Who Says There Is No Free Lunch in Singapore!

Here are my  reasons for saying there are  free lunches available  in this my lovely "Little Red Dot" Island if you look closely enough.  In our Public Libraries: There are thousands of books and audio-visual items which you can borrow.  Our libraries house a huge collection of books with daily addition of new arrivals -  on my recent visits I manage to borrow four new arrivals.  Everyday you can see the young and old enjoying the air-conditioning comfort  of the reading rooms and lounge areas.  In our Parks and Stadiums: You see people enjoying their morning/evening walks, jogs and "qi-gong" exercises.  In our iconic MacRitchie Reservoir and Botanic Gardens the beautiful sceneries and natural ambience are there for your enjoyment.  When the sun sets the lovers whisper sweet-nothings and subsume into the natural environment.  In the Espanade Concert Hall/Grounds:  There is a monthly free concert dubbed "The Beautiful Sunday" concert in the Concert Hall - the genre of music offerred range from Jazz/Symphonic Pop to Chinese Orchestral music.  That's not all, there are fringe acts/performances in the Concourse/Outdoor Theatre areas. Buses/Taxis:  Yes, you can hitch free rides from our friendly uncles and aunties who man such public  transport.  But you must be honest and explain your predicament -you may be facing a genuine "emergency" situation or you have just lost your wallet or belongings.  Our drivers will empathise with genuine requests but not cheats.

HERE MY FAMILY AND I WISH YOU A BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

The Genius of Leonardo Da Vinci.

Above is the famout painting "Mona Lisa" by Leonardo Da Vinci which I extracted from the book entitled "Da Vinci Decoded" by Michael J Gelb which I had the good fortune to lay my hands on from the Bedok Naitonal Library last month. Many years ago while on a trip to France with my wife and in-laws I bought a souvenir bell which has the famous portrait embossed on it.  I purchased the item then remembering the song of the same name made famous by the late Nat King Cole whose extolling of the enigmatic beauty just captured my imagination.  I did not know then or bothered to find out who the painter was  -  poor me!  The bell is still seating pretty on top of the Korean chest in the hall of our home.  On the wall of the dining area in my apartment there is a cross-stitched (done by my wife) painting of the Last Supper - all these years I was not aware the famous painter was its creator!  The all-round genius of the painter was brought home to me after I read the book: his paintings have the balance and soul in them; he was also an inventor - he created designs for the parachute, snorkel, gear-shift, scissors, etc.  Leonardo said that his wish was to create miracles!  Do you know that Bill Gates paid US$30.8 million in 1994 for 18 pages of his note books.  The following are some of his divine spiritual thinking and philosophy:-

1) I reveal to men the origin of their cause of existence.
2) O human stupidity! Do you not perceive that you have spent your whole life with yourself and yet you are not aware of the thing you chiefly possess, that is of your folly.
3) While I thought I was learning how to live, I have been learning how to die.
4) Our body is subject to the heaven.
5) It is necessary for doctors who are guardians of the sick to understand what man is, what life is and what health is, and in what way a balance and harmony of these elements maintains it.
6) Love alone makes me remember, it is only love that makes me aware.
7) Do you not see that the treasure in itself does not heap praise on its accumulator after his life is spent.

Debut Performance, Interesting Data.

Debut Performance:  The 1st sesssion of the 12th Parliament had just recently concluded.  One take-away I had from the session was the masterly debut peformance of the Workers' Party MP Mr Chen Show Mao. He was saying "political differences are not akin to divisions"; expenditures on housing, education, health and eldercare are actually investments for the long-term.  Such expenditures should not be viewed as welfare programes which the Ruling Party had always wanted to propagandize them to be. His insights and eloquence are most inspiring.  If you had miss the show, I would suggest that you visit the Workers' Party's website to view the full text or video.  Do not rely on our mainstream media!  They have done a dis-service to Singaporeans by heavily editing and even censoring the speech!  Mr Chen Show Mao is the epitome of a politician Mr Theodore Roosevelt spoke about and I quote "The most successful politician is he who says what the people are thinking most often in the loudest voice".
Interesting Data: I find the "Donations Received" for the top 2 candidates in the recent Presidential Election very interesting.  The runner-up(TCB) garnered an amount of $524,620.38 whilst the winner(TT) raised $338,000.00. Compared this with the tiny margin of votes of victory of the winner.  I wonder how much of the donations received are from ordinary Singaporeans, vested interest groups like big businesses/lobbyists, power-brokers or kingmakers.  Being a small nation, Singapore's politics should  never be  dictated or influenced by such undesirable groups

Better Service, Better Enforcement.

In the past 3 weeks I have e-emailed to 3 Bodies: a public-listed transport company, a Goverment Department and a country club.  My purposes in providing feedback are to ensure that proper and good services are provided and that the laws are enforced to provide a conducive living environment.

1) Feedback to Transport Co. - I was travelling in this Company's bus.  What put me off was the attitude of this bus-driver.  On 2 occasions I witnessed  that he refused to stop for his passenders although the latter had indicated their intention to board the bus.  I felt sorry for the passengers for they must be thinking of home after a hard day's work.  It is such blatant disregard for providing service not to mention good service by such a driver that only compound commuters' transport woes.

2) Feedback to Govt. Dept. - I stayed in an apartment block at a traffic junction in an HDB heartland.  During peak hours and especially during weekends Fridays and Saturdays nights the stretches of roads here morphed into mini racing circuits for the souped-up machines of these dare-devil motor-cyclists and motorists.  The din  and noise pollution not to mention the potential fatal accidents they may caused  are just too much!  The promise of action by the Traffic Department serves only to calm me.

3) Feedback to Country Club -  The Steam Bath in the Club was not working properly.  It looked like the renovation and maintenance done to the facility was not monitored.  I was worried that there might be health hazards if members were to use the facility.

I am thinking I was doing my small part in my active citizenship duties.  For I wish very much to live in a better and a safe neighbourhood and a better Singapore!

Less Advertisements - More Money For Charities.

I cringed every time I turned the pages of the Straits Times after 9th August.  I would be bombarded with loud and brash advertisements congratulating our National Day Awards winners.  Last year in a posting dated 26 July 2010 I floated the idea whether such big chunk of advertising revenues for the ST could be better use to help the coffers of Charitable Organisations.  Well, I had good news for you.  This year there was a refreshing change - there was less appearance and frequency of such advertisements.  My guess is there is a 75% reduction of such advertisements.  I like to believe that ST had heeded the feedback and indeed the money had been channelled to good and meaningful charitable purposes. To businessmen, business organisations, residents committees, town councils, etc who have extended "helping hands" I say a big "thank you".  You have not only "build yourself treasures on earth" but also "treasures in Heaven".  All Singapore should rejoice!

The Final Tally

The final tally is out: TT:35.22%,TCB:34.85%;TJS:25.00%;TKL:4.91%.  Singapore has chosen the most suitable and right candidate to be its 3rd Elected President.  The voting indicates that the new normal in Singaore's political landscape is political diversity.  Here are some of my musings:-

1) Why did Dr Tony Tan offer his candidacy?:  It is worth noting that the first candidate to step forward was Dr TCB.  He was folllowed by Mr TKL.  After Mr George Yeo declined clamour from his supporters for his candidacy, Dr TT then stepped forward.  After many years in his Ministerial & MP duties, I am sure TT would have interactions and communications with his 2 opposing candidates and would have known of their calibre and capabilities.  Could it be then by stepping forward he is saying - mind you by demeanour he is gentlemanly and humble - that he is more worthy and capable for the highest office of the land.  We will never know until he tells us so.

2) Those who voted for TCB:  I wonder how many are swayed by his GE-style slogans "Think Singaoreans first", "I will fight for you", etc. How many of the moderate PAP supporters and how many from the Opposition Parties voted for him? It was noted that many of his supporters are from the Western and Northern parts of Singapore.  In the coming days many analyses and post-mortem of the election will come to light.  I have heard many voters voted based purely on the look of the candidates and their wifes!

3) The President Is Above Politics:  TT subscribes to this belief.  How about walking the talk - Let's say if he will to grace a Mid-Autumn Festival  function in the Opposition-held Aljunied GRC. How about an invitation from the WP or TT acts on his own initiative?

4) Other Anecdotes:  I read an interesting letter in the Straits Times in which  the writer said she voted for an  Anti-Establishment candidate but now that TT is voted the President she supports him.  This is really "double-talk".  Your support for your candidate should be by your vote!  I checked her blog and found out she was against "the status-quo" meaning she was adovocating her readers to vote for Anti-Establishment candidates.  Her verbal gymnastics is superb and that is why her novels are selling well!  I notice that the WP is the only Opposition Party not to have endorse or support any candidates.  Its neutral stand is to be applauded!

The Elected Presidency - Vote For The Right President.

The Elected President Polling Day is barely 1 week away.  I sincerely hope the following pointers on the candidates will help you in one way or other to exercise your vote wisely.

Candidate A:  Being a former cadre of the Ruling Party, he had benefited from his links with the Establishment in his career path and livelihood.  His concern on the "bread and butter" issues of the heartlanders is laudable.  His many years in grassroots activities and organisation may explain his constant championing of ordinary citizens' rights and concerns.  The problem is that the Elected Presidency is not the platform for such activitism.

Candidate B: He was a former MP with many years of service to the Ruling Party. Many years ago I saw him panicked in front of the TV audience when the SARS crisis hit this country.  He was then talking about "Life & Death" issues.  He said he wanted to promote multiracialism.  I thought after 46 years of Singapore's independence the issue is as "dead as a dinosaur".  He is a man who "is over the hill" and appears "not relevant" in this era.

Candidate C: He is an elite.  He studied politics, economics and philosophy in his university years.  I often wonder why he does not apply his philosophy knowledge in his political pursuits.  He is Anti-Establishment.  He talks about "checks and balances" on the Government.  He treats the Elected Presidency as an extension of the General Election.  I only wish he can be more philosophical  and less confrontational in his outbursts.

Candidate D:  He looks humble and amiable to most people. His records in public and private sector services is immaculate.   Because of his long association with the Ruling Party, he is Pro-Establishment.  Many Associations, Business Bodies, Community Groups and Unions openly declare their support for him.  His logical and clear thinking can be read from his replies as quoted  "Independence - Independent mind"; "Candidate should run for the office that exists and not what they wish it to be",

Well I hope Singaporeans will choose the right President for Singapore!

4 Candidates - More Choices.

The Presidential Elections Commitee has granted Certificate of Eligibility to the 4 Tans.  More choices is not necessarily good. This means voters have to do more homework and need to focus attention on the right candidate.  Please do not spoil your vote or abstain from voting as you will be doing a disservice to yourself and the country.  As for myself I have already made up my mind as to my choice of candidate unless of course something unprecedented happened! What about you?  My wish for Singapore is that Singaporeans will vote for the right President when they go to the Polls on 27th August 2011.  Happy voting!  Majulah Singapura!

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!