Honesty Vis-A-Vis Sophism

Everyone believes in the truism "Honesty Is The Best Policy".  In a recent local newspaper's survey Singaporeans value "Honesty" highly.  However in the now on-going Parliamentary debates I notice many of the MPs of the Ruling Party (if I may say so the legally-trained ones) put forth clever arguments and sophism to misled and hookwink the citizens.  Let us take the controversy surrounding whether a by-election is essential for the Hougang single-seat constituency as a result of the sacking of the MP Yaw Shin Leong by the Workers Party. The Ruling Party has said it would consider carefully "whether and when to hold a by-election" as they are many important national issues to attend.  The WP has argued that the Constitution provided for a by-election for a single member constituency (SMC) to be called within 3 months or as soon as practical.  An NMP Eugene Tan has stated  a by-election  is automatic if we believe in democratic representation. Our records of the by-elections held and not held since the 1980s speak for themselves.   Futhermore the mainstream media (their entire editorial desk/journalists) got into the act by trying to sway the readers to the Ruling Party's thinking.  As per normal the mainstream media has let down its readers by not giving the true picture and playing its part by educating the citizens.  After the last General Election Singaporeans do not need our MPs for their sophism and to be sophists.  We just want plain simple truths!

Paul's Strategy.

Often our reading of our Bibles is only just 'reading'.  Thus we miss out of what God is trying to impart to us.  I came to this awakening/revelation after reading Mr James R Ettwein's meditation on Feb 17 2012 entitled "In the Middle of the Night" in the Upper Room.  The bible verses worth ruminating and applying them for ourselves are Phillipians 4: 6 - 7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but  in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Are there cares/concerns and anxieties weighing you down?  Paul says "do not be anxious about anything" and he follows up with the Holy Spirit-filled strategy "present your requests to God" - telling Him of your anxieties/fears/whatever and to give you peace!  After that, the peace of God which transcends understanding should encompass you as you have unburdened your heart and your mind.  So just don't be anxious, present your  requests and experience God's peace!  May the Holy Spirit indwells in you always!

Sight & Sound Of A Broken Glass.

I recorded the above video of the sight and sound of a broken glass on a recent visit to the Singapore Art Museum.  I think it is a reflection of the fragility and brevity of this life.  Enjoy it!

Ministers' Pay Debate - Discerning The Forest From The Trees.

If you have missed last week's 3 days of Parliamentary Debate on the Ministers' Pay, you have missed witnessing an important juncture of our Parliamentary democracy.  The debate was engaging and robust from Members of Parliament from both the Ruling Party and the Workers' Party.  I saw the beginning and evolving momentum of a 2-Party system in the Parliament - an anathema to some of the "Old Guards" in the Ruling Party. In fact some members of the Ruling Party tried to hammer out a bi-partisan consensus on the motion which to the credit of the Workers' Party refused to come on board. I see the fundamental and logical arguments of the Workers' Party based on the following sequence of the 3 principles:

1) Political Office is a calling, a privilege - who better to  represent this calling than Mr Chen Show Mao himself who gave up a lucrative legal job to become an MP.  An MP is elected by the people first before he can become a Minister.  And the Minister is not selected from the private sector by the Prime Minister.

2) Competitive Salary - As the Minister has first to be an MP, logically his pay should be bench-marked against an MP's allowance which the WP calculated to be $11,000 pm (the norm in the senior level civil service pay) From here the WP extrapolated the entry-level Minister's pay to be 5 times($55,000 pm) and the PM's 9 times ($99,000 pm)

3) Clean Wage - The WP stipulated that the bonus payments for Ministers should not be more than 5 months (the Review Committee recommended 13.5 months) as an average worker gets about 3 to 4 months bonus in a very good year.

The WP stated that the Cabinet is a Constitutional extension of the Parliament and thereby under the Legislative control of the Parliament.

Well, this will not be the last time we hear of Ministers' pay.  But at least I get educated on the matter - who say competitive ideas/viewpoints have no merit?

Wishing You A Blessed & Prosperous Chinese New Year Of The Dragon.

MY FAMILY AND I WISH EVERYONE A BLESSED AND PROSPEROUS CHINESE NEW YEAR OF THE DRAGON!  EVERY DAY GIVEN TO YOU IS A MIRACLE.  CHERISH AND APPRECIATE YOUR BLESSINGS!


               GONG XI GONG XI WAN SHI RU YI!

Wisdom of Solon

It has been said that lower-class people talk about people; the middle class, things; and the upper class, ideas. I think wisdom is for all classes.  Solon was a stateman, lawmaker and poet of Athens (638BC - 559BC)  He was invited by King Croesus of Sardis who was then considered one of the richest person in the world to witness the monstrous wealth and the riches of his kingdom.  Croesus was so proud that he asked Solon who could match his opulence.  Solon replied that he knew of a citizen in Athens by the name of Tellus who was honest, ordinary man, good father, grandfather to his sons' children and died in glory fighting for his country. He added his countrymen believed in simple things, vision and might not be of importance and significance to the King.  He elaborated that man's life is subject to chance and vicissitudes of life - disaster can befall anyone anytime by surprise so no one can consider one successful until one has died well and his fortune still intact in the end. Fearing that he might have angered the King, his friend Aesop (famous for the Aesop's fables) who was also there advised him thus "Either we must come to mighty men at all or we must try to please them"  Solon replied "Either we must come to mighty men, or  we must tell them the truth"  Subsequently, King Croesus was defeated by King Cyrus of Persia and was taken prisoner.  Before he was to be burned at the stakes, he cried out the name of Solon 3 times.  King Cyrus asked him who was this man Solon.  Croesus told him of this wise man of Greece who taught him of his foolish prosperity, foresaw his present misery and advised him to consider that no man is  happy until he died well. The happy ending was Croesus was honoured  as one of the Counselors in King Cyrus's Court.  In the last financial crisis which has yet to take its full course many high-flying Hedge Fund managers and bankers were made to eat humble pies.  As they said "it ain't over till it's over"

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!