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Supporting Chee Soon Juan's caféSupporting Chee Soon Juan's café I refer to The Independent Singapore’s news, “Singaporeans urged to support Chee Soon Juan's café despite their political preferences” (July 16). The underlying objective of doing any business is to ensure it is viable and profitable. Otherwise, there is no point of undertaking risk for it. It is natural for...

Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries?Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries? I refer to The TR-Emeritus opinion article, “Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries” (June 14) by Mr Yoong Siew Wah. It has always been a controversial topic which concerns about our top political leaders who receive their salaries that are many times higher than those foreign political leaders. Our...

Steering with stability in transition timesSteering with stability in transition times I refer to The Straits Times’ Editorial, “Steering with stability in transition times” (May 16). Let us analyze and interpret this specific subject from a broad perspective, how Singapore should respond and adapt to the evolution of the entire international situation and formulate its foreign policy that is extremely...

We will lead in our own wayWe will lead in our own way I read with interest The Today’s report, “'We will lead in our own way': : Lawrence Wong takes office as 4th prime minister of Singapore” (May 15). We can get some inspiration or enlightenment from the story of the 108 heroes in Water Margin: they originally had their own abilities, aspirations and ambitions. They...

Chinese villagers living on cliffsChinese villagers living on cliffs In the Liangshan Mountains of Sichuan Province in China, there is a small isolated village on a cliff 1,400 meters above sea level. This is the village of Atuler, known as the Cliff Village with 72 families who has been living there for almost 200 years. All travel is by a ladder that leads to the sky at almost right...

Ukraine will cease to exist thanks to the westUkraine will cease to exist thanks to the west Scott Ritter is a former Marine intelligence officer who served in the former Soviet Union, implementing arms control agreements, and on the staff of General Norman Schwartzkopf during the Gulf War, where he played a critical role in the hunt for Iraqi SCUD missiles. From 1991 until 1998, Mr. Ritter served as a Chief Inspector...

Bride's family asked for RMB 500,000 in bride priceBride's family asked for RMB 500,000 in bride price Contrary to popular beliefs, many couples in China are unable to afford to get married. With the exception of rural villages, those in the cities mostly asked for hundreds of thousands in bride price (聘礼/彩礼). According to our techie who has been in China for over a decade, the bride price may include monies intended...

Higher salaries lead Singapore to become top pick for Asian workers looking to moveHigher salaries lead Singapore to become top pick for Asian... I refer to the Independent Singapore’s Featured News SG Economy, “Higher salaries lead Singapore to become top pick for Asian workers looking to move” (Feb 22). In this era of rapid technological advancement, all countries are faced with the dilemma of being hungry for talent. Therefore, top talents in respective...

Where Romance Meets FinanceWhere Romance Meets Finance Sugarbook was launched by Darren Chan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is a luxury dating website designed to resolve financial issues through emotional support. It provides a platform to grow your relationships through mutual benefits that are not restricted to mentorship, companionship, wealth and emotional support. It...

Marriage, children and practical concernsMarriage, children and practical concerns A couple bows before their parents and offers them tea, as is traditional in Chinese weddings. I refer to The Straits Times’ Editorial “Marriage, children and practical concerns” (Feb 5). Since the history of human civilisation, the formation of individual family and the issue of procreation have become two...

Not in my backyardNot in my backyard I refer to the TODAY’s Commentary, “'Not in my backyard' — when some groups can protest more loudly, the most vulnerable ones suffer” (Jan 25, 2024). A few good points from the article are worth to be probed further and discussed. In December 2023, the announcement of plans by The National Environment Agency...

Opposition parties seek to strengthen parliamentary presenceOpposition parties seek to strengthen parliamentary presence I refer to The Independent Singapore’s SG Politics column, “Opposition parties seek to strengthen parliamentary presence” (Nov 29, 2023). As we know, Singapore political scene has been firmly dominated by the PAP since 1959. Thus, the opposition parties in Singapore have to face and withstand many challenges ahead...

Educating the next generationEducating the next generation I read with interest the Straits Times’ Editorial, “Educating the next generation” (Jan 5, 2024). Any form of spontaneous learning should provide you with a happy, positive, and memorable experience. However, only a small number of children are in exception. Therefore, based on this, parents should realize the...

GST increase in 2024GST increase in 2024 On 1 Jan 2024 GST rises 1% from 8% to 9%; this is a 12.5% increase in GST. I am not convinced that this is necessary. It will contribute to inflation, and cause economic hardship. The handouts to mitigate this are temporary and the increase is permanent. In 2015, when the possibility of GST rising was an election issue...

Race relations in SingaporeRace relations in Singapore I refer to the Today’s “Commentary: In 1954, David Marshall spoke about race relations in Singapore. Have we made real progress since then?” (Dec 15). For any country to be prosperous and powerful, it must first achieve political and social stability, and its people must live in harmony and be united. Only in this...

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Editorial
China's 1/4 million students rode 50km to another city...

China's 1/4 million students rode 50km to another city...

On 8th Oct, about 1/4 million students in China's HeNan ZhengShou (郑州) rode about 50km to another...
Donald Trump re-elected President of the United States

Donald Trump re-elected President of the United States

Donald Trump has been re-elected president of the United States, defeating opponent Kamala Harris in...
LIVE: US Presidential Election

LIVE: US Presidential Election

The US presidential race between Former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is tightening...
Iran now a full-fledged BRICS member

Iran now a full-fledged BRICS member

Iran’s full membership in BRICS, announced by Putin, signals a potential shift in global power dynamics....
Mass casualties as Hezbollah rains barrage of drones...

Mass casualties as Hezbollah rains barrage of drones...

A drone strike targeted an Israeli army base near Binyamina, about 20 miles south of Haifa. The attack...
Israel lied about massive damages to Nevatim Air Base

Israel lied about massive damages to Nevatim Air Base

According to Iran's National TV, a precision-guided Iranian missile successfully knocked out a cutting-edge,...
US begs Iran to 'go soft' on Israel

US begs Iran to 'go soft' on Israel

Israel-owned Washington has made a big appeal to Iran as the Mideast nation anticipates an attack from...
Russia warns Israel of

Russia warns Israel of "Dangerous Consequences" following...

In a shocking turn of events, an Israeli airstrike near Russia's Hmeimim Air Base in Syria has sparked...
Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng to be charged in relation...

Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng to be charged in relation...

Malaysian property tycoon Ong Beng Seng will be charged in a Singapore court on Friday (Oct 4). The...
Former minister Iswaran gets 12 months’ jail for...

Former minister Iswaran gets 12 months’ jail for...

Former senior cabinet minister S Iswaran has been sentenced to 12 months in prison in a high-profile...
Isreal strikes Russian air base in Syria

Isreal strikes Russian air base in Syria

In an obvious attempt to escallate the war in the middle east and force the warmongering US into the...
Israeli air bases damaged and fighter jets destroyed...

Israeli air bases damaged and fighter jets destroyed...

Israel has closed off several military zones after the Iranian missile attack on October 1. The Israeli...
Israeli soldiers suffered mass casualties in first...

Israeli soldiers suffered mass casualties in first...

Hezbollah fighters are giving invading Israeli soldiers in south Lebanon a tough fight. In the first...
Only 20% of the missiles Iran launched at Israel were...

Only 20% of the missiles Iran launched at Israel were...

Iran launched a substantial number of ballistic missiles (180+) in a recent attack that overwhelmed Israel's...
Israel's air bases badly damaged by Iran's missile...

Israel's air bases badly damaged by Iran's missile...

On Tuesday (Oct 1), Iran launched a barrage of over 150 missiles at Israel, specifically targeting Nevatim...
Iran launches barrage of missiles at Israel

Iran launches barrage of missiles at Israel

Iran has reportedly launched more than 150 ballistic missiles towards southern Israel from Khorramabad...
Why Singapore cannot join BRICS

Why Singapore cannot join BRICS

It’s impossible for Singapore to join BRICS (Russia, China, Brazil, India and South Africa). Here's...
Rare typhoon-like storm hits Singapore

Rare typhoon-like storm hits Singapore

Strong winds that people called a mini typhoon hit Singapore on Tuesday evening, September 17, toppling...
Opinions
Trump: Raging against The Machine

Trump: Raging against The Machine

“The wheel is come full circle.”—Shakespeare, King Lear. Donald J. Trump has been re-elected...
The fate of Singapore

The fate of Singapore

The voice of the people has always been loud and clear, until now. In the 1950s and 1960s, the people...
Donald Trump is set for a landslide

Donald Trump is set for a landslide

It's over for Kamala. Trump is set for a landslide. The Republicans are also sweeping the Senate and...
A rising start at CHOGM in Samoa

A rising start at CHOGM in Samoa

We all know about the loquacity of PM Lawence Wong because since taking office he had been ranting with...
Perception is everything

Perception is everything

Lee Hsien Yang (LHY) has declared himself a political refugee from Singapore, the land of his birth....
Political Refugees & Detainees of Singapore

Political Refugees & Detainees of Singapore

Ever since PAP came into power in 1959, party which had fought for "Democracy" has actually turned into...
The Last Wish

The Last Wish

aka THE LAST WISH OF LEE WEI LING, LEE KUAN YEW AND CHINESE EMPERORS OF YORE It's no surprise the...
Is there democracy in Singapore?

Is there democracy in Singapore?

Last week, The Straits Times published an article on a survey done by the NUS Institute of Policy Studies:...
Iswaran's Victory

Iswaran's Victory

I believe alot of people were having popcorns in their hands all ready to watch the Great Show of the...
A random thought on the comedy of error

A random thought on the comedy of error

The comedy of error that is circling around in Singapore although mind-boggling but amuses Singaporeans...
The Great America, No More

The Great America, No More

America was propagated as the Great Nation in the last century when I was born, even though the world...
A glimpse of the obscurantism of Singapore society

A glimpse of the obscurantism of Singapore society

This is not an attempt at self-exaltation but to give a glimpse of the obscurantism of the Singapore...
Excess Deaths in Singapore

Excess Deaths in Singapore

I applaud ST journalist's effort in pursuing this issue of Excess Deaths in Singapore (which is one of...
Throwing out the baby with the bath water

Throwing out the baby with the bath water

Mr Shanmugam says Singapore has laws and policies to prevent riots like those seen in the UK recently...
Let dead dogs lie

Let dead dogs lie

Alas, Pritam should have let dead dogs lie. I am surprised that he is making a bid to have his case...
Total Policy Reset

Total Policy Reset

Lawrence Wong talked about "reset" but up till now, I am still not quite sure what is installed in his...
The divination of a self-exaltation myth

The divination of a self-exaltation myth

The euphoria that accompanied the appointment of Lawrence Wong as prime minister is understandable.because...
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's (LW) National Day Rally

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's (LW) National Day Rally

I have more praises than criticisms for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's (LW) National Day Rally. He...
Letters
Supporting Chee Soon Juan's café

Supporting Chee Soon Juan's café

I refer to The Independent Singapore’s news, “Singaporeans urged to support Chee Soon Juan's café...
Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries?

Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries?

I refer to The TR-Emeritus opinion article, “Will PM Wong address the astronomical ministerial salaries”...
Steering with stability in transition times

Steering with stability in transition times

I refer to The Straits Times’ Editorial, “Steering with stability in transition times” (May 16). Let...
We will lead in our own way

We will lead in our own way

I read with interest The Today’s report, “'We will lead in our own way': : Lawrence Wong takes office...
Higher salaries lead Singapore to become top pick for...

Higher salaries lead Singapore to become top pick for...

I refer to the Independent Singapore’s Featured News SG Economy, “Higher salaries lead Singapore...
Marriage, children and practical concerns

Marriage, children and practical concerns

A couple bows before their parents and offers them tea, as is traditional in Chinese weddings. I...
Not in my backyard

Not in my backyard

I refer to the TODAY’s Commentary, “'Not in my backyard' — when some groups can protest more loudly,...
Opposition parties seek to strengthen parliamentary...

Opposition parties seek to strengthen parliamentary...

I refer to The Independent Singapore’s SG Politics column, “Opposition parties seek to strengthen...
Snippets
The Allure of Singapore Jewellery: A Blend of Tradition,...

The Allure of Singapore Jewellery: A Blend of Tradition,...

In Singapore, traditional and contemporary life come together so beautifully, and among other things...
The Impact of Global Economic Policies on Singapore’s...

The Impact of Global Economic Policies on Singapore’s...

For dynamics to develop within Singapore's financial markets, global economic policies are incredibly...
Singapore Tightens Casino Regulations to Combat Money...

Singapore Tightens Casino Regulations to Combat Money...

In a move to strengthen its position as a well-regulated financial hub, Singapore is set to implement...
The All-Time Top Singaporean Poker Players

The All-Time Top Singaporean Poker Players

Poker is one of the world's most popular games with games being played recreationally and professionally....
How to Increase Image Size without Compromising Quality

How to Increase Image Size without Compromising Quality

In our digital world, crisp, top-notch images make your content pop, whether on a website, social media,...
Chinese villagers living on cliffs

Chinese villagers living on cliffs

In the Liangshan Mountains of Sichuan Province in China, there is a small isolated village on a cliff...
Ukraine will cease to exist thanks to the west

Ukraine will cease to exist thanks to the west

Scott Ritter is a former Marine intelligence officer who served in the former Soviet Union, implementing...
Bride's family asked for RMB 500,000 in bride price

Bride's family asked for RMB 500,000 in bride price

Contrary to popular beliefs, many couples in China are unable to afford to get married. With the exception...
Sticky & Recent Articles

新加坡今夜无人入梦?

新加坡今夜无人入梦?

作者:新加坡文献馆 庚寅年农历七月初某夜,一群生话在虚无缥缈之境的新加坡白羽大仙,在各自的空中楼阁就新加坡之梦喃喃自语。 一个说:新加坡是个没有梦想的社会,因为新加坡迅速发展,也变化得快,国人忙于自我鞭策,所以没有追梦的心思。 一个说:新加坡人为了追求物质而产生许多现实顾虑,所以敢于追梦的人不多。 一个说:一次行差踏错会毁了一生的大半积蓄,所以做个好梦只是一种奢望。 一个说:天有不测风云,国家应该爱钱,因为钱可以解决问题。把时间全放在追钱,所以无暇追梦。 一个说:为五斗米折腰的人,钱仅够花用,没有储蓄自然也没有追梦的的奢侈。 一个说:平日无所事事的富二代,爱怎么挥霍就怎么挥霍,有了这样的梦幻生活又何需织梦? 一个说:凡夫俗子生活在金钱矛盾之间,追梦只是另一个梦想罢了,所以斯人无梦。 这些神仙教诲是说:新加坡凡人应该脚踏实地,循规蹈矩的工作,奇思妙想有违务实原则,会危害社会安宁,不利国家经济发展。 时值新加坡45国庆之际,有人说,有了李光耀于是就有了新加坡;这是典型的新加坡痴人说梦。 新加坡人的新加坡历史现实是,有了华惹之梦,有了华校学生之梦,以及有了华印职工之梦所共同滋生的反殖民运动,才历经磨难塑造了一个独立的新加坡。 在这段反殖历史过程中许许多多各个民族的爱国人士,为了追求独立的理想而卖命流血的付出了沉重个人代价,这其中李光耀并非先行者,亦不是付出牺牲代价的受难者,但却是最终的利益收割者。史料上,李光耀的反殖反英事迹是相对的有限。 当年的时代精神就是新加坡人争取独立之梦。如果当年的新加坡年青人没有那种强烈筑梦的意愿与能耐,或许,到了今天新加坡还是米字旗飘扬,国人高歌天佑女皇。 回顾历史,培植与巩固新加坡两大经济支柱之一的本土经济体系,就是得益于南洋先驱的开荒之梦。 清代末叶的鸦片战争之后,天灾人祸使到中国南方的农村经济破产,人民被迫过蕃谋生,离乡背井的先辈就是靠自力更生白手起家。无可置疑的,南洋华社的政治与经济资本就是来自这群先驱的创业致富之梦。 追根究底,新加坡今天的种种成就是来自早年南洋先驱的愚公移山之梦,以及二战后,新加坡年青人的反殖民运动之梦的共同成果。饮水思源,这就是新加坡建国的根本之源。 显然的,追梦是成就新加坡的不可或缺的人文精神元素。 那么,何以在50年李光耀政权之后却会变成‘新加坡是个没有梦想的社会’? 首先,美国梦之所以历久长青是因为美国文化核心价值观的尊重人权和民主精神,都始终受到严峻的宪法保护。在三权分立的政治体制内,个人可以海阔天空去追求与实践自已的梦想。 但是,新加坡在一党专政下,宪法保障有名无实因为法规可以随时任意的修订,甚至于取消。在政权领导政府的格局下,依法执法可以轻易变质为以法凌人。自由环境激励自由思维,当社会丢失了思维空间,个人也就丢失了梦想空间。 其次,美国梦扎根于西方文明的以人为本的精神。这种人文精神突破了神权与封建的政治约束。人于是有了满足欲望的梦想,经济活动就是源于人的欲望无穷。在小政府格局下,个人享有相对大的经济自由,这个流动性极大的社会空间允许个人凭着自已的天赋和勤奋去主动的力争上游。 然而,按李光耀政治思维,人的劳动力只是一个生产因素,所以人只不过是一个经济数据。当人民沦为国家经济生产机器的齿轮之后,个人只能被动的依附着机器转动。 在新加坡的大环境里,个人主动性是不受到鼓励的,甚至于会受到严峻惩罚,因为主动性会破坏政府制定的社会规律,就象在机器里不听使唤,不依规律运作的齿轮是要被替换掉的。 当新加坡人被剥夺了生命的主动性,也就丧失了自我思考的能力,没有了思想,又何来会有欲望去编织新加坡梦? 其三,美国梦除了追求金钱财富的物质文化之外,也追求科学,知识和艺木等精神文化上的超越。 前不久,一名官二代说:务实新加坡人的生活目标是注重一份好工作,追求高素质的医疗和教育,以及满足于干净和安全的生话环境。在国庆晚宴上一名高官亦指出,新加坡人的人生目标应该是:好事业,舒适生话,多生育,关怀与慈善。 新加坡统治阶级所弘扬的是以物质生活为主要考量的狭隘人生观。这种思维下的新加坡只会走向一个缺乏精神文明的物质社会:追求舒适生话是否就是过着神戶牛式的生活?神戶牛是生活在一个很干净,安全,舒适,关怀与医疗照料周到,以及有古典音乐为伴的优质生活环境里。 狭隘的人生观带来没有实质内涵的社会行为。国庆期间有人劳师动众并浪费宝贵资源去创造可乐喷泉的世界记录。同样是虚荣心作祟,新加坡以外包伎俩去争取竞技场上的荣誉。但是,比赛的真实意义並非是为了锦标,而是鼓励个人超越自我的体能与精神界线。 想当然儿,一个有精神文明的高雅社会是不会有这种沽名钓誉的不诚实社会行为。 当一个政府只剩下唯有用钱去解决问题的途径,那么,这一个政府必然是已经处在黔馿技穷的困境。这种了无生机的一潭死水又如何滋生,并且激励人民去追求科学,知识和艺术等精神文化上的超越? 不是吗,吹皱的一池春水才能触动心弦,撩人遐思,令人想入非非? 新加坡从一个有追梦意识的先驱精神社会,演化到如今的一个没有梦想的社会。这种社会文明往后倒退发展的情况确实是一个非常可悲的景象。 社会文明退化的问题事关重大;这并非是一个人的面子,或者是一个政党的荣誉,而是一个国家的未来前程。 当先驱开荒的竞争精神被独裁霸权的垄断精神取代,当爱国精神被爱銭精神取代,新加坡不就己经失去了两个十分宝贵的建国人文元素? 当银行业失去了谨慎与诚实的人文元素之后,霸林就是毁在爱銭的无能之手。雷曼亦是毁于爱銭的欺骗之手。 危言耸听?这乃是前车之鉴。当领导的唯利是图蔚然成为上行下效的不良风气,一个栋梁不正的构筑必然是要坍塌的。 还会有人关心这个病态的新加坡社会吗? 新加坡的聪明人是制度下的既得利益者,他们已经生活在纸醉金迷的梦幻世界里,宛如庄周梦蝶,他们已经无法分辩真实与虚幻,再也体会不到外边的世界是什么模... 

Dr Vivian: YOG glitches are never totally “unavoidable”

Dr Vivian: YOG glitches are never totally “unavoidable”

Beleaguered PAP minister in charge of YOG Dr Vivian Balakrishnan is fast running out of excuses to cover up for his utter inept handling of the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) which is fast turning Singapore into an international laughing stock. [Please sign the petition demanding a public apology from Dr Vivian Balakrishnan... 

Singaporean jailed a day for bribing Johor traffic police

Singaporean jailed a day for bribing Johor traffic police

A 61 year old Singapore businessman was jailed for one day and fined a hefty $15,000 for attempting to bribe a Johor traffic policeman. According to the Straits Times, Ong Peoy Kuan had offered a RM$100 "kopi money" to Johor Constable Muhammad Hafiz on 30 May 2010 in return for him not issuing a traffic ticket for speeding. It... 

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