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May 24, 2011
Becoming First World people
IT IS heartening to see the People's Action Party making changes to better meet the demands and aspirations of Singaporeans. It is also encouraging to see the Workers' Party's commitment not to oppose for the sake of opposing, and to act as a check on the Government to create a First World Parliament.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
NDP tickets/ Sale of NDP tickets strictly prohibited
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May 21, 2011
My Point
NDP tickets
'Tweak the balloting system so applicants who have never been successful will have a higher chance.'
May 21, 2011
My Point
NDP tickets
'Tweak the balloting system so applicants who have never been successful will have a higher chance.'
Disturbing driving practice
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May 27, 2011
Disturbing driving practice
I HAVE noticed lately a very disturbing practice by motorists whenever I cross a traffic junction.
When the lights show that the pedestrians have the right of way, cars tend to continue on their way even when there are pedestrians walking across the road.
May 27, 2011
Disturbing driving practice
I HAVE noticed lately a very disturbing practice by motorists whenever I cross a traffic junction.
When the lights show that the pedestrians have the right of way, cars tend to continue on their way even when there are pedestrians walking across the road.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Spurring on eco-shoppers
Spurring on eco-shoppers
Letter from Teo Siyang 04:46 AM May 26, 2011
I APPLAUD Ms Barbara Tan for her suggestion in coming up with an alternative practice in reducing the usage of plastic bags in supermarkets ("Give eco-shoppers the green-carpet treatment", May 13).
Letter from Teo Siyang 04:46 AM May 26, 2011
I APPLAUD Ms Barbara Tan for her suggestion in coming up with an alternative practice in reducing the usage of plastic bags in supermarkets ("Give eco-shoppers the green-carpet treatment", May 13).
Give eco-shoppers the green-carpet treatment
Give eco-shoppers the green-carpet treatment
Letter from Barbara Tan 04:46 AM May 13, 2011
FOR a long time I have wondered if there is a better way to encourage people to take their own shopping bags to supermarkets.
Letter from Barbara Tan 04:46 AM May 13, 2011
FOR a long time I have wondered if there is a better way to encourage people to take their own shopping bags to supermarkets.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Bring back rental flats in big way
Bring back rental flats in big way
Letter from Chia Hern Keng
04:46 AM May 17, 2011
May I suggest that the Government consider restoring the HDB rental system in a big way. During the early days of this nation, this was how many Singaporeans were adequately housed when they were resettled from kampungs. One-, two- and three-room Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats were rented out to those who could not buy.
Letter from Chia Hern Keng
04:46 AM May 17, 2011
May I suggest that the Government consider restoring the HDB rental system in a big way. During the early days of this nation, this was how many Singaporeans were adequately housed when they were resettled from kampungs. One-, two- and three-room Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats were rented out to those who could not buy.
Allow non-elected ministers
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May 17, 2011
Allow non-elected ministers
MY TEARS flowed as I read about our two respected ministers quitting the Cabinet ("Lee Kuan Yew steps down"; Sunday) .
May 17, 2011
Allow non-elected ministers
MY TEARS flowed as I read about our two respected ministers quitting the Cabinet ("Lee Kuan Yew steps down"; Sunday) .
GRCs no longer safe havens for newbies
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May 18, 2011
GRCs no longer safe havens for newbies
MR ELGIN Toh's commentary ('GRC loss impacts PAP's renewal plans'; last Saturday) hit the nail on the head. The People's Action Party (PAP) has become a victim of its own policies.
May 18, 2011
GRCs no longer safe havens for newbies
MR ELGIN Toh's commentary ('GRC loss impacts PAP's renewal plans'; last Saturday) hit the nail on the head. The People's Action Party (PAP) has become a victim of its own policies.
GRC loss impacts PAP's renewal plans
The Straits Times: Published on May 14, 2011GRC loss impacts PAP's renewal plans
Opposition may now find it easier, and PAP harder, to recruit talent
By Elgin Toh
Just about every piece of conventional wisdom articulated about Group Representation Constituencies (GRCS) has been overturned or at least called into question by the May 7 election results.
Of these, one or the most important has to do with how political parties in Singapore recruit new candidates for party renewal.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Time to scrap it
Home > ST Forum > Story
May 13, 2011
GRC AFTER GE 2011: USEFUL OR NOT?
Time to scrap it
MORE than anything else, GE 2011 shows how wrong the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system is, because it produces results that go against the wishes of the entire electorate.
Most of us, whether we voted PAP or the opposition, do not wish Mr George Yeo and Mr Chiam See Tong to be voted out of Parliament. Nor do we wish the PAP's Ms Tin Pei Ling voted in.
May 13, 2011
GRC AFTER GE 2011: USEFUL OR NOT?
Time to scrap it
MORE than anything else, GE 2011 shows how wrong the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system is, because it produces results that go against the wishes of the entire electorate.
Most of us, whether we voted PAP or the opposition, do not wish Mr George Yeo and Mr Chiam See Tong to be voted out of Parliament. Nor do we wish the PAP's Ms Tin Pei Ling voted in.
It works fine
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May 13, 2011
GRC AFTER GE 2011: USEFUL OR NOT?
It works fine
THE aim of the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system in ensuring that there is an adequate number of minorities elected into Parliament works.
If the entire electoral format features single member constituencies (SMCs), there is a high probability that Chinese Singaporean candidates will win, despite the fact that 16,969 voters in Punggol East SMC returned PAP's Eurasian candidate Michael Palmer to the House.
May 13, 2011
GRC AFTER GE 2011: USEFUL OR NOT?
It works fine
THE aim of the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system in ensuring that there is an adequate number of minorities elected into Parliament works.
If the entire electoral format features single member constituencies (SMCs), there is a high probability that Chinese Singaporean candidates will win, despite the fact that 16,969 voters in Punggol East SMC returned PAP's Eurasian candidate Michael Palmer to the House.
It's uniquely Singaporean and very rude
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Apr 26, 2011
It's uniquely Singaporean and very rude
SINCE my arrival in Singapore almost nine months ago, the tissue reservation practice at various eateries irks me most ('An issue with tissue on road to graciousness' by Mr Francis Cheng; April 16).
During our break on our first day at work, we headed to the Maxwell Food Centre, where my colleague and I could not get a seat after having bought our food.
Apr 26, 2011
It's uniquely Singaporean and very rude
SINCE my arrival in Singapore almost nine months ago, the tissue reservation practice at various eateries irks me most ('An issue with tissue on road to graciousness' by Mr Francis Cheng; April 16).
During our break on our first day at work, we headed to the Maxwell Food Centre, where my colleague and I could not get a seat after having bought our food.
An issue with tissue on road to graciousness
An issue with tissue on road to graciousness
Source: The Straits Times Apr 16, 2011
THREE weeks ago at the Queen's Street hawker centre during lunch time, a Chinese tourist asked if he could share a table with me and I readily replied yes.
Source: The Straits Times Apr 16, 2011
THREE weeks ago at the Queen's Street hawker centre during lunch time, a Chinese tourist asked if he could share a table with me and I readily replied yes.
Mini-GRCs work better
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May 14, 2011
Mini-GRCs work better
DESPITE obtaining 40 per cent of the total votes cast, the opposition parties secured only about 7 per cent of the seats in Parliament. This sad fact is obviously due to the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system.
May 14, 2011
Mini-GRCs work better
DESPITE obtaining 40 per cent of the total votes cast, the opposition parties secured only about 7 per cent of the seats in Parliament. This sad fact is obviously due to the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system.
Newbies should stand in single wards
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May 14, 2011
Newbies should stand in single wards
THE flaws in the GRC system allowed proven, capable candidates to be voted out (think Mr George Yeo).
New candidates without experience, who may be capable, were also voted out (think Mr Ong Ye Kung).
On the other hand, Marine Parade GRC candidate Tin Pei Ling got into Parliament riding on the reputation and track record of Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.
May 14, 2011
Newbies should stand in single wards
THE flaws in the GRC system allowed proven, capable candidates to be voted out (think Mr George Yeo).
New candidates without experience, who may be capable, were also voted out (think Mr Ong Ye Kung).
On the other hand, Marine Parade GRC candidate Tin Pei Ling got into Parliament riding on the reputation and track record of Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.
Too small for unhappy slapping
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May 14, 2011
Too small for unhappy slapping
SINGAPORE is where it is today not because of a miracle. It took decades of dedicated planning and work.
Many nations with poor leadership have fared badly in the last 10 years. A lack of confidence in the government, and stock prices fall, currency value drops, foreign investors pull out and so on.
May 14, 2011
Too small for unhappy slapping
SINGAPORE is where it is today not because of a miracle. It took decades of dedicated planning and work.
Many nations with poor leadership have fared badly in the last 10 years. A lack of confidence in the government, and stock prices fall, currency value drops, foreign investors pull out and so on.
Monday, May 16, 2011
More reports might go online
More reports might go online
Looking into feasibility, with enhanced IT system for parliamentary reports
Letter from Yip Siew Joo Official Reports Department Parliament Secretariat
04:46 AM Apr 27, 2011
Looking into feasibility, with enhanced IT system for parliamentary reports
Letter from Yip Siew Joo Official Reports Department Parliament Secretariat
04:46 AM Apr 27, 2011
More thorough access to parliamentary records, please
More thorough access to parliamentary records, please
Letter from Tan Eng Keong
04:46 AM Apr 25, 2011
I REFER to recent reports in which Minister Lui Tuck Yew is quoted as saying the Government has put up a lot of information on its websites. However, it is odd that key pieces of information are not easily found online.
Letter from Tan Eng Keong
04:46 AM Apr 25, 2011
I REFER to recent reports in which Minister Lui Tuck Yew is quoted as saying the Government has put up a lot of information on its websites. However, it is odd that key pieces of information are not easily found online.
New system will give free access to subsidiary legislation
New system will give free access to subsidiary legislation
Letter from Li Jin Haw, Assistant Director, Corporate Communications Unit, Attorney-General’s Chambers, Singapore
04:46 AM Apr 27, 2011
Letter from Li Jin Haw, Assistant Director, Corporate Communications Unit, Attorney-General’s Chambers, Singapore
04:46 AM Apr 27, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
Minority candidates don't need GRC system to succeed
Minority candidates don't need GRC system to succeed
Letter from Michelle Liang 08:55 PM May 10, 2011
This election has thrown up many issues causing simmering unhappiness among Singaporeans, some of which have overshadowed the many good things that the PAP Government has done over the years.
One of these issues of contention is the GRC system that many view as unfair. I believe that the Government needs to take a good hard look into whether it is serving its intended purpose.
Letter from Michelle Liang 08:55 PM May 10, 2011
This election has thrown up many issues causing simmering unhappiness among Singaporeans, some of which have overshadowed the many good things that the PAP Government has done over the years.
One of these issues of contention is the GRC system that many view as unfair. I believe that the Government needs to take a good hard look into whether it is serving its intended purpose.
Consider reverting to three-member GRCs
Consider reverting to three-member GRCs
Letter from Vincent Chin 03:20 PM May 12, 2011
As the PAP starts its post mortem and soul-searching, many questions will be raised. These will include issues like the cost of HDB flats; the congestion commuters are facing in our public transport; the influx of foreign talent and the spiraling cost of living. While there is no doubt the PAP Government will do its best to tackle these problems, there are other areas they should look into as a result of several revelations during the General Election 2011.
Letter from Vincent Chin 03:20 PM May 12, 2011
As the PAP starts its post mortem and soul-searching, many questions will be raised. These will include issues like the cost of HDB flats; the congestion commuters are facing in our public transport; the influx of foreign talent and the spiraling cost of living. While there is no doubt the PAP Government will do its best to tackle these problems, there are other areas they should look into as a result of several revelations during the General Election 2011.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
(02/11): Foreign worker levies to increase, says MOM
Foreign worker levies to increase, says MOM
By Saifulbahri Ismail, S Ramesh | Posted: 21 February 2011 1654 hrs
SINGAPORE: Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is sending a strong signal to businesses to invest in productivity changes and reduce their reliance on low-skilled foreign workers.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
China's road accidents take a murderous turn
The Straits Times: Published on May 10, 2011
China's road accidents take a murderous turn
String of cases where drivers try to kill their victims after hitting them
By Ho Ai Li
BEIJING - WHEN 21-year-old Chongqing native Tian Houbo hit a female beggar while driving home from work last December, he simply drove on.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
'Wild card' proposal is not democratic
'Wild card' proposal is not democratic
04:46 AM May 10, 2011
Letter from Mohamed Fairoz Bin Shariff
I REFER to the letter by Mr Ng Ya Ken, "Why lose the losers?" (May 9). He suggested that we modify the existing election system "to allow a 'wild card' window in a General Election so that a second chance could be provided for certain losing candidates to have another contest immediately after".
04:46 AM May 10, 2011
Letter from Mohamed Fairoz Bin Shariff
I REFER to the letter by Mr Ng Ya Ken, "Why lose the losers?" (May 9). He suggested that we modify the existing election system "to allow a 'wild card' window in a General Election so that a second chance could be provided for certain losing candidates to have another contest immediately after".
... Scrap or let voters decide on GRC scheme
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May 9, 2011
... Scrap or let voters decide on GRC scheme
THE General Election results have shown up the GRC rationale in three ways.
First, Mr Michael Palmer's single-ward win in Punggol East over two opposition Chinese Singaporean candidates shows that a minority candidate can prevail. Singaporeans vote in candidates on merit and passion, not race.
May 9, 2011
... Scrap or let voters decide on GRC scheme
THE General Election results have shown up the GRC rationale in three ways.
First, Mr Michael Palmer's single-ward win in Punggol East over two opposition Chinese Singaporean candidates shows that a minority candidate can prevail. Singaporeans vote in candidates on merit and passion, not race.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Issue opposition rightfully flagged
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May 6, 2011
Issue opposition rightfully flagged
THE Workers' Party may not be ready to form a government. But if the turnouts at its rallies are any indication, the public may not care if the opposition isn't.
May 6, 2011
Issue opposition rightfully flagged
THE Workers' Party may not be ready to form a government. But if the turnouts at its rallies are any indication, the public may not care if the opposition isn't.
Driving S'pore too fast
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May 6, 2011
Driving S'pore too fast
MUCH has been discussed on the driver and co-driver for Singapore. But I'm suggesting a traffic control officer here.
May 6, 2011
Driving S'pore too fast
MUCH has been discussed on the driver and co-driver for Singapore. But I'm suggesting a traffic control officer here.
Friday, May 6, 2011
We don't want mum to gamble our home away
Kids take on jobs and downgrade flat to help hawker mum pay $300,000 gambling debt, but she still goes to casinos and is willing to lose up to $5,000 a day. -TNP
Wed, Apr 13, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
PA denies allegation of 'double standards' by NSP's Nicole Seah
PA denies allegation of 'double standards' by NSP's Nicole Seah
04:46 AM May 05, 2011
SINGAPORE - The People's Association has said the Mountbatten Community Club's toilets are open to members of the public but party-political activities - regardless of where they come from - are not allowed in community clubs.
04:46 AM May 05, 2011
SINGAPORE - The People's Association has said the Mountbatten Community Club's toilets are open to members of the public but party-political activities - regardless of where they come from - are not allowed in community clubs.
On GRCs and losing Ministers
On GRCs and losing Ministers
Letter from Daniel Koh Kah Soon
Updated 07:30 PM May 04, 2011
If the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) had been intentionally designed primarily to protect not just untested candidates but also to keep experienced minister in power, the system is flawed. Everyone knows that the GRC introduced by the government has an inherent risk. If the ruling party wins a GRC, it gets between four and seats seats in Parliament. But if it loses one GRC, it loses those number of seats which, in the current election, would include at least one serving minister.
Letter from Daniel Koh Kah Soon
Updated 07:30 PM May 04, 2011
If the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) had been intentionally designed primarily to protect not just untested candidates but also to keep experienced minister in power, the system is flawed. Everyone knows that the GRC introduced by the government has an inherent risk. If the ruling party wins a GRC, it gets between four and seats seats in Parliament. But if it loses one GRC, it loses those number of seats which, in the current election, would include at least one serving minister.
If PAP loses GRCs, it will weaken Government
If PAP loses GRCs, it will weaken Government
It will also impede leadership renewal, warns DPM Wong Kan Seng
by Tan Yo-Hinn 04:46 AM May 04, 2011
SINGAPORE - Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng says the loss of a few Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs) will have serious implications and severely weaken the current Cabinet.
It will also impede leadership renewal, warns DPM Wong Kan Seng
by Tan Yo-Hinn 04:46 AM May 04, 2011
SINGAPORE - Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng says the loss of a few Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs) will have serious implications and severely weaken the current Cabinet.
(6/06) GRCs make it easier to find top talent: SM
27 June 2006
Straits Times
GRCs make it easier to find top talent: SM
Without good chance of winning at polls, they might not be willing to risk careers for politics
By Li Xueying
Straits Times
GRCs make it easier to find top talent: SM
Without good chance of winning at polls, they might not be willing to risk careers for politics
By Li Xueying
Seas could rise 1.6m by 2100: Study
Seas could rise 1.6m by 2100: Study
04:46 AM May 05, 2011
Quickening climate change in the Arctic, including a thaw of Greenland's ice, could raise world sea levels by up to 1.6m by 2100, an international report showed on Tuesday.
04:46 AM May 05, 2011
Quickening climate change in the Arctic, including a thaw of Greenland's ice, could raise world sea levels by up to 1.6m by 2100, an international report showed on Tuesday.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
6 million plastic bags saved
6 million plastic bags saved: FairPrice Foundation will donate up to $30K to charity based on sales of reusable bags & customer recycling efforts. -AsiaOne
SINGAPORE - SOME 6 million plastic bags were saved last year through NTUC FairPrice's Bring-Your-Own-Bag (BYOB) initiative.
This is a 16 per cent increase compared with the previous year of over 5.1 million plastic bags, said the local company in its recent press release.
Giving up seats: Learn from other nations
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May 2, 2011
Giving up seats: Learn from other nations
WHEN my father and I stepped into a crowded train in Taipei, a few people from different areas on the train stood up to offer their seats to my elderly but robust dad.
May 2, 2011
Giving up seats: Learn from other nations
WHEN my father and I stepped into a crowded train in Taipei, a few people from different areas on the train stood up to offer their seats to my elderly but robust dad.
Unfair criticisms of opposition
HOME > ST FORUM > ONLINE STORY
May 2, 2011
Unfair criticisms of opposition
WITH Polling Day around the corner, The Straits Times Forum Page has been flooded with comments on both the People's Action Party (PAP) and the opposition parties. There are plenty of irrational criticisms of the opposition parties.
May 2, 2011
Unfair criticisms of opposition
WITH Polling Day around the corner, The Straits Times Forum Page has been flooded with comments on both the People's Action Party (PAP) and the opposition parties. There are plenty of irrational criticisms of the opposition parties.
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