A Gauge Of Singaporeans' Political Maturity & Sophistication

The clock is ticking and the Elected Presidency election will visit us soon.  There are many noises, views, propositions, arguments, etc. made about this "uniquely and ever-evolving Singapore Institution"  The Constitution has laid out very clearly the duties and the powers of the Elected President.  Since it is the highest office in the land, the entry requirements of aspiring candidates have to be precise and very stringent.  Not any Tom, Dick or Harry can just take a pot shot at the job denigrating its status. That is why Presidential hopefuls have to apply to the Presidential Election Committe for the Certificate of Eligibility.  So far and if I may make a calculated guess only 2 hopefuls are qualified.  Only 1 has the stature and temperament for the Post.  I hope Singaporeans will do their homework and exercise their vote wisely, consciously and appropriately and show to the world that indeed we have matured politically and are indeed sophisticated!

Belief, Sacrifice And Independence.

I was deeply touched and heartened when I read the ST Interview of the civil service veteran Mr Philip Yeo on 13 July 2011.  Speaking of the limited Government Scholarships available, he said, I quote "Because if you live in a bungalow, do you really need a scholarship?  Government money is finite."  Many ordinary Singapore families will think it is within their right and entitlement to apply for such Scholarships for their children even though they can afford them.  But Mr Yeo' s children's overseas expenses came from his own pocket although his 2 children qualified for the Scholarships.  His belief and his sacrifice for the more needy and deserving children in the heartlands deserves Singaporeans notice and admiration!  I wonder how many of our Ministers' children are on Government's Scholarships.  It will not speak well of their belief and values system considering the Million Dollars salaries they draw yearly! With the impending Elected Presidency Election getting closer, I will be voting for a President - mind you all 3 candidates professing their "Independence" - who possesses such inherent qualities of belief, sacrifice and independence that all Singaporeans can be proud of!  This is what I hope for the next level of excellence for the Elected President!

The Elected Presidency - Vote For A Candidate With Conviction.

The coming Presidential Election is getting interesting in many ways.  The 3 candidates have excellent credentials: one was a former Minister, another a former MP and the other a former CEO of an insurance co-operative.  The one thing in common of all 3 is that all were former members of the Ruling Party.  Of course each candiate has his own supporters and detractors.  As a voter you must do your own homework and vote for a candidate with conviction.  Speaking for myself I will choose a person who is humble, has integrity, decorum, quiet confidence and an upright and strong character who will not "panic" when facing a crisis. Human nature is unpredictable.  A person when voted into the highest office in the land  may not turn out what he promises to be and claims he can do for the people! There is one person I secretly held in high esteem and greatly admired and who I think is qualified for the appointment. He was a former top civil servant and who I consider a "Mandarin" par excellence.  His views and opinion have ruffled many feathers in the Establishment.  If only I can persuade him here in this space but alas! I know he is not interested in the post!

The Elected Presidency - The Elephant In The Room

Much has been reported in the media since the announcement of the intention of 4 to 5 candidates for the coming Presidential Election. The elephant in the room is that the Elected Presidency is an unique "Singapore Institution" to help and to see to the proper governing of our lovely Little Red Dot. If I am not mistaken it is the brainchild of our former MM LKY.  He has the foresight and if I may say so the paranoia to foresee what a rogue Government can do to a country should the unexpected happen. The Elected Presidency evolved through the amendment to our Constitution in 1991 and it is still evolving considering  the many amendents thus far defining and modifying the custodial role of the  Elected President on "our past reserves" and "oversight  of the integrity of the Civil Service"  This is in no small measure to our hardworking and probing first Elected President Mr Ong Teng Cheong (1993-1999) - his questionings, askings, probings at times knocking of Executives' heads made everybody sat up and really saw what Elected Presidency is all about!  In fact the Government had come out to say subsequently that because of him the 2-Key System can be made to work.  Thank you OTC!!

After Watershed Election Singapore Is Embarking On A New Era In Politics.

With the voluntary resignations of the MM Lee Kuan Yew & SM Goh Chok Tong coming sooner than later as nobody has predicted, the era of "The Government Know Best" has already died a natural death.  The era of 1st and 2nd Generation Leaders of "authoriative" and "hand-holding" style of government is no more relevant and workable in our present internet-age 21st century.  We wish to thank our senior leaders' graciousness in accepting and facing this new reality in Singapore politics.  With today's announcement of the new Government's Cabinet Line-Up Singapore is embarking on a new era in political development.  With the just concluded General Election where the hotly debated and  controversial issues of secruity lapses like Mas Selamat escape, cost of public housing and over-crowded MRT/bus transport it is inevitable that scapegoats have to be found in the Ministers fronting the Ministries of Home Affairs, National Development and Transport.  In this new era the Singapore citizens will want to be engaged, debated, consulted and listened-to in this new compact of political development.  This active citizenry will only be for the good and welfare of Singapore. With the new Government putting its cards on the table by posting its new Cabinet Line-Up it is hope that the Opposition Parties will do its part by putting its best foot and energy forward in working for the welfare of Singapore and Singaporeans!  This is only "win-win" for the future of Singapore and its future generations!  Majulah Singapura!

The Watershed 2011 Singapore General Election - The Result of Worker's Party Strategy versus PAP's Juggernaut

The people of Singapore has spoken: 60% votes for the Ruling Party & 47% votes for the Worker's Party.  I consider this as a minor "peaceful revolution" in Singapore's political development. I wonder what the percentage of the strongest Opposition Party's votes will be if there was no redrawn constituency boundaries dubbed gerrymandering and "grow & share" goodies that were handed out among other incentives.  Worker's Party's strategy in this campaign was focused and was to be admired - each night Rally speeches were coherent and targeted to people's desire for accountability, transparency and their genuine desire for their voices to be heard; less rhetoric but focusing on topical arguments for each night to achieve the maximum impact possible for the limited 4 to 5 days of campaigning; no time was wasted on unimportant and trival issues. Kudos to them for a well-run campaign strategy!   Whereas the Ruling Party last minute "Apologies" galore and "Reformed from Within Party" strategy came too late and too little and the electorate did not buy into it.  Nevertheless with its almost complete control of the mainstream media and a large pool of volunteer, logistic and grassroot network support the Ruling Party managed a 81-6 score.  This is a small but an important first step for the Worker's Party and political development of Singapore. The securing of Singapore's future must be maintained at all times!  Just a note on the spoilt votes for the SMCs of Joo Chiat and Potong Pasir.  It is a shame on those who spoiled their votes - their right to exercise and make a choice has not been executed and these voters have chosen to hide their heads in the sands; it is pathetic and a sad reflection of their no conviction and no belief but their own narcissism - shame on you! Your vote might help one or the other candidate!

Singapore 2011 Watershed General Election - What Happened After 7th May 2011

These are my thoughts and hope for the Singapre Parliament after 7th May 2011:-

1) The Opposition Parties captured at least 1 GRC & 3 to 4 SMC seats - This will indicate Singapore has come  of age in political  maturity.  There are now opposing views and ideas competing for the people's acceptance and endorsement.  This will only be for the good of Singapore as there is now quality  "political capital" in Singapore Parliament - be it coming from  the Ruling Party or the Opposition Parties.  This is win-win for Singapore's future and we need to secure this kind of a future!  Singapore being  a First World Economy deserves such a quality Parliament!

2) The Ruling Party made a clean sweep of all the seats in Parliament and the obstrusive NMP & NCMP Scheme kicked in - The status quo remains - more laws and legislation are passed to enable the Ruling Party to consolidate and control political thought; more upgrading in estates; less discussion and consultation on policies as the Ruling Party wants to exert strong and effective governance; people feels alienated from the Government as their aspiration and dreams are not addressed and pursued to their satisfaction.  There is a cynical perception that the Government knows best  and the people's views and concern do not matter. Such a Parliment will be a laughing-stock for the whole world!

Re: The Watershed Singapore 2011 General Election - It's Time To Vote Wisely

Further to my posts on 3 March 2011 and 3 April 2011 and as at today the rhetoric, exhortations,arguments, counter-arguments, accusations, red herrings, created confusions have come fast and furious from both the Ruling and Opposition Parties. My take is  how you vote is important!  If you vote for the Ruling Party, you are saying you agree to status-quo - more upgrading of estates, leadership renewal, etc. One important point you also agree to is it's strategy of keeping legitimate Oppoisition Voices out of Parliament  by substituting it with its obtrusive NMP,NCMP Scheme.   If you cast your vote for the Oppositions Parties, you are saying - OK, I will give you this chance to prove yourself in the Parliament; if you fail I will vote you out in the next election.  To get to know more about the Opposition Parties you need to  visit their dedicated Parties' websites and ATTEND THEIR RALLIES!  This is because the main media be it print, visual or sound  hardly give good coverage of their speeches, etc. In fact most of the Oppositions Parties' speeches are heavily edited sometimes even censored and eschewed to give them a bad light and image.  So, it is important to ATTEND OPPOSITION PARTIES RALLIES to hear and see what they really say and articulate.  You do not need to attend the Ruling Party's rallies as they are carried fully on TVs in the late night broadcasts and published  in the major newspapers the next morning.  At this stage of our political development we need a Singapore Parliament that is in step with our First World Economy.  So, on Polling Day on 7th May 2011 cast your vote wisely.  If the Oppositions Parties manage to capture 1 GRC and 3 to 4 SMCs, I will consider it a " peaceful revolution" of a kind compared to the "violent & bloody" revolutions we saw happening in the Middle East/African crisis. Your vote is your power!

The 2011 Singapore General Election.

I see the coming Singapore 2011 General Election as a watershed in Singapore politics.  Firstly, many of the candidates are highly qualified and have good credentials; the interesting thing is both the Ruling Party and the Opposition Parties manage to attract as many such candidates as they can garner. The Ruling Party has managed to induct many of their high-flyers in the Civil Service, Army, Union, etc. to help them embark on nurturing a "Fourth Generation" of leaders and self-renewal. But what then lure the candidates of the Opposition Parties you may ask.  Is it purely "personal agenda" or higher motives like "wanting to make a difference", "speaking up for the poor or the underpriviledged" or " wanting to see real democracy at work in Singapore", etc.  I see this group of people has the most to lose as they face great odds!  Secondly, with more choices, the electorate can think and cast their secret votes wisely.  They now have a less dilemma in the choice of candidate based on credentials.  Lastly but not least, Singapore will gain from  this momentous Election "political capital" in attracting good and qualified people in our Parliament. This is a "win-win" for Singapore.  I hope this will set the momentum going in generating and cultivating "a political culture and maturity" that is worthy of our "First World Economy" status.

Meeting An Old Church Friend.

One week ago my wife and I chanced meeting an old friend from church outside the toilet of a cinema hall.  Funny,God chose to bring about an encounter in such a strange place.  Later over a cup of ovaltine in a foodcourt we were shocked to learn from him that his wife had passed away peacefully in her sleep about 10 years ago. His wife who was about 40 years old then was a gifted teacher and an interpreter of God's words.  My effervescent friend narrated to us the many overseas mission  trips he took with his wife to places like California, USA, etc. He told us of how they brought God's words to the  overseas congregations and many were convicted and healed.  My friend admitted that he was not a man of eloquent words and how he prayed to God constantly to give him the bravery and power to bring His Words.  God on  His part showed him visions and images. Mind you, he and his wife embarked on the many  missionary trips purely by faith and trusting on God's Words and Guidance.   Many at times they had to forgo many lucrative projects at home just to undertake the tasks God planned for them. My friend is an engineer by profession.
God rewards their trust by richly providing for their needs and blessing them tenfolds!   I can see the joy and peace in my friend.  He is indeed a man who not only knows God's Words but also believes, trusts and lives his life depending on our Living God.  My wife and I were greatly enouraged and uplifted by this encounter - he is a messenger from Our Living God!

Earthquakes in Japan

It is sad and heart-wrenching to see the massive loss of lives and destruction of properties in the aftermath of the earthquakes in Japan.  Sometimes you wonder why Nature can be so  merciless and destructive!  If you have seen footage and videos of the ensuing Tsunami that swept away everyting that stood at its path it is just mind-boggling! Now there is the fear of the radioactive contamination from the damaged Nuclear plants.   All in all it is a grim and dire picture. I have always admired the civility and civic-consciousness of the Japanese people. There are stories of good samaritans and oridnary people who chipped in to help - a man driving his huge truck to ferry clean water for those who are stranded in remote areas; a businessman who deals in power generators offering his generators for humanitarian uses like for hospitals and old folks homes!  This is no time for personal and opportunistic gain.  You hardly heard of any looting.  Yes my sincere prayers are for the Japanese people in this their time of great need and distress.  I know they will emerge a stronger and greater Nation after this tragedy!

Rooting for the Underdogs?

It is human nature to sometimes give support and encouragement to the under-priviledged and the down-trodden.  The African crisis is in no small measure due to the decades of abuse of power and dictatorial rule of some of the regimes.  In the sporting arena if you have been a fan of bygone Malaysia Cup Competition or the current  English FA Cup you will know what I mean when you stand up for the Underdog Team.  It is really a great feeling when your Underdog Team triumphs in the battle. Well, in Singapore a battle royal is approaching soon - The Singapore General Election.  In the coming days and weeks exhortations, arguments and counter-arguments, appeals and accusations, etc. will be coming fast and furious both from the incumbent Government and the Opposition Parties. On Polling day you will have the privilege and the highest honour to cast your secret vote.  Will you be rooting for the Underdogs?  Over to you!

Do You Know Your Bank Deposits Are Insured Up to $20,000 Limit?

Under the Deposit Insurance Scheme your bank savings/fixed deposits accounts with Singapore financial institutions are protected up to $20,000 Limit.  When the 2009 Financial Crisis imploded the Government stepped forward and guaranteed all deposits accounts without imposing any limit.  This guarantee lapsed w.e.f. 1.1.2011.  Subsequently the Monetary Authority of Singapore proposed to increase the limit to $50,000 to protect the wider spectrum of depositors.  This proposal is still in the works. This information was offered to me after I wrote to the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation Ltd(a Unit of MAS) on 8 Feb 2011.  I was concerned then that our financial institutions in their Chinese New Year's promotions in the newspaper advertisements were targetting fixed deposits of $50,000 to entice depositors who wanted to earn higher returns.  Indirectly the financial institutions were saying the protection limit is now $50,000 when it is not the case.  On 9 Feb 2011 I wrote back to SDIC to request them to expedite on the matter of increasing the insurance limit to $50,000.  To-date I am still waiting for their reply.

Re-Union Dinner on Lunar New Year.

It was a touching and emotional scene.  The mother and the daughter have not met for the past two years.  The daughter had called home to join the Re-Union Dinner.  There were much huggings and kissings and words such as "I miss you", "I really miss you a lot", "I love you" reverberated across the hall.  Tears of joy and happiness were shed by both mortals. Heavens smile when forgiveness and love flows.  It is at times like this that we know the importance and anchor of tradition and traditional practices.  Tradition will always reminds us "Who we are" and "Where we have come from".  It is our heritage invaluable!  Pity a man who appears and sounds like somebody but is someone else on the inside! Happy And Prosperous Lunar New Year to you all!