What They Did'nt Tell You!

The Government of Singapore has presented two documents namely the The Population White Paper and The Budget 2013 to steer Singapore in the next five years and beyond.  Since garnering the lowest percentage vote of 60% in the 2011 General Election and the subsequent loss of 2 By-Elections - in Hougang and Punggol East - the ruling Party had confessed and apologised openly of its mistakes and promised the citizens it would do better.  The citizens were not convinced and had seen through "the crocodile tears shed".  This culminated in the Hong Lim Park Civil Protest on 16 February 2013 where thousands attended - among whom are children, housewives, workers, senior citizens, politicians, academics, etc. The cry of the people is loud and clear!

1) The Population White Paper - The projected population of 6.9 million by 2030 raised many people's eyebrows considering the daily crunch the public encountered in their daily commute. The assumptions that ageing population will slow down economic growth and optimal TFR (Total Fertility Rate) calculations were open to questions.  According to Austrian demographer Prof. Wolfgang Lutz who was in town recently the dire situation as portrayed in the Paper on the ageing population was over done.  He cited the examples of Germany and Cyprus - the former with an ageing population was thriving economically while the later whose population is 10 years younger and dynamic did not overtake the former.  He added the next cohort of older generation will be more educated and thus translated to a better-educated, active and productive elderly population.  He also suggested the TFR for Singapore is 1.7 rather than the usal 2.1.  He said we may be working on outdated data.

2) The Budget 2013 - The Government labelled the Budget as "inclusive".  Yes, " inclusiveness" is a value very much enshrined in our Pledge - ".....to build a democatic society based on justice and equality ....".  The Government has all along always been "tight-fisted".  It can be a lot more charitable and forth-coming in lightening the people's burden especially for the botttom rung of the 20% of the population.  More can be done and should be done for the whole population from the young, the schooling, the working class, the elderly, the business community, the civic society, etc. Whatever can be done for the social good the Government should not spare its efforts.  I hope by 2015 after half century of our nationhood we all Singaporeans can be proud that we have attained the Swiss standard of living where low wages, long working hours and cost of living will not require our attention anymore.  For this to become a reality the Government must always stand on the the side of the weak, the vulnerable, the poor, the disadvantaged, the young child, the widow, the working mothers, the elderly, etc.  This is a tall order!  I see a "sparkling" RED DOT.

Blessed & Prosperous Chinese New Year.

This coming Sunday, on 10 February 2013 will usher in the Year of the Snake.  My family and I will like to wish everyone a BLESSED & PROSPEROUS CHINESE NEW YEAR. May we all be mindful of God's unfailing love for us as individuals, families, communities and the country.  God bless!  GONG XI GONG XI, SHEN TI JIAN KANG!!

My "Haiku" Moments 2

1) The child-like essence                                                6) Our True Home Divine
     Down-to-earth beliefs and talk                                       Rulers still blind and stubborn
     Captivating hearts.                                                          Long live motherland.

2) The stupid hopeful                                                      7) The writing on wall
    The elitist head in clouds                                                 Most people can clearly see
    When will they wake up.                                                 Shameless media spit.

3) Clever arguments                                                        8) Drowning not knowing
    Wordsmith and tongue gymnastics                                 In their own vomit swimming
    The truth still denied.                                                      Wake up Wake up See.

4) Goodies tangling                                                         9) Talking to Oneself
    The propaganda machine                                                 Justifying to Oneself
    In full blast jarring.                                                          Reality Shun.

5) Truth be told exposed
    Some people still in denial
   Will leopards change skin.

Punggol East Can Be "The Beacon Of Fair Play"

There will be a 4-cornered fight in the Punggol East By-Election.  I prefer to see it as a 2-Party contest between the WP & PAP.  Residents of PE should seize this wonderful opportunity to cast their votes wisely.  No matter who emerged as the winner the ruling Party will still govern the country. If you do not agree to how the Government has beeen governing the country all these years you may want to express your displeasure or unhappiness by giving your vote to the WP candidate.  As "Hougang is the Bastion of Democracy in Singapore", your constituency can be "The Beacon of Fair Play in Singapore" if you send a strong signal that you do not subscribe to the following unfair practices:-

1) The gerrymendering of electoral boundaries and creation of Group Representation Constituencies; etc.

2) The mainstream media has not been fair and not giving a balance report of the political situation and in certain instances of engaging in painting a bad light of Opposition Parties.

3) The behind-the-queue Estates Upgrading for Opposition Wards and the removal  of hawker/market centres and bus services in Opposition Wards.

4) The on-going income- inequality gap; increasing unaffordable housing; pressures on children in our education system; high cost of living and medical charges, transport woes - over-crowded buses and trains, frequent breakdowns of train services; immigration policies, etc.

Yes, on 26 Jan  2013 cast your vote for the WP candidate.  By doing so you would have shown your political maturity for it is not healthy to have this PAP juggernaut hanging over our heads.  Long Live Singapore!

The Best Gift Of All.

Yes indeed, salvation is the best gift of all.  This gift is available to anyone who believes Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God.  On this joyous occasion of the birth of our Lord my family and I wish everyone a Blessed Christmas And A Happy New Year!

My "Haiku" Moments.

I am fascinated by a form of Japanese poems known as "Haiku".  Here are my "haiku" moments.  Enjoy them!

1) His presence I smell                                            5) TV Set toppled
    Nearness only a breath away                                   It's top right-hand corner chipped
    Nothing Else to fear.                                                It's a miracle.

2) Far the eyes can see                                            6) Income only matters
    Eternity before us                                                     Still adamant and cocksure
    Now is the present.                                                  Engulfed in darkness.

3) The Sun beating heat                                           7) Breeze from overhead fans
    Shadows forming encroaching                                 Conversations below loud
    Where Else to hide.                                                 Joy - a cup of Kopi-O.

4) Postings in facebook
    Purposes achieved conveyed
    Need to scratch my back.

Seeing And Hearing.

Here is my observation on:

The US Presidential Election.

I have watched the 3 televised debates.  I have also done some reading up on the 2 candidates.  What both have in common are:  they are former lawyers and they are christians. I see the election as a choice  between "humility" versus "aggresiveness".  I will characterise the challenger as the later.  I thought after 9/11 America had already paid a heavy price and learned the lesson of humility.  America as "No.1" and "The Policeman of the World" does not resonate with the International Community anymore.  If the challenger is to have his ways there will be a "trade war" and "nuclear war tensions" looming:  he had said he would brand "China a currrency manipulator" and that "Iran will not be allowed to gain access to nuclear power". For peace sake the choice for the Americans is clear.

The Singapore Conversation.

The talk of the town is the Singaore Conversation - what Singaporeans want for Singapore in the next decade.  For the cynics and skeptics the exercise is a waste of money, time, etc.  I see the Conversation as an exercise "to manage expectations" among the 60% of the population who voted for the Government in the last General Election.  As for the 40% who voted against the Government they have already made their grievances and unhappiness known such as the high cost of living, income inequalities, unaffordable housing, transport woes, high medical costs, immigration policies, etc.  A similar exercise a decade ago "The 2003/2004 Remaking of Singapore" may jog your memory.  What is of paramount importance is for the Government to do the "right" things. The urgent right thing it needs to do now is to implement a "minimum wage" of $1000 p.m. for our low wage workers.  I see this as a way to provide a comfortable living for these workers and it also gives them dignity.

Money's Worth

It is in such inflationary time like now that one can hardly find value for one's money.  The weekly marketing budget of $50 we hand to the cashier at the supermarkets hardly pay enough for our daily necessities such as rice, oil, fruits, toiletries, etc. and the money just disappears.  But this is not the case when I patronise an unique hawker stall in my neighbourhood - "Xian Jin Mixed Vegetable Rice" #01-02 Blk 216 Bedok North St. 1.  With $2 you can choose any 3 dishes - one meat and two vegetables or 3 meats combination, etc.- to go with your rice or porridge.  The stall also sells "Bah Kut Teh" @ $2 per bowl.  Beside the stall front is a drinks storage container dispensing free orange squash if you need a cuppa.  The stall caters to the breakfast and lunch crowds and it is not uncommon to see long queues.  The 3 workers manning the stall are always friendly and jovial.  What more can anyone ask?  Cheap and good food and friendly service in one corner of Singapore!

A Caricature of Oneself.

As an individual, everyone has his views, habits, likes and dislikes, idiosyncracies, etc. If we are not careful, we may create a "Caricature of Oneself" if we completely shut ourselves to other people's thinking, views, philosophies, etc.  I am sometimes guilty of such behaviour myself!  We like to hear our own voices and think our viewpoints, ideas, etc are only relevant and important.  We forget others' thinking and philosohies are just as important and we need to listen them out.  Hopefully from these exchanges we all understand one another better and thereby learn from one another.   After viewing PM's National Day Rally Speech, I  felt that he had lost a golden opportunity for an "epoch-making" moment to set the stage for the next level of Singapore's development and progress in the political arena.  Correct me if I am wrong, I did not see any Opposition Parties' MPs at the Rally.  I was thinking and  hoping he would exhibit courage and this time round he would embrace opposition views and ideas.  It is alright to speak of the Nation's many successes and the action he is taking to tackle the many issues and challenges confronting the country.  But alas! he has forgotten the angst and anger of the 40% of the electorate who has voted against the Government.  Should not part of the speech be addressed to their concerns and the Opposition Parties who represented them!   "Inclusiveness" should not be defined selfishly  to include only people on the same page but must include all people with different views and ideas. The opportunity has been lost and the drawing of a "Caricature of A Great Nation Like Singapore" has yet to start!

Our National Pledge.

On 9th August 2012 Singapore will celebrate its 47th Birthday.  On this joyous and auspicious occasion my best wishes for many more years of happiness, prosperity and progress for THIS LITTLE RED DOT!  Do you know as citizens of this country we are expected to keep in our hearts  the oath  of allegiance?  Yes, you have guessed  it right - Our National Pledge:-                                         
                                          We, the citizens of Singapore,
                                           pledge ourselves as one united people,
                                           regardless of race, language or religion,
                                           to build a democratic society
                                           based on justice and equality
                                           so as to achieve happiness,
                                           prosperity and progress
                                           for our nation.

I will like to delve into the phrase "to build a democratic society".  Are there any laws in our Constitution or the existence of any Institutions which impede or make our progress difficult  " to truly build a democratic society".  If this is indeed so, should not an "Ombudsman" be appointed to look into the matter so that our Nation can progress!  Happy National Day!

Paul's Remedy: Live By The Spirit

For the past few days, the talk of the town is the City Harvest Church's scandal.  For the first time in many years God's name is mentioned more frequently than usual in  many of the  news and social media.  While doing my quiet time, Paul's letter to the Galatians in Gals. 5:16-21  caught my attention.  Hear what the verses say "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.  For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit,  and the Spirit what is contrary in the sinful nature.  They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.  But if you are led by the Spirit,  you are not under law.  The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits or rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like.  I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."  This clearly speaks of God's remedy for many of  today's woes  and pains.  My random thoughts specifically on the CHC's case are as follows:-

I) Proper & Good Governance of Church Funds:  The church funds are regulated under the Charities Act.  Are there proper accounting and transparency?; are the duties of the Governing Board and the Management Team properly spelt out and segregated? etc.  I remember not long ago many churches were renovating, retrofitting and building  and re-building their churches - congregations were asked to make donations for their building funds; what I found disgusting was the wanton waste of monies - renovations done one or two years ago were demolished and re-built.  My common sense tells me never to donate to such funds!

II) False Teaching &False Prophets:  God tells us to guard against false teaching and false prophets.  Colossians 2:8 states: "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ."  And more 2 Peter 2:1-3 say "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you.  They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them - bringing swift destruction on themselves.  Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.  In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up.  Their condemnation has long been hanging over them and their destruction has not been sleeping."  My question is "Is there a Body within the churches which will study and vet such teachings - whether they are biblically correct, etc.?" or is there room for Government to step in when something is basically wrong!?  I remember not long ago many of our overseas students were "captured" by cult teaching and cult groups.  I have heard horrendous stories of children disobeying, renouncing and forsaking their parents!

Do You Shop Till You Drop?

During my recent trip to Hong Kong I captured the above 2 contrasting photos - of a road-side artiste potraying the legendary "Beggar" in Chinese mythology and a life-style shop "Goods of Desire" (Its acronym G.O.D.).  I am always fascinated by such artistes who always managed to keep in such "Stillness" for hours without a wink.  And of course by G.O.D.  With the ongoing Great Singapore Sale I am sure many of our ladies are shopping to their hearts content. Let's hear what God has to say about our lust for more in Ephesians 4:19 - "Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more."  The "Beggar" in the midst of the hustle and bustle of  of many shoppers and shops in the shopping malls set me thinking.  Do we shop for "what we need" or for "what we want"?  Over to you!

What Hougang By-Election Means?

1) For The Workers' Party - The Workers' Party brand name was dented when its incumbent MP for the constituency Mr Yaw Shin Leong was sacked when accusations of his sexual misconduct surfaced.  He not only refused to account for his misbehaviour but fled the country.  This caught everybody by surprise more so the Party's leadership.  For Mr Low Thia Khiang (its Secretary-General) it is indeed a tough job holding  a tight ship together - note that immediately after the PM has called for a by-election a few opportunistic and selfish members tendered their resignations citing reasons like not being appointed party cadres, etc.  It is a goodish thing that such conceited and selfish individuals are expunged from the Party. The Workers' Party cannot afford another miss-step. Its MPs must be "whiter than the white uniform of the PAP members".

2) For The People's Action Party - The PM stood on high moral grounds - accusing the Workers' Party of not accounting and explaining to the Hougang consitutuents for the scandal.  He had been unwillingly forced to call for a by-election within 3 months (Note a court case is still pending of how the Constitutional provisions are to be interpretated for by-elections).  Lest he forgets in the last General Election a PAP candidate in a GRC constituency was substituted  by a doctor candidate when accusations of sexual misconduct against the former candidate  were reported by the press.  Then there were no accounting and explainations for the sudden withdrawal of the candidate.

3) For The Hougang Residents  -  The Workers' Party touted "Hougang As The Bastion of Democracy in Singapore"  Yes indeed,  since 1991 it has always supported the Worker's Party.  This comes about through much sacrifice.  It refuses to bow down to the PAP's intimidation of withholding of estate upgrading programmes and withdrawal of amenities like market and hawker stalls, bus services, etc. The Workers' Party stated it is because of Hougang that the Party managed to capture the GRC of Aljunied in the last General Election.  Bravo to Hougang residents!

4) For All Singapore Citizens - Is there a lesson all can learn from Hougang?  With the PAP's gerrymandering of the electoral boundaries, it secures 81 seats in Parliament although it receives only 60% of the votes.  Do you think this is fair?  After the last GE the Government has apologised for its mistakes and promises to put things right. It now talks about an "inclusive" society!   An "inclusive" society must encompass citizens with differing political ideas, viewpoints, thinking ,etc. and this includes the constituents of Hougang!



    

Our Idols - Counterfeit Gods.

Just finished reading the book entitled "Counterfeit Gods" by Timothy Keller.  I find that the book speaks profoundly to me about the "idols" we may harbour unconsciously in our hearts.   Success, money, true love, the life you have always wanted may turn out to be "counterfeit gods"  The recent financial crisis of 2008/2009  put to rest the argument that these pursuits are important.  Many are disillusioned and disenchanted!  There is only one God in the Bible who can only truly satisfy our cravings.  Now is the time for believers to find Him again and for non-believers to find Him for the first time.  The writer, Timothy Keller is also a pastor.  His exposition of the characters in the Bible like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Esau, Leah, Rachel, Jonah and others and their own confrontation with their own idols makes interesting reading and deeper understanding of our God Almighty.  Ever wonder why the first "two" commandments in the ten commandments as enumerated in Deuteronomy 5 stated categorically that " you shall have no other gods before me and you shall not make for yourself an idol."