"Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."-- Benjamin Franklin.

Friday, April 29, 2011

She thinks S'poreans are still apathetic

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Apr 29, 2011
She thinks S'poreans are still apathetic
HAVING spoken to many Singaporeans from different walks of life, I realise that, despite the heat of Nomination Day, many Singaporeans are either still apathetic about politics and its significance, or are not willing to seriously think through what the political parties have to offer, because they are happy to continue voting for the same political party and do not feel the need to be engaged.

PAP has blurred line between State and party

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Apr 13, 2011
PAP has blurred line between State and party
THE cry for multi-party representation in Parliament is the People's Action Party's own doing ("A single party can't represent all views" by Mr Michael Cyssel Wee; last Friday).

Getting the past right to look into future

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Apr 22, 2011
Getting the past right to look into future
I REFER to the report on new People's Action Party candidate Chan Chun Sing ("Singapore needs 'creativity and gumption to beat odds of history'"; Monday).

What WP should have advocated for housing

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Apr 29, 2011
What WP should have advocated for housing
I REFER to Mr Ng Kok Lim's response ("Asset enhancement affects future generations too"; Wednesday) to my letter ("WP's plan leaves home owners vulnerable"; April 21).

Asset enhancement affects future generations too

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Apr 27, 2011
Asset enhancement affects future generations too
MADAM Shirley Chng cautions against pegging new flat prices to median income ("WP's plan leaves home owners vulnerable"; last Thursday).

WP's plan leaves home owners vulnerable

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Apr 21, 2011
WP's plan leaves home owners vulnerable
AS 85 per cent of Singaporeans own HDB flats, I would advise caution in considering the Workers' Party (WP) proposal to peg new HDB flat prices to median income ('WP's policy proposals'; April 10).
The WP plan may seriously affect home owners who are forced to resell their flats, for which they paid a lot, because of a personal downturn.

(03/10) MBT: Comm of Supply debate

Source:  http://www.mnd.gov.sg/newsroom/speeches/speeches_2010_M_05032010_COS02a.htm
Speeches
SPEECH BY MR MAH BOW TAN, MINISTER FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, AT COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY DEBATE, 05 MARCH 2010, 6:00 PM AT PARLIAMENT

Thursday, April 28, 2011

GE: Good that PAP "contested strongly", says PM Lee

GE: Good that PAP "contested strongly", says PM Lee
By Sharon Tong | Posted: 27 April 2011 1753 hrs
SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is also the People's Action Party (PAP) Secretary-General, said at an hour long media conference after Nomination that it is good the opposition is putting up a strong contest.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Singapore's not as green as it should be

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Apr 25, 2011
Singapore's not as green as it should be
WHILE visiting Singapore, I was disturbed to see plastic bags being used indiscriminately and with abandon at several retail outlets. Besides supermarkets, bakeries are among the worst culprits. A popular local bread franchise dispenses a plastic bag for each piece of pastry or bread. Even fast-food restaurants serve their food in containers that appear to be non-biodegradable. The multiplier effect of the unconscionable practice of using plastic or its similar derivatives is unthinkable.

Aim of public housing policy

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Apr 25, 2011
Aim of public housing policy
BOTH the People's Action Party and Workers' Party have focused their arguments on prices of HDB flats, but failed to address the most fundamental issue of public housing policy, which is to provide housing to all citizens, regardless of marital or financial status.

Attributes of a First World Parliament

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Apr 25, 2011
Attributes of a First World Parliament
PEOPLE'S Action Party MP Indranee Rajah said the Workers' Party (WP) is refusing to explain what it really means by "First World Parliament", so as not to alarm voters ("The inconvenient truth about WP's campaign slogan"; last Saturday).

First World Parliament: Let voters decide

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Apr 25, 2011
First World Parliament: Let voters decide
THE Workers' Party (WP) does not see the need to model its 'First World Parliament' theme after any country ('The inconvenient truth about WP's campaign slogan' by People's Action Party MP Indranee Rajah; last Saturday).

He understands where WP is coming from

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Apr 27, 2011
He understands where WP is coming from
AS A first-time voter, I view the ongoing scrutiny and debate over the Workers' Party's campaign slogan, Towards a First World Parliament, as bordering on the irrelevant and unproductive.
If we were to extend this same standard of scrutiny to the People's Action Party's campaign slogan, Securing Our Future Together, then one could question, among other things, whether the PAP will change its policy of differentiating between citizens living in PAP-held and opposition-held wards in terms of upgrading policies and so on, in the future.

First World Parliament needs competition

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Apr 25, 2011
First World Parliament needs competition
I REFER to People's Action Party MP Indranee Rajah's letters ("WP's fictional First World Parliament"; last Tuesday, and "The inconvenient truth about WP's campaign slogan"; last Saturday).
They represent an unproductive picking of words and a distraction from the real issue confronting us, which is to have competition in Parliament.

The inconvenient truth about WP's campaign slogan

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Apr 23, 2011
The inconvenient truth about WP's campaign slogan
MR GERALD Giam's response ('If a First World govt is possible, so too a First World Parliament'; Thursday) shows how the Workers' Party has been twisting every way possible to explain away its campaign theme, 'First World Parliament', and yet not alarm voters on what it really means.

Waxing lyrical online

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Apr 21, 2011
Waxing lyrical online
WEBSITES are now full of bards waxing eloquent about Singapore's great divide. The thrust of these websites are that the ruling party should be voted out because of its pro-wealth and anti-poor policies.
Really? What should we believe... that Singapore should be ruled by a pro-poor and anti-rich political leadership?

What makes a valid opposition

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Apr 21, 2011
What makes a valid opposition
I REFER to Ms Indranee Rajah's letter, ('WP's fictional First World Parliament'; Tuesday).
Effective governance should not be measured by the speed of passing constitutional amendments, but by the quality of such amendments. If the opposition has a valid concern to oppose the passing of any constitutional amendment, it should be heard and not be labelled troublemaker.

Let's have a First World political debate

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Apr 21, 2011
Let's have a First World political debate
I REFER to Ms Indranee Rajah's response to the Workers' Party (WP) vision of a First World Parliament ('WP's fictional First World Parliament'; Tuesday).

His view of a First World Parliament

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Apr 21, 2011
His view of a First World Parliament
MS INDRANEE Rajah named countries with a multi-party legislature stuck in gridlock and engaged in political theatre while governance, the economy and people suffer, and policies which would benefit the people cannot get passed, ('WP's fictional First World Parliament'; Tuesday).

If a First World govt is possible, so too a First World Parliament

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Apr 21, 2011
If a First World govt is possible, so too a First World Parliament
THE Workers' Party (WP) does not share Ms Indranee Rajah's cynicism of democratic politics ('WP's fictional First World Parliament'; Tuesday).
The fact that the WP's vision of a First World Parliament does not model itself after any particular developed country should not be surprising to Ms Indranee.

Three problems with single-party democracy

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Apr 21, 2011
Three problems with single-party democracy
MS INDRANEE Rajah contends that a multi-party Parliament will lead to inefficient governance, while one dominated by a single party is able to pass beneficial policies without hindrance, and hence, govern more effectively ('WP's fictional First World Parliament'; Tuesday).

NCMP scheme has no precedent either

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Apr 21, 2011
NCMP scheme has no precedent either
I READ with interest Ms Indranee Rajah's response ('WP's fictional First World Parliament'; Tuesday) to the Workers' Party's (WP) vision of a First World Parliament which had no reference to any particular developed country.

WP's fictional First World Parliament

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Apr 19, 2011
WP's fictional First World Parliament
MS SYLVIA Lim's attempt to explain what the Workers' Party is saying exposes the inconsistencies in the WP's position ('What First World Parliament means: Sylvia'; April 15).
Ms Lim, astonishingly, says that WP's vision of a First World Parliament has no reference to any particular developed country! It is obvious why she refuses to name any specific country - there is no successful model that she can point to.

What First World Parliament means: Sylvia

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Apr 15, 2011
What First World Parliament means: Sylvia
IN RESPONDING to the Workers' Party's (WP) campaign slogan 'Vote Workers' Party - Towards A First World Parliament', Mr Eugene Tan has misunderstood the term 'First World' used in the slogan ('UK, US? Give him a S'pore MP any day'; Wednesday).
It was made clear at the launch of the slogan that WP is not taking any particular developed country as a model.

UK, US? Give him a S'pore MP any day

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Apr 13, 2011
UK, US? Give him a S'pore MP any day
THE definition of a First World Parliament seems to refer to numbers rather than quality ('WP's goal: A First World Parliament'; Sunday).
In the United States, a deadlock last week nearly shut down the government. American institutions of democracy and a First World Parliament did not stop the US or Britain from fighting a disastrous war in Iraq. The recent British general election has perhaps put the country on the road to permanent minority governments, like those in continental Europe.

WP's goal: A First World Parliament

Published on Apr 10, 2011
WP's goal: A First World Parliament
By Chong Zi Liang
THE Workers' Party (WP) on Saturday unveiled its manifesto and campaign slogan at its party headquarters along Syed Alwi Road.
Titled Towards A First World Parliament, the manifesto contains 15 points on a diverse range of national issues like economic growth, the electoral process, public housing and the judiciary.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Asset enhancement works only with a second home

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Apr 21, 2011
Asset enhancement works only with a second home
I REFER to Mr Tan Jiaqi's letter on Monday ('Perils of asset enhancement for younger Singaporeans').
Assuming that a home is a necessity to a family, the family's asset is not really appreciating as other home prices are rising in tandem. Only when the family acquires a second home can it be truly said that the asset is appreciating in value?

Govt deserves due credit, but what's the endgame?

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Apr 21, 2011
Govt deserves due credit, but what's the endgame?
I REFER to Monday's letter by Mr Tan Jiaqi ('Perils of asset enhancement for younger Singaporeans').
While it is true that many Singaporeans have benefited from the People's Action Party's policy of 'asset enhancement', it was not that obvious a policy back in the 60s to the early 80s as I know of no records available of such a policy being articulated and deliberately pursued.

Perils of asset enhancement for younger Singaporeans

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Apr 18, 2011
Perils of asset enhancement for younger Singaporeans
NATIONAL Development Minister Mah Bow Tan stressed the policy of keeping prices of new HDB flats pegged to resale market prices, and said there was nothing wrong in giving Singaporeans an asset that grew in value over time ('WP's housing proposal irresponsible, says Mah'; last Friday).

Better an affordable home, than asset enhancement

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Apr 21, 2011
Better an affordable home, than asset enhancement
THE Government argues that by enhancing the value of HDB homes (read: increasing the prices of homes), it gives a valuable asset to Singaporeans and a stake in the country ('WP's housing proposal irresponsible, says Mah'; April 15).

Monday, April 25, 2011

Singapore Pools, Turf Club adding to gambling concerns

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Apr 20, 2011
Singapore Pools, Turf Club adding to gambling concerns
DESPITE earlier reservations about the setting up of casinos in Singapore, retiring minister Lim Boon Heng appears to have come to terms with the Government's decision now that they are reported to be successful and thriving. However, he is still concerned about the potential social costs of gambling on families ('A difficult decision'; April 12).

Worried about promotion of gambling

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Apr 23, 2011
Worried about promotion of gambling
MR NARAYANA Narayana's letter on Wednesday ("Singapore Pools, Turf Club adding to gambling concerns") vividly captures the gambling scenario here. I agree with him that the spread of gambling activities should be a source of worry, even as these operators help to fill the Government's coffers, albeit at the expense of the vulnerable.

Housing link to low fertility rate

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Apr 25, 2011
Housing link to low fertility rate
AS SOMEONE queueing for new HDB flats or waiting for flats to be completed, I disagree with National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan ("WP's proposals dangerous: Mah"; last Thursday).

Have we come of political age?

GENERAL ELECTION
Have we come of political age? 
THE coming general election will be interesting and exciting for me as well as for the younger citizens from Generation Y.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Cheaper petrol can be a problem

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Apr 16, 2011
Cheaper petrol can be a problem
MANY people prefer to debate why petrol prices across the Causeway are cheaper rather than consider the implications of cheaper fuel ('Fuel competition' by Mr Lewis Goh; April 6).

Thursday, April 14, 2011

How PAP uses taxpayer-funded grassroots for political gain

How PAP uses taxpayer-funded grassroots for political gain
Last week, Mr Eric Low and Mr Sitoh Yih Pin, the PAP MP-aspirants who lost to Workers’ Party’s Low Thia Khiang and SDA’s Chiam See Tong respectively in the last election, grabbed the limelight for themselves by announcing HDB’s decision to upgrade lifts in Potong Pasir and Hougang.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Citizens have key role to be a check on bureaucrats

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Apr 5, 2011
Citizens have key role to be a check on bureaucrats
DR VINCENT Tan states that the People's Action Party should take care of its own renewal, implying that this is also an issue other parties should face on their own as it is not the problem of the public, which simply casts its votes ("Govts better off with checks and balances"; yesterday).

Govts better off with checks and balances

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Apr 4, 2011
Govts better off with checks and balances
MR ANG Kok Thiam argues that veteran opposition leaders Chiam See Tong and Low Thia Khiang should contest in Potong Pasir and Hougang respectively as they have done before ('Chiam, Low should stay put'; last Saturday). I do not entirely agree with his views.

What's the role of the opposition?

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Apr 12, 2011
What's the role of the opposition?
Represent alternative voices well
THE opposition's role in a democracy is not to take over the government to form another one-party government ('Opposition as insurance? It'll cost you dearly, says DPM Teo'; last Friday).

7/10: “Yes-men” PAP MPs embarrassed themselves by saying instinctively “Yes” (wrongly) to reduce budget of Home Affairs Ministry

“Yes-men” PAP MPs embarrassed themselves by saying instinctively “Yes” (wrongly) to reduce budget of Home Affairs Ministry
March 7th, 2010 | Author: Your Correspondent
Written by Our Correspondent
PAP MPs are so used to saying “yes” in Parliament that they almost screwed up the budget of the Home Affairs Ministry by agreeing to reduce it.

Team walkovers

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Apr 9, 2011
Team walkovers
'MPs must face the baptism of fire at some point in their political journey.'
MR GOH KEE CHUAN: 'Retiring Minister of State for Defence Koo Tsai Kee deserves recognition and respect for his patriotic contribution over 20 years to defence policies and service to the constituents

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Cynicism will hurt GRC system

April 6, 2011.
Cynicism will hurt GRC system
GRCs work for S'pore, but furore over PAP new face is worrying
By Alan John, Deputy Editor ST
WHEN Mr Chiam See Tong, at age 75, says he is ready to leave his Potong Pasir seat to contest a group representation constituency (GRC), it is one more sign of how much things have changed in just over two decades.
Back in 1988, he was against the idea of GRCs when the concept of 'team MPs' was put before Parliament.

The GRC voter's dilemma

The GRC voter's dilemma
April 02, 2011 Saturday, 06:00 AM
Cassandra Chew on the quandary GRC voters face when deciding which situation they prefer, and what consequences they can live with.
--------------------------------------------------
Have you ever picked up a bag of onions that you thought was perfect, until you spot a mouldy little one in the corner of the bag?
It’s one of the drawbacks of shopping in a supermarket, where everything is pre-packaged for your convenience.

A strong opposition will draw talent

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Apr 8, 2011
A strong opposition will draw talent
I RESPECTFULLY disagree with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong ("2-party system not workable here: PM"; Wednesday).

Revert to 3-member GRCs for credibility

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Apr 9, 2011
Revert to 3-member GRCs for credibility
WHAT has happened to the group representation constituency (GRC) system represents a deviation from its originally noble intention ('Cynicism will hurt GRC system', commentary by deputy editor Alan John; Wednesday).

Friday, April 8, 2011

DPM Wong questions opposition's GRC motives

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Mar 24, 2011
GE 2011
DPM Wong questions opposition's GRC motives
By Li Xueying, Political Correspondent
THE next general election is about Singapore's future, and voters should examine carefully the opposition's intentions in wanting to win group representation constituencies (GRCs), said Mr Wong Kan Seng.

A single party can't represent all views

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Apr 8, 2011
A single party can't represent all views
PRIME Minister Lee Hsien Loong's argument that 'if the PAP can't assemble a second team, I don't think the opposition will find it easier' shows a misunderstanding of multi-party democracy ('Not enough talent for two A teams'; yesterday).

Ability is key; Signs of a new political landscape

ST Forum
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Apr 8, 2011
Ability is key
'Give Ms Tin the space to prove herself and her critics wrong.'

GRCs and the high-stakes game

ST Forum: HOME > ST FORUM > ONLINE STORY
Apr 8, 2011
GRCs and the high-stakes game
I REFER to the interesting proposition put forth by Mr Ang Kok Thiam ("Chiam, Low should stay put"; April 2) - that Mr Chiam See Tong and Mr Low Thia Khiang should not leave their respective single-member constituencies (SMCs) to contest group representation constituencies (GRCs) as we may lose either two Cabinet ministers or two opposition leaders.

Don't equate interests of party with that of nation

The Straits Times; Published on Apr 8, 2011
Don't equate interests of party with that of nation
Mr Ang Kok Thiam states his concern about opposition figures Chiam See Tong and Low Thia Khiang leaving their single-member constituencies (SMCs) to contest in a group representation constituency ("Chiam, Low should stay put"; April 2).

Thursday, April 7, 2011

There is only one MM, and he is unique: PM Lee

There is only one MM, and he is unique: PM Lee
04:46 AM Apr 06, 2011
by Ng Jing Yng
Following his speech at the Kent Ridge Ministerial Forum last night, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong fielded more than a dozen questions from the audience. Here are some excerpts:
Will the young slate of candidates ... remain relevant for the older generation ... ?

NSP duo 'want to normalise Opposition politics'

NSP duo 'want to normalise Opposition politics'
04:55 PM Apr 05, 2011
by Ansley Ng
SINGAPORE - Owing to their status as former civil service high flyers, Opposition candidates Tony Tan and Hazel Poa (picture) have found themselves in the public spotlight on one too many occasions - including the time when they were part of a group who quit the Reform Party (RP) abruptly.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

"Peak Oil: It’s not if it will happen, but when"

View Post ponpokku (02-04-2011 03:11 PM) wrote:
u probably have no idea about availability of fossil fuels.
the idea of fossil fuels lasting xx yrs has some pre-requisites: under current tech and costs and counting only oil fields currently in production and/or 'proven reserves'. it doesnt mean the earth has only that much to spare. these theories/sayings had been ard since the 70s, and things are a lot different 40yrs later.

10/09: Town Council Act (CAP 329A) states clearly that Govt must work with Town Councils (run by MPs) to implement LUP

Town Council Act (CAP 329A) states clearly that Govt must work with Town Councils (run by MPs) to implement LUP

OPINION
In a letter published in the Straits Times Forum on 27 October 2009, Press Secretary to the Ministry of National Development Lim Yuin Chien wrote that there is a difference between the roles of a MP and an adviser [link].

Wrong to let young candidate sneak in

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Apr 5, 2011
GEN Y IN GE 2011
Wrong to let young candidate sneak in
WHILE I fully support the self-renewal concept of the People's Action Party (PAP), I was taken aback by some of the candidates it is fielding for the upcoming general election.

A farmer's life deserves respect

A farmer's life deserves respect
04:46 AM Apr 04, 2011
Letter from Natalie Cheong
Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong has been quoted as saying of people in less-developed countries: "Because they don't know what life is, they're quite happy. They wake up, they brush their teeth, then they'll farm, and then they'll sleep. But do you want it that way?". What concerns me is the assumption that all farmers in less-developed countries do not understand what life is.