突然的逝世时的错愕，我也不尽悲从心涌。虽然您没有留下任何遗言，但我打从心里知道，您最牵挂的是母亲，一个与您同甘共苦六十载的老伴。虽然姐姐和哥哥们起初都有点担心母亲留守在您临别的病床会受不了您的最后挥别，我还是忍着悲痛坚持母亲一定要留下看您最后一面。我不想你们彼此在阴阳相隔的那一刹那，留下任何终身的遗憾。母亲也必须彻底的亲眼目睹您的离去，才能在往后接受这个事实，放下您的离去。在您的丧礼，我代表全家上下为您念吊文，我相信您也一定听到了。我之所以这样肯定您一定去了天堂，理由的确很简单：在您的一生中，以您最平凡的方法，刻苦耐劳，任劳任怨的工作，省吃俭用的生活，养育了我们八个兄弟姐妹。虽然没有所谓的丰功伟绩，但也没偷没抢没诈。一生人中就算是别人欺瞒了您，您也能放得下。就算是别人犯了错误，用车撞到您的车时，您也能以微笑的原谅对之。您给于我们八兄弟姐妹的养育之恩,已经足够让您到天堂了。其实要到天堂并不是一件那么难的事，您说是吗？您走了以后，店里还不时有老顾客问起您。他们怀念的是您那和蔼可亲的笑容，当他们知道您的离去时，都觉得非常惋惜。我这时才从他们身上了解，原来您人缘是多么的好! 豁然回首,您已经在我背后默默地支持我创业十多年了，也默默的支持我参与对抗霸权政府好几年。其实不说您也许不知，您一直以来，都是我政治教育的引导者！虽然您从不愿提起以前参与统一阵线的政治活动的详情，但您在我很小的时候便引导我每日读报纸，关心时事，不时为各种政策给于评论。这一切都深深地影响了我对社会、政治、教育问题、经济和铁腕政权的关注。我的成长，有您的脚印。我的政治认知，有您的思维。您对社会正义、道义的坚持，对政治迫害的愤慨，对华校、华文教育和南洋大学的遭遇的惋惜，对民主政治的执著等等，都深深影响了我，塑造了我的政治道德价值观。我无能在您有生之年，给您看到任何政治奋斗的成果，是我这一生的遗憾。父亲，回想起来，您对我一生的影响，是非常大的。您的正直是我的榜样。您对贫弱的慷慨慈悲，也是我的榜样。您经常的打抱不平，也是我的榜样。您的诚实与诚恳更是我敬佩学习的榜样。您那嫉恶如仇的勇气，也是我学习的榜样。我相信您在这短短几十年里，默默看着我从事社会公益到政治斗争，从中也看到您自己的缩影吧！虽然我很想在这一世了生死，不想再轮回无数，但我还是在想万一我不能断缺轮回，下一世有缘的话，我们一定会再见面的。父亲，今天是您逝世一周年的忌日。我没为您在报上刊登任何启示，因我想这应该是我们对您私底下对您思念的时候。对一个影响我一生一世的父亲，我的确是无法以佛之教诲，放下思念和悲伤。子 明盛 Impersonation - Highest form of Flattery? Lately I have found out some interesting happenings going on in the internet. I have been impersonated in the new sammyboy forum and facebook!I have written in to Sam Leong (host of the Sammyboy forum) to "reclaim" back my moniker there but for the Facebook, it seems that I could not get this impersonator removed. Although I have my own account in Facebook but I am afraid that many people will be confused by who is who in that networking portal. The impersonator has used my public photo put up on NSP website and my real name in facebook. However, apparently, it did not attract any friends because all my friends know my REAL facebook account. I am a bit upset until a friend told me, "Impersonation is the highest form of flattery"! Sometimes I really wonder, do I really deserve such flattery from my political opponents and detractors? I am really amused after hearing that from my friend. I guess I would have to live with it for the time being as this is just typical Singapore. Sad to say, we are still politically immature as a Nation. Our PAP government could just self pro-claim "World Class" but the very fact is that we have a F9 for political development. Well, readers could just check my earlier postings which were bombarded with all sorts of spam insults by my political opponents, detractors and agents. It is not after I declare that I will just leave them as it is for the WHOLE WORLD to read and understand how politics actually work in this politically backward country, the spamming just stopped. Coincidence? Now the agents have changed tactic. They have started smear campaign on the net by setting up blogs to throw insults on their political opponents. Then, they try to impersonate their opponents! But they do not understand that if they keep doing such things, they are actually telling the world that these people (well, I am really flattered to be included!) are "dangerous" or "threatening" enough to them, their position, so much so that they will use all dirty means to try and destroy them! That's a bit too much credits put on my shoulders, I guess.Frankly speaking, I am just a nobody. Its just that I happen to run as a candidate in the most hotly contested wards in Aljunied GRC along with my ex-comrades Sylvia Lim back in 2006, that's about it. Well, maybe this blog of mine has raised some very critical questions on PAP's governance from time to time, but if all these are just rubbish to be brushed aside, so let it be! I do not think what I have raised here is critical enough to topple the PAP government. Its just simply a VOICE that I have amplified from the people that I see, meet and listen to. But I would say all these CHILDISH acts by my opponents are just a reflection of the political reality in Singapore: backward and undeveloped. Its just shame that modern, high tech society with world class infrastructures are inhabited by such political goons. Sometimes, I don't really know whether to laugh or cry about these goons. Goh Meng Seng A Nation without Empathy & Identity? Way back in 2004, I have written an article in some forums with regards to National identity, entitled "Singapore without Singaporeans". I was addressing the eroding identity due to the aggressive FT policy that the PAP government has put in place.Four years have passed and it seems that the situation has worsen. I was watching the opening ceremony of Beijing Olympics yesterday with some friends. Obviously we are anxious to view our Singapore contingent to march pass. After waiting for quite a long while, we finally saw the Singapore contingent marching out of the gateway.What disappointed us was that the flag bearer does not show any enthusiasm at all. Our National flag was nearly touching the ground while the Singapore contingent marched pass the stadium. In great contrast, a few countries' flag bearer that come right after Singapore were waving their flags high up enthusiastically. My friend then commented, "Well, what to do? We have a FT flag bearer that does not really understand Singapore National pride and patriotism."I was quite shocked by his comment but suddenly I realized, we have come so far with this liberal FT policy. Just the other day, I met some youngsters making sarcastic remarks about FT whom they regard as cheap labour substitutes robbing them of their employment opportunities. And the conclusion is pretty standard nowadays, they would just plan to emigrate out of this country.There is actually another dimension to this problem. It seems that the current policies put up by the PAP government amidst the high inflationary pressures have caused a wide spread of anger among the young and old. And this has translated into a lost of confidence in this land of taking care of their welfare. Typical Singaporeans have become disillusioned and helpless altogether, so much so that many of them are planning for their exits from this country. This is especially so for those who have worked overseas and experienced first hand, the vast difference in governance and policy directions of other places. Many of these Singapore born citizens have decided not to return to this land altogether. The harsh reality is strongly reflected by PAP government's unwillingness in dealing with the inflation taking a hit at our citizens. A typical comparison is made between Hong Kong and Singapore. Hong Kong government has waived diesel tax & foreign maid levy, withdrew their intention of imposing value added tax (GST), increased welfare spending, provide almost full subsidies for kindergarten education ....etc... making all efforts to help its residents to combat inflation. In contrast, our PAP government has refused to waive diesel tax but instead, increase GST, increase ERPs and the number of gantries even go to the extend of trying to curb wage increases! Any rational human being would come to this simple conclusion that the Hong Kong government is truly a CARING government that will help its residents to combat inflation. Hong Kong government has more empathy than PAP government, understanding the need to stop implementing policies that will add burden to its residents amidst high inflation.The liberal FT policy to import cheap foreign labour substitutes just add to the squeeze on Singaporeans. While Singaporeans are generally obedient lot but such stress created by PAP government will have to have a let out. In the end, all anger has been redirected at our foreign labour becaues it is not a norm for Singaporeans to vent frustration or even criticize the PAP government openly. PAP government's lack of empathy on its citizens will only create a situation whereby citizens will ultimately ask this simple question, what is there for a citizen in this country? No welfare, CPF locked and policies change numerous times to delay the citizens of cashing out from their CPF, only liabilities as a citizens, especially if you are male that required to do NS and yearly reservists, social contracts being modified as and when to the fancy of the PAP government, citizens will always be the FIRST to made the sacrificial lambs for any economic trouble but the last to enjoy the fruits of economic well being..... The erosion of our National Identity is now hasten by PAP government's lack of empathy towards our citizens. It is no longer just about the liberal FT policy anymore. In time to come, we will see more and more hardworking, talented Singaporeans emigrating elsewhere and abandon what they used to call home. When I watch Mr. Wong Kan Seng reading out the National Day message today, it suddenly strikes me that the PAP government has really buried themselves in cold logic and rationality when they try to justify their ill concieved policies as "necessity". They have forgotten the most fundamental "necessity" of the citizens in spite of repeatingly mentioning of building a home of prosperity and happiness for us. The necessity to reduce the cost of living and stress of keeping up with higher indirect taxes imposed by the PAP government. How could we possibly live in prosperity and happiness when we are asked not to increase our wages and yet, need to cope with increased cost due to policies made by the PAP? I feel sorry for Singaporeans at large, really, to have given such a cold, heartless political party a blank cheque during last elections. I do not expect Singaporeans to revolt or even carry out peaceful demonstrations or labour strikes just like Hong Kongers. We are afterall, taught to respect authority right from young. But one thing for sure, many of us will keep asking ourselves that question, "What is there for us as Singaporeans?" until we lose faith and identity as one. In the years to come, we may just witness more Singaporeans surrendering their citizenship of their birth place, surrendering to PAP's cold logic and total lack of empathy. We are definitely having a Singapore without Singaporeans in the making, all thanks to PAP.I do not know whether to wish my fellow Singaporeans a Happy National Day or not because apparently we are not so happy after all these years. But I do hope my fellow Singaporeans could reflect on the happenings, largely due to PAP's policies, in these few years and start asking themselves, whether we should allow PAP to carry on their present path of ultra-capitalism in policy making? Walking out of Singapore is definitely an easier choice than fighting the whole PAP machinery. I have been through the process of fighting against PAP machinery and I understand how difficult it is. In fact, before I decided to take the plunge into opposition politics back in 2001, I have made two considerations: it is either I quit Singapore for the sake of my next generation or that I stay back to fight and try to change the system here. I have taken the second path with a caveat set. I guess every Singaporeans with good social consciousness should start making the same consideration, before it is just too late to effect any change under PAP's tightening of monopoly rule. If they choose to leave this country, I wish them all the best. If they choose to stay back and fight, I will have full respect to them. But if they choose to stay put and do nothing to effect a change to the course of this country, then I would say, Singapore will be in deep trouble. Apathy is not a choice of survival but a destiny of total destruction.To end, I just have to say, good luck to Singapore. We really need more luck than PAP's ill conceived policies.Goh Meng Seng NSP National Day Message National Day Message 2008Dear fellow Singaporeans,Happy National Day. . . but are there good reasons to celebrate?Inflation is at an all time high. Consumer prices are soaring, fuel oil is at record prices, and the value of our money is also getting smaller. So, is there any good cause to celebrate?More ERP gantries are being installed, for longer hours, and some at higher prices too. Night ERP is here to stay. Even though our night-time drive home does not affect economic productivity, they are still up. These will directly affect our time spent with our families. The Government wants us to take more public transport like buses and MRT. Yet, the Public Transport Council has given its green light for both the SMRT and Comfort-Delgro to ask for another guaranteed 3% fare hike -- to enable them to maintain their profit margin, in the light of soaring business costs.When the workers asked for a corresponding pay rise to cope with the higher cost of living, Finance Minister Tharman responded that it will cause another round of inflation. It is indeed a surprise that our workers have such powers to cause Inflation, but not our Ministers. Do you know that our PAP Ministers would soon be enjoying another round of confirmed wage hike of up to 21. 64% at the end of 2008. This hike was approved in Parliament last year.Our President, MM, SM and PM will each earn around $3.76 million per annum, after this wage hike. Now, if those scary wages are not inflationary, how can our workers’request for a pay-rise be inflationary?When increasing the GST to 7% last year, the Government, estimated that it would suffer a $700,000 deficit with the GST-offset package. But by the end of 2007, it reported a budget surplus of $6.45 billion instead. The Government had once again extracted too much more money from the people, than was required to run this country.Except for some PAP elites, life is getting tougher for everyone in Singapore. Middle-income Singaporeans have been hit hard, and are badly squeezed by the Government’s policies. Are you one of them? If so, what are you going to do about it? We cannot remain indifferent and pretend that nothing can be done.On this occasion of our 43rd National Day, may we wish you a happy holiday. We would also urge you to think and reflect on how we (together) can work to lobby the PAP Government to squeeze less and do more for the people of Singapore.Please email us at nsp-cec@yahoogroups.com> to express your views, concerns, ideas and suggestions on how we can compete with the PAP more effectively. When there is greater political competition, there will be a greater desire to serve you – the people of Singapore -- better.Once again, Happy National Day.Sebastain Teo Kway HuangPresident国 庆 献 词尊敬的新加坡国民国庆日快乐！ 。。。但我们真有好理由来庆祝吗？ 通货暴胀,百物价格持续上涨,燃油价格迭创新高,咱们的钞票也变得愈来愈薄。在这样的处境下，我们还真有好理由来庆祝？ 政府增设更多的公路电子收费闸门，延长了收费时段和调高过路收费。即使晚间国人开车回家并不影响经济成长，却得照样支付夜间实施的公路电子收费。避之则直接影响了我们和家人团聚的时间。政府要国人多用公共交通工具（如巴士和地铁），然而，公共交通理事会却允许SMRT(新捷运公司)和Comfort-Delgro (康福德高)提出调高车资3％的申请，以确保它们在经营成本不断上升时还能保持其高盈利率。 可是，当一般员工要求加薪以应付更高的生活费时，我们的财政部长尚达曼先生却回应说它将引起另一波的通货膨胀。这可真令人感到惊讶！我们的一般员工竟然具备这种足以引发通膨的威力，而并不是部长们。您知道吗？我们的PAP部长们将在今年末获得另一轮的加薪，幅度高达21.64%。这项加薪方案是在去年由国会批准的。我们的总统，内阁资政，国务资政和总理在加薪后的年收入每位将高达376万新元。试问：如果这不是引起通货膨胀的薪金增长，难道会是一般员工的加薪要求所导致的？ 去年，当政府将消费税调高到7％时，政府预估在实施抵消消费税的配套后，财政将需承担70万元的预算赤字。然而，在2007年末，政府却公布了64.5亿元的财政盈余。政府再次征收了过剩的税收来管理这个国家。 除了PAP的精英，每个新加坡人的生活都过得愈来愈艰苦。中等收入的新加坡人因政府所推行的政策而陷入困境。您是其中一个吗？如果是，您该如何应对？我们不应对此漠不关心和装作无奈的样子。 在这个国庆日里，让我祝愿大家假日快乐！我也要借此吁请大家思考并反馈如何齐心合力去劝说政府，希望它不但能减少对国民生活上的压迫，还能致力于为新加坡人谋创更多的福祉。 如何更有效的为广大民众向政府力争更好的利益和服务是我党的首要课题。希望您能提供宝贵的意见和建议，将它发到我们的电子邮箱：nsp-cec@yahoogroups.com 谢谢。 再次的祝贺大家：国庆日快乐 ! 张培源　谨上国民团结党主席2008年8月9日 Is PAP government FOR the People? I am terribly shocked by PAP's inconsistency in its economic policy; or rather, the consistency in its approach to take care of the rich, powerful elites and capitalists rather than the people at large. Let us examine the strategic economic thinking of the PAP government so far:1) GST is indisputable a regressive tax and in Singapore's context, PAP government has increased GST from 3% to 5% and 7% while it reduces personal income taxes for those companies and rich tax paying residents. The timing of the increase of GST from 5% to 7% is very bad as it coincides with a rapid increase of oil prices as well as food prices. When critics are questioning about PAP's untimely increment of GST, they defended it just like a matter of fact. 2) When the people on the street are suffering from high inflation and requested PAP government to do something about it, PAP government has just brush it off by simply saying, " Its market froces". However, if PAP really believes in "market forces", then they should let the market determine the prices of petrol and diesel, without imposing hefty taxes on them. While places like Hong Kong has started to waive diesel tax to reduce fuel-induced inflation to all products and services, PAP has refused to do so. 3) However, when it comes to wages, PAP does not see it as inappropriate to intervene to suppress wages by making remarks like "pay rise will increase inflation"! When PAP critics are pressuring them to do something about the high inflation, they brush it off by saying the inflation is "imported" and they could hardly do anything to it (in fact, there are things they could do like waiving diesel tax). But when it comes to bargaining for wage increase for workers so that they could cope with rising cost of living, they turn around and say this will be a source of inflation! 4) Ironically, PAP ministers themselves have just increased their own pay by double digits but now, they see it inappropriate for workers to have their pay increase! 5) While the PAP government puts the responsibility of worsening the inflation on workers, they have never said anything about those landlords who are increasing commercial rentals in leaps and bounds! In fact, commercial rentals are one of the main source of inflation as their increases are llike minister's pay, double digits growth! Have PAP shown any concern about the run away commercial rental as the source of inflationary pressure? The PAP government has every means to control sky rocket rental as many of its GLCs are key landlords in Singapore. 6) Again, PAP government is more concerned about whether public transport companies can be profitable or not by allowing fare increases in spite of record profits for these companies partly due to past fare increases, rather than considering such fare increase could be a source of inflationary pressures! 7) To add salt to injury, while they view higher wages as a source of inflation, they refuse to see that the latest introduction of MORE ERPs and rise in ERP charges will worsen the inflation to the middle class! 8) All in all, it is really shocking to see how PAP government talk from one end of the logic to the other end of ill logic which contradicts themselves. It is really simple to conclude that the PAP government is least concerned about the impact of high inflation on the middle lower class workers at all. They are more concerned about their own GLCs, namely the public transport companies, commercial landlords and their own pay rather than the people's hardship amidst the high inflation pressure.9) Any suggestion to them to reduce inflationary pressure that will result in the government or its GLCs making less money, all has been brushed off as "against market principles". But when we ask them to remove those taxes and fiscal distortions due to government policies, they would give ridiculous explainations like "reducing petrol/diesel tax" will make prices HIGHER! I guess PAP could come up with their own Economic Theory to substantiate such ridiculous views! 10) The only plausible options for the PAP government is to make workers the sacrificial lambs to fight high inflation. This is basically because by suppressing wages for the workers, it cost them nothing but benefits their GLCs! 11) This is the STINGY GOVERNMENT that refuses to reduce petrol/diesel tax, refuse to reduce GST, refuse to intervene in rental hikes within its power, refuse to curb public transport fare increase in view of record profits by these companies, refuse to hold back ERP increases, refuse to reduce but instead increasing their own pay while asking SINGAPOREANS to make sacrifices to curb inflationary pressure!This is a government that totally lacks empathy of the workers in facing high inflationary pressure. This is a government that is only concerned about their own pay, their GLCs and capitalists interests. This is a government that will not make any sacrifices for the people by reducing taxes that added to the inflationary pressure. This is the government that would be very quick to ask the people to make sacrifices to curb inflation while they either do not want to do anything themselves or that they continue to add on to the inflationary pressure! And it is really ironic when we see the enormous amount of money in tens of billions of dollars being utilized by the PAP government investment arms to rescue other countries' banks and suffering billions of dollars of losses, very little has been spent on the priorities to help Singaporeans to fight inflationary pressures! In terms of healthcare, PAP government has announced the deferment of the hospital construction in the west in view of the high cost of construction. My question is, while it is ok for the government to suffer huge losses in trying to be the messiah of western banks, why would the healthcare priority of Singaporeans be compromised? I was told that the healthcare cost is rising in government polyclinics and hospitals to an unbelievable level. One of my friend has found out that making an appointment to government polyclinics, waiting for months to do a ear wax cleaning is actually more expensive than doing it in a private clinic! And while the PAP government see wage increase for the people is a source of inflation, it did not see that by imposing means testing for healthcare would actually create a big inflationary pressure on the people's essential healthcare needs! Is this a government FOR the people? I really doubt so. I hope Singaporeans, via this very experience of hardship partly imposed by the PAP government policy directions, would see clearly that this PAP government has totally lost touch with the people. If Singapore is to continue to be ruled by these elites who hardly empathize with Singaporeans at large, we will be walking down the slippery road of extreme capitalism. This would mean that the middle class squeeze will worsen and the income disparity will be widen. Most of us will become just a digit slave to the whole elitist system. Is this what you want for your children? I don't. Goh Meng Seng Unprofessional distasteful "News Reporting" of Family Tragedy I was quite shock and sadden by what happen to my comrade Mr. Tan Lead Shake's family last Saturday. Me deepest condolences and sympathy to him and his family. What outrage me was the way PAP government controlled mass media's lack of ethic in reporting this incident. They lack empathy and human decency in the way they take pot shots at Lead Shake and his father. Maybe they feel that its a "Golden Opportunity" to FIX OPPOSITION again amidst the personal family tragedy of an Opposition figure. I feel distasteful and disgust at the way they try the very best of putting the WORST possible light on Lead Shake. My comrade Law Sin Ling feels the same and has a very well written article on how the reporters slanted the news. I shall not go further to burst my anger on them but would prefer to reproduce Sin Ling's article here:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Sg_Review/message/4770Singapore Press - Rushing To Infernal Self-CondemnationFrom: Law Sin Ling29 June 2008Singapore Press - Rushing To Infernal Self-CondemnationSg_ReviewIt was not pleasant news for Sunday, or any day. A life was lost through yet-to-be-determined circumstance. Murder was insinuated by the newspaper. The reporter was not obliged to sanctify the incident. He opted instead to let loose a devilish instinct from a more primordial period of human civilisation. He opted to bestialise his upbringing.Browse the literature freely (reproduced below) and one will inevitably experience an uneasy sense of literate discontinuity, like a crudely constructed out-of-place road-hump on the evenly-tarred surface of the information expressway, or a pernicious chasm in the civil humanity continuum.Consider the indisputable factual morsels:(a) The stabbing did not concern Mr. Tan Lead Shake in the first person. He was neither the proven culprit nor the victim.(b) His shod preference for slipper was of no concern to the case even by the wildest imagination.(c) His defeats and that of his father in past General Elections were of no relation to the case.(d) No photograph of a single adult member of the affected family was featured, with the exception of that of Tan's in an impassive pose. Has he been adjudged guilty by association? Did the paper commit prejudgement?So who is Tan Lead Shake? And why did the paper see it appropriate to print his derogatory nickname ("Slipper Man") on the front page in a font size readable from 5 metres away? Why did the paper judge it sensible to devote 78 words and 3 paragraphs of readers' precious weekend emphasising his status as an Opposition politician who had a history of losing in national elections? And mocking his retired father for similar failures was supposed to be the paper's idea of relevant reporting and (cut the crap already) building a cohesive nation?Be under no fairy-tale illusion. This is Singapore, a supposedly first-world democratic country where members of the Opposition are casually labelled, under the bestowed blessing from the ruling PAP government, such spectral descriptions as bicycle-thief, riff-raff, psychopath, and snake oil peddler; Verbal abuses one would not catch the PAP stalwarts shrugging off without launching into threats of lawsuits for libel against anyone who absent-mindedly tosses one in their direction.The reporter, Aw Cheng Wei, is sans aucun doute guilty of making a despicable bias swipe at an Opposition politician during the latter's moment of grief and emotional turmoil over a veritable domestic (read - Private) tragedy, guilty of an abominable absent of professional ethics, and guilty of a display of stupid and shameful anti-social disposition to diminish the values of another (especially when the subject is down) for the devious sake of fulfilling the haughtier need to satisfy and appease an esteem, be it that of his or that of his powerful protagonists.And such was his haste to accomplish his pestiferous mission that he committed the most heinous sin of his profession - Getting a fundamental fact hopelessly wrong; Tan Lead Shake is NOT a member of the Singapore Democratic Alliance as the reporter had claimed he was.It remains to be determined which of Aw's peers, sharing his malevolent tendency, would rush to brazenly betray their thicket of putrid inner value. And it will be of immense interest to observe which other institutions (notably government agencies) would trade in their decency under the demands of a higher order.If the same standard of journalistic sludge was applied to the stricken missus of Minister Mentor Lee (the chief of the PAP) dying under public resources from brain haemorrhage, readers would have been abundantly served sordid stories from Mrs. Lee's family and the sparks of all their domestic contentions. But alas, the Fourth Estate is all too mindful of the source of their patronage.Singapore's national papers have undoubtedly descended into the moral realm of no-return in the course of near 50-years of strong-arm rule of the PAP government, whose obsession with subjugating free speech had effectively peeled away any last meaningful modicum of self-restraint and dignity within the mass media.(Mr) Law Sin LingThe offensive news report from the repulsive instrument of depraved moral is reproduced below. Get a copy of the paper and study the method of journalistic madness.Sunday Times, June 29, 2008 Brother of 'Slipper Man' fatally stabbedSibling of opposition politician attacked in his home; woman arrestedBy Aw Cheng WeiAn early morning family drama in Paya Lebar yesterday left an opposition politician's younger brother dead and his sister-in-law critically injured.Police later arrested a 26-year-old China-born woman in connection with the case.Mr Tan Lead Sane, 34, the younger brother of Singapore Democratic Alliance member Tan Lead Shake, died from multiple stab wounds.The victim's China-born wife suffered neck injuries and was still in the intensive care unit of the Tan Tock Seng Hospital yesterday evening.Mr Tan Lead Shake, 39, was given the moniker the 'Slipper Man' after he showed up on Nomination Day at the 1997 General Election wearing slippers. He contested the ward of Kampong Glam but lost.In the 2001 General Election, he contested again, this time in Ayer Rajah, and also lost.He is the son of opposition politician Tan Soo Phuan, 72, the former chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party, who also contested several general elections and lost.Police said that, at about 6am yesterday, they received a call from a member of Mr Tan's family asking for help.They arrived at the double-storey bungalow in Paya Lebar Crescent to find Mr Tan Lead Sane lying unconscious on the floor of a bedroom. He was wearing only a pair of shorts and had stab wounds.Mr Tan and his wife, who was also injured, were taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. He was pronounced dead at 7am.According to several neighbours, at least 10 people were known to be living in the house: Mr Tan Lead Shake, his 26-year-old China-born wife, his mother, two of his brothers, his younger brother's China-born wife and four children. Mr Tan Soo Phuan had apparently retired to China a couple of years ago.One of their neighbours, a 23-year-old freelance writer who saw the couple being carried away on stretchers, said: 'I heard a commotion at about 5.30am. It was hard to tell if the people who quarrelled were male or female.'His bedroom faces the front porch of the Tans' residence.The neighbour added that he often heard the sound of quarrelling from the house and thus did not find the morning spat that unusual.But he remembered hearing a voice calling, in Mandarin, for the other family members to remain calm. When he looked out of his bedroom window, he saw bloodstains on the Tans' front porch, which was lit.The bloodstains formed a trail at least 3m long. Police said that a bloodstained knife was found within the compound of the house.A maid, whose kitchen faces the rear of the house, said she saw a woman running away from the house via a back lane.The police went round the neighbourhood later to ask if residents had seen a slim-built woman with shoulder-length black hair.One of the neighbours told The Sunday Times that the police also showed them a photocopied identification card belonging to the woman, who was from China and is now a Singapore permanent resident.Mr Tan Lead Shake was seen coming out of the house and leaving with the police at 12.30pm. He declined to talk to reporters.He came back with a child in hand about 15 minutes later. The wails of a child asking for his mother in Mandarin were heard from the house five minutes later.Members of the family later took turns to leave the house and were ferried away by a waiting car.Police said that the 26-year-old woman was arrested in Victoria Street at about 4pm yesterday. One Death Too Many On 12 June, I went to my Army Unit HQ to receive my letter of congratulations for my promotion to Captain. On the way to the HQ, over the radio news, Mindef has announced to impose "time-off" for strenuous exercises for the reason that two NS soldiers have died within a week. My heart sunken then.It was supposed to be a small happy event at HQ but it turned out that our Commander has to give a short, painful speech on how the two incidents occur and all efforts have been made to save their lives but failed. I was thinking on my way back about the whole incident and what my Commander has said, "One Death Too many..". As my promotion now will put on me greater responsibility with more soldiers under my charge and command, I begin to worry: If anything like this happen to my men under my charge, what will I do? I believe no commanders will want anything bad to happen to their men. Its not just about taking the formal responsibility over our men within the framework of the Army, but also the personal responsibility to the men's family members; spouses, children, parents....etc.In any ICT training or military exercises, we are always taking calculated risks in one way or another. But at the end of the day, we all hope that we could finish the necessary training with all our men back in one piece. Any Death or serious injury, is really too many for us. But there are times when we are pushed to the limits during training and we really wonder whether our men could possibly take it or not. All we hope is that our men's physical, mental and medical conditions could possibly withstand the fatigue that are imposed by the training. This is especially a big challenge to us when we are leading a group of men which may have some aged 35 years old and above. To cut down the risk of casualty due to medical problems, the only feasible way is to have due diligence in our military medical screening for all soldiers. The question of whether our military medical screening should provide heart screening for possible heart problems was being raised in the past few days. This is in direct response over the possibility of cardiac arrest being the cause of the two deaths we have seen for the past week. One of the consideration of whether we should have heart screening in our military medical centers is COST. It is said that such test would cost as much as $500 per test. If we are talking about 15,000 intake of NS men per year, it may just cost $7.5 million. But this is assuming that the Army did not have its own facilities to do such tests. The defence budget each year is about $8B to $9B per year, I believe that $7.5million per year is money well spent for Singapore as a whole. One Death is One too many.We have always been told that Singapore is very poor in natural resources and we depend very much on human resources as survival. To have casualties during any peace time army training would mean a great loss to our nation as world. If such loss could be further minimize by investing in equipments that could spot medical conditions that could pose danger to lives, I think it is totally worth the money spent. We owe it to our people for our defence as well as economic growth. It is about time to re-consider the needs of spending more money to safe guard the welfare of our people, especially when life and death is concerned. It is totally unfair to put the burden of heart screening prior to enrollment into the Army on the citizens themselves. They have already made the sacrifices of their 2 years of youth and many years thereafter in terms of reservist training in contributing to the defence of our nation. It is only right for the Nation to take care of them and to provide them with adequate preventive medical screening in return. One Death is really One too Many. Goh Meng Seng 平反六四---一个爱国运动的悲哀 平反六四---一个爱国运动的悲哀今天是1989年6月四号中国共产党镇压爱国运动的19年纪念日。身为一个在为新加坡民主发展而奋斗的我，我感触良深。19年前的那一夜，我也只不过是一个正在准备高中大考的学生。看着电视屏幕前的一幕幕的中国学生露宿天安门抗议着官僚腐败，要求民主改革的激情画面，使我的心也跟着荡漾。经过了一夜的恶梦，从多个管道传来的消息竟然是流血的悲哀。接下来的几天里，面对着断断续续传来的中共屠杀恶行的消息，我都寝食难安。一张张传来的镇压照片，人与坦克车对立的画面，都带来了人神共愤的悲伤。原以为是非黑白非常分明的爱国与叛国，竟然被扭曲得颠倒不仁。一个单纯的爱国运动，竟然被说成叛国行为！我心想，这世界到底是什么样的颠倒是非之地？从那刻起，我就明白了政治的残酷与现实。多年后，我们竟然从我们的开国元老李光耀先生口里说出，如果在新加坡发生同样的事件时，他也会毫不犹豫的发号命令，对“滋事”民众开枪！对于当政者来说，死那么几千人而带来“社会稳定”，是“值得”的！这是多么令人震惊的自招啊！从那时起，我也明白了给与独裁政权全面控制整个政局就会带来什么样的后果！人心思反，必有其因果。但对独裁者来说，他们自我陶醉在自以为是精英的梦幻里，对于“臣民”所呈现出来的集体意愿，更是不以为然。当人民为了爱国而对这一些自以为是的执政精英提出抗诉时，这就被定位为“叛国”！权力就是这样腐蚀着独裁者的心灵。稍微有良知的政治家，如果胆敢站出来以认同执政的偏差，就会被打入十八层地狱！邓小平的功过，我不敢断定。但是从六四事件看来，我对他自始至终坚持用铁手腕对待自己同胞很不以为然。当共产党为了对付日本人的入侵，打起“中国人不打中国人”的旗号，很多当时的社会精英都认同。但是在1989年的六四事件中，中国共产党竟然用无情的真枪实弹对付手无寸铁的学生！在现今科技非凡的社会里，根本就没有必要用如此卑劣、原始和粗暴的手段来对付手无寸铁的民众。如今镇暴配备的先进，是可以减少人命伤亡的。如果有任何人，任何自以为是精英的当权者认为他们能为暴力武装镇压手无寸铁的民众作出任何理直气壮的辩护的话，那么他们只是在展现丧心病狂的病态！邓小平经历了政治斗争的三起三落，我想他心中应该最明白为了爱国情节说真话而被人诬陷的滋味是如何的委屈。我一直以为像他这样一个经历过文革批斗的政治家，应该理解到任何暴力斗争都是没必要的。就因为那些学生要求民主改革而触动了中共的终极权力的根本而就引起杀念，这是自私的观念。学生看到了因权力独裁所带来的执政腐败而要求民主改革，这是很自然的事。这不是为反中共而制定的论点，而是为中国长期发展所设想的政治方案。没有全面制衡的独裁政治体系，必定会产生执政腐败和偏差。就有如邓小平为中国长期发展而坚持经济改革方案一样，这一些学生都是为中国长远发展设想。邓小平不顾犯上对共产政治理念颠覆的罪名而有他自身的坚持，这一些学生何尝不是不顾犯上对中共全面独裁的颠覆而有他们的坚持？唯一不同的是，邓小平没有为他的坚持失去了性命，而有许许多多的六四民运分子为了他们单纯的民主理念而丧命了！我支持平反六四最直接的原因是，六四民运分子是爱国分子，而非叛国分子。六四民运分子洒的血是为中国长期稳定发展而牺牲的，而不是为己私而为。民主应该是任何国家长期稳定发展所追求的政治制度。没有人能不被权力腐蚀心灵。只有建立真正民主监督体系才能保障执政者能在为公为私中保持平衡点。也许六四民运是太前卫了，在当时的大环境里，中国根本没有发展民主机制的契机，但是如果要硬把爱国理想分子打成叛国贼，那是如何都说不过去的。在我们为19年前为六四而牺牲的民众而哀悼的时刻，在我们为六四民运声求平反的时刻，我内心也为新加坡民主发展进程有所深思。如果我们能以和平演进的方式追求民主的建设，那何尝不是一件好事？但我们也一定要时时刻刻关注，我们是否给执政的行动党太大的权力，使他们自以为高人一等？权力的垄断和无限膨胀会使人有不可一世的态度而丧失人性和理智。其实要避免另一个类似六四民运的惨剧的发生，最好的方法就是防止独裁政权的产生。六四民运是一重要的例子，缅甸暴力镇压和尚和民运分子又是另外一个例子。历史已正在不断对我们印证出这简单的道理，我们必须认真的对待这历史给于我们的警惕。吴明盛 CORE VALUES - Political Parties. I have been dragging my feet to write about this article about CORE VALUES ever since I have attended an Army Logistics course last year. Finally, the recent saga of my ex-WP comrade Yaw Shin Leong voting PAP instead of SDP in GE 2006 has prompted me again to contemplate about this critical issue.Many people in internet forums and blogs have their say about this saga, mostly unfavorable about Yaw's vote for PAP in his constituency. Personally, I respect each individual's vote. Politicians must be first a citizen then a politician. And each citizen's vote should be sacred and kept secret. Unfortunately, in spite of kind advices, Yaw has chosen to declare his vote to various people and even through his blog. This is a grave mistake to start with. But my assessment is that the damage is not as big as some would think. The fact that SPH's Chinese papers have not publicized and politicized this issue so far, demonstrates that there is a concern from the establishment that the silent majority of Chinese voters may not think badly of Yaw's choice of vote. The truth is, the Chinese papers have been portraying SDP in very bad light and it would only serve WP or Yaw's position if they publicize about Yaw's vote against SDP in the last elections.Having said that, I do not think it is wise for Yaw to tell anyone of his vote, neither do I think it is necessary to ask for Yaw's blood, like resignation from WP or opposition politics altogether. This is just a lack of strong CORE VALUES on both sides, Yaw and his critics who are asking for his blood.CORE VALUES are shared values for a movement, organization or institution. CORE VALES are the guiding light and principles for the members of such platforms to carry out their individual's duties. For example, Disney may just have a simple CORE VALUE of "Bringing happiness to mankind" and this will translate to each and every decisions made by the management leaders as well as actions or duties carried out by its employees. The overall impact is an atmosphere of joy for its services. In terms of political CORE VALUES for any front line political workers, we yearn to build a multi-party political system in which proper checks and balances are installed. This, I believe, is our common CORE VALUES. At different stages of political development, different priorities and considerations should be made accordingly. At this stage of political development for Singapore, it is about breaking the PAP's monopoly of power. Thus the strong responses from many hardcore Anti-PAP and Opposition supporters are expected. To them, it is not about candidates that matters; some even declare that even if it is an insect, they will still vote for opposition. It is about lowering PAP's votes so to send a strong signal to them. However, ironically, for this group of voters who will even vote for an insect rather than PAP, they are the ones that are asking for Yaw's resignation. Their frustration over Yaw's choice of vote is understandable. But is Yaw really worse than an insect? I am afraid not. Then why are they calling for his blood? Yaw might have made a serious mistake in terms of inconsistency with the common CORE VALUES but I do not have any single doubt of his sincerity in working towards the common goal of multi-party parliamentary system. If Yaw's critics would rather not vote for Yaw if Yaw continues to work in opposition politics and contests in their wards, then I would say that they are also having the same voting consideration like Yaw, so why would they asking for Yaw's blood now?The main problem with many young political activists in this era is that they have weak understanding of what their CORE VALUES imply. Or rather, they do not really understand about the CORE VALUES of the whole political movement at all. This is a result of a lack of proper political education process within the organizations (i.e. political parties) that they are working in. Most of the programs carried out by opposition parties are basically more functional in nature. Like how to run election campaign, sell party newspapers, carrying out Non-Violence ACtions etc. What is lacking is the molding of political ideology and direction. If you ask any opposition party members what their party ideology stands for, most likely they will give you a blank. Same applies to PAP too. As for why Yaw has acted in such a way is probably due to the conflicting values he has in mind: Pro-Singapore vs Political Pluralism. Pro-Singapore requires him to vote "responsibly" but Political Pluralism would require him to cut down PAP's votes of mandate. But if one views that cutting down PAP's monopoly of power (i.e. depriving them two third majority for a start) would be good for Singapore in the long run, then such conflicting dilemma would not even exist. My strongest criticism of Yaw's reasoning lies in his stand that even if his very own comrades stand in his ward, he would also make the same consideration: candidate vs candidate. This is really a no brainer to me. For example, during last election, IF I have to apply his standards of consideration in AMK GRC, how could I ever vote for him, even as comrade? Comparing him to Mr. Lee HL? I simply voted for him and his team basically because we are standing on the same platform, share the same aspiration, CORE VALUES, direction and beliefs. IT IS NEVER ABOUT CANDIDATES, so to speak. As long as opposition parties could come up with decent candidates better than insects, then the consideration is about how to break down PAP's monopoly of power. If I ever have second doubts about my own comrades as candidates, I would not even stand as a candidate myself. This is simple political logic. In fact, during GE 2006 campaign, PAP has tried to use the same logic by comparing candidates in Aljunied GRC one to one: Sylvia Lim to George Yeo, Tan Wui Hua to Lim Hwee Hwa, James Gomez to Cythia Phua, me to Yeo Guat Kwang, Rahizan to Zainul. If voters really take the bait in making such comparisons, I seriously doubt that we would cross the 40% mark. Ironically, Yaw in his confusion of priority of CORE VALUES, has chosen to vote according to PAP's advocated logic. Yaw's reasoning is more damaging than his vote. What went wrong? Its about the STRENGTH of CORE VALUES and POLITICAL IDEOLOGY.Political ideology may sound "outdated" to many in this globalized world but it is still a necessity for any political party to function coherently, just like Disney or any other organizations, via their decision making process as well as members' training. The recent Malaysian Elections is a good illustration of how a strong CORE VALUES work for the benefits of the opposition parties there. The common shared CORE VALUES is about anti-corruption and moving towards depriving BN the two third majority to curb its abuse of powers. Almost every party workers of the opposition parties know exactly what they are fighting for. A coherent force with a shared common CORE VALUES will help to spread the CORE MESSAGES of the campaign more effectively. There is much work to be done to enhance the scope and depth of this common CORE VALUES of political activism in the days to come up to the next elections. Else, we may just face confusion of priorities and CORE VALUES again in future elections.Goh Meng Seng 蔡玉萍：爱国与民族主义 一线之差 蔡玉萍：爱国与民族主义 一线之差 2008年5月13日【明报专讯】海外中国留学生最近因奥运而激起的热情和反CNN、反家乐福、反对藏独行动，是爱国行为还是民族主义的体现？中国官方固然将之定性为爱国行为，但爱国与民族主义只是一线之差。爱国与否固然值得讨论。因为我们要问爱的对象是什么，是中国政府？是中国共产党？是中国文化？还是在同一片土地上生活的社群？我们是否只爱有相同文化的汉人，还是亦爱其他少数族裔，例如西藏人？我们亦要问，用怎样的方式去爱？支持，是否就一定是爱国的体现；批评，是否就一定是不爱国？六四天安门的学生对中国政府大力批评，他们比起今天高举五星红旗，甚至以暴力“保护圣火”，支持中国奥运的海外留学生，谁更爱国？五四运动时对中国封建父权文化大力鞭挞的知识分子比起今天互联网上和官场上声声为中国五千年文化感到骄傲的人，谁又更爱国？以《丑陋中国人》一书批评国人陋习的已故作家柏杨是否就不爱国？民族主义比爱国更复杂民族主义比爱国更复杂。民族主义，根据Ernest Gellner(1997)是“以文化大同为社群组织根基的政治原则”(Nationalism is a political principle which maintains that similarity of culture is the basic social bond)。这里牵涉的是一个当代人类社会的重要组织——国家作为一个垄断政治和军事权力的实体，和她相关的主权和疆界问题，极端民族主义者相信只有与其具有同一文化承传的人才有合法性(legitimacy)成为其国家(nation-state)的成员，并且每一个国家公民都必须具有同一文化承传。民族主义者不但为国家的疆界划上界线；他们亦坚持只有具有同一文化承传的人才可成为他们国家的合法领导人。民族主义是排他性的，虽然其关注点是国民和国家领导者的文化同质性(homogeneity)，但因现代社会很少国家只包含同一文化承传的国民，因此民族主义者的议题就变成要将文化异己从国家疆界和权力中排出，否定外人过问国家的统治。虽然始于对自身文化的拥抱和认同，但民族主义的核心议题是经济资源和政治权力分配。民族主义是特定政治和社会制度的产品。欧洲在19世纪起开始饱受民族主义的困扰，德意志的极端民族主义情绪最终导致对犹太人的种族清洗(ethnic cleansing)。民族主义情绪很多时是由于不同文化社群间的经济资源和政治权力分配不均所致，例如在一个国家人数较少的少数族群却比主要民族控制更多的经济资源和政治权力(我想汉人在西藏的经济和政治垄断是激发藏独支持者的民族主义情绪的原因之一)。在其他时候，民族主义是受外国压力所激发，19世纪的中国民族主义情绪就是对西方帝国和殖民主义的一种反抗。今天中国愤青的民族主义情绪是因为他们认为西方传媒和政府对中国存在偏见和偏袒西藏所引起。民族主义情绪一旦被点燃后果堪虞统治者可能视民族主义情绪为一团结人民和动员群众的上佳工具，但虽知民族主义的核心理念──相同文化承传是统治合法性的唯一原则，在现代文化多元的社会是不能实践的。要满足这个原则，就需要是一个民族，一个国家(one nation, one state)。人类历史告诉我们，民族主义情绪一旦被点燃，后果堪虞。如果受西方传媒和政府而激起的中国民族主义情绪把矛头指向中国境内的藏人和其他少数族裔(包括外籍人士)，我相信这也是中国政府和社会所不愿见到的。民族主义是感性、激情和浪漫的，是建基于对特定社区和文化的认同上的。遗憾的是，在社区文化的认同过程中，在寻根，在界定“我们”是谁的同时，我们亦同时在界定“他者”和排斥被界定为“他者”的人。因此，民族主义和在二次世界大战后，国际社会所强调的理性、平等和包容等普世人道价值有明显张力，甚至是相违背的。在一个民族主义的视角下，一个公民的经济、政治和社会权利取决于其文化根源(cultural roots)和对领导者所属高等文化(high culture)的掌握。没有这文化根源的人，如选择留下就只有两条命运──被同化或是成为次等公民被压迫。在今日中国正需要与世界接轨的同时，在香港这样一个多种族多文化的大城市，过分强调民族认同是否一件好事？我们的下一代需要的是对自己文化的批判认识和了解，还是对其毫无保留的拥抱？他们需要学的是支持中国的统治者，还是对平等、自由、包容、人权等普世价值的认识和反省？学校应教导学生支持奥运，还是应和他们讨论奥运背后的意义？老师应向学生灌输“西藏是中国不可分割的一部分”，还是应与学生讨论西藏所牵涉的复杂文化、经济、政治和种族问题？希望现在香港的公民教育还不只是民族教育。作者是中文大学社会学系助理教授 Criteria of Good Political Leadership My deepest sympathy and condolences to those who have been suffering or dead in the recent two disasters in Myanmar and China. Not so long ago, I was chatting with a couple of friends over coffee and the topic of "Pay and Performance" of political leaders surfaced. And of course, the necessary quality and traits of good political leaders also surfaced. Many people have many versions of what constitutes "GOOD" political leaders. PAP's definition is that political leaders like ministers must be "SMART", "Intelligent" and "Talented" as "ELITES" of the population. And they argue that we should not mind paying millions for these "ELITES" to compensate their "SACRIFICES" they are making. (Well, to me, if its a supposedly a "SACRIFICE", why should we be thinking of "COMPENSATING" them? Well, this is another issue for another day!)A friend who has high regard for old pioneers like Dr. Goh Keng Swee simply say that, the BEST political leaders need not have the highest IQ, not even need to be ELITES. The GOOD political leaders simply PUT THE PEOPLE's INTERESTS before THEMSELVES. That pretty much sum up what "For the People, By the People" means and the view is that political leaders should be paid well enough to have a comfortable life but NOT to become millionaires. The measurement of PERFORMANCE is not about how much RESERVES they could accumulate but rather, how well the people have been taken care of. Particularly, how the welfare of the people has been taken care of. The two recent natural disasters in Myanmar and China actually demonstrate very well the difference between a GOOD GOVERNMENT and a SELF SERVING GOVERNMENT. Many people do not understand why, the Chinese Communist Party in China is able to hold on to power for so long as a dictatorial regime without facing massive revolts or demands for its demise. CCP has controlled its power base mainly through HARD POWER of the guns and barrels, as well as its SOFT POWER, through its actions on the ground in coming in timely as a force to save its people during disasters. A dictatorial regime cannot stay too long in power if it is merely ruling by the iron fists. In modern history, Dictators in places like Cuba, North Korea, Libya and such, has been able to prolong their grips on power by using not only military might/suppression but also by their Soft Power by providing schemes of welfare to their people. The commitment and determination of CCP Prime Minister Wen in dealing with the crisis at hand has gained much respect from the ground. I think this will become the greatest assets to the CCP monopoly of power for many years to come. On the contrary, Myanmar Military Junta is seen as self-serving in times of crisis. They could disregard the needs of the its people totally in times of disaster and yet tries every means to block international aids to reach its disaster area! It has not been seen as sending much troops or reinforcement to help those in distress nor has any willingness to deliver timely aids to them as well. Such a government which only thinks about its own consolidation of power instead of the interests and welfare of its people, will definitely fall in time to come. The above examples of two different government signifies what constitutes a GOOD GOVERNMENT. The distinctions exist even for dictatorial regimes like China and Myanmar. Good political leadership simply means CONSTANTLY PUTTING PEOPLE'S WELFARE AND INTERESTS ABOVE SELF INTERESTS, be it democratic, dictatorship or otherwise. This is also basically why I am willing to go into alternative politics at this moment because modern PAP, as contrast to its early humble beginnings, have become more self-serving rather than putting Singaporeans' welfare and interests above their own. It has become more stingy on spending on citizens' welfare but generous in offering themselves million dollars annual pay. They have cut back, in relative REAL terms, many spendings on citizens' welfare as compared to the prior 1990 era. And yes, to be able to understand the needs and interests of the people, good political leaders need great amount of empathy, least arrogance on talks about how much they have "sacrificed" in taking up political office. And in my view, only political competition will make the ruling party spend more money on the welfare of Singaporeans. This is obvious in recent hype about how much money has been spent in Aljunied GRC, cheap 50 cents lunch and such. But to me, this is still not enough as it is just a sign of pork barrel politics, not a national wide effect to increase welfare spending in the supposedly richest country in SEA. So the next question is how do we pay our political leaders? If the idea is to judge performance on how well the leaders have taken care of the citizens, their pay should be measured against the well being of the citizens. Pegging it to 10X of the GDP per capital (average pay) is justifiable. Pegging it to 50X of the mean of the lowest 20% of the percentile, is reasonable. But to peg their pay against the highest pay, is really absurd because it means that the incentives for the political leaders to increase pay is to make the lives of those having the highest pay BETTER! It is indeed quite ironic in this case that I have more respect for the leader of a dictatorial regime like China than our ill-democratic leaders here in Singapore. It is all about the core values we have for selecting political leaders. If you ask me to choose between a very smart and intelligent person and a not so smart but truly have the interests of people at heart leader, I will definitely choose the later.I truly hope the political logic of voters will change in time to come. Goh Meng Seng Two Stories - The Hut and Water I am going to tell you TWO stories here today. Story ONE: The HUTLong long time ago there is one village which build their own huts which cost them $400 each.They live happily there but somehow they are not asset rich.One day, one developer approaches them and promises them that he could make their huts value more by putting up sales to foreigners. A hut that cost $400 can sell $4000 in the new market that he is going to create. This is 10X the cost of the huts they own now but on one condition: they must let him buys cheap land and monopolize the building of huts in that village.He will let them buy at "market subsidy" of the new huts he builds. He will sell them $3000 instead of $4000 of market price. So he shows them ...look.. now your hut as an assets is 10 times more than it used to be and I give you subsidies when you buy new flats! The deal is definitely a good deal!Many peasants are happy until a few years later, when their children get married and have to pay $3000 for a SMALLER hut! Imagine....initially a hut only cost $400 to build, but now they have to pay $4000 per hut! Another story The WaterLong long ago there is another village with a big wooden water container that provides water to everyone in the village. Everybody will have to contribute water once a while when the water runs low. Sometimes when rain.. then its a windfall and everybody saves the trouble. Everyone is happy until someone suggested to have one village head that could provide regular water to the collections.Hey.. wouldn't it be good if someone just give us FREE water once a while...without us doing it ourselves? However, no one thinks much about being village head that needs to do extra work to fill the water on a regular basis.One day, an outsider comes to the village and knows about this thinking. He wants to be the village head with a fee. He promised to give them one bucket of water per month but secretly, he punches three little holes into the wooden bucket and collected water from it. So everyone agrees to pay him a fee to be village head.In one months time, after collecting 3 buckets of water from the three holes, he keeps his promise and gives one bucket of water to the villagers. Everyone is very pleased.Wow.. got free water! They say. This goes on for some time until someone starts to challenge this village head to provide more water each month.The village head then promises to give 2 buckets of water each month. Everyone is very happy. However he secretly pokes another 2 holes into the bucket. Thus by the end of the month, he collects 7 buckets of water but gives 2 buckets to the villagers.The villagers are happy again but after some time, someone challenges him again,saying the water uses up quite fast, so need to provide more water each month. Giving 2 buckets of water each month is just not enough. Everyone is tired to refill the water time and again as consumption seems to be very high. So the village head promises to give 3 buckets of water each month.So again, he pokes another 2 holes into the bucket, now total of 7 holes to collect 10 buckets of water each month, giving 3 buckets to villagers.....End of Story telling. :)Goh Meng Seng Who should challenge PM's Verdict? Voters. The recent parliamentary debate has thrown up more questions than what the COI intended to answer. If one reads the COI carefully, instead of "fact finding", it becomes a report of "what the committee believes" in how Mas Selamat (MSK) has escaped. There are already lots of well written comments on the net questioning that incredible story on how could MSK escape in such a manner. I shall therefore not amuse my readers further on this issue.The more important issue here is about ACCOUNTABILITY and the defence of our CORE VALUES of Meritocracy. Meritocracy is about putting the best person for the right jobs. It inevitably requires one to remove those who are unsuitable or incompetent for the job. In this case, we will have to prove that the minister in charge is really indeed responsible for the problem at all.But first, we must also establish the fact that this escape of MSK is no ordinary small mistake. The escape of MSK puts the whole country at risk of possible eminent terrorist attack. Thus, the seriousness and severity of this escape warrant political accountability at the highest level. While we can brush aside small mistakes made by the organization on and off, but for mistakes of such magnitude, we must examine fully the impact and implications, thus the accountability of the highest leadership. Mistakes made by the low ranking officers are just "peanuts" compared to the systematic problems caused by poor management and leadership. If the low ranking officers have not made the mistakes of "following orders and the book closely", we would not know there is a toilet window without grill. We would not know that the perimeter fencing has weaknesses. We would not know that complacency has been allowed to breed within the organization. All these are systematic time bombs waiting to be exploited. Who should be directly responsible for such organization flaws? Who should be directly responsible for the organization culture of complacency? In management theory, obviously it is the LEADERS at the top who mold the corporate or organization culture over time. Minister Wong has been at the helm of Ministry of Home Affairs for more than a decade and he should not be view as innocent for his ineffective leadership that leads to complacency within the whole ISD organization. Prime Minister Lee has used Dr. Goh Keng Swee words in defence of Wong KS. I shall use Dr. Goh's own personal leadership qualities to demonstrate that the present minister is not up to par. When Dr. Goh was the Defence minister, he used to do unannounced spot checks on the various army camps, to test the readiness of the units. Some may think that this will be too stressful for the ground commanders but in fact, I think it is a good practice if it is carried out once a while so to keep the units on their toes and prevent them from slacking down. Did any PAP ministers practice such leadership skills? I am afraid not. Definitely not for the Minister of MHA, else he would have noticed the toilet window without grills. Complacency would not creep into the whole organization; not merely ISD, but the custom and immigration department which has seen wanted persons walking pass the causeway or custom with a breeze. Thus to me, it is already a foregone conclusion that Minister Wong must take full responsibility for the complacency shown on the ground. However, it is also a foregone conclusion that the PAP government will not ask him to resign, after PM Lee has made his verdict known. But are we totally helpless as a citizen or an opposition politicians when our political leaders refuse to be accountable for such obvious slack in the organizations under their charge? Obviously not. No matter how the establishment wants to side track into other issues like Low TK's disbelief of the rumor (of MSK being dead in custody) or his no reply when asked by PM Lee whether he thinks Minister Wong should resign, the responsibility of the whole fiasco still lies with Minister Wong. Talking about the spin on Low's responses towards the two questions, I would like to add that it does not matter whether Low believes in the rumor or not. It is the responsibility of the Minister of Home Affairs to dispel such rumor as he is in the position with full information. It does not matter whether Low believes Wong KS should resign or not, because it is PM Lee, not Low, who is the big boss of Wong KS! So what if Low believes Wong KS should resign or not? PM Lee himself is supposed to decide on that, not Low! Having said that, it DOES NOT mean that PM Lee's verdict is FINAL. He in turn, is answerable to the voters for whatever decisions he made. The voters at large could still challenge PM Lee's verdict through the ballot box. In fact, in my view, it is time for Singaporeans to extract accountability from this most highly paid cabinet in the world. And it is time to tell PAP that nobody should discard our CORE VALUES of MERITOCRACY for their own convenience sake. It is time to tell the PAP government that High Pay must be accompanied by performance, accountability and responsibility. My only wish is to see a credible team of opposition members to contest in Bishan Toa Payoh in the next General Elections, so that voters could decide DIRECTLY on whether Wong KS should take FULL responsibility and leave the cabinet altogether. If Wong KS is voted out, this will send a clear signal to PM Lee that his verdict has been declared void by the people. In fact, if Wong KS could only manage a marginal win of less than 60%, the signal would already be very clear that he has lesser mandate to stay on as the Minister of Home Affairs. I really wish that day will come when the Voters, could for once, exercise their Ultimate Voting Power to dislodge a Minister who must take full responsibility of his ministry when a mistake of great magnitude has been made and in turn, uphold our Core Values of Meritocracy by extracting Accountability from the present political administration.Goh Meng Seng 我们终于等到了........ A touching article by a Malaysian:主题:我们终于等到了........作者:大光 我们终于等到了 那一夜很感动，50多年来的压抑，在2008年3月8日晚上的开票日，终于获得了真正的释放。 移民他乡多时的朋友，心中悬念着马口的战情，特地远道驱车赶回乡下，守候着计票中心，陪同压抑的人群，一群欢呼。 这里票箱成绩还未完全出炉，那边厢便一直传来槟城沦陷了、霹雳沦陷了、吉打沦陷了、雪兰莪沦陷了、森州州内所有华人区都被反对党击破……….。 我们选择离开计票中心，以免失落的在朝人士把气发泄在我们身上，我们和中选的年轻反对党候选人举杯共庆，因为我们把未来5年的幸福，都押在了他的身上。 激情过后，突然发现，马来西亚人民的政治意识成熟了不少，那一夜没有40年前的骚动，那一夜人民依然故我的举杯高歌，那一夜人们依然窝在温柔乡浅尝品茗。那一夜的街头静悄悄…………。 第二天股市大跌，人们无动于衷，马照跑舞照跳，就连外国传媒也惊叹马国的变天，变得如此的理所当然。 很多人都说那是海啸似的变天，我则认为人民早有准备，诸如蒙古女郎事件、查氏皇宫事件（那名查氏因为雪州政权更替，因为畏罪心脏无法负荷已经暴毙身亡）、黄明志改编国歌事件、兴权会示威、律师上街游行、林甘短片事件、净选盟示威抗议事件、全民抗治安事件等等等，因为因缘和合、因为时机的配合，人民群众用手中储蓄了5年的珍贵一票，不约而同的为自己的前途孤注一掷。 那一夜就这样变了天，但是一切都没有停下了，我们感动极了，这个赌注希望没有押错，胜利终究会属于我们。2008年3月12日下午5时50分大雨后 New MTV Culture in Politics - Malaysia As we should all know by now, the new media has opened up lots of possibilities and creativity for dissidents and politicians.The following is a CHINESE MTV song created by Malaysian to praise about the Anwar effect:Sometimes I really marvel at the talents shown by individuals in the midst of all the political battles. Songs are written, videos are made, animation done ..etc, all in the name of politics!And the availability of all these to the masses are made possible by the New Media. I would think that the impact of the New Media would have an added impact when the individuals out there get their brains together to create expressions of various forms in search of a better political development for their country and society.Goh Meng Seng A New Dawn for Malaysia I I watched the Malaysian election results with excitement this morning. The unofficial news of Penang falling to DAP came as early as 9pm last night but were only confirmed past midnight.First it was Penang, then Kedak, Kelantan, Selangor and finally unofficial news about Perak falling into Malaysian opposition parties. It is not an exaggeration to say this is truly a Political Tsunami. However, what is more important is the AFTERMATH of such Tsunami.The main issues that cost Barisan National votes are:1) High Inflation2) Racial discrimination and divide3) Incompetency & Complacency which leads to total neglect of development for some places4) High Crime Rate5) Rampant Corruptions6) The increasing size of middle class and their assertion of political will7) Natural social Justice prevails over Pork Barrel politics and Political Persecution8) Lost of credibility of mass media due to manipulation by BN which gives New Media the opportunity to grow9) Unity among opposition parties that avoided many multi-corners fight.InflationWhile many people feel that inflationary pressure due to rising fuel prices may not be the fault of BN, but the lack of concerns and control of prices by the ruling elites. Inflation or hyper inflation will normally widen the income gaps. In a society where the middle class forms the main pillar of the economics, the squeeze on the middle class would inevitably result in protest votes.Racial discrimination and divideRacial discrimination and policies that are deemed to marginalize the minorities have existed since Malaysia's independence. This undercurrent of discontent has been suppressed for the past decades by the inclusion of racially based parties like Gerakan, MCA and MIC into the ruling coalition BN. However, over the years, these parties have traded communal interests for their own self prosperity and political appointments which has made their community to believe that they have betrayed them. Such undercurrent has built up over the years but the sparks that blew up such racial sentiments has come from UMNO Youth Wing Chairman Hishammuddin bin Tun Hussein who has displayed Malay chauvinism by publicly kiss his Kris. This action is widely interpreted as a direct challenge/warning to other minority races (mainly Chinese and Indians) not to question the unfair racist policies and practices.Such action has outraged the minority races, particularly Chinese and Indians. Internet bloggers campaign against BN and eventually such wild fire burnt to reality whereby Indians take to the streets to demonstrate their displeasure of the state of marginalization experienced by their community. Interesting enough, we witness star blogger Jeffrey Ooi and an Indian detained (without trial) under Malaysian ISA becoming winners of this election.This election will be a good lesson to BN or anyone who is to rule Malaysia in future that communal racist politics will not work in modern society filled with more middle class. The minority races cannot be taken for granted anymore and the middle class majority Malays will not be simpletons that will dance with racist fire anymore. This is especially so in urban areas like KL and Penang. It is not surprising for BN to lose almost all seats in these two places where population demographic is mostly made up of the urban middle class. Even PAS has realized this and decided to move towards the centrist secular path in order to win more seats in other states.Malfunction of Pork Barrel Politics and Political persecutionsIn Asian countries, pork barrel politics, gerrymandering and political persecutions are common practices. However, with the growth of size and strength of the middle class, it seems that it will become less and less acceptable for ruling parties to convince the electorates about the legitimacy of such politicking.The people of Kelantan have shown that pork barrel politics will not win over their hearts, mind and the sense of upright social moral justice. Neither did the fear of pork barrel politics has stopped voters in Penang, Perak, Selangor and Kedah in their determination to vote BN out of the state government. This is something for governments around this region, particularly PAP of Singapore, to ponder about.The conventional wisdom of boiling water in a kettle is that the longer you resist steam from coming out of the kettle, the bigger potential power will be trapped and when released instantly, will translate into a power push. The political persecution of DAP Chief Lim Guan Eng and Anwar Ibrahim had turned the tide into a Tsunami. DAP Chief was charged and jailed, deprived of his rights to stand as a candidate for the past two elections. Anwar Ibrahim has been jailed for politically motivated reasons and deprived of standing for the last and present elections.Such deprivation of political opponents in a direct challenge will only entrench the sense of injustice and unfairness in people's mind. Instead of strengthening BN's own position by enhancing its ruling track record in preparation to face tough challenges from political giants from their opponents, BN has chosen the shortsighted, easier way out of the contest TEMPORARILY. But this will only build up political strength of their opponent rather than remove them from future contests. Even when these politically persecuted opponents could not contest directly, their personal political capital could be used to help their comrades to gain advantages over the ruling parties.The effectiveness of such political persecution will diminish along with the growth of the more affluent middle class.The Power of Middle ClassIn short, I believe BN has totally ignore the potential power of the middle class in Malaysia. Their core values of social moral justice and fair play cannot be ignored or neglected else the vote swing will be tremendously overwhelming.The lessons Singapore should learn from this Malaysia Election result is that whoever could empathize with the middle class sentiments and aspiration, will win their hearts, minds and votes.Goh Meng Seng New Electoral Culture With New Techonology For anyone who is concerned about politics in this region, the present elections in Malaysia is one hot spot to keep an eye on. TOC's Andrew Loh has visited DAP in Penang with some WP members last weekend to get a feel of it. While I was unable to make the trip with them personally, I have been reading and watching Youtube DAP political rallies almost everyday.It seems that this Malaysian election has brought the impact of new media in electoral fights to a new height. The speeches made by DAP politicians are very impressive and powerful. However, broadband penetration rate in Malaysia is low as compared to Singapore and the impact of such internet electioneering may be somewhat reduced or deemed marginally effective.Nevertheless, this new media electoral culture will be a bigger tide in years to come that no political parties in the world could ignore. In Singapore's context, we are still stuck with a very primitive and unfair election rules that ban political films, songs and even music to be used during election time. We are supposed to be a First World country but it seems that we are really stuck with a Fourth World country politics.The following are the Election Theme Songs from DAP. Please enjoy. While I was watching these, I was wondering whether talents like Martyn See could help us out to make a First World political theme song next time round or not? :)English Theme Song VideoChinese Theme Song VideoDAP Election Campaign Video - The Voice of Democracy, Conscience of Parliament Goh Meng Seng Forum Rebuttals to MHA over blunders The following is the MHA replies on Mas Selamat blunders:MHA replies on Mas Selamat caseLetter from TOH YONG CHUANDirector (Corporate Relations),Ministry of Home AffairsI THANK Mr P N Balji for sharing his observations in the commentary “Dangers of a Bunker Mentality” (March 3). Mr Balji observed that many, including those who wrote to the press, wondered how the escape could have happened and wanted an explanation. We acknowledge that the public wants to know what happened in the escape of JI detainee Mas Selamat. We do too.That is why a CID investigation was immediately launched to among other things, uncover whether there has been any criminal wrong-doing.The Minister has also established a Committee of Inquiry under the Prisons Act, to discover specifically how the escape occurred and to recommend appropriate actions to prevent such an incident from occurring again.When the incident was discovered, the first priority was to lock-down the Centre, account for all the detainees and launch an immediate and thorough search of the entire site and its vicinity. Security at all our checkpoints and border was also alerted and stepped up. The professional assessment made then was that Mas Selamat had no plan of action or access to resources which would pose an imminent threat to the safety of any target within Singapore or to the public in general; he was on the run, would seek to hide and try to leave the country.Following the above, the first media statement was issued to raise a public alert. It contained facts that were immediately certain at that point in time. More information was released as could be established with certainty andwhich would not compromise any action being undertaken.Mr Balji wrote that the first media briefing was conducted by the Police four days after the escape. The fact was that even before the briefing by Police Director of Operations on March 2, MHA and police media relations officers had been attending to media queries and addressing them as best as they could.There was and is also a daily media meeting every morning hosted by the Police Affairs Department at Police Headquarters for security and crime-beat reporters. Police have also since started media briefings chaired by the Police Director of Operations to give a broader update on developments from time to time.On hindsight, could some of the facts about Mas Selamat been made known earlier than were released? Probably so and for that we agree that we could do better. However, the complete facts and circumstances addressingfully the question of how Mas Selamat escaped is now the subject of a criminal investigation and more so, an inquiry by a Committee of Inquiry. We should await their findings.Indeed, we are grateful for the spontaneous community help that we have received from Singaporeans who know that the first priority now must be to find and apprehend Mas Selamat.The following is the rebuttals by a forummer escobar42:refer to "MHA replies on Mas Selamat case" in Today 6/3 voices pg (sorry i don't hv the link) by Toh Yong Chuan director of pr for MHA... this appears to be MHA's first in depth (well slightly) public comment on its performance wrt Mas' escape thus far, and to me it looks pretty weak and unsatisfactory.. 1. not unexpectedly MHA appears to try to 'hide' behind the present CID investigation and the COI..."...We acknowledge that the public wants to know what happened in the escape of JI detainee Mas Selamat. We do too...We should await their findings..."... ok then MHA, u say "the Minister has also established a Committee of Inquiry under the Prisons Act, to discover specifically how the escape occurred and to recommend appropriate actions to prevent such an incident from occurring again..."...1 simple Q, how can the COI just on the face of it, be considered, independent, objective, fair and transparent, when one of its members is the DS in MHA answerable to the very same Minister who has "established" the COI?... 2. MHA says that certain things had to be done before the first media statement was issued to raise public alert...lock down of WDC; account for all detainees; launch immediate and thorough search of the entire site and its vicinity; all checkpoints and borders also alerted and stepped up; professional assessment made that Mas had no plan of action or access to resources which pose an imminent threat to the safety of any target within Singapore or public in general... once the abv was concluded, then the "first media statement was issued to raise public alert" containing facts that were "immediately certain at that point time...more information was released as could be established with certainity and which would not compromise any action being undertaken..." ok then MHA, so is 4 hrs a reasonable and satisfactory time frame to make the first public alert media release?...especially taking into consideration that there appear to be very few detainees at WDC in the first place..also why was the info so skimpy and paltry in the first place?...why no profile pictures first off?...why no elaboration on Mas' limp in his left leg and when it becomes apparent?...why no information on the clothes that he had on?...do u mean it takes days to establish wif "certainity" these "facts"? particularly considering the urgency and gravity of this case... 3. MHA says that its pr team were attending to media queries fm the start "as best they could" although the first media briefing was only conductred 4 days after the escape... ok then MHA but what sort of response do u call this when all it appears to be is a stonewall?... 4. MHA then went on to say..."On hindsight, could some of the facts about Mas Selamat been made known earlier than were revealed? Probably so and for that we agree that we could do better..." ok then MHA, but u appear to be following yr leader Wong Kan Seng in this regard wif his so called apology in parliament which appeared to be merely a form of regret...why or why is it so hard for you MHA, to make a proper clean and sincere apology instead of coming up wif disingenuous explanations?... 5. not unexpectedly, MHA ends off its letter by trying to distract and digress fm its apparent incompetence and mismanagement of this entire episode thus far fm the very moment that Mas escaped by disingenuously saying "We are grateful for the spontaneous community help that we have received from Singaporeans who know that the first priority now must be to find and apprehend Mas Selamat"... sorry MHA but no cigar...this is just unacceptable and unsatisfactory... The World Class Joke! Yes, this is about the World Class Joke by a self proclaimed World Class Government in Singapore. And it is indeed a VERY SERIOUS and DANGEROUS WORLD CLASS JOKE ever made in Singapore's history.It is indeed still fresh from our mind that the ministers had just have their pay raised by more than 14% overall but yet it seems that there are more and more "honest mistakes" made along the way. But never before has such a BIG HONEST MISTAKE has been made in Singapore's short history.The Home Affairs Ministry has a annual budget of more than 2.4Billions last year (revised, see Budget Link), about $400million more than the Ministry of Health and yet, there are such security lapses for a wanted man for murder just walking across the causeway to Malayisa and the most important LIMPING terrorist detainee making a "World Class Prison Break"!The terrorist detainee was detained WITHOUT TRIAL for the simple reason that he IS a DANGEROUS man that has planned terrorist attacks on Singapore. How could the minister for Home Affairs says that alarm was not sounded initially because they think this DANGEROUS man poses no "immediate harm" to people living nearby? And the fact that the alarm has only been put up FOUR WHOLE HOURS AFTER he escaped! Didn't they listen to MM Lee that you would only need 20 minutes to travel to anywhere in Singapore?The ironic thing is that if this man is truly posing NO DANGER to anyone, why would the authorities mobilize a whole battalion of military guardsman to help in the search thereafter? Does the minister of Home Affairs really understand the seriousness of the escape of Mas Selamat Kastari? It is not merely about Singapore's security anymore but the safety of all our neighboring countries! Or rather, the WHOLE World's security and safety is at stake! This is precisely why the Interpol has raise the alert a notch higher after Singapore announced his escape!I seriously doubt the self proclaim World Class PAP government really understands World Class politics at all. They have already made the grave mistake of letting the man escapes and the most serious mistake is to hold on to this piece of important information for FOUR SOLID HOURS which most probably allows the man to flee the country by the time such information are made available.We may not fault the minister of Home Affairs directly for the prison break although some bloggers do, but for the crisis management thereafter, the minister of Home Affairs MUST be responsible! Pushing such decision to the "security analyst" or judgment of others, is truly lame indeed! The decision on whether to announce the prison break earlier lies on the minister himself and I think for such bad decision made in view of the seriousness of the issue at hand, I think any minister in the world that is in charge of internal security should and would resign.For a small island state like Singapore, there are no room for mistakes like this one. This is not China nor USA where escapees would need days before they could reach international borders. You could travel to any coastal area within half an hour. You could even swim across to Malaysia if you want to. It only take less than an hour boat trip to any of the Indonesian islands. For the minister of Home Affairs to take FOUR SOLID HOURS to make that "difficult" decision to make public of such important information, is truly a WORLD CLASS JOKE and this joke is not funny at all!The most ridiculous thing that is happening right now in Singapore is that the PAP government controlled mass media tries to "soften" the impact of this WORLD CLASS escape. In any normal democracy around the world, many tough questions would be raised against the authorities as well as the minister in question. But instead, they run stories like how this terrorist has attempted many escapes or prison breaks before, thus, subtly "normalized" such escape by Mas Selamat Kastari and implying that if he escapes, its not about the incompetency of our "Home Team" (i.e. police force) but because he is good at it. Such utter rubbish is totally unacceptable because the detention centre that caged Mas Selamat Kastari is no ordinary detention centre but the "Famous" Internal Security Department (ISD) detention centre which has underground dungeons and heavily guarded by Gurkha! We are not "Third World" countries but "First World" country with "World Class " government, for goodness sake! Such apologist stand made in the local media will further dent our international reputation as an island of competency and efficiency! Why? They are comparing and making us look like a third world country!Some heads must roll from those who are in charge of the ISD detention centre and the Home Affairs minister must go too! We cannot allow a man that cannot make sound and critical decision at the such a high crisis level to stay on as minister of Home Affairs. We cannot allow a man that will only know how to push responsibility to others for such bad decision made to someone else instead of assuming ALL the responsibility, in his capacity as the highest command, for whatever happens in his very own ministry.Instead of questioning how such escape could be made successful, why the FOUR HOUR delay in the public announcement and questioning the ability of the minister and his ministry's to handle such big crisis, the local mass media goes on to paint the "bright" side of the whole issue. e.g. how Singaporeans responded with good unity...etc.When a country shows too much leniency to those in power that make such grave mistakes one after another, we will only breed complacency and incompetency. We are MADE to pay WORLD's HIGHEST SALARY to politicians, in the hope that they will make good judgment and decisions, not merely on daily routine management, but also for their ability to handle crisis. It seems that despite of the multi-million annual salary that Singaporeans are paying, we are getting people that could not really understand the bigger picture and handle such crisis well! If we cannot demand or pressure this minister of Home Affairs to resign over such gross display of incompetency, then we could only hope and depend on our citizens making the right choice in voting him out.For the mean time, I hope that all Singaporeans would raise their awareness and look out for the limping terrorist that has made a joke out of our country. Hope we could catch him before he could do anything harmful to all mankind.Goh Meng Seng The Danger of Pork Barrel Politics Pork Barrel PoliticsFor those of you who understand Mandarin, the following video of a Malaysian opposition DAP candidate will make some resonance to many of us in Singapore.The main point is about Malaysian ruling alliance National Barisan are good at giving out goodies like infrastructure development to those constituencies that have by-elections.The most prominent point is that there is a danger for a ruling party or alliance to utilize government funding for its own electoral interests. This is basically because if the ruling elites are allowed to do that, it would mean that government funding will be directly used for ruling political parties' interests instead of the Nation or the people. It would mean that the party will put party's interests above National interests and people.It is a very good point for every voters to recognize this vital point.Goh Meng Seng 政府的职责与社会义务 The Translation of the following Chinese Article is in progress.政府的职责与社会义务 年关已过，回顾去年的种种，似乎只是得到一个结论：2006年大选后，百物腾贵，连部长薪金也一飞冲天！ 就有如我在2006年大选群众大会上所预测的一样，消费税真的增长到了7%，接下来会不会“更进一步”增长到10%，我们姑且拭目以待。 行动党在调高消费税时，高调喊话，调高消费税是为了“帮助穷人”, 但 是新一年的预算案已经到位了，还是不见行动党政府实行任何实质有效的福利制度来“帮助穷人”。消费税本身就是“劫贫济富 ”的政策，行动党说提高消费税是为了“帮助穷人”，的确是非常滑稽的言论。为什么说消费税是“劫贫济富 ”呢？贫穷的人原本不用缴税的，但是在消费税的制度下，贫穷者反而要缴税了。富有者所缴的消费税，在比例来说，一定比贫穷者少，因为富有者不一定把所有的 钱都在本国花费掉，但是贫穷者因赚的钱不够，所以多数把钱都花费掉。而且从2007年的预算案我们可以看到，消费税提高了2%，对大企业和富有者实施的所得税反而降低了2%。这不是“劫贫济富 ”吗？ 行动党口口声声说要“帮助穷人”，但是却又让那一些已经赚取非凡利润的公共交通公司起车费！巴士和地铁是穷人依赖的唯一交通工具，让车费起价也算是“帮助穷人”吗？ 行 动党把百物飞涨归咎于石油价格的暴涨，但行动党政府绝对不能推卸由它的政策所造成雪上加霜的局面。调高消费税是其一，任由公共交通公司起车费是其二，不调 低或甚至废除柴油和汽油税是其三，任由以煤气发电而非石油发电的公共发电厂起价是其四，任由组屋供应短缺而又让新组屋价格飙升到令人费解的程度是其五。 农历新年期间，中国发生50年 罕见的雪灾，中国总理到处巡视，给我印象最深刻的是中国总理温家宝亲自到菜市场问价，对物价可能因这场雪灾而暴涨表示特别关切，还千叮万嘱当地官员必须对 生活必需品价格要特别留意，千万不可让通货膨胀失控！我之所以在此提及中国总理对物价的关注，是因为他的态度与我国李总理形成了强烈的对比！李总理在评论 日益严重的通货膨胀只淡淡说：这是“市场自由波动”！政联公司在我国无所不在，至少政府能带动这一些政联公司，好歹也能使它们在压制物价方面尽一分力嘛！ 接下来，还有两只“洪水猛兽”势必由行动党政府“介绍”给国人！ 这两只“洪水猛兽”就是： (一) 强制年金 (Compulsory Annuity) (二) 医药费津贴的支付能力调查 (Means Testing) 这 两只“洪水猛兽”说穿了，也只不过是为政府“省钱”的政策！作为一个自谕为东方“儒家思想”守护者的执政党，竟然为了避免政府财政因为人口老化而增加负 担，进而实行“强制年金”！讲得彻底一点，就是行动党政府怕大家活得太老没钱花而向政府伸手要钱。所以现在强制大家买年金，如果你不幸“早逝”，那么就可 以帮忙那一些能活得久一点的，让他们有钱花。东算西算，最好政府一分钱也不用花，人民可以自生自灭！ 我 们姑且不谈论这强制年金是否好不好，最不能忍受的是，当行动党公布年金计划时，收入少的人竟然被遗忘！只要你的公积金少过四万元，那你就没“资格”保障年 老时有钱花！这根本与行动党所提倡的“照顾”弱势一群的理念背道而驰！而对国家有重要但间接贡献的家庭主妇们也没有获得到照顾！ 强制年金不只使多数人无法在退休时无法从他们辛辛苦苦累积的那一点公积金提出钱来，到头来还要“倒贴”政府财库！怎么说呢？我们的公积金户头之所以会在这么多年的储蓄后还是不够我们养老，原因有三： 一，公积金户头所给的利息是非常的少。 二，自从建屋发展局在80年代至90年代大幅度调高房价后，国人就便需要从公积金里拿出更多的钱去买房子！这是在行动党政府“负担得起”的歪论下而铸成的！ 三， 行动党政府在大幅度削减医药津贴和增加医药费前，便“很有远见”的制定了国人从公积金拿钱出来支付医药费的政策！这是另外一个把政府负担转嫁到国人的技 俩！而国人之所以能“接受”这种安排是因为运用公积金来支付医药费并不会直接使我们感觉到“痛”。但是，诸位不知，这种做法只是把钱的问题推迟到退休的生 活费上！ 如今，行动党政府以这个退休后“钱不够用”的问题又大作文章，说需 要把国人辛辛苦苦赚来的钱“扣押”住，以确保我们有足够的钱能够用而不会劳烦政府出钱资助老年人的生活费！最离谱的是，如果各位仔细看看这强制年金的制 度，根本是政府“包吃”的“生意”！为什么呢？因为除非你能活到90岁以上，不然你就别想得到比你放入这年金加上以每年5%回报率计算的钱！从另一个很简单的角度来看，如果把同样的钱作保守的投资，你能拿回本金加回报，但是放在这年金计划里，不管你把钱放了多少年，只要你不幸在拿到钱之前去世的话，你的后人最多也只能拿回被通货膨胀侵蚀的本金而已！这比放在银行定期存款还不划算！ 这一些我们应得的利息钱到底去了哪里呢？一部分会用在那一些真的有本事活超过90岁的老人身上。但试想想，有多少巴仙的人能活到90岁？那么，多余的钱自然而然的就是进入国库了！我们千万别小看这利息钱啊！如果你55岁把钱放在一个能给你年率5%回报的基金里，十年后65岁时，你的钱就会增长63%(每一块钱就会给你$0.63利息回报)！20年后，你的钱就会翻了一翻，增长165%(每一块钱就会给你$1.65的利息)！ 这也就是说如果你有4万元被“强制”留在这年金计划里的话，如果你在第十年时不幸去世，你的子孙只能拿回那4万元而理论上政府就拿走了两万五千两百的利息了！这到底是怎么样的“利民”政策啊！ 说了这么多，其实最不能释怀的是，我们人民辛劳了一辈子，竟然可能到死也无法看到我们公积金里的这一笔钱！其实公积金政策一改又改，每改一次就给我们一种感觉，那就是我们跟自己辛苦赚来的钱越来越没有缘分见面了！ 另 一方面，医药津贴的支付能力调查说好听一点是为了防止给“有能力”的人“太多津贴”，但实际上也是为了减低政府对人民医药福利的付出！仔细想想，我们又不 是乞丐，为什么得低声下气的出卖我们自身的尊严，以取得应有的基本医药福利？要让人知道我们有多“穷”，才能“讨”到那所谓的“市场津贴”，然而过后又得 付那日益昂贵的医药费？ “市场津贴”和“实质津贴”有何分别呢？“市场津 贴”说穿了，也只是夸大津贴的一种手段而已！“市场津贴”就是以私人医院的价格，打个折就硬说是“津贴”。折扣就是折扣，为什么要硬说是“津贴”呢？“津 贴”本应由产品或服务的生产成本算起，而不应该以市场价格“打折扣”然后说那是“津贴”。“津贴”应该是政府实质拿出钱来补贴生产成本，而不应该是当折扣 论！ 有时候，打了折扣后，实际上国民所付的价钱还是比实际生产成本还来得高，那政府医院还是“有得赚”！这所谓的“津贴”算是什么？现在新的组屋政策就是如此。讲好听是“市场津贴”，但是到头来，在房屋价格飞涨时，是否真的有“实质津贴”也真的搞不清楚！ 我们的行动党政府到底是个掌管国家的组织还是一个商业集团呢？只有商业集团才会以“打折扣”来招徕生意的。只有商业集团才会以“盈余赤字”当功利标准，以减少开支、增加收入为最终目标。一个政府当然有别与商业集团！ 政府的职责到底是什么？是盲目无止境的减福利开支、津贴，拼命“赚钱”吗？然后就得意洋洋的自称能干，加自己的百万年薪，再拿一点钱出来分给国民收买人心吗？这就是我们真正要的政府机制吗？ 说到这“赚钱”，无可非议，行动党政府的确是了不起！就连我国每年的财政预算，也低估了实际的财政收入和盈余！这原因有二： 一）政府卖土地的收入是没有被算进财政收入里的。就比如说去年的财政预算原本是预计有赤字的，但是由于房地产市场带动，“反亏为盈”，表面上净赚了六十几亿。但实际上如果把在这炙热的房地产市场上卖出去的土地收入计算在内的话，财政盈余很有可能超过百亿以上！ 二）政府投资公司和淡马锡控股的投资收益并没有完全的归纳为财政收入！每年只有少过一半的投资收益被列为财政收入！ 这 么有钱的政府，为什么还要到处想方设法减少资助国人在医药、教育和住屋的津贴呢？更有人问我，为什么政府有钱一抛千金去“抢救”因次贷危机陷入困境的外国 银行，一出手便是以十亿百亿来算的，但偏偏就是对年长国人每个月仅仅几百元的生活费处心积虑的吝啬到极点呢？如果把这百亿元做为“年长福利基金”，那么仅 仅拿出它每年的投资回报就可以应付我国那一些年长者生活费的所需了！何必搞个这么复杂的强制年金制度呢？ 政 府有钱不是罪。但是如果政府只顾着如何以各种方法（如设立更多电子收费闸门）榨取更多钱而又同时想尽方法避免为国人福利“埋单”的话，那么我们还要这政府 做什么？只为了它每年给的那少许的几百元吗？老实说，如果医药费能减半，新组屋价格能减三成，年长国人能得到足够的资助使他们生活过得有尊严，弱势群体和 贫困者能得到照顾，我想许多国人都不会介意少拿这几百元的“花生米”！ 一 个好政府不是以每年几百元来作为对国人的“恩赐”来断定的！一个好政府必须对国民的福利有密切的关注。一个好政府必须在一个资本主义经济体制内造成的贫富 悬殊的现象扮演资源重新分配的角色。一个好政府必须在国人面对高通货膨胀威胁时拿出适当的措施，控制物价高涨而不是一味把问题和责任推卸掉！更不是在高通 货膨胀时期，雪上加霜，加消费税和任由公共交通无理起价！一个好政府也是社会良心的实行者！在一个注重“亚洲价值观”的社会里，敬老和孝心是绝对不能忽视 的。一个好政府必须担当起社会孝顺年长者的角色，而不是一味把责任推卸掉！一个好政府更要在医药、教育、文化、社会福利和社会建设给与充足的资助，建设一 个每个国人都能认同的国家，而不只是处处斤斤计较，功利金钱至上的“旅馆”！ 简 单的来说，政府的基本功能不是整天只大夸“赚”到多少盈余或能“恩赐”国人多少“红利”。政府的基本功能就是照顾人民的福利，伸延社会的良心和道义，让人 民对这国家产生认同感。一个在各个社会福利吝啬到极点而又处处想方设法“赚”人民的钱的政府是很难建立一个国民有强烈认同感，强烈社会凝聚力的国家的。这 是因为当政府显示出它不愿承担起照顾国人的基本福利，而一味的只以功利金钱主义对待人民时，人们就不会跟这地方讲感情了。这样的情况之下，怎么能建立起人 民的认同感和凝聚力呢？这也难怪近几年来，我国移民外国的人才是越来越多了！ 在新的一年里，我真心希望国人能细心的想想看，我们到底要一个什么样的政府。是不是一个只会“赚钱”而不会把钱花在人民身上的政府？一个守财奴的政府？最重要的是我们必须对政府的职责与社会义务得到一个重要的共识，而不是让行动党牵着鼻子走！我们必须以明确的信息让行动党政府知道我们要的不是他们勉强施舍的“恩惠”，而是具体、实质和健全的福利体制。套用行动党自己的话，这是行动党政府“负担得起”的人民福利体制。 下一届大选离现在虽然还远，但我希望大家能开始思考这一些对我们国家将来有重大影响的问题，并能与家人和亲戚朋友广泛的讨论，使更多人能意识到我们社会正在面对一个重大的问题，那就是行动党政府现在的政治管理思维真的是我们所能认同的吗？ The Elite Gilrl View on Inflation Frame 1:EG: After much consideration, I have found that the peasants have not been affected by the InflationFrame 2:$G: Did you found out about this by doing in depth study of the consumption of the low income family?EG: Not really...Frame 3:$G: If not, it must come from your professional views based on economic data and statisticsEG: Not so troublesomeFrame 4:$G: Maybe you have visited a low income family?EG: Don't be stupid!Frame 5:EG: My conclusion comes from the fact Orchard road is so packed with people and I could not even get my burger from McDonalds!$G faint. Year End Reflection - Role of Governemnt The most common grouses people are making right now is, Price of Everything goes up, including ministers' pay!What is the problem with our country? Many people ask. It is becoming a SOP (standard operating protocol) for the PAP government to raise prices all over right after election year! Public transport fares have risen TWICE amidst record profits since 2006. Public utilities, especially electricity has risen based on higher oil price in spite of the fact that our generators are mostly powered by gas. The runaway inflation is partly fueled by rising rentals which are mainly in the control of GLCs (Government linked companies) which own most of the retail spaces in Singapore.On top of that, in spite of the relative ineffectiveness of the ERP (Electronic Road Pricing) of controlling traffic jams (its the numbers, stupid!), ERP fees has been raised again. In fact, MORE ERP gantries has been set up now. The most absurd thing about ERP is that at some roads, the time has been extended to late at night! The concept of ERP should be based on economic opportunities and not about controlling traffic jams. Traffic jams are merely the symptoms that leads to lost of economic opportunities. It is IMPOSSIBLE to totally eradicate traffic jams altogether without imposing unimaginable high ERP fees.What difference will there be, when there are inelastic demand on road usage, to have ERP gantries set at all places, at all time vs no ERP gantries at all? Practically no difference. ERP gantries will only work if there are distinctive difference in pricing.... best at with pricing vs no pricing. For example, if I want one of the two roads that joint from point A to B which are running parallel to each other, to be free of jams, the only logical way of doing so is to put a pricing on road A, then road B will jam while road A will be relatively free of jam. Will there be any difference if we have both road A and B to be priced by ERP?The original concept of road pricing is to stagger traffic flow according to opportunity cost concept. This is to price the road with time difference. It means that during peak hours, some business or jobs are more important than others to command a premium; i.e. for example, stock market and financial business. Those who work in these field will be willing to pay a premium to reach their office on time. This is because the opportunity cost of time is higher to them. The other jobs are less time sensitive and thus, could afford to use the road later. Thus the effective way to make sure traffic is diverted from critical peak period to off-peak period, ERP pricing should only be applied on certain time period, not all.But LTA seems to have a weird logic in applying ERPs in Singapore. The Central Business District (CBD) has a whole day ERP applied. And now, even non economic-critical time period like evening time period, ERP is being applied! The pricing no longer adhered to the economic opportunity cost concept (opportunity cost of traffic jam to the economy) but rather, ironically, like plugging holes as and when they see jams! It is no wonder that many Singaporeans are beginning to wonder whether the ERP system is really about road pricing to reduce economic opportunity cost or just plain money squeezing machinery for the PAP government!Of course, how could I forget to mention the increase in GST by two percentage amidst the various inflationary pressure and in contrast, the hefty increase in ministers' pay. PAP government claims that the increase in GST is to "help the poor" but up till now, we have not seen any concrete and comprehensive plans of welfare system. Ironically, there are already many cynical Singaporeans who are fast to relate the increase of GST to help increase ministers' pay as well as the top civil servants' pay! Why do they need to raise GST, in spite of the fact that the PAP government is enjoying surplus with a huge reserves backing it? In fact, I think tax collection from GST will increase even without the raise of the 2%. This is basically because of the projected increase in population size, all thanks to the open FT policy. With an increase of Foreign workers in Singapore, consumption will be expected to increase, thus, GST collection will increase accordingly. It is really a big puzzle on why the PAP government always feel that money no enough!While singing the slogan of "increase of GST to help the poor", we are slammed with the ideas of Means Testing of healthcare policy as well as the Compulsory annuity for everyone. Now, these two monsters are in fact schemes to reduce government spending on the welfare of its citizens! It seems that the PAP government is practically saying that we are not willing to spend too much to subsidize healthcare for citizens, least, help elderly citizens to live a decent retirement life. You are all on your own! It is to me a very distinctive contradiction of PAP "sales talk" of their unpopular policies like GST!PAP government has blamed the high oil prices for the rise in prices. PAP minister even question the opposition on whether we could "bring the oil price down". The truth is, petrol prices are controlled in Singapore and the tax imposed on diesel and petrol is pretty substantial. If the PAP government is serious about controlling inflation, the only logical thing to do is to reduce or even abolish the taxation on petrol and diesel. The PAP government could truly help to control inflation by making such moves.What is WRONG with the PAP government, really? On one hand, they want to increase indirect taxes on the people claiming to help the people, while on the other hand, they are devising all sorts of policies that will reduce their funding to help citizens to cope with various costs of living, from daily expenses to old age financing.PAP government has rejected "welfarism", claiming that it will bankrupt the government. Or that people will have to pay more taxes to finance welfarism. But the truth is, are we paying any lesser now? Or rather, how much lesser are we paying? There is a delicate balance between taxation and welfarism. A government is NOT a business entity. The primary role of the government is to manage the country, by collecting taxes or monies from the society and then, redistribute these monies to maintain balances within the society. Providing welfare to those less privileged or unfortunate citizens will be one of the primary role of the government. Subsidizing certain vital, critical functions of the country that serve the citizens are the role of the government. The government is not here to make money, squeeze every ounce of juice out of the people, claim credits to have surplus and then to self reward with million dollar annual salary!Healthcare is one important aspect of citizens' general welfare. Taking care of the aged and elder is another important aspect of the government. PAP has always preached about "Asian Values" as in "Confucianism" but it seems that it is not behaving like one when it decides to leave the elderly and aged to fend for themselves by forcing them to buy compulsory annuity! Every citizens, after working for a lifetime (now, "implicitly forced" to work up to the age of 70!) has contributed to the development of the society in one way or another. It is thus, only right for the care taker of the society, the government, to take care of their needs in return when they aged! How could a self-proclaimed Confucius government not know of such simple reasoning?It is really a horrendous sight when a government turns into a miser, money crunching machine. When a government begins to just give a token of welfare to the society while emphasizing in getting surpluses and each ministries or departments is to cut spending on the welfare of the people while giving themselves the World's TOP salaries as politicians, it is really time to rethink some of the most basic fundamental values our society holds as a people and a country.I hate to do this but it is about time to make comparison with Hong Kong government. Hong Kong may be a capitalist city but it basically has a socialist government. Hong Kong government truly take care of its people, in a very different way. Although Hong Kong residents have to pay hefty prices to own their home due to the high land price policy, but the Hong Kong government has in return, put funds back into the society to help its citizens in various ways. Healthcare is heavily subsidized. Whatever illness you have, whatever operations you need or no matter how many blood pallets you need, you will be charged only HK$100 per day which is amount to about S$20.00 per day. You may think this will open to abuses but the truth is, private hospitals are striving in Hong Kong too. The shortage in public hospital supply will naturally force those well to do families to go to private hospitals instead. The ironic thing is, even with a higher healthcare cost we have here in Singapore's "restructured hospitals", the shortages in the supply could be quite acute as well!Education is another area whereby the Hong Kong government has subsidized heavily. The new policy focused on kindergarten education for the less well to do families! This is to help them to break out of the vicious cycle of poverty and to even out education