But I don’t think we are more divided. What has happened is that Singaporeans are expressing themselves more vocally. Being divided carries a heavier meaning – like, we can't get along with each other for whatever reasons. I don’t think that’s the case, even if we’re talking about the different races or people of different religions.
What Singaporeans are unhappy with are policies which do not seem to have been for the greater good. But these have been said enough already. So I won’t repeat them.
For all its faults, and contrary to what some may say, Singapore does possess many attributes which stand it in good stead to move forward. As I have said before, all we need is leadership – leadership which is certain, open-minded, and courageous. What we want to see is a leadership which allows itself to embrace new ideas, and listen to the voices of the common man.
In short, for me personally, I would like to see our leaders embrace the things which it has so far avoided, or ridiculed, or dismissed.
I am talking about civil liberties, a level playing field in politics, the respect for free expression, and the recognition of citizens’ rights.
These things have very much been cast aside in the chase for economic growth all these years. And it is a race which has exhausted Singaporeans. Everyone can feel the strain. While the Government sets about reviewing these, as PM Lee said in his National Day message, it is time also to review these other things which have hitherto been anathema.
In short, it is about empowerment - not only of the economic kind but more so that of the human spirit.
Without an empowered people, Singapore will find it hard to engage and compete with the rest of the world. A people which is dependent on one entity (the Government) cannot be expected to have the resilience, the strength and the wherewithal to withstand the challenges which a changing world will bring, as indeed it already is bringing.
Thus, my sincere wish for National Day is that Singaporeans will – at last – be given their rights, and have spaces which were once closed opened to them to explore, to create, to express themselves in. To dare. And to do so knowing that they do not have to constantly look over their shoulders for the bogeyman.
This is how Singapore can find itself.
Our identity and the meaning to our lives as Singaporeans must be decided or determined by each Singaporean. They can only do so if they are allowed the space to do so, and not from top-down, bureaucratic decrees.
I am confident that in the years to come, we will find ourselves and finally know what it is to be Singaporean – and so will our children.
For those who feel all is hopeless, our job is not to sit and lament but to go out there and create, in spite of the odds, as our founding fathers once did.
Showing posts with label Singapore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Singapore. Show all posts
Monday, 2 September 2013
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
Post vacation
Mini has a harder time adjusting than the adults. On Day 1 he had 2 night awakenings, both needed coaxing to get back to sleep. Yesterday, Mini was crying and screaming in his sleep every hour from 11pm. I hope tonight would be better because Mama is very tired and is recovering from a flu. For the whole of today I have been in a daze and headache is here again after my brief afternoon nap
Sunday, 20 January 2013
When the man takes charge
Today is the first day Papa is trying his hands in putting Mini to sleep all by himself, meaning bathing then feeding and singing the Mini lullabies before putting him down into his cot and sneaking out of his room.
And Papa did it!
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Thursday, 9 August 2012
Happy Birthday, Singapore!
It has been 5 years.
I remember attending my last NDP preview with my folks and MM in 2007, a very memorable and extremely sentimental one. 5 years on, alot of things have changed, for better or worse. Whatever, but the place that I have called my home, is still my home. Undeniably.
An article that speaks my sentiments from publichouse.sg, with parts that I feel most passionate about bold in red:
-----
A nation looking for itself by Andrew Loh
It’s National Day today. It’s been 47 years since we exited from the Federation. Singapore, after all these years, is still trying to know itself, trying to have its own identity. There have been several efforts – mostly government-led – to foster such an identity. Have they been successful? To some degree, yes. But mostly, no.
There are views that Singapore today is more divided than it ever was. I am not sure if this is true. Perhaps such views have come about because we are able to express ourselves, and hear or read our friends express the same sentiments, more clearly now, through the Internet, via social media especially.
I remember attending my last NDP preview with my folks and MM in 2007, a very memorable and extremely sentimental one. 5 years on, alot of things have changed, for better or worse. Whatever, but the place that I have called my home, is still my home. Undeniably.
An article that speaks my sentiments from publichouse.sg, with parts that I feel most passionate about bold in red:
-----
A nation looking for itself by Andrew Loh
It’s National Day today. It’s been 47 years since we exited from the Federation. Singapore, after all these years, is still trying to know itself, trying to have its own identity. There have been several efforts – mostly government-led – to foster such an identity. Have they been successful? To some degree, yes. But mostly, no.
There are views that Singapore today is more divided than it ever was. I am not sure if this is true. Perhaps such views have come about because we are able to express ourselves, and hear or read our friends express the same sentiments, more clearly now, through the Internet, via social media especially.
Monday, 11 June 2012
Going solo and baby thoughts
Getting on the plane in 3 hours time, probably the last time that I would be heading home alone (and strictly speaking I am hardly alone now with Utt in my pouch). With P joining me in Singapore next week, this is going to be quite a special trip for us - we will be returning the next time with Utt in our arms and as parents of a newborn.
And although I have endless complains about the political situation in Singapore, the lack of freedom of speech and expression and the crazily one-sided mainstream media reporting which is increasingly getting on my nerves, I love my country not a bit less than the day I left. I love my family and I love my friends. Not matter how long I have spent away from Singapore, it doesn't dilute my love for the people dear to my heart. And so, I would like Utt to be blessed with the same love these people show me, and I would love Utt to be able to share and experience what Mama had gone through as a toddler, teenage and young adult. My greatest hope for Utt is for him to grow up a Thai-Singaporean that is conscious about his roots and appreciate the multiculturalism in the Singaporean society. I would make sure that Utt has the privilege to experience the life of a Thai, and the life of a Singaporean and choose for himself in future what he sees best for himself.
Dear Utt,
As you are growing at a rapid speed in the last month, Mama starts to imagine life with you and how things might be different for me and Papa. Mama love Papa alot and it is beyond words can describe how much I have appreciated him in my life and how much we have adjusted and changed over the years to accomodate each other. Mama can't help but feel curious how Papa and I will adjust our largely self-centered style of living to one that is going to be probably revolving around you. Mama does not believe in losing the intimacy as couple and being someone who has lost track of her own wants and needs as a new life arrives in her life, and Mama will try her best to cope and find a balance in the midst of playing the multiple roles of being a nurturing mum, an understanding wife and an individual who continues to blossom.
Love,
Mama
And although I have endless complains about the political situation in Singapore, the lack of freedom of speech and expression and the crazily one-sided mainstream media reporting which is increasingly getting on my nerves, I love my country not a bit less than the day I left. I love my family and I love my friends. Not matter how long I have spent away from Singapore, it doesn't dilute my love for the people dear to my heart. And so, I would like Utt to be blessed with the same love these people show me, and I would love Utt to be able to share and experience what Mama had gone through as a toddler, teenage and young adult. My greatest hope for Utt is for him to grow up a Thai-Singaporean that is conscious about his roots and appreciate the multiculturalism in the Singaporean society. I would make sure that Utt has the privilege to experience the life of a Thai, and the life of a Singaporean and choose for himself in future what he sees best for himself.
Dear Utt,
As you are growing at a rapid speed in the last month, Mama starts to imagine life with you and how things might be different for me and Papa. Mama love Papa alot and it is beyond words can describe how much I have appreciated him in my life and how much we have adjusted and changed over the years to accomodate each other. Mama can't help but feel curious how Papa and I will adjust our largely self-centered style of living to one that is going to be probably revolving around you. Mama does not believe in losing the intimacy as couple and being someone who has lost track of her own wants and needs as a new life arrives in her life, and Mama will try her best to cope and find a balance in the midst of playing the multiple roles of being a nurturing mum, an understanding wife and an individual who continues to blossom.
Love,
Mama
Friday, 1 June 2012
To fellow Singaporeans who are not aware of what's going on in the development sector: What exactly is a NGO and why is foreign aid (un)important?
What is a NGO (from Wikipedia)
A non-governmental organization (NGO) is a legally constituted organization created by natural or legal persons that operates independently from any form of government. The term originated from the United Nations (UN), and is normally used to refer to organizations that are not a part of the government and are not conventional for-profit business. In the cases in which NGOs are funded totally or partially by governments, the NGO maintains its non-governmental status by excluding government representatives from membership in the organization. The term is usually applied only to organizations that pursue wider social aims that have political aspects, but are not openly political organizations such as political parties.
NGOs are difficult to define and classify, and the term 'NGO' is not used consistently. As a result, there are many different classifications in use. The most common use a framework that includes orientation and level of operation. An NGO's orientation refers to the type of activities it takes on. These activities might include human rights, environmental, or development work. An NGO's level of operation indicates the scale at which an organization works, such as local, international or national.
One of the earliest mentions of the acronym "NGO" was in 1945, when the UN was created. The UN, which is an inter-governmental organization, made it possible for certain approved specialized international non-state agencies - or non-governmental organisations - to be awarded observer status at its assemblies and some of its meetings. Later the term became used more widely.
NGOs vary in their methods. Some act primarily as lobbyists, while others primarily conduct programs and activities. For instance, an NGO such as Oxfam, concerned with poverty alleviation, might provide needy people with the equipment and skills to find food and clean drinking water, whereas an NGO like the FFDA helps through investigation and documentation of human rights violations and provides legal assistance to victims of human rights abuses. Others, such as Afghanistan Information Management Services, provide specialized technical products and services to support development activities implemented on the ground by other organizations.
NGOs were intended to fill a gap in government services, but in countries like India, NGOs are gaining a powerful stronghold in decision making.
Reasons for Foreign Aid (by Chandramita Bora)
The term foreign aid usually refers to financial assistance that is provided on intergovernmental or international level. It may take the form of economic, technical or military assistance. It generally involves transfer of resources like capital, goods and services from the donor to the recipient countries.
There can be varied reasons for giving foreign aid, such as economic, political, strategic as well as cultural; the most important reason being, augmenting economic development of the recipient country. Less developed countries (LDCs) are characterized by low income and unemployment, which results in low savings and investment. Therefore, capital stock is small in these countries, while the population growth is comparatively high. In order to sustain such large populations, they need rapid economic development, which is simply not possible due to low levels of saving and investment. As a result they turn to richer countries for external help in the form of financial and technical assistance. Financial assistance given by the developed countries (DCs) not only aims at economic development of the recipient country, but also for the balanced growth of the world economy.
It is now an indispensable part of foreign policy and is sometimes used as an instrument to establish better ties with other countries. It is also used as a means to expand the market of the donor countries: for example in case of 'tied' foreign aid, the recipient country is required to make certain purchases only from the donor country, or countries suggested by it. Clearly, economic development in recipient countries would also enlarge the market for the products of developed countries. It is also given on humanitarian grounds, to cope with the crises caused by man-made or natural disasters. Another important reason is military assistance, to establish strong military ties as well as to strengthen the military defenses of the recipient country.
The term foreign aid usually refers to financial assistance that is provided on intergovernmental or international level. It may take the form of economic, technical or military assistance. It generally involves transfer of resources like capital, goods and services from the donor to the recipient countries.
There can be varied reasons for giving foreign aid, such as economic, political, strategic as well as cultural; the most important reason being, augmenting economic development of the recipient country. Less developed countries (LDCs) are characterized by low income and unemployment, which results in low savings and investment. Therefore, capital stock is small in these countries, while the population growth is comparatively high. In order to sustain such large populations, they need rapid economic development, which is simply not possible due to low levels of saving and investment. As a result they turn to richer countries for external help in the form of financial and technical assistance. Financial assistance given by the developed countries (DCs) not only aims at economic development of the recipient country, but also for the balanced growth of the world economy.
It is now an indispensable part of foreign policy and is sometimes used as an instrument to establish better ties with other countries. It is also used as a means to expand the market of the donor countries: for example in case of 'tied' foreign aid, the recipient country is required to make certain purchases only from the donor country, or countries suggested by it. Clearly, economic development in recipient countries would also enlarge the market for the products of developed countries. It is also given on humanitarian grounds, to cope with the crises caused by man-made or natural disasters. Another important reason is military assistance, to establish strong military ties as well as to strengthen the military defenses of the recipient country.
It is generally provided in the context of strengthening social and economic development of the developing and less developed countries, and it is in fact playing a key role in the development process of these countries. In less developed countries, it helps to reduce the shortage of domestic saving and investment. Besides, it also helps the LDCs in overcoming technical backwardness through technical assistance along with financial and physical capital. All this helps in raising the productivity of labor and capital in these countries.
LDCs lag behind in basic infrastructure development, like, transport and communication, power, education, health services and heavy industries such as iron, steel, oil and heavy engineering. Development of these key areas is a prerequisite for economic growth and development, but the public and the private sectors of the LDCs are not strong enough to undertake such high capital intensive projects which require huge investments. In such circumstances, foreign aid aimed in this direction, can go a long way in developing these economies. By investing in these key areas, it plays an important role in increasing the level of income and employment of LDCs. Besides, this aid also helps these economies in tidying over problems related to balance of payments (BOP) and inflation.
However, despite all the merits associated with foreign aid, it is often criticized as a wasteful investment. It is found that in many countries, it is invested in wasteful projects and production of luxury goods instead of essential commodities. This increases the burden of public debt, besides increasing external dependency. It has also been argued that it is not always essential for economic development as it inhibits domestic savings and investment. Most of all, this assistance is alleged to be an instrument of influencing the domestic policies of LDCs. It has also been observed that much of this financial help goes into the pockets of corrupt politicians and bureaucrats of the recipient countries, instead of being invested in developmental projects.
Nevertheless, there is no doubt that it has been instrumental in facilitating economic development in many less developed economies. If both the donor and recipient countries take appropriate measures to prevent misutilization of funds, then it could play a significant role in fostering rapid growth and development of the less developed economies. However, foreign aid should not be considered as a permanent solution to the economic problems of the LDCs and hence should be supplemented by adequate efforts to raise the level of domestic savings and investment.
Critics of Western Aid
More information
And here I am ending off with a clip by Mr. Bill Gates:
A non-governmental organization (NGO) is a legally constituted organization created by natural or legal persons that operates independently from any form of government. The term originated from the United Nations (UN), and is normally used to refer to organizations that are not a part of the government and are not conventional for-profit business. In the cases in which NGOs are funded totally or partially by governments, the NGO maintains its non-governmental status by excluding government representatives from membership in the organization. The term is usually applied only to organizations that pursue wider social aims that have political aspects, but are not openly political organizations such as political parties.
NGOs are difficult to define and classify, and the term 'NGO' is not used consistently. As a result, there are many different classifications in use. The most common use a framework that includes orientation and level of operation. An NGO's orientation refers to the type of activities it takes on. These activities might include human rights, environmental, or development work. An NGO's level of operation indicates the scale at which an organization works, such as local, international or national.
One of the earliest mentions of the acronym "NGO" was in 1945, when the UN was created. The UN, which is an inter-governmental organization, made it possible for certain approved specialized international non-state agencies - or non-governmental organisations - to be awarded observer status at its assemblies and some of its meetings. Later the term became used more widely.
NGOs vary in their methods. Some act primarily as lobbyists, while others primarily conduct programs and activities. For instance, an NGO such as Oxfam, concerned with poverty alleviation, might provide needy people with the equipment and skills to find food and clean drinking water, whereas an NGO like the FFDA helps through investigation and documentation of human rights violations and provides legal assistance to victims of human rights abuses. Others, such as Afghanistan Information Management Services, provide specialized technical products and services to support development activities implemented on the ground by other organizations.
NGOs were intended to fill a gap in government services, but in countries like India, NGOs are gaining a powerful stronghold in decision making.
Reasons for Foreign Aid (by Chandramita Bora)
The term foreign aid usually refers to financial assistance that is provided on intergovernmental or international level. It may take the form of economic, technical or military assistance. It generally involves transfer of resources like capital, goods and services from the donor to the recipient countries.
There can be varied reasons for giving foreign aid, such as economic, political, strategic as well as cultural; the most important reason being, augmenting economic development of the recipient country. Less developed countries (LDCs) are characterized by low income and unemployment, which results in low savings and investment. Therefore, capital stock is small in these countries, while the population growth is comparatively high. In order to sustain such large populations, they need rapid economic development, which is simply not possible due to low levels of saving and investment. As a result they turn to richer countries for external help in the form of financial and technical assistance. Financial assistance given by the developed countries (DCs) not only aims at economic development of the recipient country, but also for the balanced growth of the world economy.
It is now an indispensable part of foreign policy and is sometimes used as an instrument to establish better ties with other countries. It is also used as a means to expand the market of the donor countries: for example in case of 'tied' foreign aid, the recipient country is required to make certain purchases only from the donor country, or countries suggested by it. Clearly, economic development in recipient countries would also enlarge the market for the products of developed countries. It is also given on humanitarian grounds, to cope with the crises caused by man-made or natural disasters. Another important reason is military assistance, to establish strong military ties as well as to strengthen the military defenses of the recipient country.
The term foreign aid usually refers to financial assistance that is provided on intergovernmental or international level. It may take the form of economic, technical or military assistance. It generally involves transfer of resources like capital, goods and services from the donor to the recipient countries.
There can be varied reasons for giving foreign aid, such as economic, political, strategic as well as cultural; the most important reason being, augmenting economic development of the recipient country. Less developed countries (LDCs) are characterized by low income and unemployment, which results in low savings and investment. Therefore, capital stock is small in these countries, while the population growth is comparatively high. In order to sustain such large populations, they need rapid economic development, which is simply not possible due to low levels of saving and investment. As a result they turn to richer countries for external help in the form of financial and technical assistance. Financial assistance given by the developed countries (DCs) not only aims at economic development of the recipient country, but also for the balanced growth of the world economy.
It is now an indispensable part of foreign policy and is sometimes used as an instrument to establish better ties with other countries. It is also used as a means to expand the market of the donor countries: for example in case of 'tied' foreign aid, the recipient country is required to make certain purchases only from the donor country, or countries suggested by it. Clearly, economic development in recipient countries would also enlarge the market for the products of developed countries. It is also given on humanitarian grounds, to cope with the crises caused by man-made or natural disasters. Another important reason is military assistance, to establish strong military ties as well as to strengthen the military defenses of the recipient country.
It is generally provided in the context of strengthening social and economic development of the developing and less developed countries, and it is in fact playing a key role in the development process of these countries. In less developed countries, it helps to reduce the shortage of domestic saving and investment. Besides, it also helps the LDCs in overcoming technical backwardness through technical assistance along with financial and physical capital. All this helps in raising the productivity of labor and capital in these countries.
LDCs lag behind in basic infrastructure development, like, transport and communication, power, education, health services and heavy industries such as iron, steel, oil and heavy engineering. Development of these key areas is a prerequisite for economic growth and development, but the public and the private sectors of the LDCs are not strong enough to undertake such high capital intensive projects which require huge investments. In such circumstances, foreign aid aimed in this direction, can go a long way in developing these economies. By investing in these key areas, it plays an important role in increasing the level of income and employment of LDCs. Besides, this aid also helps these economies in tidying over problems related to balance of payments (BOP) and inflation.
However, despite all the merits associated with foreign aid, it is often criticized as a wasteful investment. It is found that in many countries, it is invested in wasteful projects and production of luxury goods instead of essential commodities. This increases the burden of public debt, besides increasing external dependency. It has also been argued that it is not always essential for economic development as it inhibits domestic savings and investment. Most of all, this assistance is alleged to be an instrument of influencing the domestic policies of LDCs. It has also been observed that much of this financial help goes into the pockets of corrupt politicians and bureaucrats of the recipient countries, instead of being invested in developmental projects.
Nevertheless, there is no doubt that it has been instrumental in facilitating economic development in many less developed economies. If both the donor and recipient countries take appropriate measures to prevent misutilization of funds, then it could play a significant role in fostering rapid growth and development of the less developed economies. However, foreign aid should not be considered as a permanent solution to the economic problems of the LDCs and hence should be supplemented by adequate efforts to raise the level of domestic savings and investment.
Critics of Western Aid
And then, there are also critics and the current big talk surrounding the effectiveness of development and aid. Here is an interesting article by Kishore MAHBUBANI, Dean and Professor in the Practice of Public Policy also the first Dean of the new Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKY School) on the myth of western aid
More information
Official Development Assistance by country as a percentage of Gross National Income in 2009 (April 2010)
And here I am ending off with a clip by Mr. Bill Gates:
Sunday, 20 May 2012
On Tommy Koh's "What Singapore can learn from Europe"
I like the piece "What Singapore can learn from Europe" By Tommy Koh, and I have written about what we can learn from the Scandinavians last November, which I have largely touched on the welfare and benefits that led to the upturn of fertility rate in the Scandinavia, which Prof. Tommy Koh must have tactfully avoided because the issue of "welfare" is in itself an issue of debate. In fact, the route he took was that of adequacy of quality childcare, work-life balance, the education system and male chauvinism.
Stop telling us that immigration is the one and only solution to the possible loss of competition for an ageing Singapore (and the extinction of Singaporeans in another hundreds of years). Immigration has to be balanced with an increase in fertility rate, or else it's an endless road. There is really much more than immigration.The government has to decide if investment in increasing fertility rate is worth the dilution of patriotism and the increasing divide of the population.
Monday, 27 February 2012
Buy a HDB flat and your fate lies in the hands of the authorities
HDB is telling me that key collection is tentative in the 4th quarter of 2012 but there can be an early completion and handover by the project management team meaning there is a possibility that I can collect my keys in the 2nd or 3rd quarter of the year. The choices for me are:
- to pay a couple of hundreds to get a Power of Attorney
- to cross my fingers and pray that the deferment of key collection is within HDB acceptable time period (and they are not able to tell what is "acceptable time frame". What I do know is we cannot defer for too long as we "will have a problem then")
Doesn't the fact that I am heavily pregnant and is not allowed to fly/ I have just given birth and is in confinement makes it a valid enough reason for the deferment to be acceptable? I mean seriously, they are telling me that it could be any time from the 2nd quarter to the 4th. That is a whole 6 months and I am supposed to be on stand-by. Or, pay a couple of hundreds to get the PoA.
That's why I say, no matter how many Singapore Day you are hosting around the globe doesn't matter to people like us who are staying abroad for extended period of time. Go to this portal if you can: http://www2.overseassingaporean.sg/ and check the kind of crap they do. Seriously, they provide no answers to any of my questions regarding citizenship of my baby, application of citizenship by descent, how I can deal with authorities when I am aborad, etc. For goodness sake, we need a one-stop portal for convenience, not just a propaganda tool.
- to pay a couple of hundreds to get a Power of Attorney
- to cross my fingers and pray that the deferment of key collection is within HDB acceptable time period (and they are not able to tell what is "acceptable time frame". What I do know is we cannot defer for too long as we "will have a problem then")
Doesn't the fact that I am heavily pregnant and is not allowed to fly/ I have just given birth and is in confinement makes it a valid enough reason for the deferment to be acceptable? I mean seriously, they are telling me that it could be any time from the 2nd quarter to the 4th. That is a whole 6 months and I am supposed to be on stand-by. Or, pay a couple of hundreds to get the PoA.
That's why I say, no matter how many Singapore Day you are hosting around the globe doesn't matter to people like us who are staying abroad for extended period of time. Go to this portal if you can: http://www2.overseassingaporean.sg/ and check the kind of crap they do. Seriously, they provide no answers to any of my questions regarding citizenship of my baby, application of citizenship by descent, how I can deal with authorities when I am aborad, etc. For goodness sake, we need a one-stop portal for convenience, not just a propaganda tool.
Friday, 20 January 2012
回家的感觉
开心即感伤，因为曾经熟悉的道路如今变得莫生。幸福即遗憾，因为家的温暖少了妹妹的嬉闹。
我好爱回味在这地方曾经美好的一切，但也好厌恶对事物的生蔬。
我回来了，这回家的感觉很奇妙。
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
我好爱回味在这地方曾经美好的一切，但也好厌恶对事物的生蔬。
我回来了，这回家的感觉很奇妙。
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday, 12 January 2012
Leaving home for another home
As I carried the luggage up to our bedroom this morning, P was overheard talking to buddy: "It's only you and me for the next few weeks now."
How sweet.
I love my boys!
How sweet.
I love my boys!
Friday, 6 January 2012
Reflecting the current Ministerial pay cut in civil servants' salaries
Answering the wrong question on ministerial salaries and my friend's status update spoke out my sentiments on the Ministerial pay cut:
I am here quoting directly from Siew Kum Hong:
It is clear from the report, and subsequent public comments, that the Government, and the Committee, continue to think about ministerial salaries in terms of private-sector salaries and sacrifice by office-holders, especially financial sacrifice.
The Government and the Committee see public service as a sacrifice, as if it is some sort of burden or imposition. But I, and I suspect most Singaporeans, see public service as a calling, as an honour and a privilege. It is something to be proud of, and not something to bemoan and begrudge. That is what the spirit of public service is about.
The Government and the Committee also see private-sector jobs as being closely equivalent to ministerial posts, as if running a company is very similar to running a country. I think most Singaporeans disagree, because they instinctively understand that running a country is a political undertaking that is fundamentally different from running a company, requiring as it does political sensitivities and skills that are not always or usually needed for corporate success (and here, I am talking about popular politics, not office politics).
I do want to be clear: I don’t necessarily think that S$1m a year is excessive. I don’t know for sure what number would or should work, but it probably won’t be a small number. I do think that Singaporeans should be more mindful of wanting ministerial salaries that are so low, that only rich people will run for office. I also think Singaporeans should be careful about cutting salaries so much, that our office-holders become distracted from the all-consuming job of running the country by personal financial needs.
So that begs the question of how ministerial salaries should be set. Well, I think the starting point should be that we do not want money to drive ministerial aspirations, but at the same time we do not want ministers to have to worry about their personal finances.
One way to do this is to figure out what a reasonable salary for a minister would be, such that he/she can maintain a reasonable lifestyle. And by reasonable lifestyle, I would think that the salary should be enough to comfortably cover mortgage payments for a reasonably-priced landed property in a reasonable location; payments for 2 cars for the family; education for a minister’s children (including overseas education); some retirement savings; and so on.
This may or may not be a big number, but then at least it becomes more politically defensible in terms of this being what is necessary to allow the minister to do his/her job without undue distractions and while allowing the minister to maintain a reasonable standard of living. It also completely strips away the effects of the widening income gap, although it does become subject to changes in the cost of living. It represents an approach that can be explained to people and which people can instinctively understand (viz. the need to take care of one’s family).
Sadly, this is not the approach that has been adopted for Singapore. Which is why I think Singaporeans will continue to be dissatisfied with the level of ministerial salaries in Singapore.
As for PSD's reponse to the impact of the pay revision for the civil servants in the article Ministerial pay cut to affect civil servants?, my take is yes, there should be. I do not see how the 84 ministers can be on a scheme that is entirely off the current pay structure of typical civil servant. It is as though they get minimal support from their subordinates, which is hardly the case. I am not suggesting a similar structure for all, but the income gap should be narrowed especially so since the civil service is Singapore's largest employer. And if high salaries are thought to be a deterrent for accepting corruption, then I must say that civil servants' pay has to be revised upwards given the number of notorious cases that has happened in the past 2 years alone.
Still, I am pretty curious about what exactly do the Ministers earn before they join public service and what are the basis for the pay structures for civil servants adopted in other developed countries. The current TOR has rigidly set-up the framework for the pay revision that does nothing much in providing in-depth analysis, which by itself is questionable not so much the absolute value of the pay.
Read this from SDP
I am here quoting directly from Siew Kum Hong:
But to my mind, the question of ministerial salaries is actually a political
one (“how do we determine ministerial salaries in a way that
Singaporeans can and will support”). And so, we ended up with a
technocrat’s answer to a technical question, when what we really needed was a
political answer to a political question. Since we didn’t get that, the
political criticisms I had referred to will almost certainly continue.
It is clear from the report, and subsequent public comments, that the Government, and the Committee, continue to think about ministerial salaries in terms of private-sector salaries and sacrifice by office-holders, especially financial sacrifice.
The Government and the Committee see public service as a sacrifice, as if it is some sort of burden or imposition. But I, and I suspect most Singaporeans, see public service as a calling, as an honour and a privilege. It is something to be proud of, and not something to bemoan and begrudge. That is what the spirit of public service is about.
The Government and the Committee also see private-sector jobs as being closely equivalent to ministerial posts, as if running a company is very similar to running a country. I think most Singaporeans disagree, because they instinctively understand that running a country is a political undertaking that is fundamentally different from running a company, requiring as it does political sensitivities and skills that are not always or usually needed for corporate success (and here, I am talking about popular politics, not office politics).
I do want to be clear: I don’t necessarily think that S$1m a year is excessive. I don’t know for sure what number would or should work, but it probably won’t be a small number. I do think that Singaporeans should be more mindful of wanting ministerial salaries that are so low, that only rich people will run for office. I also think Singaporeans should be careful about cutting salaries so much, that our office-holders become distracted from the all-consuming job of running the country by personal financial needs.
So that begs the question of how ministerial salaries should be set. Well, I think the starting point should be that we do not want money to drive ministerial aspirations, but at the same time we do not want ministers to have to worry about their personal finances.
One way to do this is to figure out what a reasonable salary for a minister would be, such that he/she can maintain a reasonable lifestyle. And by reasonable lifestyle, I would think that the salary should be enough to comfortably cover mortgage payments for a reasonably-priced landed property in a reasonable location; payments for 2 cars for the family; education for a minister’s children (including overseas education); some retirement savings; and so on.
This may or may not be a big number, but then at least it becomes more politically defensible in terms of this being what is necessary to allow the minister to do his/her job without undue distractions and while allowing the minister to maintain a reasonable standard of living. It also completely strips away the effects of the widening income gap, although it does become subject to changes in the cost of living. It represents an approach that can be explained to people and which people can instinctively understand (viz. the need to take care of one’s family).
Sadly, this is not the approach that has been adopted for Singapore. Which is why I think Singaporeans will continue to be dissatisfied with the level of ministerial salaries in Singapore.
Having seen first-hand how tough Minster's jobs are, how punishing their packed schedule is, and how complex the decisions they have to make on a daily basis, I too, think that Ministerial salaries should not be cut to the extent that dissuades capable people from stepping forward to serve. However, the issue on how to determine Ministerial salaries (whether by way of pegging to the private sector's top earners, or by calculating a 'reasonable' salary to maintain a 'reasonable' lifestyle) will also be subject to much endless debate. The fact of the matter is that political discourse in Singapore should not be focussed on Ministerial salaries, but on the evaluation of the Minister's effectiveness, their ability to represent the common people, and the results of what they manage to achieve within their term. That is the true measure of worth - if they are prove themselves worthy, I personally have no issue with their salaries. (Apart from being jealous, that is.) If they are not worthy, they don't deserve to be there, and so the voters should reflect that. Of course, this necessarily means that the electorial process and structure should allow that flexibility - but that is a separate debate in itself.
As for PSD's reponse to the impact of the pay revision for the civil servants in the article Ministerial pay cut to affect civil servants?, my take is yes, there should be. I do not see how the 84 ministers can be on a scheme that is entirely off the current pay structure of typical civil servant. It is as though they get minimal support from their subordinates, which is hardly the case. I am not suggesting a similar structure for all, but the income gap should be narrowed especially so since the civil service is Singapore's largest employer. And if high salaries are thought to be a deterrent for accepting corruption, then I must say that civil servants' pay has to be revised upwards given the number of notorious cases that has happened in the past 2 years alone.
Still, I am pretty curious about what exactly do the Ministers earn before they join public service and what are the basis for the pay structures for civil servants adopted in other developed countries. The current TOR has rigidly set-up the framework for the pay revision that does nothing much in providing in-depth analysis, which by itself is questionable not so much the absolute value of the pay.
Read this from SDP
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Singapore in EIU Democracy Index 2011
Ranking 81 out of 167 countries, just 2 ranks above Bangladesh, the score would be really ugly if not for a rather high rating received for "Functioning of Government". We are placed on par with Iraq when it comes to "Electoral Process and Pluralism" while "Political Partcipation" is the lowest among countries in the same category (Hybrid Regime, which is one category above the worst - Authoritarian Regime), receiving the same score as Cambodia and Haiti. Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Phillipines all out performed the city state.
The right to political participation refers to citizens’ right to seek influence of public affairs. Political participation can take many forms, the most notable of which is voting in elections, but also including joining a political party, standing as a candidate in an election, joining a non-governmental advocacy group, or participating in a demonstration.
Singapore in EIU Democracy Index 2011
Rank 81
Overall score 5.89
Electoral process and pluralism 4.33
Functioning of government 7.50
Political participation 2.78
Political culture 7.5
Civil liberties 7.35
Scoring 2.78 for political participation is not surprising and it certainly provides a good basis for pressure groups to perform advocacy work with the Government to increase transparency and freedom of expression for true political participation. I quote "If one is merely consulted by a powerful person who wants one's views for information, or if one is mobilized or re-educated within the control of another, one has not participated in politics in any significant sense." And if you have been brain washed to see nothing good of public expression of views and consider demonstrations as causes of chaotic social upheavals, look at Arab Spring.
The right to political participation refers to citizens’ right to seek influence of public affairs. Political participation can take many forms, the most notable of which is voting in elections, but also including joining a political party, standing as a candidate in an election, joining a non-governmental advocacy group, or participating in a demonstration.
Singapore in EIU Democracy Index 2011
Rank 81
Overall score 5.89
Electoral process and pluralism 4.33
Functioning of government 7.50
Political participation 2.78
Political culture 7.5
Civil liberties 7.35
Scoring 2.78 for political participation is not surprising and it certainly provides a good basis for pressure groups to perform advocacy work with the Government to increase transparency and freedom of expression for true political participation. I quote "If one is merely consulted by a powerful person who wants one's views for information, or if one is mobilized or re-educated within the control of another, one has not participated in politics in any significant sense." And if you have been brain washed to see nothing good of public expression of views and consider demonstrations as causes of chaotic social upheavals, look at Arab Spring.
Monday, 7 November 2011
Scandinavian countries as learning lessons for Singapore
We have heard from MP Khaw in his untactical attempt to show his point about the worldwide misconception of Bhutan as one of the happiest country in the world (despite being ranked so by Business Week). According to UN's HDI study that is "much more empirical than the GNH Index you will find in Bhutan, which is quite subjective", Singapore is ranked 26th. Still, we are ranked 4th in Asia behind Japan, Korea and Hong Kong despite being the country with the highest PPP in Asia according to IMF.
Norway, ranked top in HDI also has the top 5 largest GDP per capita (thanks to its offshore reserves). Joining Norway in the top 20 countries in the HDI ranking are its Scandinavian sisters Sweden and Denmark (Finland coming in at 22). None of these countries are blessed with great hoards of oil and gas. They are all borderline socialist states, with generous welfare benefits and lots of redistribution of wealth. Yet they don't let that socialism cross the line into autocracy (see The World's Happiest Countries). According to the Failed State Index, they have one of the most sustainable governance model in the world (uses 12 factors to determine the rating for each nation including security threats, economic implosion, human rights violations and refugee flows).
Coming down to key areas of the incumbent concern, which led to great displeasures in the last few years (i.e. the immigration policy adopted by the government as a strategy to prevent the extinction of the population), Norway has one of the highest fertility rates in Europe (1.96 in 2010). Other Scandinavian countries also have higher fertility rates as compared to the rest of Europe. Sweden is one of the very few developed countries experiencing an upward movement in fertility rate in the last couple of years. Studies have been made about Sweden's generous parental leave, (see Parental Leave): all working parents are entitled to 16 months paid leave per child, the cost being shared between employer and the state. To encourage greater paternal involvement in child-rearing, a minimum of 2 months out of the 16 is required to be used by the "minority" parent, in practice usually the father, and some Swedish political parties on the political left argue for legislation to oblige families to divide the 16 months equally between both parents. In Norway a total of 46 weeks is provided: the mother must take at least 3 weeks immediately before birth and 6 weeks immediately after birth, father must take at least 12 weeks (the so-called "daddy quota") - the rest can be shared between mother and father. The introduction of paternal leave, besides the most apparent, also ensure gender equality and equal opportunity for femals and males in the workplace. To provide a fair picutre, I am also providing statistics about migrant population in the Scandinavia: According to Eurostat, in 2010, there were 1.33 million foreign-born residents in Sweden, corresponding to 14.3% of the total population (12.2% in 2011 for Norway and less than 10% in Denmark).
The Scandinavian countries are in many comparative studies ranked on top when it comes to social capital (Rothstein, 2002), organizational participation (Dekker & van den Broek, 1998), and civil society’s vitality (Salamon et al., 2004). Scandinavian democracy is much talked about around the world, warning against the social engineering of people’s lives and pusking for the occasional close cooperation between state and civil society.
The Scandinavians say it all: A country with happy people (that is measured empirically), a thriving economy, good social and welfare benefits and a democractic and participative civil society with freedom of speech and expression is possible. I am not sure if I have missed out anything that is glaringly failing in the Scandinavian system because I hardly (never) hear any political parties making the comparison. Maybe we are too busy being good examples.
Side note: It is not exactly unpredictable for the incumbent to dwell on the poverty and the state of development of Bhutan to highlight the implausibility of the GNH. So I say better chance next time, WP.
Thursday, 3 November 2011
How much do we know about you- Singapore?
In a society that is is characterised by widening income gap and increasingly polarised political views, the focus of political parties on "target group" is not an ingenious strategy (think Thailand, read ‘Winning Chinese-speaking heartland key for WP’). As much as we are asking for better representation in the Parliament and Government, and democratic desion-making being practised, I guess we are also trying to avoid parties/groups taking complete different directions, causing segregation and further splitting the society into halves (think Thailand again).
The gist of the debate for an effective two-party system has always been the introduction of checks and balances into the current system and increased in cluster (race, age, income groups etc.) representation that would ensure all voices are heard, taken into account and integration is ensured. The debate on the effectiveness of a two-party system has always been cut short by the incumbent, inducing fear by making references to chaotic political systems around us (Thailand, Taiwan, etc.) and doubts by emphasizing on the lack of sufficient talent. What they do not highlight is that some of the systems are encumbered by corrupted officials and an inefficient public service sector, both we are presently free of; that the current ruling party did manage to attract talents who, due to disagreement in direction and vision left and would have contributed better to national development by forming a coalition of their own that is not hampered in its operation.
What really perturbed me is not the foul play in politics (which is natural for a party that has been in power for 5 decades and the incumbent is not shy about), but the usage of national resources (including human resources) for party development (think scholars); the use of brain washing methods (through education, mainstream media, government initiatives) to increase the incompetency to make rational political decisions and decrease the population's sensitivity to political issues; and to deprive us of our right to information, freedom of thought and freedom of opinion and expression.
How much of pre-PAP politics do we know? What exactly is the objective of our national education if the principles of good governance is introduced through the 'legacy of the PAP government'? How are we to foster sense of identity, pride and self-respect without knowing our civic rights, the Constitution of Singapore etc.? How are we to make informed choices when 20 years on after the amendment to our Constitution that people are still questioning the role of the President?
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Civil society space in Singapore
I am partially convinced by PM Lee's call for an open approach for government and governance. The government has developed a reactive mechanism towards the call for transparency, but, what about civil society space and press freedom?
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Democractic Singapore?
On the other hand, Sembawang GRC MP Ellen Lee rejected Chen’s analogy, arguing that it was inappropriate to compare the PAP to Emperor Tai Zong as he was an autocratic ruler in a feudal era. She said, “We live in a modern, democratic society and the PAP believes in being responsible to the people. In a democracy, anyone has the right to speak.”
- http://sg.news.yahoo.com/chen%E2%80%99s-chinese-analogy-sparks-pap-debate.html
When did Singapore become a democractic society? (see World Audit Democracy)
- http://sg.news.yahoo.com/chen%E2%80%99s-chinese-analogy-sparks-pap-debate.html
When did Singapore become a democractic society? (see World Audit Democracy)
Thursday, 13 October 2011
About Media's social responsibility in Singapore and the disconnection with Overseas Singaporeans
I read with enthusiasm about a MP's recent comments on the quality of Mandarin dramas in Singapore.
Singapore is a small country with a very incompetitive media market and it should be time for the monopolistic players to see themselves as trend setters and channels for educating the public rather than mirroring and portraying the society in an often exaggerated fashion. There is a huge need to look beyond securing viewership and reducing the role of media to that of a profit driven enterprise. Media has its social responsibility.
I have been living away from home 4 years now and although I live in a part of the whole that doesn't use Mandarin at all, my command of the language did not deteriorate all thanks to my daily dosage of Taiwanese programmes that are made available conveniently by online websites. I am not sure if the day would come when I decide to switch to local programmes/dramas but I certainly would not like to if I am greeted by the ugliness of the Singaporean qualities, the very shallow usage of language and the uneducational and non-nutritious content. Programmes need to be stimulating and mind provoking, letting us learn something new, be it an idiom, a vocabulary, teach us terms that we are familiar of only in English and tell us what they translate to in Mandarin, etc. Singaporean programmes are guilty of not doing that.
And for your information, local TV programmes are not available on xinmsn to overseas viewers anyway. And this is so much for the government's call to connect overseas Singaporeans. Given the number of Singaporean overseas, it is time for the OS portal to rethink their role. I do not need to receive mails that consolidate information that I can get as long as I am IT literate and read the Singapore news everyday. Connecting Singaporeans require infrastructure that we currently do not have and need to build. Having one event per year and hoping that the patriotism stays is a joke. The OS portal is a mean that would probably of higher interest to students abroad who need contacts for socialising. For adults who care about things happening in their country (e.g. voting rights for Overseas Singaporeans) and would like to contribute a wee bit, may I ask where the channel is? What are the policies that support Singaporeans abroad (housing? citizenship?)? Is the policy on single citizenship still relevant today?
Do more, speak less.
Singapore is a small country with a very incompetitive media market and it should be time for the monopolistic players to see themselves as trend setters and channels for educating the public rather than mirroring and portraying the society in an often exaggerated fashion. There is a huge need to look beyond securing viewership and reducing the role of media to that of a profit driven enterprise. Media has its social responsibility.
I have been living away from home 4 years now and although I live in a part of the whole that doesn't use Mandarin at all, my command of the language did not deteriorate all thanks to my daily dosage of Taiwanese programmes that are made available conveniently by online websites. I am not sure if the day would come when I decide to switch to local programmes/dramas but I certainly would not like to if I am greeted by the ugliness of the Singaporean qualities, the very shallow usage of language and the uneducational and non-nutritious content. Programmes need to be stimulating and mind provoking, letting us learn something new, be it an idiom, a vocabulary, teach us terms that we are familiar of only in English and tell us what they translate to in Mandarin, etc. Singaporean programmes are guilty of not doing that.
And for your information, local TV programmes are not available on xinmsn to overseas viewers anyway. And this is so much for the government's call to connect overseas Singaporeans. Given the number of Singaporean overseas, it is time for the OS portal to rethink their role. I do not need to receive mails that consolidate information that I can get as long as I am IT literate and read the Singapore news everyday. Connecting Singaporeans require infrastructure that we currently do not have and need to build. Having one event per year and hoping that the patriotism stays is a joke. The OS portal is a mean that would probably of higher interest to students abroad who need contacts for socialising. For adults who care about things happening in their country (e.g. voting rights for Overseas Singaporeans) and would like to contribute a wee bit, may I ask where the channel is? What are the policies that support Singaporeans abroad (housing? citizenship?)? Is the policy on single citizenship still relevant today?
Do more, speak less.
Friday, 15 July 2011
Changes
Back on my bed. It's strange how you start getting used to unfamiliar environment and over time the unfamiliarity becomes something you grow used to. This bed for example, makes me get to sleep easily.
Spent a whole 10 days back home and I love the pace of my trip this time round. I managed to meet friends occasionally and balanced it well with quality family time. I met friends who I have not met in years. It's interesting how you can not see people you know for so long and yet the connection exists and retains. Meeting up again is like the times have been relived.
I wonder how my parents are coping now with both their girls married. I met MM like 9 out of the 10 days but still feel incredibly weird when she bides goodbye at night then leaves for her own place. I miss the late night chats and it kinda became a routine for my trips. As she moves out, this habitual practice is put to an abrupt end.
Even changes changed.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Spent a whole 10 days back home and I love the pace of my trip this time round. I managed to meet friends occasionally and balanced it well with quality family time. I met friends who I have not met in years. It's interesting how you can not see people you know for so long and yet the connection exists and retains. Meeting up again is like the times have been relived.
I wonder how my parents are coping now with both their girls married. I met MM like 9 out of the 10 days but still feel incredibly weird when she bides goodbye at night then leaves for her own place. I miss the late night chats and it kinda became a routine for my trips. As she moves out, this habitual practice is put to an abrupt end.
Even changes changed.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
Thursday, 23 September 2010
Happy mid autumn
It's hard to believe, but this is my 4th mid autumn in Thailand.
Double yolk with lotus seed paste and durian monthong filling
Missing the snow skin and Teochew versions, but well. Mid autumn never fails to bring back memories. This is probably the one festival that reminds me alot about my godparents. Godma usually goes berserk over 4-yolk mooncakes and we used to get cool looking hand held lanterns from Chinatown every year. My goddad kinda like it old fashion and would coerce us into getting the traditional looking ones (i.e. without the music and bulbs). One year, I got a lantern in the shape of a phoneix.
I wonder if Little Guilin is still as crowded as before. I miss those days sitting by the lake, enjoying a good mooncake.
P suggested for us to take a peek at the moon and so we went out to our garage. He went on mumbling a few Chinese words and as always gave me a rub on my back. He probably knew on days like this, I miss home. My dad told me a while ago to appreciate small gestures and I am learning to do so. Each and everyday, I am learning to appreciate moments and people in life.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone ii
Double yolk with lotus seed paste and durian monthong filling
Missing the snow skin and Teochew versions, but well. Mid autumn never fails to bring back memories. This is probably the one festival that reminds me alot about my godparents. Godma usually goes berserk over 4-yolk mooncakes and we used to get cool looking hand held lanterns from Chinatown every year. My goddad kinda like it old fashion and would coerce us into getting the traditional looking ones (i.e. without the music and bulbs). One year, I got a lantern in the shape of a phoneix.
I wonder if Little Guilin is still as crowded as before. I miss those days sitting by the lake, enjoying a good mooncake.
P suggested for us to take a peek at the moon and so we went out to our garage. He went on mumbling a few Chinese words and as always gave me a rub on my back. He probably knew on days like this, I miss home. My dad told me a while ago to appreciate small gestures and I am learning to do so. Each and everyday, I am learning to appreciate moments and people in life.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone ii
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