It seems to me that we are continuing to complain, just for the sake of it. The votes have spoken and changes will not take place overnight. The term is five years and even in the bipartisan US, it is only fair to give the first review of the newly elected President after 100 days. Even that is too short in my opinion.
Are we being difficult just for the heck of it now? I had GE fatigue two days before polling but I thought I could safely say that everything will return to normal onces the results are announced. But it seems to me that the complainant nature may be slowly evolving into irrationality. I read articles that say "I truly think the support for PAP is only 50% but this is not translated into votes because Singaporeans lack political courage".
Have you seen the courage displayed to the lead up of the elections? And I must say, for the first time embracing social media in an elections, PAP's graciousness to all the taunts online, no matter how unreasonable has been satisfactory. And knowing how social media can be poisonous for organizations, I think they have done a good job in coping with the backlash and criticisms.
The promise has been made and we just have to have faith that PAP will live up to its promise to the best of their abilities. I think the 7 new MPs from WP will also help to give us a strong voice in Parliament so fewer Singaporeans are left behind. But like every other commitment in life, it needs time to fulfill.
How about making our feedback all-rounded? Like start to really scrutinize media reports and let SPH / MediaCorp know that journalistic independence seems to be lacking. That we need deeper analysis and greater insights. We shouldn't need to turn to international media for that one powerful article which successfully captures the essence of what the future entails for Singapore now that elections are over.
08 May 2011
What is justice?
The US has killed 167 times more innocent civilians in the war as compared to the no. of 911 victims in NYC.
What is justice? Are we ignoring the fact that this is a clear bully case by a more powerful country? "Bully" seems to undermine the severity of this war but even school bullies that drive their victims to suicide are put on trial before they are sentenced.
From report, it's a sense of celebration, no reflections on the value of Humanity or Life in the US. Raging a war is not more justified than terrorism to me.
What is justice? Are we ignoring the fact that this is a clear bully case by a more powerful country? "Bully" seems to undermine the severity of this war but even school bullies that drive their victims to suicide are put on trial before they are sentenced.
From report, it's a sense of celebration, no reflections on the value of Humanity or Life in the US. Raging a war is not more justified than terrorism to me.
05 May 2011
GE fatigue
Now it's finally clear why there has to be a cooling period tomorrow. It's called GE fatigue. We have heard all the viewpoints from both sides. We know the complaints, the mistakes and the changes we want. We have also heard the opposition present to us the cons of having just one ruling party.
It's about time to take a step back now and digest. Is it about the ideology like Jan says or simply voting for leaders of better calibre, on paper only. A litle torn actually because my vote does not have much of an impact on my neighbourhood and in the last five years, Material improvements in my estate doesn't leave much room for complaints. But I know that the overall opposition votes in Singapore will speak for our future and serves as a wake up call to PAP. I strongly believe we should look at the final results beyond just aljunied. Each vote counts.
I hope the deserving will prevail.
It's about time to take a step back now and digest. Is it about the ideology like Jan says or simply voting for leaders of better calibre, on paper only. A litle torn actually because my vote does not have much of an impact on my neighbourhood and in the last five years, Material improvements in my estate doesn't leave much room for complaints. But I know that the overall opposition votes in Singapore will speak for our future and serves as a wake up call to PAP. I strongly believe we should look at the final results beyond just aljunied. Each vote counts.
I hope the deserving will prevail.
04 May 2011
What really scares me is that PAP wants to win ALL seats in parliament and that they have no qualms about making it known they want to have almost full power over us. Yes, ultimately nine opposition members with the highest no. Of votes would make it too but with limited voting rights. And we all know what that really means. If this is not dictatorship in the making, I don't know what is.
It doesnt seem like they see any merit in having alternative viewpoints and they would very much like to grip on to all the power they can find. even if it means getting flak from the international press. Because it's always them who know best.
Is this really progress? There's is a well educated population under your care and yet it's been stifling.
It doesnt seem like they see any merit in having alternative viewpoints and they would very much like to grip on to all the power they can find. even if it means getting flak from the international press. Because it's always them who know best.
Is this really progress? There's is a well educated population under your care and yet it's been stifling.
Turning point
What a turning point this GE is for our freedom of speech. I never imagined it would be possible for us to blog so freely on our thoughts and voice out loud, the questions we have on the government.
The peak is tomorrow. 6 May is the "cooling" day and the votes will tell on 7 May.
It will be disastrous for us to lose all opposition seats. It's show hand but are we going to lend our support?
Exciting times.
P.S. I don't understand when a local blogger addresses everyone else as Singaporeans. Aren't we all... just one entity?
The peak is tomorrow. 6 May is the "cooling" day and the votes will tell on 7 May.
It will be disastrous for us to lose all opposition seats. It's show hand but are we going to lend our support?
Exciting times.
P.S. I don't understand when a local blogger addresses everyone else as Singaporeans. Aren't we all... just one entity?
It scares me... ...
Picture a Parliament with no opposition parties. With only ONE ruling party. What does this scenario entail for our future?
Finding it hard to forgive and forget the housing nightmare
An open mind was what I possessed when Elections was first announced. I did not favour one party over the other because I truly appreciate what the PAP has done for us. But I also see the serious mistakes that were too hard to ignore. I have been to two rallies and in my line of work, I keep track of the news very closely. As elections fever heat up, I find myself being lured away from the incumbent party.
1. PAP has been making really arrogant remarks
2. It's easy to win my heart simply by showing they have been listening and they truly understand my needs because they are not filthy rich. Because all I need is for opposition to ensure there is a check on the PAP, not overthrow them.
3. One of the hottest topic this Elections and PAP's biggest mistakes is housing, which I had to endure for two years. MBT screwed up big time by not anticipating demand.
My friends know housing is a topic close to my heart. I waited two years to finally have a chance to select a flat and it is not a fantastic ballot number by the way. We were truly desperate so we went to a Minster's "Meet the People Session" and also had to write in three letters to HDB. I don't know which resort worked but I can confidently say we could have missed yet another chance to secure a flat if we did not appeal for help as badly as we did. The flat we applied for was oversubscribed by at least seven times.
We spent three hours waiting to meet Minister L. We camped outside his office after rushing down from work, gobbled down dinner and all... Only to walk into a room and not be greeted with a "Hi" or eye contact. This, a "respected" Minister in Prime Minister's Office. We were probably granted ten seconds face time and his body language signalled for us to leave. Of course we didn't and sat down to say our piece and made a plea. A letter was also sent in to HDB with the first reply that "regretfully" told us that no further priority could be given to us despite this being our fifth or sixth (I've lost track) to select a flat. All previous attempts failed because of oversubscriptions. The first minute of my experience with the MP was more like meeting a Principal rather than someone I have elected and should be of service to me because I contribute to his team's salary. I waited three hours so thankfully, the long wait made me snap out of it and remember that this is my entitlement as a Singaporean to be on equal ground with him at the "Meet the People" session. People = We. i.e. We should be at the heart of the meeting agenda.
Do we really need to make a plea to buy a HDB flat? Several answers I received from HDB and the Minister shocked me.
HDB: I would suggest you try balloting for less mature estates instead, like Punggol or Seng Kang. (Seriously? I think you have the records and the flat to rdemand ratio is not any lower than that in Queenstown or Tiong Bahru)
Me: So are you saying that it all boils down to luck?
HDB: It is a computerised system and it's up to the system to allocate the number.
Me: So Mr L, if we still do not get a flat this time, what do we do? There are no upcoming flats in the west in the next two months and we really want to live near our parents, in tandem with pro-family policies advocated by the govt.
Minister: *sheepish smile* You just have to try for the next one and hope you get it.
Dumbfounded. If this is the kind of reply I get from a Minster from PMO, imagine what Tin Pei Ling would say to me.
I read many stories in the papers that couples' claim of not getting a flat is unfounded because they had Q nos. but rejected each application. We never got a chance to select prior to this. We had to remind the govt that we are pro-family (like the PAP) settle down early and live near our parents. We hear so many cases of first-timers who are fresh grads, younger and in no urgency to get married as they have not been dating for a decade long like us. Even the request for greater transparency as to whom HDB grants priority to has also been ignored.
I quoted statistics and figures from media articles but all my questions went unanswered. The reply finally arrived on the same day as our ballot no. How timely.
I felt really distant from the Minister that night, which is contrary to why "Meet the people" sessions are held. My expectation was to feel heartened that the Minister would understand or at least try to understand us. I knew our lifestyle is very much different from his. He definitely lives in greater comfort and does not need to ballot for a flat like me. But there was not a moment in that room, which made me feel comforted. In fact, I walked out to (yet another) sleepless night filled with so much angst.
I wished I didn't have to talk about housing before marriage. I told myself I would not succumb to the system but sadly, I did afterall. I will be five years behind the life I had imagined it would be by the time my house is ready. This is the way of life in Singapore and more than anything else, I had to go with the flow and forget all romantic notions of proposals and engagement coming before plans for a home together.
The opposition may not have concrete proposals or tactics this elections but maybe these are not what we need. We already have capable, analytical, skilled, intelligent leaders in the civil service or PAP to conduct the research and develop policies that would lead to GDP growth. But I don't wish for it to be at the expense of my citizenship rights. I wish for more members of the Parliament to speak up for me and ensure alternative points of view have been taken into consideration before decisions are made. A handful of people that can represent the reality on the ground and tell the wealthy, really wealthy PAP Ministers that the rich are getting richer (like them), while the quality of life for the poor is spiralling rapidly downwards.
1. PAP has been making really arrogant remarks
2. It's easy to win my heart simply by showing they have been listening and they truly understand my needs because they are not filthy rich. Because all I need is for opposition to ensure there is a check on the PAP, not overthrow them.
3. One of the hottest topic this Elections and PAP's biggest mistakes is housing, which I had to endure for two years. MBT screwed up big time by not anticipating demand.
My friends know housing is a topic close to my heart. I waited two years to finally have a chance to select a flat and it is not a fantastic ballot number by the way. We were truly desperate so we went to a Minster's "Meet the People Session" and also had to write in three letters to HDB. I don't know which resort worked but I can confidently say we could have missed yet another chance to secure a flat if we did not appeal for help as badly as we did. The flat we applied for was oversubscribed by at least seven times.
We spent three hours waiting to meet Minister L. We camped outside his office after rushing down from work, gobbled down dinner and all... Only to walk into a room and not be greeted with a "Hi" or eye contact. This, a "respected" Minister in Prime Minister's Office. We were probably granted ten seconds face time and his body language signalled for us to leave. Of course we didn't and sat down to say our piece and made a plea. A letter was also sent in to HDB with the first reply that "regretfully" told us that no further priority could be given to us despite this being our fifth or sixth (I've lost track) to select a flat. All previous attempts failed because of oversubscriptions. The first minute of my experience with the MP was more like meeting a Principal rather than someone I have elected and should be of service to me because I contribute to his team's salary. I waited three hours so thankfully, the long wait made me snap out of it and remember that this is my entitlement as a Singaporean to be on equal ground with him at the "Meet the People" session. People = We. i.e. We should be at the heart of the meeting agenda.
Do we really need to make a plea to buy a HDB flat? Several answers I received from HDB and the Minister shocked me.
HDB: I would suggest you try balloting for less mature estates instead, like Punggol or Seng Kang. (Seriously? I think you have the records and the flat to rdemand ratio is not any lower than that in Queenstown or Tiong Bahru)
Me: So are you saying that it all boils down to luck?
HDB: It is a computerised system and it's up to the system to allocate the number.
Me: So Mr L, if we still do not get a flat this time, what do we do? There are no upcoming flats in the west in the next two months and we really want to live near our parents, in tandem with pro-family policies advocated by the govt.
Minister: *sheepish smile* You just have to try for the next one and hope you get it.
Dumbfounded. If this is the kind of reply I get from a Minster from PMO, imagine what Tin Pei Ling would say to me.
I read many stories in the papers that couples' claim of not getting a flat is unfounded because they had Q nos. but rejected each application. We never got a chance to select prior to this. We had to remind the govt that we are pro-family (like the PAP) settle down early and live near our parents. We hear so many cases of first-timers who are fresh grads, younger and in no urgency to get married as they have not been dating for a decade long like us. Even the request for greater transparency as to whom HDB grants priority to has also been ignored.
I quoted statistics and figures from media articles but all my questions went unanswered. The reply finally arrived on the same day as our ballot no. How timely.
I felt really distant from the Minister that night, which is contrary to why "Meet the people" sessions are held. My expectation was to feel heartened that the Minister would understand or at least try to understand us. I knew our lifestyle is very much different from his. He definitely lives in greater comfort and does not need to ballot for a flat like me. But there was not a moment in that room, which made me feel comforted. In fact, I walked out to (yet another) sleepless night filled with so much angst.
I wished I didn't have to talk about housing before marriage. I told myself I would not succumb to the system but sadly, I did afterall. I will be five years behind the life I had imagined it would be by the time my house is ready. This is the way of life in Singapore and more than anything else, I had to go with the flow and forget all romantic notions of proposals and engagement coming before plans for a home together.
The opposition may not have concrete proposals or tactics this elections but maybe these are not what we need. We already have capable, analytical, skilled, intelligent leaders in the civil service or PAP to conduct the research and develop policies that would lead to GDP growth. But I don't wish for it to be at the expense of my citizenship rights. I wish for more members of the Parliament to speak up for me and ensure alternative points of view have been taken into consideration before decisions are made. A handful of people that can represent the reality on the ground and tell the wealthy, really wealthy PAP Ministers that the rich are getting richer (like them), while the quality of life for the poor is spiralling rapidly downwards.
More voices pls.
The singapore general elections this year is closer to my heart than the last. Because I lived through a housing dilemma for the last two years and many more Singaporeans get the opportunity to cast a vote that truly makes a difference this time. Even though I voted last year, none of my friends remembers. Because back then, the only opposition parties that mattered were in Aljunied and Potong Pasir.
How the tide has changed. Refreshing changes that keep the debates alive and truly challenging the generation Y Singaporeans to think twice about which party to vote for. I find myself speaking my mind more freely and that there are more people around me to engage in the topic of politics, be it my family, closest friends, colleagues or simply voicing my thoughts out loud in the social media space, at times not getting any replies. We are also not as secretive as the older generation about our votes.
The four types of votes are very clear this time - 1. PAP supporters 2. Opposition supporters 3. Apathetic 4. Those who have yet to make up their minds
I am especially heartened to hear my junior say they are going to every single rally with an open mind. They truly want to know what the politicians have to offer and find answers not just to the "Whys" but also the "Hows". They want to know how the solutions will be executed. This is a huge leap forward. Although personally, I think it is unfair to press for specific answers from opposition when the PAP is so much stronger, has full access to infrastructure and funds that the opposition has been deprived of.
I don't need a brand new government but more voices in Parliament to ensure the policies are more well balanced and that majority of the Singaporeans don't get left behind. I give credit to the achievements of the PAP, I appreciate the fruits of our progress and that they are finally (yesterday to be exact) also willing to be accountable for the mistakes they make. When taxpayers are contributing THAT much to your salaries, it leaves minimal room for mistakes. If our leaders are willing to take a pay cut, Singaporeans will return the "favour" by having more understanding when mistakes are made.
Ultimately, doesn't the root of the problem lie in our Ministers' sky-high salaries? We need to attract the right talents to be our leaders. I think they should be well-paid but not overpaid. The current salary benchmark is overpaying. And if we are entrusting our money with supposedly the best talents in Singapore, then they ought to be prepared to deliver and meet our expectations, or even demands. The same theory that applies when we are going to a Michelin chef restaurant for the food, service and experience. Being part of our government is a community service. And we need to have leaders who are willing to serve, even after weighing the opportunity costs and knowing there are sacrifices they have to make (Including higher pay in the private sector). There's a passion that is lacking in PAP. Passion to listen, connect and understand our people. And I need to search really hard for conviction, to know that the PAP cares.
It is difficult, simply because I know my Ministers and MPs are living in luxury. Probably in a fancy residential area of Singapore like Holland Village in a sprawling bungalow, with drivers and stylish cars that are able to keep them away from the traffic jams and congested public transportation. The ground work of "rolling out a red carpet" for them beforehand is also done before they step foot on commoner ground. E.g. Bodyguards clearing train carriages beforehand for the Minister of Transport or grassroot members knocking on residents' doors and requesting them to keep their doors open before the MPs arrive to greet them.
I come from a middle class family and I know we will ultimately progress beyond the costly system right now because my Sister and I have benefited from privileged education. But I also have friends, relatives, acquaintances whom I know don't enjoy the same privileges and face serious problems that deprive them of a good quality of life. They will be stuck in that rut because the policies have been in favour of the wealthier and in other instances, foreigners. I also cannot emphasize enough that this group of Singaporeans have not done anything wrong in our meritocratic society. They have also put in their utmost efforts to obtain an educational qualification, like a diploma or a private university degree. Upon graduation, they pay taxes like we do but the returns are simply different. And in many cases I hear, they feel shortchanged.
Many netizens have voiced their views that the complaints in the social media space is alot of "noise". Noise that does not translate into specific solutions for the country but I think the onus is then on the government to find these solutions for us. This is not part of our job scope but theirs. And exactly what percentage of Singaporeans can dissect the issues, analyze and solve the issues they face? If they could, they would be in the government. Some are disappointed that the opposition parties are "empty shells" that have yet to present us with concrete plans. Again, give them the funds and equal access to resources like PAP and they might be able to surprise you. The baby step to take now is to play on the emotions of Singaporeans, win the seats this elections and be the alternative voices in parliament. We may have more questions but let's just start small, shall we? Democracy is not having a one party system only. And we are not asking for 90% of the government members to be overturned. The realistic chances? 5 seats max. Anything else is a bonus.
I'm beginning to lose sight of our privileges for being a Singapore citizen and choosing to stay on here, for good times and bad. I need to know my government will take care of me and each policy has taken into consideration both sides of the story. A government with NO opposition party at all, scares me. PM Lee has asked us to understand the government and where they are coming from.
NO, it should be the other way round and the government has to understand us first.
How the tide has changed. Refreshing changes that keep the debates alive and truly challenging the generation Y Singaporeans to think twice about which party to vote for. I find myself speaking my mind more freely and that there are more people around me to engage in the topic of politics, be it my family, closest friends, colleagues or simply voicing my thoughts out loud in the social media space, at times not getting any replies. We are also not as secretive as the older generation about our votes.
The four types of votes are very clear this time - 1. PAP supporters 2. Opposition supporters 3. Apathetic 4. Those who have yet to make up their minds
I am especially heartened to hear my junior say they are going to every single rally with an open mind. They truly want to know what the politicians have to offer and find answers not just to the "Whys" but also the "Hows". They want to know how the solutions will be executed. This is a huge leap forward. Although personally, I think it is unfair to press for specific answers from opposition when the PAP is so much stronger, has full access to infrastructure and funds that the opposition has been deprived of.
I don't need a brand new government but more voices in Parliament to ensure the policies are more well balanced and that majority of the Singaporeans don't get left behind. I give credit to the achievements of the PAP, I appreciate the fruits of our progress and that they are finally (yesterday to be exact) also willing to be accountable for the mistakes they make. When taxpayers are contributing THAT much to your salaries, it leaves minimal room for mistakes. If our leaders are willing to take a pay cut, Singaporeans will return the "favour" by having more understanding when mistakes are made.
Ultimately, doesn't the root of the problem lie in our Ministers' sky-high salaries? We need to attract the right talents to be our leaders. I think they should be well-paid but not overpaid. The current salary benchmark is overpaying. And if we are entrusting our money with supposedly the best talents in Singapore, then they ought to be prepared to deliver and meet our expectations, or even demands. The same theory that applies when we are going to a Michelin chef restaurant for the food, service and experience. Being part of our government is a community service. And we need to have leaders who are willing to serve, even after weighing the opportunity costs and knowing there are sacrifices they have to make (Including higher pay in the private sector). There's a passion that is lacking in PAP. Passion to listen, connect and understand our people. And I need to search really hard for conviction, to know that the PAP cares.
It is difficult, simply because I know my Ministers and MPs are living in luxury. Probably in a fancy residential area of Singapore like Holland Village in a sprawling bungalow, with drivers and stylish cars that are able to keep them away from the traffic jams and congested public transportation. The ground work of "rolling out a red carpet" for them beforehand is also done before they step foot on commoner ground. E.g. Bodyguards clearing train carriages beforehand for the Minister of Transport or grassroot members knocking on residents' doors and requesting them to keep their doors open before the MPs arrive to greet them.
I come from a middle class family and I know we will ultimately progress beyond the costly system right now because my Sister and I have benefited from privileged education. But I also have friends, relatives, acquaintances whom I know don't enjoy the same privileges and face serious problems that deprive them of a good quality of life. They will be stuck in that rut because the policies have been in favour of the wealthier and in other instances, foreigners. I also cannot emphasize enough that this group of Singaporeans have not done anything wrong in our meritocratic society. They have also put in their utmost efforts to obtain an educational qualification, like a diploma or a private university degree. Upon graduation, they pay taxes like we do but the returns are simply different. And in many cases I hear, they feel shortchanged.
Many netizens have voiced their views that the complaints in the social media space is alot of "noise". Noise that does not translate into specific solutions for the country but I think the onus is then on the government to find these solutions for us. This is not part of our job scope but theirs. And exactly what percentage of Singaporeans can dissect the issues, analyze and solve the issues they face? If they could, they would be in the government. Some are disappointed that the opposition parties are "empty shells" that have yet to present us with concrete plans. Again, give them the funds and equal access to resources like PAP and they might be able to surprise you. The baby step to take now is to play on the emotions of Singaporeans, win the seats this elections and be the alternative voices in parliament. We may have more questions but let's just start small, shall we? Democracy is not having a one party system only. And we are not asking for 90% of the government members to be overturned. The realistic chances? 5 seats max. Anything else is a bonus.
I'm beginning to lose sight of our privileges for being a Singapore citizen and choosing to stay on here, for good times and bad. I need to know my government will take care of me and each policy has taken into consideration both sides of the story. A government with NO opposition party at all, scares me. PM Lee has asked us to understand the government and where they are coming from.
NO, it should be the other way round and the government has to understand us first.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)