By: baldeagle
The mood is sombre.... dark in this GRC...
Singaporeans are fed-up with the rising prices. Noodle at the
neighbour-hood coffee shop cost 50 cents more a bowl now... Hawkers
cannot afford the high rents ($5,000 to 7500 a month) have to stop
selling...leaving most the stalls in the coffee shop empty. Sitting
in the coffee shop is like attending a wake.
The retired old folks who gather here daily after their morning walk
around the reservoir....are not smiling anymore. Their favourite
minister, George Yeo is now a taboo subject... 7 of the 9 old folks
would get angry whenever his name is mentioned...fuck words in Hokkien
would be heard. These old folks had been behind PAP winning in past
elections.
Why the change ?
PAP has let them down...BADLY. Their retirement fund has been eaten up
by the rising cost...rising food cost,(meat, veg, fish, and hawker
meals)... cost of electricity and water,... higher transport
cost...many have lost their temporary jobs to Bangladeshi.... They
asked Minister Yeo for help...he promised to do something. After
months of waiting...nothing was done...instead the prices gone even
higher....two who have to work at 70 years old lost their table
cleaning jobs to foreigners!!! The old folks are worried about how to
live...now their money can buy less and less. When their retirement
are exhausted, they may be forced to go before their time.
No body talk about the election goodies and upgrading anymore..instead
they curse PAP for letting them down...To them PAP is no longer a good
government.
These old folks who have voted for PAP all their lives....They will
certainly not support PAP anymore.
This scene is repeated in many the coffee shops around the Aljunied
GRC.
If the election is held next month, PAP will surely lose thousands
more votes. The slim majority PAP won in the 2006 election will be
gone. If worker's party could field a strong team including Chan Show
Moa...We will see a new Foreign minister.
The wind of change is becoming stronger...and stronger...in Aljunied
GRC.
Well it is not just the cleaners' jobs that are being taken away. If you go to our Philips headquarters at Toa Payoh - just see how many of our middle management/ clerical jobs are also given away to ang mohs. Are you sure we can't find enough of our own Singaporeans to fill these jobs? If citizens are not being taken care of, can we expect any loyalty from the citizens? We are supposed to be one of the most well educated and intelligent people in the region. In areas of maths, science competitions we are always amongst the top. I do not believe we can't match these ang mohs. To think that they are allowed in for a free ride under the "label" of foreign talents and looking down on the locals who feed them is really disheartening!
ReplyDeleteThe fact that high rentals are causing all the price increases is never lost on us lower income, semi-literate citizens. We are not as stupid as they think.
ReplyDeleteWho created the opportunities for the operators of coffee shops to charge such high rentals? The HDB resorted to calling for open bidding for the coffee shops, often won by big cartels, and caused all the sky high rentals. Upgrading of hawker centres enabled hawkers to raise prices after each and every renewal. Who suffers? Or better still, who benefits?
Who benefited the most in all this? Is this because of globalization, that they always conveniently push the blame, whenever someone started asking the Government to mitigate the high cost of living. No, and it has all to do with the greed of HDB. It is creating and causing all these problems.
Keep voting PAP and they will keep telling us they cannot sell land cheaper or keep rentals down. Really?
Just remember, they are deaf, so just do the right thing at the polls and change the situation and help yourself. That is the only way out.
There will be loads of buses ferrying
ReplyDeletesupporters to beef up the crowds.. or they will turn up becos of incentives given..
The usual election routine
In Sgp, it is so real when one is out of job. Even PMET in their 40s. You just hv to pray hard that you do not get retrenched, and if one does unfortunately, to pray hard for divine intervention. The recruitment policy is too easy for the employers to choose who they want, unlike the stringent ratio which we were so familiar in the past. But rather than choosing a weak opposition, we have to be careful and make a wise choice - for PAP, Opposition or spoil the vote; the last 2 having the same meaning of dissatisfied constituents?
ReplyDeleteTHat's true. I hope the WP has done their homework well as to why the lost in the last GE. They have to make sure they covered all races in the vicinity to garner their votes. WP you have worked very very hard. If you are in my GRC Tampines, I will sure vote you. THe ruling MPs only see them before GE afterwhich they go into hibernation.
ReplyDeleteWith the recent upgraded hawker centres in Aljunid, rental prices there had almost double. Hawkers were told to be more productive. How? by doubling their operating hours? where will the crowd from? who will help them man the stall during the extended hours? more FT again?
ReplyDeleteObviously, ppl there suffer as food prices inevibility increases and who benefit? Our reserve?
I agree with S. When I lived in Shanghai in 2005, an apartment located similar Tanjong Pagar already costed SGD1.6million. Their salary was maybe 50% of ours then. Now, probably worse. Sweden, everything costs like double if not 3 times the price here. Their housing is also expensive. We don't have to talk about Hong Kong housing costs. Everything is relative in life. Are we asking for too much? Are singaporeans realistic? Why are the young people complaining when they have so much money to spend on Prada bags and other branded goods? I can appreciate the old people and the poor have difficulties coping with the higher costs of living. I feel that the government should help them more. But for everybody else, the world is getting tough, no matter where you live. Please do not think that young people anywhere in the world has it easier than you. Why do you think so many people want to come to Singapore? Maybe, we should try to understand before we complain.
ReplyDeleteWhile I can only sympathize with the folk that are struggling in singapore to meet ends, I have to say in defense of the ruling party, not that I am a big PAP supporter, that cost of living has gone up tremendously over the last couple of years. Food prices especially have skyrocketed this year and it is getting expensive to live. I live overseas and for a fact I can tell you that food prices have risen more here than it has back home in Singapore. This probably means that the government is doing something to keep food prices down. At least with lower increases than in other countries. I definitely agree with the point made here that many jobs in singapore, from the cushy top office jobs down to the table cleaning jobs, are going to foreigners. Not to mention university places in LOCAL universities. I do not agree with this practice. Singapore has always said that their only resource was the resource of people. But we are not protecting our resources. I say that if these older folk who are struggling to make ends meet, want and are willing to work to support themselves, than I say cudos to them and we should help them get and keep their jobs. Would you rather they go on assistance plans? While it is also a fact that Singapore needs to import talent to maintain population and population growth, they should not neglect those who are already here and have been all their lives.
ReplyDeleteHow democratic do you think George Yeo is? See this report from 1995:
ReplyDeleteDebate yes, but do not take those in authority as ‘equals’
The Straits Times (Singapore) 20 Feb 1995 at p 11
Remember your place in society before you engage in political debate, said Information and the Arts Minister George Yeo yesterday.
Debate cannot degenerate into a free-for-all where no distinction is made between the senior and junior party, or what the Hokkiens describe as ‘boh tua, boh suay’.
You must make distinctions—what is high, what is low, what is above, what is below—and then within this, we can have a debate, we can have a discussion, he added.
Speaking to reporters … on the parameters of debate, an issue sparked off by the Catherine Lim controversy, he made it clear that people should not take on those in authority as ‘equals’. The Prime Minister responded to writer Catherine Lim for her article on his governing style because her tone showed disrespect for authority.
Brig-Gen (NS) Yeo recalled that in 1991, the National Trades Union Congress raised a rumpus when Straits Times columnist Sumiko Tan criticised then union-MP Goh Chee Wee for his speech in Parliament.
Mr Goh felt that Miss Tan was ‘wagging her finger at him’, he said. Likewise, during last year’s Budget debate, Parliament took issue with ST columnist Cherian George for his comments on the Speaker’s handling of the guillotine. ‘He had no right to speak to the Speaker as an equal.’
Pointing to a more recent example, he noted that the judiciary responded when American academic Christopher Lingle took ‘pot shots’ at it in an article he wrote in the International Herald Tribune. He added: ‘This is not to say that MPs, ministers, Speakers or judges cannot be criticised … They ought to be criticised if they are wrong but it should always be done in a way which doesn’t tear the social fabric.’
He said that these individuals did not arrogate to themselves the right to receive respect: MPs were elected while judges were appointed in a solemn ceremony.
Turning to examples abroad, he said the British monarchy had fallen into disrepute because newspapers cirticise the royals to increase circulation. But the Thais threw those who criticise the royals into prison.
‘Every society creates immune systems to defend its own key organs and we must have the immune system in Singapore. Otherwise, by slow increments, we allow these organs to be infected and degraded. And that is not good for us, it is not good for the health of whole society.’
The amounts given below are correct before yesterday's announcement of an increase in President Nathan's salary
ReplyDeleteTop 30 Highest Paid Politicians in the World (Information obtained from the internet)
Clean sweep by tiny Singapore to be in the Guinness Book of Records!
Top 30 highest paid politicians in the world and they are all from Singapore.
(All amounts exclude bonuses.)
1. Elected President SR Nathan - S$3.9 million.
2. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong - S$3.8 million.
3. Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew - S$3.5 million.
4. Senior Minister Goh Chok Thong - S$3.5 million.
5. Senior Minister Prof Jayakumar - S$3.2 million.
6. DPM & Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng - S$2.9 million.
7. DPM & Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean - $2.9 million.
8. Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo - S$2.8 million.
9. National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan - S$2.7 million.
10. PMO Minister Lim Boon Heng - S$2.7 million.
11. Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang - S$2.7 million.
12. PMO Minister Lim Swee Say - S$2.6 million.
13. Environment Minister & Muslim Affairs Minister Dr Yaccob Ibrahim - S$2.6 million.
14. Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan - S$2.6 million.
15. Finance Minister S Tharman - S$2.6 million.
16. Education Minister & 2nd Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen - S$2.6 million.
17. Community Development Youth and Sports Minister - Dr Vivian Balakrishnan - S$2.5 million.
18. Transport Minister & 2nd Minister for Foreign Affairs Raymond Lim Siang Kiat - S$2.5 million.
19. Law Minister & 2nd Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam - S$2.4 million.
20. Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong - S$2.2 million.
21. PMO Minister Lim Hwee Hwa - S$2.2 million.
22. Acting ICA Minister - Lui Tuck Yew - S$2.0 million.
23 to 30 = Senior Ministers of State and Ministers of State - each getting between S$1.8 million to S$1.5 million.
Compared to other Countries' Leaders:
Donald Tsang Yum-Kuen - Hong Kong (S$716k)
Barack Obama - United States (S$555k)
Nicolas Sarkozy - France (S$441k)
Angela Merkel - Germany (S$420k)
Gordon Brown - UK (S$387k)
Taro Aso - Japan (S$337k) Total of all 6: S$2,856,000
but isn"it suppose to be serving the country??? big salaries issues over performances for country? in the first place, aren"t they already rich before becoming ministers? they have the right to refuse such astronomical salaries for the chance to serve the people in good faith.. don"t u think so ???
ReplyDeleteHi, not all young people spend money on expensive goods. For those low income young people, after paying parent's housing loan and PUB bills left only $100 or no more left.
ReplyDeleteLife is very tough. Unable to think about saving or future plan.
I am with you too, there so much to be grateful for. The lives of young Singaporean is good. Every place you go there is a cost to living. Talking is cheap. It's never easy for the government to please everybody. People waste money drinking and gambling.They blame the government for their miseries when they are the one who needs to first blame themselves. I f you are not successful and lazy, you have yourself to blame do not take it out on the government.Use your money more wisely, your booze may have corrupted your thoughts....
ReplyDeleteyes, i will vote the opposition cos this will make our country better.
ReplyDeletehousing prices is something the papigs can control but failed to, excuses - lim hwee wa told a grand story that a small group pushed up the hdb prices. WHO IS THAT SMALL GROUP? tell her to report to us. that means we have a housing bubble. worse the gomen has failed to detect and control the speculators. then those who bought would have paid more than what they would have paid under normal circumstances.
and if new flats are priced to market (which market? resale or private) and discounted haha! so called 'subsidy', all new flat buyers would end up paying more and empty their cpf, we have the highest savings rate in the world, yet there is not enough retirement savings.
So pls don't come and lie that high hdb pices due to globalisation and this happens everywhere. The problem is the influx of foreiners, prs and owners of private housing allowed to buy hdb resale and pushed up the hdb prices. the hdb mission is to provide affordable housing to singaporeans. it has failed.
now prs own hdb flats, rent them out and stay in jb n some go back to china but collect rentals, they will sell at a huge profit like the hongkies did, and laughed at all the supid singaporeans.
papigs is INCOMPETENT cos there is no competition in palee's town. VOTE FOR COMPETITION. PLS VOTE OPPOSTION.
Seeing Many negative sentiments about PAP.
ReplyDeleteI belong to the sandwich generation, having to provide for both parents and children which is of course a strain on finances.
I am unhappy that suddenly in the past 2 years, I see so many foreigners everywhere.
I feel the pinch of inflation. Now groceries are higher. I hear old people complaining of declining retirement funds.
However, I have also travelled to 25 countries across Europe, Asia, India .
In Brazil, the streets are so dangerous, you cannot walk alone. People do not stop at traffic lights unless they have to for fear of armed robbery which is very common.
Richer people drive bullet proof cars.
The poor live on the slopes of hills. Every April, floods cause these wooden huts to be destroyed causing thousands of casualties.
In Peru, 80% of people live on slopes on the hills and they arrange own water supply by makeshift pipes. How different this compared to Singapore..
In Japan, no foreigners because they have strict immigration policy. Old people exceeding the young. Recession stretching for years and slow growth.
I see many homeless people in Seoul! They emerge every night to sleep in the train stations. Same situation In so many cities across Europe and India.
Corruption is rife in so many neighborhood govts.
I think PAP has done a good job.
PAP can do better - good, better, BEST! Never let it rest. Till your good is better, and your better BEST! Hah. Walk the talk PAP, don't just preach. Don't pat yourself on the back, ignore your shortcomings, compare yourself to bad examples then congratulate yourself and convince yourself that all is well in the land.
DeleteHow did Low let Hougang down? He jumped ship? How did he jump ship?
ReplyDeleteThis is selective comparison. Mah Bow Tan was defeated by Chiam See Tong at Potong Pasir. Did he stay to fight Chiam? Gan Kim Yong was defeated by Chiam See Tong too. Did he stay on and fight. Both of these losers went to join a GRC and got in through the back door.Not a different note, Sitoh is now saying Chiam has run away and he (Sitoh) has stayed back. Yeah, right! We should asked those defeated by Chiam.
I find it amusing that people like you think the PAP will speak up for you and serve you. The PAP said they have internal checks and control, robust debates, etc.
ReplyDeleteThe only checks I see are those multi million dollar ones they banked in every month.
You think they are fighting for your welfare? Don't pay them and see whether they will speak for you or "serve" you.
Did they give up their pay when they are in Parliament?
Yes, we have been very careful with our votes, therefore, they went to the Opposition.
ReplyDeleteWhat makes you think they will speak up for you on the national level, without having to tow the party line. If they have, we would not be discussing all these issues.
And as long as I have to vote, our votes will go to anyone except the self serving, paternalistic, arrogant and talking down to you PAP.
I have nothing but loathing and disgust for the PAP. And it runs very very deep.
They can always go run their own businesses. But please hor, GLCs are not their own businesses hor.
ReplyDeleteAll these people are out of touch and in denial. Believing in their own koyok.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with S. comments. I have lived overseas for many years and had the opportunity to compare how efficiently we are run viz-a-viz other countries. I feel a great sense of pride at being a Singaporean and we are respected generally as a nation. However, I do share the concern of many of my fellow Singaporeans who see themselves being marginalised in a country we call our own. Whenever I return to Singapore for vacation, I cannot help but feel alarmed by the increasing number of China nationals everywhere I go - sadly, they have changed the face and social fabric of our country and many of us deeply resent it. We understand the need for foreign labour to supplement the small local population but we expect citizenship to be strictly granted to deserving professionals only and attract those whose cultural norms are more closely aligned to ours e.g. Chinese Malaysians. I hope the ruling party can address this concern and take action to rectify it, before we find ourselves being strangers in our very own country.
ReplyDeleteIn soccer terms, Low's been viciously unfairly tackled from behind. We Singaporeans are the referees in this match and we won't take this nonsense any more. Bring out our cards from our pockets and vote for the opposition!
ReplyDeleteLow let Hougang down. He jumped ship -- why. Ground talk is he was afraid his days are numbered and does Sylvia and team lack confidence and need Low to prop the team?? To me it was sad to see an MP leave his supporters for supposedly wanting to create a voice in parliament.
ReplyDeleteare the beggars Singaporeans nad did you know after they beg they enjoy a much better meal than you and I and boast about how much they earned begging from you and me. Think about what you are earning and how you are living comapred to others in the region.
ReplyDeleteYou seem to not understand the real world. You are enjoying the fruits of a good stable secure nation because of the government we have. Do you know how much people in business make compared to our Ministers and when share prices fall or there is a crisis they don't quit or asked to quit!. Running Singapore is akin to running a business.
ReplyDeleteWHY DON'T U GO AND BEG?
ReplyDeletenow the papigs are begging us for their millions dollars job, if we get conned, then they can bragged they need to keep 'talents' in gomen. enjoy begging. me not giving them a cent.
GCT reportedly said people don't have issue with Ministers pay - well why don't we put it to the people's vote? The Ministers pay formula was decided by a committee - supposed to be independent. How independent can you be if your rice bowl depends on govt projects.
ReplyDeleteSingapore is ony country with PM, SM and MM or 3 in 1 as decision makers. That means PM post cost taxpayers almost $11m a year before the recent adjustment. Paying this kind of money is hardly justifiable if what you get is widening income gap, under-employment, casino gambling problems, rising cost of living etc.
PAP could have done a much BETTER job with issues clearly debated before being acted upon in Parliament.
ReplyDeletePS: Try comparing Singapore with First World countries like Finland, Denmark and Germany. I thought Singapore always want to be No1?
I agree with the rest of the people in this discussion. You are ignorant, naive and definitely brainwashed.
ReplyDeleteYou think that it is justified for ministers' pay to be high then? Seeing some of the ministers like MBT living in a GCB, and so many homeless people begging for alms in chinatown, woodlands, you think all this is justifiable? think before you say such things.
It's an issue of whether people perceive the cup as half full or half empty. A lot of complaints. Rising costs, influx of foreigners, etc. But what's the context? Our unemployment rate at 1.9% is one of lowest in the world. Our per capital income is one of highest. Our so called poor can still afford luxuries of tv and a roof over heads. More literacy rate is also high. How are the other nations in the region, in the world doing? Ireland, Spain, Greece, Portugal are bankrupt. Even the mighty US came close to it. Singapore don't exist in vacuum. We don't have depth. We are a "a little red dot" remember? So we are actually very vulnerable to global developments. So its important to see the big picture. We are not China, US or Russia, countries with depth and resources. If we don't keep vigilant, we will fall easily. When crisis comes, will we still be talking about following ideals? Governance is not easy. So it's important to have competent leaders who can continue to steer the ship effectively in the choppy waters. Don't wait till trouble comes and then realize that. It'll be too late.
ReplyDeleteInflation does happen everywhere in the world, not only in singapore.
ReplyDeleteLastly i do agree with you, PAP has done a good job. We, Singapore is very blessed, yet sadly to see people are complaining, no appreciation of words are heard from them. Just see how rate how well our parents educate us
Thank you for the balanced statement. We are here not to write off PAP. Just want a fair voice and more transparency. That is not asking too much. Does not mean the opposition are unworthy and void of ideas.
ReplyDeleteYou expect two opposition members to do wonders, when the balance 80 PAP members shut down on them. Have you the guts to stand for election? I don't think so.You are the one whom I perceive as NATO, "Talk Only, No Action". You talk about transparency. Has the ruling party been transparent in what they have done. Don't be a loud mouth, think before you leap.
ReplyDeleteYou are not only ignorant and naive.You find it amusing. Why? Because you are a clown. Are you really serious in what you are saying? If so, all I can say is good luck and may misfortune/crisis fall upon you. Then, try seeking for help from your MP. The probable answer is, we will look into it, but we have to abide in certain guidelines in regards to your request. "Standard Reply'! You probably have not experience any crisis at all. Why do you think more and more people are speaking up? Give deeper thoughts into this.
ReplyDeletewhat did the 2 opposition members do at parliament...Nothing concrete?? Collect fat checks like everyone did. Talk only no action mah//
ReplyDeleteThen that lady opp NCMP .. so do wat huh.. also collect money... Donate out la...
And the HUDC privatisation ... No news of accountability by HOUGANG TOWN COUNCIL... Also brush the issue under wraps.....and complain other people is not transparent. Pl account for it man or wait until win Aljunied GRC then do creative accounting?
1 Single ward town council already take so long to account.. If they get a 5 member GRC,
dont think can see daylight...
Think who can serve you better in your daily lives...
My Fellow Singaporeans,
ReplyDeleteThe specter to globalization is upon us. There is no stopping this juggernaut from overtaking the way we live our lives. Simply by participating in this forum via the Internet is proof of this phenomenon.
We should be keenly aware that we can no longer survive as a backwater nation behind our larger neighbors or simply rely on them as a hinterland. Our neighbors are catching up fast and if we do not embrace globalization as a nation we may be overtaken in a twinkle of an eye. Vote the opposition in if you must, after all it is our right as citizens to decide who will represent us, but I urge all Singaporeans to look beyond the bickering of hawker prices, utility bills, ERP charges and look at the big picture. Singapore was built on sacrifices made by our forefathers. Some of them supporting the opposition and others the PAP. However, one goal has kept us uniquely Singaporean, we haven risen to the challenge regardless of the adversity faced.
We want a first world parliament? Are we a first world citizens? We have yet to embrace the mantra of "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country!"
Our less privileged citizens definitely need a helping hand. But does giving handouts really serve this purpose? Let's once again revisit our position in this world, we are insignificant player in the world that can be replaced by almost any country that is willing to play ball. We need to understand that our resources are imported from abroad. We are not in control of these prices.
Another topic that is gradually becoming a deafening roar over the years is the cost of housing. This is a global phenomenon, with countries all over the world experiencing a price boom. If we lower the price of housing in Singapore overnight, I fear that we will become a magnet for the dreaded Foreign Talents. Already many of them have cited our low housing costs as a big pull to move to Singapore. You may say then increase the earning power of Singaporeans, well in all honesty I frankly wouldn't complain. But think, any higher and we will lose our competitive edge over our neighbors. That means jobs may be off shored to India, Malaysia, Philippines and so on.
I urge you, my fellow Singaporeans, to think carefully before casting your vote. Do not make you choice just based on your frustrations at our perceived difficulties. If you feel the government has failed Singapore, make your choice accordingly, but please do consider our nation's well being when making your choice. An economically strong nation benefits us Singaporeans as a whole, a weak one does not. Let not the political shenanigans of the political parties, the PAP included. Let's vote for the choice that will make our country the strongest one possible.
I'm a "young" old folk, slightly younger than the 2 70yrs who lost their jobs, we are told to work as long as we are capable of working, but who will employed an old folk, of course replacement is there, like wise new candidates are replacing the olds, so wat to say !!!!!!
ReplyDeletelet's hope coffee-shop talks translate to actual votes. i have seen through too many elections to realise that it's all nothing but hot air if we, the citizens of singapore does not stand up WHEN IT MATTERS THE MOST.
ReplyDeleteI agree with steph, but ah beng, If everyone like you, speaks very little of what they believe in, den ''Xi liao". They is price for everything, yes. BUT I think my 2 assets: "happiness" and ''less-stress factor'' is worth more than a lamborghini in singapore. If FAP wins, I have to sell my 2 assets to survive.. :((
ReplyDeleteAgree, FAP(foreign action party) take care of each other, please la, we are just their helper for economic growth, (if disagree and dont know what helper means, pls go google), we help them abit, we get abit dividend(grow&share mah. LOL). Just like bosses hire helper, then pay them very little. see, understand anot FAP supporter.
ReplyDeleteThen FAP supporter still think they are doing it for them, they are doing it for singapore, the LAND. the land is FAP asset. [FT, HDB Prices, ERP Abuse, CPF, Higher Cost of Living, Mas Selemat, YOG Overspend, Temasek Lost Investment, Casino Gambling] is just their liabilities. We are of cos the Capital... :((( Asset = Liabilities + Capital. This is simple accounting. LOL.
But i can see how helpful is FAP supporter, they like to RECYCLE.
When they vote FAP, this trend will recycle! SAD STORY AH.
To be fair to everyone here, I know that in their hearts they are not anti-pap or pro-opposition. But these are just humble, reasonable, kind people who want the opportunity to air their views and see good governance for the nation, to quote the words of a man from a certain.
ReplyDeleteSo, please please don't compare us with other countries. We are matured enough to have debate and debate we must because we love our country. When we debate, the best ideas and perspectives come out.
Dont talk like its the end of the world la. LKY already say, Losing few constituency is not the end of the way, you think FAP so easily let opposition take over. Put 20-30% opposition in parliament to debate for the better also dont allow, say what rojak???
ReplyDeleteDidnt the school always preach us it is good to have different voice and suggestion when doing project, In any circumstances, this practices will bring the ideas to a new level or improve it. Seriously, FAP preach their generation(FAP supporter), to be so selfish. Like father like son. Dont see u worry more for the elderly. The FAP will take care of their arrss, think you worry too much. while grandparents sleep on the street, think of it i want to CRY AH.
Anyway, when i will make the statement that they are selfish? pls see below:
"we dont want a rojak government!!! we want to get things done and move up to a first class country. if u slackers want to reduce like the price of a bowl of 4.50 noodles, the cost of a dollar to 2 transport of convenience. Then go somewhere else where cost of living is much lower and u dont have to pull up ur own socks. Stop pushing the blame to others just so u can live comfortably if u want to reap the benefits of a rising economy." THIS IS QUOTED FROM A PAP SUPPORTER.
Ask people who struggle or people who just need a voice in parliament to go somewhere else! Does he know they are singaporean too, where he want them to go, Ignorance supporter. Me being a PAP or OPPOSITION supporter will still not like what he say.
Make me think twice only.
Debate also dont know how to debate in a better way, that is nasty and irelevant!
your pea brain can't understand that running a country is different from runniing a business. business have spf, saf, etc? your analogy is so shallow.
ReplyDeletei know many businesses go bankrupt, only a few make it big. so don't con us. yeo ceow tong is now working for lippo group; his pay? $25 k per month, a far cry from $3.2 m as a milister. if vivain is in private sector and overshoot budget from $82 m to $387 m on a dubious Y(our) O(wn) G(rave) he would have been sacked long time ago.
what about the many papigs mps that switch wards, they also abandoned their folks, wake up and stop smearing ltk, he knows how to campaign, and he is brave to risk his mp allowance of $1m to fight it out in aljunied. pap are cowards that sneak in the back door and need nanies to babysit them, and need millions to maintain their integrity.
ReplyDeleteduring elections: READ MY LIPS: NO MEAN TESTING
after they get your votes: MEANS TESTING FOR HEALTHCARE. khaw that big LIAR now quesrions others' integrity, he is a hypocrite.
george boy slandered/tar ltk, "he abandoned hougang, and make use of aljunied residents to get power." boy, you mean you are not using them to get power and keep your millions salaries? and use the grc to monopolise power? sheer hypocrisy!
vote out the self serving papigs!
I think you are the ignorance and naive one. Mr Chiam is contesting bishan and Ang mo kio this year despite knowing it was his first time there and the risk of him might not be elected. He is a men that many respected and always take most time to travel down to potong pasir to visit their constituency(PROVEN). I dont even want to start comparing about visits of the other party. I am neutral, me too can speaks well of PAP. You can praise the ruling party whatever you want but dont insult the opposition's dignity. cos I do respect the opposition's courage.
ReplyDeleteThen in reverse to the question u say,
The ruling party check in their pay too, how sure are you that every single one of them is fighting for peoples welfare ? Don't pay them and see whether they will speak for you.
They dont have to fight to get in, easy for u to say.
The most atrocious part is, as quoted from your statement, "They complain that our ministers' pay are too high, then did they give up their pay when they are in parliament?''
The TRUTH is, Once they get elected, they have to rent a office on their own as a constituency centre, any function or events held for the netizen, they have to fork out from their pocket or try to ask from govt(PAP) which hardly approve. They are not even allowed to held any CC programme for the area they elected for. The main decision is still, YOU SHOULD KNOW. Want upgrade for their area, disapprove umpteen times.
You can be ignorance, but please dont make heartless statement.
singapore politics will always be dominated by paps with people like cons around
ReplyDeletehey Cons are u one of the hantu?
ReplyDeleteDont talk like its the end of the world la. LKY already say, Losing few constituency is not the end of the way, you think FAP so easily let opposition take over. Put 20-30% in parliament to debate abit also dont allow? seriously, FAP preach their generation(PAP supporter), to be so selfish. Like father like son. Dont see u worry more for the elderly. The FAP will take care of their arrss, think you worry too much. while grandparents sleep on the street, think of it i want to CRY AH.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, when i will make the statement that they are selfish? pls see below:
"we dont want a rojak government!!! we want to get things done and move up to a first class country. if u slackers want to reduce like the price of a bowl of 4.50 noodles, the cost of a dollar to 2 transport of convenience. Then go somewhere else where cost of living is much lower and u dont have to pull up ur own socks. Stop pushing the blame to others just so u can live comfortably if u want to reap the benefits of a rising economy." THIS IS QUOTED FROM A PAP SUPPORTER.
Ask people who struggle or people who just need a voice in parliament to go somewhere else! Does he know they are singaporean too, where he want them to go, Ignorance supporter. Me being a PAP or OPPOSITION supporter will still not like what he say.
Make me think twice only.
Debate also dont know how to debate in a better way, that is nasty and irelevant!
Before you say they are not doing anything,please go youtube to check out about the parliament talk.Kiang dio ho mai gah kiang.
ReplyDeleteYou cant deny the fact that PAP is protecting the entrepreneur here during the economy crisis.They drop the CPF contribution %.Yes they want people to invest in Singapore.But when 1 company closes,another starts.And why is that the cost is going up when the employers contribute lesser.Not only this.These companies making use of the loopholes to employ more foreign workers.So you are saying that PAP are not aware of all these?You prefer to be a 2nd class?or maybe 3rd?Or would you prefer to see protesters?If everyone is so "short-sighted" like you,then confirm si liao
ReplyDeletei believe they can earn even more without being in the parliament.You think being in the parliament as an opposition is so easy?Even if they keep the money,they might even be funding for their parties.If they don't fund,wait for PAP to donate?
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry but I agree with the others who have criticised you for what you have said. You can compare Singapore with other countries for all you want, the fact remains that these other countries do not only have 2 opposition MPs in their parliaments.
ReplyDeleteJust to pick up on what the others have said, I think that your comment about the homeless people shows great naivety on your part. Do you really think that there are no homeless people in Singapore? You should really open your eyes and see for yourself.
Yes, I agree that some of the opposition do not really have a clear plan for the future. However, I think that the opposition parties' call for more checks and balances is very true because with such checks and balances, some of the problems such as CPF and inflation might have been mitigated.
ReplyDeleteFrankly, I believe that the opposition has not been extreme in it's calls for more voice in the government. Having said that, although I am more inclined to the opposition, I would like to hear what PAP has to say.
Agree with you that it is troubling, and I want to hear solutions and plans to resolve this. So far from what I hear from the opposition is that they want to be co-drivers, provide check-and-balances. How about taking over the driver seat? What are their plans? How would these resolve the rising cost and yet grow the economy? In the last economic recession, a lot of young Americans went back to their parents place to tough out the period. I can't do that - I'm supporting my parents and I've my own family to take care of. I don't care on parties wanting only to be check-and-balances or co-drivers. I care about solutions to resolve the issues and challenges we face. I want to hear from both parties their plans and ideas to resolve them.
ReplyDeleteBut do you think to vote an opposition that has no clear plans to address these issues as well into parliament would be the answer. It is easy to criticize the actions of the government, and point out mistakes made, but not so easy to come out with solutions. To hold the Government accountable in their policies, you must also show that the situation and outcomes would be very different if their solution was implemented. I'm interested to hear from the opposition their solutions.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried applying for one of the many jobs that foreigners have been taking up? Have you been upgrading your skills and enriching your work experience? Have you asked CDAC for help?
ReplyDeleteI hv a friend who took life easy when he was a student. Went down the ITE path instead. Had job offers after that for $1200 per mth. But he was not happy. Because his peers who went on to uni are earning twice the amt. And he lives life bitterly without true self reflections to move forward confidently.
Check out what's happening in HongKong (property prices) to understand the context and pitch our expectations better. I was at Merrsing, Malaysia just last month. Wanted to use a public toilet. Cost me 30 cents....
ReplyDeleteWhat's trouble? Look at unrest, poverty, low level of education, etc in our regional and global neighbors.
Unfortunately we are not born in Switzerland or Denmark to enjoy the natural advantages......
@km
ReplyDeleteIf my memory serves me correctly, we used to contribute 50% in the 1980s and over time, PAP has been adjusting it downwards, using it as a lever to control labour costs for companies while at the same, extending CPF to uses other than retirement - is it any wonder the CPF scheme has failed in many aspects?
Extending CPF to healthcare is a lousy quick fix by the PAP because the amount of CPF is simply not enough to cover retirement, medical costs and inflation. It is plain obvious if you do the maths. Using CPF to pay your medical bills may be non-obligatory in theory but contributions to Medisave is compulsory and it is clear to anyone that the PAP government has been touting the use of CPF to provide for healthcare. The "choice" you speak of is an excellent example of years of education in the PAP system (assuming you are brought up here) and its unique brand of rationalisation. And I hate to say this, you may think you are being objective and rational here (assuming you are not a PAP troll) but you are not and a lot of people are like you in this aspect.
Foreigners can purchase HDB - PRs can buy resale HDB flats. Permanent Resident is a misnomer in our Singapore context, for obvious reasons. A lot of PRs (and some Singaporean citizens as well) are in the resale market for rental yields, driving up prices - you don't need numbers to arrive at this, go ask property agents or go see an open house flat for yourself. Similar situation for private properties, except that asset appreciation is a larger factor than yield).
" Supporting your country requires you to move away from the blame game and moving towards a mindset where you attempt to solve the problem ... As such, shouldnt we vote the people who can solve the issues without making other issues worse?"
A blame game can only be played if you are involved in the process which led to the screw up. In the context of this GE, PAP has screwed up and who are the people involved? Not the opposition parties (less CST and LTK but they have no effective voting power though they have other avenues) nor the citizens because most of the polices were bulldozed through by PAP, so it's solely the PAP and they are certainly not blaming themselves for it. My dear fellow patriot (assuming again you are not a troll), using terms and expressions like "blame game", a problem solving "mindset" can easily construct false situations for you and deceive you to commit fallacies. Make no mistake, this is not your typical problem whereby you apply a pros and cons approach or a cost benefits analysis or a decision making matrix to it and viola! I've arrived at my solution - X party can solve these issues or at least not worsen these issues. We need more than this
And as a fellow voter to another (assuming you are eligible to vote and are not in Tanjong Pagar GRC): all the best in your search for the perfect technocratic party and stop your peddling - there're enough Singaporeans who are wired to think the same way as you do.
patriot
Next time also compare to Africa where people have no food/drinks and PAP will look like gods . You compare Brazil, which is a HUGE country to a SMALL country, if we can't even control security here within a small red dot, all can go home and sleep Compared to the worst countires, Singapore look like heaven of course. But you can't deny the fact that we have been short changed, we have studied for 20 years in one of the best education system, have the longest working hours in the whole world. our PM is the highest paid of the entire world. The end result? if you are 35, don't get sacked or u will have lower paid job, if you are 45, you have no chance of getting a job.
ReplyDelete" They have some of the best minds in Singapore, and they have adequate experience" - Yea YOG overspend 400 millions, Mas Selemat Escape, HDB price rise by 69% in a few years, Millions lost by Temasek and GIC in investments. best minds indeed. Their best experience is using the OLD Pap trackrecord to say how good they. For the past 10 years, they have constantly let the lower/middle income people down in alot of things, healthcare, transport, jobs salary and they have never ask/listen to our feedback.
ReplyDelete"Don't wait till trouble comes and then realize that. It'll be too late." Do u live in Singapore? Are you lower or middle income (80% of our country are). For us, the trouble has ALREADY CAME. 300K For 3 Room Flat, $3-$4 per meal, 2 Millions strangers running around on transport and taking our jobs. U don't think that is "TROUBLE"?
ReplyDeleteEven if only 1.9% don't work (unemployed) those who work are doing long hours for low pay, to use the money for raising costs in all walks of expenses. Roof and TV is not luxuries considering we are almost 50 years as a independent country, our past families have worked too hard for us to be still thinking we must be happy not to be a fishing village anymore
ReplyDeleteHmmm, quite a lot of negative sentiments here. I believe that from this whole passage, you have qualified and placed completely all blame of inflation on George Yeo.
ReplyDeleteI do admit, there are numerous ways in which the then government could have helped those who are elderly or in their retirement. However, I have not seen an opposition party that has been able to make these propositions WITHOUT neglect of the Singapore economy.
What has been suggested so far, to "help Singaporeans cope with retirement"?
1) Lower retirement age
2) Return hard earned CPF money to Singaporeans at an earlier age.
With option number 1) you are effectively sending more people towards a state whereby they might not be able to provide for themselves. Remember that where ever you go, be it UK, US or even Switzerland, inflation is prevelant and will affect even the strongest of the financial powerhouses.
With option number 2) the money that has been saved to prevent such a scenario from occuring will be returned allowing earlier spendings.
Singaporeans, there is a need to judge more appropriately the manner in which you would like your country to be runned. However, would you like proposals that merely facilitate your SHORT TERM BENEFIT, or those that aid you in the LONG TERM? Please be wise, and smart, learn to judge CAREFULLY the words that come out from ALL PARTY MEMBERS be it PAP WP NSP SDP etc
I just want to say something. PAP members are responsible for Everything that has been going on in Singapore that people are unhappy about (FT, HDB Prices, ERP Abuse, CPF, Higher Cost of Living, Mas Selemat, YOG Overspend, Temasek Lost Investment, Casino Gambling). If you want somebody to ensure better policies and accountability, you think voting in more PAP MP will solve this? No! Cause PAP will take care of each other and use that same practical, cold hearted, fear based approach that has become their style.
ReplyDeleteI agree to your comment. However as one of the unemployed for many years without any benefits or help at all, whats the use of per cap income or gdp growth or billions of reserves, when the govt wont help their own citizens out. S'pore is an open economy , if some region of the world temporary shaky , there will be some other place we can carry on business with to tide over. What is 'competence' ? brain ? talent ? foresight ? ability ? resilience? all i have, yet unemployed and poor. I blame the govt for not having some kind of unemployment benefit... 'swiss standard' ? more like swiss cheese
ReplyDeleteAs you have mentioned for the PAST DECADES, PAP stalwarts like LKY, Goh Keng Swee have built up the nation to where it is now. But it maybe dangerous to continue to vote based on track record of the past generation. The current PAP is asking us to vote for future mp like Tin Pei Ling who mentions that she do not think that there is any policy that she would like to improve/implement. We are voting for would be mp such as Steve Tan who was dropped due to a pending investigation. As we move towards the 4th Gen, is it still justifiable to vote for PAP became they built the nation? I urge voters to exercise caution and think for the future too, but first look at the candidates that you are sending into office not just the lightning logo.
ReplyDeleteYes, we can compare with more...Portugal, Greece, Ireland, Spain.. are almost bankrupt. USA economic problems, declining dollar value.
ReplyDeleteSeeing so many negative comments about the people's action party truly worries me. one may lament about the pinch of inflation and the retirement funds but do give this matter some serious thought. For the past decades PAP has indeed served the people well. From where we were after the Japanese occupation to where we are now,an undeveloped country to a thriving, rather prosperous city. Yes the PAP may have their shortcomings. however I would like to highlight to everyone here that there is no perfect party. The PAP comprises of some very capable, competent and reliable leaders. It is a wise choice to vote for them as they will continue to lead Singapore towards a better future. They have some of the best minds in Singapore, and they have adequate experience. They truly are the ones wise choice. I urge everyone to think for the future . I urge everyone to place their future in safe hands. I urge everyone to voter for the PAP.
ReplyDeleteYou have already said it was the past! How much of the old minister have left on the PAP team? Again look at the past 10 years? The Citizens are suffering, the elder loses they job and unable to feed them self. The young are deprive of a fair salaries n wages due to the influx of the FT's Slashing Wage War!
ReplyDeleteIf this continue the younger generation won't be able to afford a roof over their head! Maybe Government will allow the PRs to rent a few rooms to local Singaporeans?
Do not indulge in the past please! Who the people what can PAP now help the people! And when i say "help" pls dont raise GST or build more ERP gantries....
Do you see ur minister drinking coffee at the market during theprevious 5 yrs?
ReplyDeleteNo wonder we are still under one party system with people like you. Never look far, just only compare 3rd world country but not the first world. Singapore will never improved. Japan is due to it strong culture that do not want any foreigner that disrupt their heritage. They should open their door to "QUALITY" FT that really push their economy to greater height. Compare to Singapore, We are getting tom dick and harry with no quality checks. Getting a PR is like getting tissue paper for free. Any job also can be fill up by any FT. Btw, if we never give opp a chance to run the country. How we know that they are corrupted? Unless you are a fortune teller.
ReplyDeleteI read through all the comments below and my sense is that even though most people feel that the opposition has made considerable headway this time around, there are still so many people around with apathetic mindsets.
ReplyDeleteEvery journey starts with the first step.
So what if the opposition is unable (again) to win a GRC this round. The most important thing is to make people aware that Singapore is not PAP and vice versa. and that even for PAP die-hard supporters, the great Singapore-serving PAP team they voted for in the past is no longer around. It has been replaced by team that is self-centered and only pays lip service to serving the populace.
As long as the percentage of the votes that PAP garners this time around drops below the 66.6% of 2006 (I am personally betting on the PAP winning between only 55-58% of the votes this time around), it is a small step in the right direction. The image that many people have of the dominance and invulnerability of the PAP will be eroded and it will encourage even more to question government policies. More people with good or great professional and educational backgrounds will be encouraged to step forward to oppose.
I can smell the winds of change. It might only be a slight breeze now, but I am confident that it will eventually strengthen into a gale.
If you do not want to start with the 1st small step, and think beyond the short-term gains and pains (which is exactly what the ruling party is betting on), then quit complaining and go back to your coffee-shop griping, squeezing into the MRTs and buses and start planning for your eventual passing and burial in Johor.
Actually, I dont think the Foreign Minister will be Chan Show Moa even if his party win the GRC. There is always a back-up plan from the "Gov". Its hard to say.
ReplyDelete"Hmmm, quite a lot of negative sentiments here. I believe that from this whole passage, you have qualified and placed completely all blame of inflation on George Yeo."
ReplyDeleteAny reasonable person can see the article is not placing the blame of inflation on George Yeo - it is saying the people of Aljunied are blaming their MP for his inability to take care of them. For many years (and it has been repeated by ministers and LKY himself recently in the media), Singaporeans are urged to vote for a government which can secure a future for them. So, why can't these Singaporeans judge how their MPs and the PAP government have performed?
"What has been suggested so far, to "help Singaporeans cope with retirement"?
1) Lower retirement age
2) Return hard earned CPF money to Singaporeans at an earlier age."
Did you read the entire manifestos put up by parties such as WP, SDP? These parties do not suggest a simplistic fix like lowering retiring age will help Singaporeans to cope with retirement.
The fact is, the original and sound objective of using CPF to provide for retirement has been distorted by the PAP when they extended its coverage to healthcare and housing. The inadequacy problem of CPF is further exacerbated (by PAP again) when it exposed our housing market to foreign investors and cheap loans. If this situation is explained properly, even a school kid knows who is responsible for this mess. And once you determine the culprit, you have to be insane or one of those who stands to benefit, to place this country in their hands again.
It makes sense to ask who or what caused this retirement problem before even asking who or what can solve this problem.
Please get your facts and reasoning right before trying to influence your fellow Singaporeans.
patriot
Very well said, life in Singapore has become too boring, no enough action. Let's put more opposition in Parliament, should be more like Taiwan, get to see MP fist fights, no policy moves, more entertainment for Singapore! Government will also have less time to control so many things, then citizens will have freedom to do what we like!
ReplyDeleteI do agree largely with HDB issue. But the issue is more long standing than people demanding a lowering of prices. Fact: PAP screwed up here. I recognise it, accept it, and hence like yourself, I've been looking forward to more feasible solutions other than what Mr Chen Show Mao mentioned. Unfortunately, as political parties (PAP/Opposition alike) go, they have not appropriately addressed the issue.
ReplyDeleteCondoning the actions of the PAP by making a cliche statement like "everyone makes mistakes" or "those who govern Singapore are not Gods" is definitely an argument I will not make.
Quite honestly, other than the HDB issue, as well as my personal feud with our current education system, PAP's actions have been largely benefitted most of Singapore on a whole. Remember that any government actions cannot be seen over a mere short period. Many will bring up cases like YOG being a complete waste of money, and they will put up links that have people writing about how much of a failure it was. I can too find links, where people claim it success. Of course, the issue of the 50 year floods, where any statistician, heck even any person with basic stats knowledge knows (if he or she chooses to be objective) that it does not mean it will happen only once every 50 years.
I personally feel, that instead of the direction that most parties have attempted to take (aside from the very valid HDB issue), parties should seek to address income disparity between the rich and poorer side of Singapore. It will be a challenge to any member of parliment, be it someone from the NSP, PAP, SDP, WP etc.
And I do apologise about my blunder with regards to the CPF private homes thing, really a huge oversight on my part.
Pls get your facts right!!! You can use your cpf to buy private apartments....
ReplyDeleteIf the election is held next month, PAP will surely lose thousands
ReplyDeletemore votes. The slim majority PAP won in the 2006 election will be
gone. If worker's party could field a strong team including Chan Show
Moa...We will see a new Foreign minister.
hahahah. you're really that dumb??? everyone compliments George yeo you idiot.
ladies and gentlemen, your typical case of voting blindly.
In the past I would say PAP had done a super great job as what we see now of Singapore (From a Kampung to one of the world class city). But for the past 5-10 years, if someone would ask me had the PAP done a great job in keeping Singaporeans in interest (Helping them like lower to middle income familes to improve their living cost for example); my answer is not firm anymore or should say "has they, maybe for high income familes?".
ReplyDeletePast is Past, Present is what we are living on and Future is what we are going to make our choice on. There is no forever 100% for sure that this party are good, people can change over the time. As you can see, over 20 years ago and now, if the party is doing good, is the unhappy voices growing up or happy voices going up?
Cant say who to blame for, if there is one to blame will be ourselves - the voters. We are the one that make the choice on who to take on the task to "server us" (or should I say feed them). And I will say this to all voters out there: Vote on who you think its good for Singapore and the citizens, dont vote on parties that you are forced to vote due other outside reasons. Be an thinking individuals and not a brainwashed puppets, think for your future and children's future.
In all honesty, SDP's promises/manifesto is a joke. WP on the other hand is more proper, and I am honestly impressed by it.
ReplyDeleteSDP suggests that CPF money be returned to the people actually.
Which is why it is important not to measure by single policy per se, but as a collective effort, the policies that have been proposed.
And by stating that CPF is extended to coverage to healthcare and housing is definitely not wrong. However please do let people know that the usage of your CPF to pay for either housing or medical is non-obligatory (at least draw a full and clear picture thanks). The government has given the people a choice on whether to use CPF to pay, it's up to him/her.
"The inadequacy problem of CPF is further exacerbated (by PAP again) when it exposed our housing market to foreign investors and cheap loans"
Please do take not, that foreigners are not allowed to purchase our HDB:
" * You must be a Singapore Citizen
* Your family nucleus must comprise at least another Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident." in order to do so.
Secondly, CPF cannot be used for private property anyway. So why bring up the link to foreign investors and cheap loans?
"It makes sense to ask who or what caused this retirement problem before even asking who or what can solve this problem."
My dear fellow patriot. A person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors. Supporting your country requires you to move away from the blame game and moving towards a mindset where you attempt to solve the problem. After all, it is more important than to divert our attention and resources to solving it. As such, shouldnt we vote the people who can solve the issues without making other issues worse?
Lastly, I am not trying to influence. Influential arguments are highly based on emotion, as after all, emotion seeks to provide reason to people, more than reason does in itself.
The grassroot lackeys are boot licking egoistic AH...demanding that residents should be around to shake the hands of their bosses (MPs). If you are not going do so they get annoyed.....
ReplyDeleteThe mentally of this working group is a big problem. The bosses and the grassroots are feeding on each other and become blind to true reality of the sentiments of the people.
Dearest WP,
ReplyDeleteAll the citizens in Aljunied are pinning high hope on your party in winning this coming election not with simple majority but with big majority. Do not provoke by PAP, stay calm and focus on your manifestos, listen to your citizens need as they are your best ears, bring out their grievenances in the rally and if possible what sort of solutions will be meted out when your party is elected. Remember do not get distracted by PAP frivolous remarks, their sole purpose is to distract their opponents, to be honest they have nothing to say or sell to the voters except the same rhetorical questions and answers. It has become very routine to us, despite that your party has to tackle them because they are trying to confuse and to an extend frighten / scarce the voters. We know you all are very busy in this coming weeks or so but making house visits and calls are very crucial and critical to make connections with the voters and constituents and also let them know your parties better.
uhhh pls... out of the original WP team in Aljunied five years ago, the only person who's left in it now is Sylvia Lim. two of them have left WP to join SDP and NSP already. doesn't anyone think something is wrong here??? so much for their team spirit.
ReplyDeleteand Sylvia keeps bragging that her team has "diligently visited almost every HDB household in Aljunied GRC"... that's complete BS. me and all my friends living in Aljunied GRC, especially those in Eunos, have never seen them for the last five years. except twice at the market drinking coffee???
Sometimes personally think people just dont feel how comfortable and fortunate they are. If any opposition party that has taken over the government at the previous election Singapore economy situation could be like Japan or US now (in deep shit). But of course everyone has the right to vote for whichever party he/she thinks is the right person/party to serve the citizen but vote for the right opposition. Cos Not any tom, dick and harry will be able to deliver what they promised.
ReplyDeleteI myself have visited and distributed bread to the homeless in Singapore at night and I know where they are. On the one hand, I am sad there are homeless in Singapore, one the other hand, I am very glad to say it was very difficult to find many of them. Many of these homeless are in this predicament , not because of poor govt. policies but because of their poor life choices i.e. Drug addicts disowned by their families, gambling addicts also disowned... So don't make sweeping statements that govt. did not help the homeless. if you encounter any homeless who are in genuine need , then help them, bring them forwards. Their are charitable/govt. Agencies who can help. We, Singaporeans all need to play a part to help each other, not just blame or complain abt. the govt. Anyway, if voters should decide they want a change, then we all have to shoulder consequences together and hope the opposition delivers . It remains to be seen, how many of the opposition Grc members are still here in 5 years'.
ReplyDeleteFor goodness sake you think the 'fighting' parliament can solve all these problems huh?
ReplyDeleteDebate until th erice is cooked??
Slowly we go down that path.. Its a matter of time . By then its too late hahaha..
ReplyDeleteIn every society there will be such cases of beggars etc.. The question is how many...And also these could be parents of anyone of us!!
ReplyDeleteSome of them, we put them into homes, they dont want to be in.... So how? Some they dont want to receive support or assistance so how?? They have got dignity one ok!!!
Their own check and balance on the town council account for HUDC who is privatising also no news until now..
ReplyDeleteCan't check n balance yourself now want to check n balance others others...
I find it so amusing when people keep saying that we need opposition in the Parliament to check on the government. You are so naive and ignorant. The only checks I saw were the cheques these opposition MPs deposited into their bank account every month.
ReplyDeleteYou think they are fighting for your welfare ? Don't pay them and see whether they will speak for you. They complain that our ministers' pay are too high, then did they give up their pay when they are in parliament ?
To Hjhjh
ReplyDeleteIf everyone think like you Singapore, "Xi liao". Everyone can buy houses at 60% from present ... There is a price for everything.
Aiyo, some of them may not make that kind of money outside...
ReplyDeleteya.It is very disappointed that they break promises
ReplyDeleteWho to Blame ???
ReplyDeleteIf all of us thinks like you in the past elections we don't have to live with all these SHITS.
Its a " Wake-Up Call " Vote for Workers Party.
At least these old folks get to take out their retirement funds (ie, CPF). I'm in my mid forties. My CPF has been emptied to pay for my HDB flat in the western part of Singapore (not resale) which cost more than $400k! Only a close to $40k left in my Medisave A/c. Life will be hard for me in my old age.
ReplyDeleteDear Zhang,
ReplyDeleteNot only in Philip headquarters, even tourism sector like local inbound tour guide have to give in to the so call "foreign talented" to take over their post as they knew the language well, for e.g. Vietnamese language,
Is this considered as talented just because the local can't speak Vietnamese. Then the related organisation, STB will collaborate with local agents to recruit tour leader who can speak English or Vietnamese students who are holding student passes, study in Singapore to convert to "S" pass holders in order to let them conduct tour inside the coach around Singapore.
Unlike Malaysia, they protect their fellow citizens and their tour guides to survive in the trade and if you are not a Malaysia citizen, you are not allow to become a tour guide.
How about Singapore ? Singapore is a free market, tourism is the most well done trade and good revenue for the country. As long as there's a demand, the in-charge organisation will do its best to make tourism sector survive. In short, what they want is just a statistics to show how many millions of visitor came to Singapore quarterly or yearly. That's all.
Do they really care about the purely Singaporean inbound tour guides ? Are they really protected in order to be survived and remain in this trade ? Why are so many PR, foreigners or even pei du ma ma can sign up for the guide course and eventually get a licence from STB ?
I puzzled!
Just vote. Just do it. You decide for yourself, not the system, no one or any circumstance can dictate to you. If it takes another 100 years, so what? For us, just start the ball rolling
ReplyDeleteI'm a post-independence Gen-X Singaporean who have been waiting for a major change in our political scene since the age of 21. And I am proud to admit that I've voted for oppositions twice when I had the chance, the other two were walkovers. The generations of pre-war & baby boomers cannot complaint about the miseries they're in, if they are. Cause' they brought outright dictorship, dirty/cheap politics from the PAP upon themselves & forced upon Gen-X like myself.
ReplyDeleteI really hope the Gen-Ys will do the right thing. I still will, with my vote to the Workers Party.
I think oppositions will win this area
ReplyDeleteWhy compare with Peru , India etc ? shall we compare to Japan , uk, Canada , Taiwan etc ?
ReplyDeleteSingapore peoples are the reason for country growth , not specific party
I am a young voter voting for the first time and i have to highlight that we dont just vote for the elections blindly. Though we not have the years of experience, we do have critical minds after all that education we were given.
ReplyDeleteBut we need to understand no matter how good a party is, control and balance is always required. Like how one hdb flat require a balance proportion of races to ensure fairness and equality. Right now,PAP is ruling the majority with no one confirming if the policies are in true interest of the people. Only with some opposition will there be fairness and true accountability.
Besides being the younger generation, we are also responsible for choosing who we want to represent us. But with ill-fitting young leaders, how can we be assured that we will be well taken care of?
George Yeo has indeed done well as a Foreign Minister. However, for some reason he is unable to connect with the people in Aljunied GRC. In defense of WP, they have indeed fielded candidates that are not only more credible than other opposition candidates, but have a stronger sense of what can be done to help the country. It will be a hard fight this year in Aljunied due to that coupled with younger voters jumping blind onto the bandwagon.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that we live in the same GRC! Though most of the residents I've spoken to are still gonna vote PAP...
ReplyDeleteAnyhow I agree with Pro Singapore -- most, if not all, our cabinet ministers are still gonna be from PAP. The opposition has to work real hard if they want to get to that point. So far, it seems as if all the opposition parties are relying on WP to get them there. I hope they work hard and prove their own mettle over time!
How much do our ministers rely on their grassroot leaders for what's happening on the ground?
ReplyDeleteI was talking to a grassroot leader prior to George Yeo's walkabout in my block. I enquired what effort was done to improve the life of the senior folks in the Aljunied/Punggol constituency. There was no answer to it. They just insisted I should be around so that I could shake hand with George Yeo. And I asked, so what has he done so far? No answer.
We don't need boot-licking grassroot who say what one wants to hear. Why are we paying these ministers and people so sinfully with no accountability?
What have we done!
Go to opposition rallies, listen to them and give their candidates your supports
ReplyDeleteYes - Vote the pappies out. We are tired of their rhetoric, they now care only for themselves nd not the pople anymore.
ReplyDeleteYou reap what u sow. Sow PAP reap the higher cost of livings and all the existing problems.
ReplyDeleteEven if opposition wins Aljunied, the opposition won't get any cabinet roles. The party that wins more than 50% forms the government ie they form the cabinet from their own members. Opposition winners will become MPs only.
ReplyDeleteAre you a kid or what? It's the government that sets the employment quota through manpower policies. Just ask if you are ignorant, don't condemn others if you know nothing.
ReplyDeletePhilips owned by government meh? Senseless argument. It's your management decision. I hate pole like you breeding hate towards a global system.
ReplyDeleteMillions of dollars spend on courtesy campaign, do not litter...etc... now how much more we need to spend again to educate so call "foreign talented" .... where I am staying right now.... they throw rubbish here and there...haiz ... zzzz....making hell of a noise in the middle of the night....hanging out their wet and dripping laudry...
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