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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
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...
Super typhoon Bebinca hit the city of Suzhou in Jiangsu...

Super typhoon Bebinca hit the city of Suzhou in Jiangsu...

After hitting Shanghai on Monday (17th Sept), Typhoon Bebinca hit the city of Suzhou in Jiangsu province....
Why storms and typhoons are wrecking havoc in Asia...

Why storms and typhoons are wrecking havoc in Asia...

Typhoon Bebinca has made landfall in China on Monday (16th Sept). Shanghai has been slammed by the city's...
Super typhoon Bebinca wreaks havoc In Shanghai

Super typhoon Bebinca wreaks havoc In Shanghai

The mega city of Shanghai was brought to a standstill on Monday (16th Sept) as residents at home had...
Severe flooding wrecks havoc in Europe

Severe flooding wrecks havoc in Europe

Severe flooding continues to wreak havoc across central and eastern Europe, following days of torrential...
Iran poised to launch mega-retaliation against Israel

Iran poised to launch mega-retaliation against Israel

Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, a high-ranking IRGC commander, has announced that Iran will soon...
Super typhoon Yagi batters Hainan island in China

Super typhoon Yagi batters Hainan island in China

Heavy rains and strong winds swept through Hainan province Friday as a powerful typhoon, dubbed Yagi,...
Putin visits Mongolia despite ICC arrest warrant

Putin visits Mongolia despite ICC arrest warrant

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Mongolia for a visit, despite the risk of arrest under...
Axis of Resistance vows to escalate attacks on Israel...

Axis of Resistance vows to escalate attacks on Israel...

The Axis of Resistance groups in Iraq have escalated their threats against Israel and the US. They have...
Russia pounds Ukraine for the second consecutive day

Russia pounds Ukraine for the second consecutive day

In one of the biggest air attacks launched by Russia, hundreds of missiles and drones were launched targeting...
Russia pounds Ukraine in retaliation for invasion of...

Russia pounds Ukraine in retaliation for invasion of...

Russia unleashed a massive missile and drone assault on NATO-backed Ukraine amid rising tensions over...
Houthis ready to strike Israel

Houthis ready to strike Israel

Houthi-installed defence minister in Yemen has warned that his forces are ready to strike Israel. Major...
Israel imposes restriction on media to hide damages...

Israel imposes restriction on media to hide damages...

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is set to present proof or videos of attacks near Tel Aviv. Israeli...
Hezbollah hints at 'full response' after major rocket...

Hezbollah hints at 'full response' after major rocket...

The Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones towards Israel on...
How strong is Singapore's fighter jets?

How strong is Singapore's fighter jets?

Singapore's fighter jets are supposedly the most advanced force in the entire Southeast Asian region. What...
Major escalation fears as Hezbollah pounds Israel with...

Major escalation fears as Hezbollah pounds Israel with...

Hezbollah and Israel both have announced large-scale military operations against each other. Israel is...
WHO Declares Global Health Emergency

WHO Declares Global Health Emergency

Covid Done, New Virus Emerges: 100s Killed, WHO Declares Global Health Emergency. The World Health...
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to step down

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to step down

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was seen as a safe pair of hands when his party installed him three...
Opinions
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...
Build Our Core

Build Our Core

On this very day of celebrating our 59th National Day, we as a people, a country and the Singaporean...
More Singaporeans eligible to vote in next General...

More Singaporeans eligible to vote in next General...

More Singaporeans eligible to vote in next General Election (GE)- CNA online 22 July 2024. There are...
Excess Deaths Comparison Chart

Excess Deaths Comparison Chart

This is the Excess Deaths Comparison Chart that MOH has neither disputed nor commented on. It...
Focusing on frail, senior patients

Focusing on frail, senior patients

Tan Tock Seng (TTS) focuses on frail, senior patients as it celebrates 180th anniversary- ST online,...
Who is replacing us?

Who is replacing us?

My fellow Singaporeans,we face an existential threat,that is exacerbated by PAP policies. The number...
Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump

Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump

We first thought the attempted assassination of Trump was a "Lone Wolf" incident. However, there are...
Allianz offers to buy a stake in Income Insurance

Allianz offers to buy a stake in Income Insurance

Allianz offers to buy a stake in Income Insurance- 18 July 24, Straits Times. Allianz has done its...
I am not a 'woke'

I am not a 'woke'

I am known to be a Democratic Socialist. Democracy comes before Socialism. Traditionally, people regard...
Assassination attempt on Donald Trump

Assassination attempt on Donald Trump

I strongly condemn the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, the United States Republican presidential...
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
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...
The fall of Alibaba's Jack Ma

The fall of Alibaba's Jack Ma

The story of how Jack Ma betrayed everyone that helped and gave him what he has today. The video also...
中國唯一的一妻多夫制的地方

中國唯一的一妻多夫制的地方

A land enshrouded in spirituality, Tibet is home to distinct cultural traditions and astounding natural...
Sticky & Recent Articles

GIC 51亿美元UBS帐面亏损

GIC 51亿美元UBS帐面亏损

作者:中新网06/03/2010 据英国《金融时报》报道,新加坡主要的主权财富基金今天将蒙受约55亿瑞士法郎(合51亿美元)的未变现亏损,源自其对瑞银(UBS)109.7亿瑞郎的投资。陷入困境的瑞银已接受了一系列的紧急注资。 新加坡政府投资公司(GIC)管理着超过3000亿美元的资产,公司不愿就上述账面亏损置评,但表示,计划继续持有瑞银股票 (stocks)。 GIC对瑞银的投资以强制性可转换债券形式进行,票息为9%,为期两年,今天到期。 上述账面亏损的确切金额将取决于今天瑞银股票在瑞士的收盘价。但是,瑞银股票本周的交易价格一直徘徊在47.7瑞郎转股价格的三分之一上下,因此GIC面临的未变现亏损约为75亿瑞郎,但需减去它已经获得的大约20亿瑞郎的利息。 GIC很少评论其投资活动,但该公司首席投资官黄国松 (Ng Kok Song) 去年9月在其年报中表示,它可能需要比最初预期更长的时间才能收回该笔投资,但对瑞银的长期前景“有信心”。 但GIC没有参加瑞银在2008年进行的近160亿瑞郎的配股发行。 据悉,当初花旗集团(Citigroup)和瑞银在减记大额次贷资产后寻求融资,GIC在两家银行共投资了180亿美元。在随后几个月,两家银行的股价均大幅下跌。 来源:http://www.chinanews.com.cn  Read More →

嘲谎人

嘲谎人

作者:冀居·谢 06/03/2010 元曲有首《嘲谎人》是这样的: 『东村里鸡生凤,南庄上马变牛,六月里裹皮裘。 瓦垄上宜载树,阳沟里好驾舟。 瓮来大肉馒头,俺家茄子大如斗。』 说的是村野之夫吹牛车大炮根本不必本钱,张口就来。 而翁德生的文章,内容就不必谈啦,只是这类浑话怎么会骗过大报主编的金晴火眼而当作正经文字登在言论版呢?我们就试着来解构一下: 【说到政治,我觉得应该为之制定最高道德标准,但是应该依据什么制定政治的最高道德标准?是否可以考虑一,产生好政府为优先考量,甚至可以牺牲部份自由民主? 二,履行民主精神任由政治平庸化?三,体现自由民主优胜劣汰的概念,让优秀政党得民心得天下自然而然产生好政府?/相信第三项是民主政治原意,目前出现最 多的个案却是第二项,而新加坡则应该属于第一项。】 “产生好政府为优先考量,甚至可以牺牲部份自由民主”基本上是独裁者的理论,在《星球大战三·西斯之复仇》里,当崛起的独裁者帕尔帕庭要求联邦议会赋予他最高的权力,以便建设一个宇宙中最强大的帝国,全场代表起立鼓掌,掌声雷动,这时艾米达拉王后对身边的侍者说:“自由就是这样失去,当掌声响起时。”据说这段剧情卢卡斯参考的是希特勒的“奋斗”。前面说“最高道德”,后面说“新加坡应该属于第一项”,岂不是“东村里鸡生凤,南庄上马变牛”? 【议会民主制度已经近两个世纪,它并没有演化到正确方向,也就是自由竞争自然而然产生好政府,反而走向另一个死胡同——政治平庸化。】 议会民主早在在古希腊雅典城邦国家的政治协商已经出现,这“近两个世纪”何来? 【有四个欧洲国家出现了财务危机,葡萄牙、西班牙、希腊、意大利,这四个国家都曾风光辉煌,万贯家财祖业断送于纨绔子弟之手,追根究底,祸首是长期政治平庸 化。民主政治产生瓶颈效应,其一是政坛上平庸之辈当道,其二是讨好选票造成“国贫民富”,国库空虚最终还是全民买单。】 请问翁德生是那一只眼看到欧洲四国出现财务危机是因为政治平庸的纨绔子弟造成的?很多国家出现财务危机乃是相信了美国和世界银行经济理论而去操作的缘故,之前还搞垮了好几个南美洲国家。新加坡的政联之所以亏损那么多钱,乃是对美式经济理论的无条件崇拜。 【革命不是请客吃饭,政治也不是办家家酒。“党内无派千奇百怪”,单是政党团结本身就是大课题,亚洲有两个政党至今还维持团结完成大我精神,一个是新加坡执政 党,另一个是中国共产党;这两个政党都能够做到超越派系担当治国安邦大任。/如果亚洲国家其他政党都能够做到这一点,充分发挥群体精神提升国家竞争力,这 或许会造成西方世界某种程度的尴尬。西方要亚洲国家努力学习他们的民主制度,今天却出现两个最有能力、但不符合西方民主标准的政府。符合标准的亚洲国家与 西方看齐,政治却平庸化了。】 不是在说民主制度造成平庸化,怎么选择了两个不算民主的国度,最后还把民主平庸转变成探讨“革命”的成果? 【新加坡不符合西方的标准,因为是一党独大,好比咖啡店有一家火红的煮炒档,造成其他摊位等同虚设,其他摊位(反对党)能否起死回生?除非火红煮炒档不再端出好菜。不过这里我们还是实行选举制,所以说一人一票,任何政党都存在输赢的可能。】 翁德生不熟悉本地的选举吗?有选民活了一辈子都没机会投票,这在民主国家有可能吗?你睁眼说什么瞎话? 【我不知道我们能不能避免政治平庸化,但我们必须谨记,新加坡没有犯错空间这个事实。这个事实会永远伴随我们。】 中学生作文最容易造作,少年不知愁滋味嘛。明明后面否定的事,前面还来扮矜持说:“我不知道我们能不能”,act cute? 来源:大马论坛  Read More →

新加坡执政党的“生产力”概念

新加坡执政党的“生产力”概念

作者:冀居·谢 06/03/2010 报纸说:“30年后的今天,国会在辩论财长预算声明的头两天里,不少议员指出人们对提高生产力(productivity)的讯息感到混乱,说不少人在这个课题上‘见仁见智’,并建议政府向人民确解释生产力的概念。”老夫看后不禁哑然失笑,现在他们的人也终于发现自己的荒诞了。 “生产力”(productivity) 一词乃是一种测量的指标,就如“血压”一样,测量虽然有科学根据,但是解读就不是“贱人贱智”所随便可以的。今天新加坡执政党把“生产力”一词当做灵丹妙药,几乎“生产力”就是这个国家的全部目标,当然是越讲就越难自圆其说了。 马克思对生产力的定义是这样的:“生产力是人们解决社会同自然矛盾的实际能力,是人类征服和改造自然使其适应社会需要的客观物质力量。”你一定说怎么这么cheem?生产力不就是林瑞生(Lim Swee Say)讲的“又要马儿好,又要马儿不吃草”的cheaper、Better、Faster吗?此外谈生产力也要具备三要素,即生产工具、生产对象和具有一定生产经验和劳动技能的劳动者。今天新加坡的政府和商家只想降低成本来提高生产力,要失业的劳动者放弃自己的经验和技能,重新接受职业培训,这些无非是造成生产力低落的原因。 生产力的高低不能够决定一切。比如我们要在一个高度失业的地区挖土,可供选择的技术很多,从最先进的挖土机到完全不使用任何工具,只靠双手都可以。最后的“产 出”就是挖一个坑,因此很明显可以看出,“资本”投入如果降到最低,资本/产出比率就会达到最高。如果不使用任何工具来做这个工作,则资本/产出比例将为 无限大,但是每个人生产力将低到不能再低的地步。反过来说,如果使用最大限度的现代化技术,资本/产出比例将会极低,但是每个人的生产力就会很高。然而这 两个都是极端的例子,生产力的高低在这里独自不含任何意义,而最后决定要靠挖土机还是人力,或是两者的结合,就要视对这个“高度失业的地区”的居民哪一种 做法较好?在这个时候高喊提高生产力或者要求最高生产力,都是只见独木不见林的。 深受佛学思想影响的英国经济学者修马克(E F Schumacher)在他的著作《小既是美》里,就提到现代社会都存在“双元经济”(Dual economy),说白了就是一个富人的世界和一个穷人的世界。但这两个世界是平行的,执政者不能够认定“对富人有益之事,也一定对穷人有好处。”修马克警告说:“富人社会还有许多现象本身不但问题重重,而且不适合穷人社会,穷人如果能成功的适应了这些现象,反而是败亡的开始。”“双 元经济”如果单方面行事,不但解决不了社会问题,反而会造成贫富差距扩大,互相毒害。比如说银行向来都不会借钱给穷人,除了没有抵押之外,穷人所能想出的生产计划,对使用“富人观点”的银行来讲都是低生产力且缺乏创意的,但如果不是有人借钱给他们做点小生意自立,他们反而会成为拖累富人社会的问题。阿玛蒂 亚·森(Amaryter Sen)之所以获得1998年诺贝尔经济奖,乃是他承认这种“双元”的存在,把钱借给社会底层的鳏寡去做些小生意,让他们能够独立并且活得有尊严。 新加坡的执政党政客们就别再讲什么“生产力”了,越讲你们不觉得越羞家吗? 来源:大马论坛  Read More →

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