Without discretion, can there be equity, justice in law?

Without discretion, can there be equity, justice in law?
Updated 08:44 AM Jun 27, 2012
From Dudley Au
I refer to the letter "Shore up judicial discretion in sentencing" (June 19). There are two considerations in evaluating the exercise of discretion. One is equity.

Shore up judicial discretion in sentencing

Shore up judicial discretion in sentencing
04:45 AM Jun 19, 2012; From Winston Chew Choon Teck
I support Member of Parliament Hri Kumar Nair's call, "Judges should have more flexibility: MP" (June 16), although the issue of sentencing is a complex one, involving various considerations.
While our judges have discretion in sentencing, this is circumscribed by existing precedents, guidelines and legal principles. A judge who fails to observe these would be in dereliction of his duties, with consequences to his career.

Judges should have more flexibility: MP

Judges should have more flexibility: MP
Allow option of suspending driving licences of those who get others to take the rap for traffic offences, says Hri Kumar; Updated 04:45 AM Jun 16, 2012
by Teo Xuanwei
SINGAPORE - Admitting he was "surprised" by the S$1,000 fine imposed on well-known plastic surgeon Woffles Wu, Member of Parliament Hri Kumar Nair has argued for "more flexibility in sentencing so that the punishment truly fits the crime".

USD/Euro 'Rating downgrade - beginning of the end, hyperinflation next'

USD/Euro 'Rating downgrade - beginning of the end, hyperinflation next' [alt link]

- comments?

[CPF Min Sum] Govt can't have it both ways

The Straits Times, Published on Jun 23, 2012
CALIBRATING INFLATION FOR CPF MINIMUM SUM
Govt can't have it both ways 
IT IS difficult to understand how the Ministry of Manpower's reply ('Increase doesn't fully reflect total inflation'; June 15) addresses the point made by Mr Young Pak Nang ('CPF Minimum Sum should reflect 'true' inflation'; June 8).

[CPF] Increase doesn't fully reflect total inflation

The Straits Times, Published on Jun 15, 2012
CPF MINIMUM SUM
Increase doesn't fully reflect total inflation
MR YOUNG Pak Nang inquired about the use of the headline consumer price index inflation rate to adjust the Central Provident Fund Minimum Sum ('CPF Minimum Sum should reflect 'true' inflation'; last Friday).
As he noted, increases in imputed housing rentals on owner-occupied homes and certificate of entitlement prices for private cars contributed to higher-than-normal headline consumer price index inflation last year.
For the majority of retirees, these are not items that would lead to increased cash expenditures.

CPF Minimum Sum should reflect 'true' inflation

The Straits Times, Published on Jun 8, 2012
 CPF Minimum Sum should reflect 'true' inflation
 THE report ('CPF Minimum Sum to be raised'; May 31) stated that the Government has decided to raise the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Minimum Sum from $131,000 to $139,000 from July, instead of $143,000.

Victim wins civil suit against Ionescu

Victim wins civil suit against Ionescu
Mr Bong has sought more than $630k in damages. The default judgment was given to Ionescu, but the amount of damages to be paid will be decided later. -TNP
Sat, Aug 21, 2010; The New Paper
A VICTIM allegedly knocked down by Romanian Silviu Ionescu has won the first civil suit filed against the former diplomat.
The High Court, in a default judgment on Aug 12, ruled that Ionescu pay Mr Bong Hwee Haw, 24, for damages, said court papers.

[Video] Mr Horsey goes to see its dentist...

[Video] Mr Horsey goes to see its dentist...

Singapore's growth expected to slow in next decade

Singapore's growth expected to slow in next decade
08 June 2012 2246 hrs (SST)
SINGAPORE: Singapore's economy will experience growth slower than in the last 10 years.
This, against the backdrop of a more developed economy, internal resources constraints and fierce competition from the region.

Ruben Wang's 5 min summary on the Eurozone Financial crisis- what do U think?

The Eurozone crisis in 5 minutes: By A Singaporean Cynic, dated approx late May2012
The following is a salvaged cache version (previously posted at personal [blog] but now unavailable, see reasons @ bottom).