Some Political Prophecies That Might Never Come True
After the General Election, all things political in Singapore seem to be as dry and bland as watching “Days of Our Lives” – the never-ending-bore-you-to-tears soap opera. Year 2007 seems to be a year that is politically castrated. Rather, castrated of its politics. In this land sanitized of politics, we can’t look forward to the 10-yearly affair of military coups like Thailand (before Thaksin, it was almost a 2 yearly affair), 4-yearly event when we accuse another US President of election fraud, 2-yearly schedule where George W Bush invades another country, a yearly affair when Italy changes another Prime Minister, monthly fist fights in Taiwan’s parliament or daily dose of “Down with Ah-Bian (Taiwan’s Chen Shui Bian, of course)” street protest.
Watching the political upheavals of our neighbouring and other countries made us wonder what it would be like to have a day of chaos in Singapore. It is almost unimaginable, not even in the most tempting of situations when the IMF/World Bank’s stopover during September last year. As unlikely as Dr Chee Soon Juan becoming our next PM in the next elections, you will most certainly never find me advocating protest for the sake of protest. Once, someone commented that a certain level of fuzziness and messiness would lead to creativity and economic growth. I’d both agree and disagree with that, but to go into the whole argument of that might take another 10,000 words thesis.
So, aside from the all the political pandemonium, which is almost never going to happen, what other political events can we look forward to? Here are some prophecies. Like most prophecies, these come with disclaimers that you know they have got no basis of truth. Just like old times. :)
Old Man Vs Not-So-Old Men
In 2006, we witnessed the retirement of several Ministers. Well, in Singapore, retirement is really used to the dictionary’s definition here. Retirement is often associated with older people reaching to a certain age (around 55 to 60) before voluntarily or involuntarily stop working. But in the dictionary’s definition, age is not requisite for retirement. It is just the removal or withdrawal from service, office, or business.
Most notably, former DPM Tony Tan and Transport Minister Yeo Cheow Tong “retired” before the recent GE (as correctly predicted in my previous articles months back). While Minister in PMO Lim Boon Heng and MICA Minister Lee Boon Yang are slated to retire, the signal is mixed.
After the General Election, all things political in Singapore seem to be as dry and bland as watching “Days of Our Lives” – the never-ending-bore-you-to-tears soap opera. Year 2007 seems to be a year that is politically castrated. Rather, castrated of its politics. In this land sanitized of politics, we can’t look forward to the 10-yearly affair of military coups like Thailand (before Thaksin, it was almost a 2 yearly affair), 4-yearly event when we accuse another US President of election fraud, 2-yearly schedule where George W Bush invades another country, a yearly affair when Italy changes another Prime Minister, monthly fist fights in Taiwan’s parliament or daily dose of “Down with Ah-Bian (Taiwan’s Chen Shui Bian, of course)” street protest.
Watching the political upheavals of our neighbouring and other countries made us wonder what it would be like to have a day of chaos in Singapore. It is almost unimaginable, not even in the most tempting of situations when the IMF/World Bank’s stopover during September last year. As unlikely as Dr Chee Soon Juan becoming our next PM in the next elections, you will most certainly never find me advocating protest for the sake of protest. Once, someone commented that a certain level of fuzziness and messiness would lead to creativity and economic growth. I’d both agree and disagree with that, but to go into the whole argument of that might take another 10,000 words thesis.
So, aside from the all the political pandemonium, which is almost never going to happen, what other political events can we look forward to? Here are some prophecies. Like most prophecies, these come with disclaimers that you know they have got no basis of truth. Just like old times. :)
Old Man Vs Not-So-Old Men
In 2006, we witnessed the retirement of several Ministers. Well, in Singapore, retirement is really used to the dictionary’s definition here. Retirement is often associated with older people reaching to a certain age (around 55 to 60) before voluntarily or involuntarily stop working. But in the dictionary’s definition, age is not requisite for retirement. It is just the removal or withdrawal from service, office, or business.
Most notably, former DPM Tony Tan and Transport Minister Yeo Cheow Tong “retired” before the recent GE (as correctly predicted in my previous articles months back). While Minister in PMO Lim Boon Heng and MICA Minister Lee Boon Yang are slated to retire, the signal is mixed.
On 28 May 2006, the Straits Times report that: “Labour chief Lim Boon Heng, 58, who is Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, will hand the reins of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) towards the end of this year to Mr Lim Swee Say, who is now the deputy secretary-general. PM Lee said he has agreed 'to stay on in the Cabinet until he hands over in NTUC'.” As for Lee Boon Yang, “Dr Lee, 58, had asked to retire, said Mr Lee, who persuaded him to stay on till mid-term so a successor can be groomed.”
Although we have yet to reach to mid-term, Lee Boon Yang is clearly in the “ORD” mood with most MICA issues handled by Second Minister Dr Vivian and Senior Minister of State Dr Balaji. On the other hand, Lim Boon Heng has taken on new responsibilities in heading the Ministerial Committee on Ageing Issues and deputy chairman of the People’s Association, while retaining his post as the Chairman of PAP Central Executive Committee (CEC). Do not underestimate the seemingly-nominal post of Deputy Chairman in PA and Chairman of PAP CEC. Traditionally, the post of deputy-chairman of the PA was held by high-profile ministers, such as DPM Wong Kan Seng and former Education Minister Lee Yock Suan, and is no minor post since the deputy chairman constitutionally takes charge of the grassroots. (Note: Chairman of the PA will always be the Prime Minister). Also the Chairman of the PAP CEC, an elected post for the highest number of votes by party cadres, he is supposedly the “second in power” after the party Secretary-General. Being the party chairman puts him in the likes of Deputy Prime Ministers such as Dr Tony Tan and Toh Chin Chye.
But the significant point is why there was a U-turn in his earlier announced retirement, as suggested by PM Lee? It is difficult to understand the rationale from an external view. However, we could still attempt to second-guess the PM’s thoughts.
Before elections, he would have got a mental list of the ministers to retain and those he wishes to drop. The dilemma is not whether who to retain or drop (as he should have gotten a clear idea by then) but if he should announce it at all, and if so, when to announce it. It is imperative that such announcement would not swing the electoral votes against him, if he drops a minister just before elections. As cautious as he is, he left most ministers unchanged (except for Dr Tony Tan and Lee Yock Suan, both had stepped down during the term) to head the GRCs and waited after the GE to make the decision and announcement. First to fall was the not-so-popular transport minister Yeo Cheow Tong. Together with the same announcement was the impending retirement of Lim Boon Heng and Lee Boon Yang. While Lee Boon Yang is most likely to step down as planned, Lim Boon Heng’s U-turn was for other reasons. Several possibilities arise. The PM can’t ignore the fact that he has got several “senior citizens” in his Cabinet (LKY, GCT and Jayakumar) and has to make contingency on this. Compared to these senior citizens, Boon Heng is a teenager. But I don’t think this is the reason for his retention. This leads me to my next point. Maybe there is a lack of capable junior ministers taking over him, in the eyes of PM.
Although we have yet to reach to mid-term, Lee Boon Yang is clearly in the “ORD” mood with most MICA issues handled by Second Minister Dr Vivian and Senior Minister of State Dr Balaji. On the other hand, Lim Boon Heng has taken on new responsibilities in heading the Ministerial Committee on Ageing Issues and deputy chairman of the People’s Association, while retaining his post as the Chairman of PAP Central Executive Committee (CEC). Do not underestimate the seemingly-nominal post of Deputy Chairman in PA and Chairman of PAP CEC. Traditionally, the post of deputy-chairman of the PA was held by high-profile ministers, such as DPM Wong Kan Seng and former Education Minister Lee Yock Suan, and is no minor post since the deputy chairman constitutionally takes charge of the grassroots. (Note: Chairman of the PA will always be the Prime Minister). Also the Chairman of the PAP CEC, an elected post for the highest number of votes by party cadres, he is supposedly the “second in power” after the party Secretary-General. Being the party chairman puts him in the likes of Deputy Prime Ministers such as Dr Tony Tan and Toh Chin Chye.
But the significant point is why there was a U-turn in his earlier announced retirement, as suggested by PM Lee? It is difficult to understand the rationale from an external view. However, we could still attempt to second-guess the PM’s thoughts.
Before elections, he would have got a mental list of the ministers to retain and those he wishes to drop. The dilemma is not whether who to retain or drop (as he should have gotten a clear idea by then) but if he should announce it at all, and if so, when to announce it. It is imperative that such announcement would not swing the electoral votes against him, if he drops a minister just before elections. As cautious as he is, he left most ministers unchanged (except for Dr Tony Tan and Lee Yock Suan, both had stepped down during the term) to head the GRCs and waited after the GE to make the decision and announcement. First to fall was the not-so-popular transport minister Yeo Cheow Tong. Together with the same announcement was the impending retirement of Lim Boon Heng and Lee Boon Yang. While Lee Boon Yang is most likely to step down as planned, Lim Boon Heng’s U-turn was for other reasons. Several possibilities arise. The PM can’t ignore the fact that he has got several “senior citizens” in his Cabinet (LKY, GCT and Jayakumar) and has to make contingency on this. Compared to these senior citizens, Boon Heng is a teenager. But I don’t think this is the reason for his retention. This leads me to my next point. Maybe there is a lack of capable junior ministers taking over him, in the eyes of PM.
Who’s Hot Who’s Not?
The most junior ministers of state (MOS), Grace Fu, Lui Tuck Yew and Lee Yi Shyan have yet to prove their worth or demonstrated to be on par with the likes of Tharman and Ng Eng Hen. The recent promotions of Koo Tsai Kee, S Iswaran and Gan Kim Yong to MOS still needed time to impress. While the female MOS such as Lim Hwee Hwa and Yu-Foo Yee Shoon have certain advantages in the push for female Cabinet ministers. However, they have yet to shine and PM is insistent that he will not promote a female MOS just because she is a female. That leaves us with the “Senior” ministers of state, Ho Peng Kee, Balaji Sadasivan and Zainul Abidin.
Assoc Prof Ho Peng Kee has been in parliament since 1991, later, a minister of state in 1997 and a senior minister of state from 2001. Every Cabinet reshuffle, he seemed to be constantly overlooked and younger ministers from the 2001 cohort have leapfrogged over him, into the Cabinet. A possible and positive view of this that he is slated to take over DPM Jayakumar for the Minister of Law, since he is the most and only one qualified for that law position. However, this doesn’t seem to be happening anytime soon, especially when he is still managing a single member constituency (SMC) ward. I think I’ve mentioned this many times over that in single member constituency, MOS MPs are quite often an indication that promotion is quite unlikely.
Like Ho Peng Kee, Zainul Abidin’s career path is quite similar. Entered parliament in 1997 as the senior parliamentary secretary, promoted to MOS in 2001, and was promoted to senior minister of state last year. As a MP, he was a strong Malay leader and commands great respect amongst the community. His presence in Aljunied GRC certainly swung the votes from the Malay community over. In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, his position was to handle the Middle East relations and to attract some investments out of the lucrative Islamic banking and finance industry to Singapore. All in all, he has demonstrated to be a good number two, but not quite a number one man. He hasn’t portrait himself to be capable of leading and defending a ministry in parliament. While he might be capable enough, he needs to demonstrate more to warrant a position in Cabinet.
Last, but certainly not the least, is Dr Balaji Sadasivan. Unlike Ho Peng Kee and Zainul, he jumped straight into office as a MOS after his first elections in 2001. While his other peers like Dr Vivian and Tharman has been promoted into Cabinet, he has not. In 2004, he was promoted to senior minister of state of health and MICA and later in MFA. Separately, I’ve already covered the career and political life of Dr Balaji in a previous article and will not be repeating it. Aside from his quiet demure, his chances of promotion seem to be the highest of the lot. But a lot will depend on how he fit into the political ideology and plans of the Prime Minister. Will he be too liberal or conservative for the Cabinet? We shall see in the coming year.
Temasek Holding’s Next Financial Statements?
After the Shin Corp disaster, it will be interesting to see how Temasek Holdings present their financial statements for the financial year. My view is that they will lump all into provisions, and state the group profits without the asset lost or income statement changes due to Shin Corp. This year, by concealing the impact in the provisions, they can hold the issue and present a credible book to the public. By next financial year, when they make the provisions material, the public would have forgotten the issue and Temasek will also have other profit generators to cover the losses.
Anyway, let’s not spoil the fun and wait for the results before commenting further.
Post-65 MPs – Egalitarians or Elitists?
You’ve seen them dance in Chingay ’07, and will have your own thoughts on their moves. But I don’t think I’m too far wrong to say that they will never get any “officer bearer” in Ministry of Sound (MOS). While it’s too early to judge or cast stones at them, they seemed to be more elitist than egalitarian. MPs are supposed to be reflective of their generation. Thus, the question is whether the P65 are reflective of their generation?
If you look at their backgrounds – eg; Christopher de Souza, a lawyer at Lee & Lee, first class honours and formerly from Raffles Junior College. Same with Hri Kumar and Michael Palmer, both lawyers. Teo Ser Luck, a tri-athletic, who rose to become the general manager of DHL Express similar to Jessica Tan at Microsoft. Dr Faisal, a career lecturer at NUS. Dr Lam Pin Min and Dr Fatimah, both doctors.
Yes, MPs are supposed to have credible backgrounds and proven track records in prominent business sectors. But I think having a group of lawyers and doctors, growing up in education fast track, don’t quite reflect the laymen’s concerns and problems. They might be excellence communicators and speech-makers, but in every speech, it must have a soul. The MP must feel for the issue and to feel the issue, they have to experience the issue. We don’t need another blue-nose aristocrat in parliament speaking in flowerily languages. There is a difference between a MP and a Minister. And far too often we have MPs falling in between the characteristics of a MP and a Minister. Ministers have every right to be “unlike” the common people and to be brilliant visionaries that sets the moral direction for the country. MPs are and have to be reflective of their generation and fight with conviction for the thoughts and feels of the people. But the problem is having people who are neither MP-like nor Minister-like. Background near a minister but can never be one, and being a MP that was never quite representative of a generation.
Like I said, the P65 group needs more time to prove themselves, and prove that they are not another academically “straight-As” MP. The reason I ask if they are elitists or egalitarians is that the social character is of this nature. The P65 never experienced the traumatic split from Malaya but was in an era of academic elitism of Lee Kuan Yew. If you scored well, you will be rewarded by having a ladder to climb upwards. Fair or unfair to say that these MPs are the ones who climbed the ladder and made it good in economic and social sense. In that view, they are the elitists who reflect their generation; rather, they reflect the cream of the crop of their generation.
Alternative way of viewing this is that they reflect, not society, but the ideological direction of the selectors (the PAP Ministers). If they land up being egalitarian or elitist, that is the way the selectors set it out to be.
In short, time will tell.
The most junior ministers of state (MOS), Grace Fu, Lui Tuck Yew and Lee Yi Shyan have yet to prove their worth or demonstrated to be on par with the likes of Tharman and Ng Eng Hen. The recent promotions of Koo Tsai Kee, S Iswaran and Gan Kim Yong to MOS still needed time to impress. While the female MOS such as Lim Hwee Hwa and Yu-Foo Yee Shoon have certain advantages in the push for female Cabinet ministers. However, they have yet to shine and PM is insistent that he will not promote a female MOS just because she is a female. That leaves us with the “Senior” ministers of state, Ho Peng Kee, Balaji Sadasivan and Zainul Abidin.
Assoc Prof Ho Peng Kee has been in parliament since 1991, later, a minister of state in 1997 and a senior minister of state from 2001. Every Cabinet reshuffle, he seemed to be constantly overlooked and younger ministers from the 2001 cohort have leapfrogged over him, into the Cabinet. A possible and positive view of this that he is slated to take over DPM Jayakumar for the Minister of Law, since he is the most and only one qualified for that law position. However, this doesn’t seem to be happening anytime soon, especially when he is still managing a single member constituency (SMC) ward. I think I’ve mentioned this many times over that in single member constituency, MOS MPs are quite often an indication that promotion is quite unlikely.
Like Ho Peng Kee, Zainul Abidin’s career path is quite similar. Entered parliament in 1997 as the senior parliamentary secretary, promoted to MOS in 2001, and was promoted to senior minister of state last year. As a MP, he was a strong Malay leader and commands great respect amongst the community. His presence in Aljunied GRC certainly swung the votes from the Malay community over. In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, his position was to handle the Middle East relations and to attract some investments out of the lucrative Islamic banking and finance industry to Singapore. All in all, he has demonstrated to be a good number two, but not quite a number one man. He hasn’t portrait himself to be capable of leading and defending a ministry in parliament. While he might be capable enough, he needs to demonstrate more to warrant a position in Cabinet.
Last, but certainly not the least, is Dr Balaji Sadasivan. Unlike Ho Peng Kee and Zainul, he jumped straight into office as a MOS after his first elections in 2001. While his other peers like Dr Vivian and Tharman has been promoted into Cabinet, he has not. In 2004, he was promoted to senior minister of state of health and MICA and later in MFA. Separately, I’ve already covered the career and political life of Dr Balaji in a previous article and will not be repeating it. Aside from his quiet demure, his chances of promotion seem to be the highest of the lot. But a lot will depend on how he fit into the political ideology and plans of the Prime Minister. Will he be too liberal or conservative for the Cabinet? We shall see in the coming year.
Temasek Holding’s Next Financial Statements?
After the Shin Corp disaster, it will be interesting to see how Temasek Holdings present their financial statements for the financial year. My view is that they will lump all into provisions, and state the group profits without the asset lost or income statement changes due to Shin Corp. This year, by concealing the impact in the provisions, they can hold the issue and present a credible book to the public. By next financial year, when they make the provisions material, the public would have forgotten the issue and Temasek will also have other profit generators to cover the losses.
Anyway, let’s not spoil the fun and wait for the results before commenting further.
Post-65 MPs – Egalitarians or Elitists?
You’ve seen them dance in Chingay ’07, and will have your own thoughts on their moves. But I don’t think I’m too far wrong to say that they will never get any “officer bearer” in Ministry of Sound (MOS). While it’s too early to judge or cast stones at them, they seemed to be more elitist than egalitarian. MPs are supposed to be reflective of their generation. Thus, the question is whether the P65 are reflective of their generation?
If you look at their backgrounds – eg; Christopher de Souza, a lawyer at Lee & Lee, first class honours and formerly from Raffles Junior College. Same with Hri Kumar and Michael Palmer, both lawyers. Teo Ser Luck, a tri-athletic, who rose to become the general manager of DHL Express similar to Jessica Tan at Microsoft. Dr Faisal, a career lecturer at NUS. Dr Lam Pin Min and Dr Fatimah, both doctors.
Yes, MPs are supposed to have credible backgrounds and proven track records in prominent business sectors. But I think having a group of lawyers and doctors, growing up in education fast track, don’t quite reflect the laymen’s concerns and problems. They might be excellence communicators and speech-makers, but in every speech, it must have a soul. The MP must feel for the issue and to feel the issue, they have to experience the issue. We don’t need another blue-nose aristocrat in parliament speaking in flowerily languages. There is a difference between a MP and a Minister. And far too often we have MPs falling in between the characteristics of a MP and a Minister. Ministers have every right to be “unlike” the common people and to be brilliant visionaries that sets the moral direction for the country. MPs are and have to be reflective of their generation and fight with conviction for the thoughts and feels of the people. But the problem is having people who are neither MP-like nor Minister-like. Background near a minister but can never be one, and being a MP that was never quite representative of a generation.
Like I said, the P65 group needs more time to prove themselves, and prove that they are not another academically “straight-As” MP. The reason I ask if they are elitists or egalitarians is that the social character is of this nature. The P65 never experienced the traumatic split from Malaya but was in an era of academic elitism of Lee Kuan Yew. If you scored well, you will be rewarded by having a ladder to climb upwards. Fair or unfair to say that these MPs are the ones who climbed the ladder and made it good in economic and social sense. In that view, they are the elitists who reflect their generation; rather, they reflect the cream of the crop of their generation.
Alternative way of viewing this is that they reflect, not society, but the ideological direction of the selectors (the PAP Ministers). If they land up being egalitarian or elitist, that is the way the selectors set it out to be.
In short, time will tell.
Note: By the way, I "googled" my own blog name and surprisingly found quite a few people convinced that this blog is setup by the PAP government. Rest assured that I'm not in the government, sent by the government, paid by the government, moderately look like anyone from the government, or intent to be part of the government. In summary, this blog has nothing to do with the government. Maybe I should just change the blog address to prevent any misconceptions. I'm just another ordinary blogger with too much political rumour to spread.
so why, with all that sophisticated selection process, the system cannot find more high calibre junion ministers? it cant because of low pay, right?
Posted by
Anonymous |
March 08, 2007 6:37 PM
Typically when a Minister is about to retire like Dr Lee Boon Yang, normally do they still have bodyguards? Or maybe at least one bodyguard?
Posted by
Anonymous |
March 09, 2007 1:41 AM
Well, selecting ministers is not just about getting the brightest talents and pay them millions. Ultimately, they must be good and moral people with strong convictions for their vision of a better Singapore.
There is no structured interview or process to get such people. On way is to put them in the job and let time to the test.
Retirely but not retired ministers do have bodyguards. Maybe less, but I wouldn't know. =P
Cheers!
T
Posted by
Thrasymachus |
March 09, 2007 2:03 PM
where are the 10 listed prophecies?
Posted by
Anonymous |
March 10, 2007 10:59 PM
Why is Singapore's Birth Rate So Low?
Dual Income No Kids (DINKS)
The man may be strong and virile,
The wife young and fertile,
but because of office needs,
the wife wants no kids.
Higher combined salary,
wife cooks no celery,
no need to change nappies,
family not so happy.
If the cost of living is still high,
couples to kids will say 'no time'.
Unless costs of living is kept low,
couples to kids will say 'no'.
Posted by
JP |
March 10, 2007 11:27 PM
Btw T, if Dr Balaji get promoted to a full minister, what ministry do you think he will lead? And what are the chances of him taking over MICA when Dr Lee Boon Yang resign? When Dr Lee Boon Yang resign, who do you think will take over Mica? Will it be 2nd Minister Dr Vieviene Balakrishnan or will it be Dr Balaji?
Posted by
Anonymous |
March 11, 2007 11:39 AM
Hi there,
Yes, realised that I've not got 10 things to publish, as such, I've amended the title. ;)
Hi Mr JiPuo
Well, I guess this is one problem, no first world country has solved.
Hi Vievien
Well, there are quite a few options to post Dr Balaji. Health seems likely, given his medical background. But I guess, he will still second the MFA even when he is given a proper posting. I'd say that MOH, MICA are most likely.
Cheers!
Ben
Posted by
Thrasymachus |
March 11, 2007 3:34 PM
so why are there so few people with convictions, vision for singapore, etc, to be found, with all that sophisticated selection process? (or are you saying the process is lousy and they need to change it? if so, to what?)
try not to provide non-answers
Posted by
Anonymous |
March 12, 2007 8:28 AM
Hi T: Just to check with you in your option, which ministry is more important? The MCYS or MICA?
Posted by
Anonymous |
March 12, 2007 3:40 PM
i dont think all ministers have bodyguards. though there'll be a police van waiting at any place where there's an official event that a minister will attend, the level of security is not the same.
some ministers have police security command (PSC) officers escorting their cars, while others don't. i don't know if this depends on their ministry, appointment, or what.
i've seen lim boon heng drive with an assistant by the side, who looks nothing like a bodyguard. the same with tharman.
i've seen dr ng eng hen jogging along tanglin road. no one accompanying him at all.
Posted by
Anonymous |
March 13, 2007 10:54 PM
I guess you were referring to my previous comments on messiness, fuziness, creativity and growth. I still stand by those comments. :-)
Interesting and in-depth analysis there. Find it hard to believe you're not involved in PAP...grassroots leader?
Posted by
Anonymous |
March 15, 2007 4:30 PM
Hi T, Maybe in the article you can write on the role of the Minister in the Prime MInister Office and NTUC Secretary General. And what is the differences in role between MInister Lim Swee Say and other Minister? Since Minister Lim Swee Say is not headed any Ministry, but is running NTUC instead. Since NTUC is not a Government Ministry, does it meant that as compared to the other cabinet miister, Minister Lim Swee Say has the lowest in power and rank, since he is not leading any ministry, but is running NTUC instead? NTUC as i know cannot make any government policy. NTUC as i know is there to first take care of workers and secondly to give advise and feedbacks to the Ministry of Manpower and the government on the various workers needs. So is it true that Minister Lim Swee Say role in the cabinet is more as a role of giving feedback of workers needs rather than making policy?And is it true that he does not really have power to make policy, as policy making is done by the Ministry of Manpower. So T, it would be good for you to write this in your next article, as i believe many people who view this blog are confused on the role of a Minister in the PMO and NTUC Secretary General. Hoep you will write this article soon and explain to us.
Posted by
Anonymous |
March 16, 2007 10:05 AM
Hi T, i agree with Jaff Lau. Hope you will write about this in your next article. About the role of the Minister in the PMO and NTUC Secretary General. I really would love to hear your views
Posted by
Anonymous |
March 16, 2007 10:11 AM
Hi Anonymous (who asked me not to provide non-answers)
Well, by natural selection in any society, such people with the ability and conviction will be of the rarity. Selection process is meant to search for these very few people among the sea of others. The process is working reasonably well and there shouldn't be any "reinventing the wheel".
Having people who have the ability and conviction, to choose their successors are part of this natural selection.
Hi Vievien Tan
I would not say if there is a more important ministry between MICA and MCYS. Both are of equal importance, but just in different scope.
Cheers!
T
Posted by
Thrasymachus |
March 17, 2007 8:16 PM
Hi Professor
I think one doesn't need to be in the PAP or grassroots to be able to make these analysis. As you've correctly mentioned, messiness and fuzziness can lead to creative...even within a person. ;)
Hi Colin and Jaff Lau
You comments are well noted and are good suggestions. Perhaps I will write on it the coming future.
NTUC is special as it is a politically link union. And is the only politically link union in Singapore. Thus, the minister running the NTUC is really like running the operations of the PAP. But there is more to that as NTUC has historically significance.
Cheers!
T
Posted by
Thrasymachus |
March 17, 2007 8:22 PM
Hi T: just curious when do you think is the next Cabinet Reshuffle? Will it be this year or the next year? Btw who do you think is a more capable and important MInister? Tharman or Dr Vievienne Balarisknan?
Posted by
Anonymous |
March 17, 2007 10:30 PM
sorry T you still gave an non answer "people like this are few"
look at the independence generation of LKY, GohKW, Raja, their opponents (including the mysterious Plen) there were plenty of dedicated people with strong convictions, of many different kinds; why so few today?
Posted by
Anonymous |
March 18, 2007 4:39 PM
I think when you saw a MInister like DR Ng Eng Hen jogging without bodyguards, that was a few years back when he was still a Minister of State. Because Minister of State do not have any bodyguard. Only full minister have bodyguard. In fact i think all full Minister will have bodyguard
Posted by
Anonymous |
March 20, 2007 8:16 PM
Hi there!
I had to do a blog assignment on whether blogs allowing greater democracy, and thought it would be nice to feature you. Thus, dropping a comment to tell you that you have been featured in my blog.
You gave me greater insights to the Singapore Political scene.
Thanks!!
Regards,
Sabrina
Posted by
ŠãBŕĩŊå |
March 24, 2007 1:18 PM
you did not forecast the salary increase; give your chrystal ball a good wipe...
Posted by
Anonymous |
March 25, 2007 11:51 PM
for a small country like singapore, the cabinet is quite big, and the salaries of the members very high
if there is a senate, retired ministers can be sent there and maybe they dont need to be paid as much
asiayouthmedia.com
Posted by
Anonymous |
March 29, 2007 9:11 AM
hey,
i used your blog to help me with my ASSignment. you can check it out. good job!
btw one question. How do u suppose this(wad u said in yr blog) can change?
Posted by
ponga |
March 29, 2007 1:09 PM
Hi Anonymous (non-answer one)
In a very socialistic view, the situation and environment makes the person who he is. Raja, LKY, GohKW and even Lim Chin Siong were brought up in troubled times when even the bare essentials such as their life itself were being threatened. Can we ever experienced what they have been through and develop the same mentality as they do? Maybe not.
Hi Sabrina
Thanks! Appreciated that.
Hi Asiayouthmedia
Salaries are not the issue but is the efficiency and effectiveness of the system. I'm never an advocate for a senate as why should we have a senate just to accomodate the retired ministers? If they still have the capacity, they should be in the parliament as MPs.
Hi Ponga
Change? Don't think I can or I should change anyone's perception. Let it be and things will flow.
Cheers!
T
Posted by
Thrasymachus |
March 30, 2007 1:49 PM
Hey T,
Jus wondering did u check my blog assignment abt yr blog? pls do temme how it is...
thanks
ponga
Posted by
ponga |
April 01, 2007 1:47 PM
Hi Ponga,
Thanks! I've also left a comment at your blog. Once again, glad that you've found this interesting. Don't worry, I won't be hanged in public any time soon.
Hi Sabrina,
Can't get access to your blog. So....
Cheers!
T
Posted by
Thrasymachus |
April 03, 2007 10:51 PM
I hope you are satisfied with the kind of discussion you are getting, about body guards and student assignments; the same lack of discussion that prevails elsewhere
Posted by
Anonymous |
April 04, 2007 1:15 AM
I hope you are satisfied with the kind of discussion you are getting, about body guards and student assignments; the same lack of discussion that prevails elsewhere
Posted by
Anonymous |
April 04, 2007 1:16 AM
Hi Anonymous
Feel free to fire any volley of discussion. Will be happy to entertain any request. ;)
Cheers!
T
Posted by
Thrasymachus |
April 04, 2007 12:30 PM
Hi Sabrina, can i have your blog address?
Posted by
Anonymous |
April 04, 2007 10:42 PM
a blog about singapore politics not willing to address current issues like GST, welfare and cabinet member salaries? how relevant can you be?
the level of discussion reflects that
Posted by
Anonymous |
April 08, 2007 4:07 AM
Hi Anonymous
This blog is never willing to take on any issues. So don't get me wrong with it. Just that time disallowed me to constant update my blog. If you've noticed, I've not been updating my blog regularly. Mainly it is because, I'm always at work!
But in short, I'd say that I am supportive to hike in salary but the timing is in bad taste. A positive note that most people never credit our local politics for is the level of discussion and publicity generated by the hike compared to 7 yrs ago. We should see this as a more open platform that the govt is taking on.
Posted by
Thrasymachus |
April 12, 2007 1:55 PM
There were no blogspot dot com seven years ago. There were no Wordpress dot com seven years ago. There were no ex senior SPH in the parliament seven years ago. And by the way, there were no cases of the sedition act used upon bloggers seven years ago.
So you say you support the hike, whose? The Ministers or the ordinary civil servants?
Posted by
Anonymous |
April 12, 2007 2:44 PM
your answer sounds disingenuous to me: a badly timed decision, but also good because it generated discussion
similar politicians trick: instead of answering a criticism, praise the critic for making it, thus avoiding it
since LHL is donating his increase to charity, he can manage without more money, and I would guess most other ministers felt similarly; so guess which minister asked PM for a raise? it must be someone with a very strong sense of entitlement
asiayouthmedia.com
Posted by
Anonymous |
April 12, 2007 4:20 PM
why dont you comment on the banning of the foreign speakers? do something relevant for once
Posted by
Anonymous |
April 14, 2007 12:46 PM
Hi Anonymous
I've already covered that and even the opposition parties many times over. So I don't think your accusation warrants any validity.
Asiayouthmedia,
Ultimately, the country has to decide not whether a Minister pay is comparable to the laymen, but if the mechanisms in place are sufficient to deter future corruption and candidates with low moral authority.
Guess I expect more replies.
Thanks!
T
Posted by
Thrasymachus |
April 14, 2007 7:17 PM
give it up man; you cant have it both ways
Posted by
Anonymous |
April 15, 2007 3:20 AM
Well, as long as I'm not as disgrunted and sardonic as you, I think I won't and shouldn't give up it so easily. ;)
Posted by
Thrasymachus |
April 15, 2007 1:13 PM
I dont try to play both inside and outside; you can keep trying, but the lack of discussion shows others have given up on you already; on the various recent issues: welfare, GST, ASTAR, salary, what can anyone do but agree
Posted by
Anonymous |
April 15, 2007 3:37 PM
So, you guys wanna be closed to the grounds?
Come to my new homepage. Hahaha...
Just don't be shocked.
I shocked already.
Posted by
Anonymous |
April 15, 2007 4:05 PM
Hi Anonymous,
Hmm...your tone sounds awefully familiar, but I shouldn't do speculate like some. ;)
Oh yes, lack of discussion do shows tonnes, as like flies to rubbish. So if I'm the rubbish, I welcome flies like you. ;P
As much as you've asked me to stop trying, may I urge to to try harder. You've not provided anything substantial either. So other than mugslinging and criticizing, I'm also awaiting the enlightenment from you. Guess, I might have to wait a lifetime or longer for that to happen.
Cheers!
T
Posted by
Thrasymachus |
April 17, 2007 11:00 PM
you are the one who promosed insight from inside; what have you produced recently?
Posted by
Anonymous |
April 18, 2007 12:55 AM
why the silence? too busy to make a brief reply? why no viewers putting in their comments?
like GCT and Balakrishinan before, you are discovering that with the LKY system, "what you see is what you get" - you cannot make things better merely by "adding a soft touch"
in the mean time, let's talk about Upper House again: LKY is leading the discussion about salaries, homosexuality, censorship; wont it be better for him to be doing this in a Senate？
Posted by
Anonymous |
April 29, 2007 8:23 AM
Hi T: Can you list down the most important Ministry to the least important Ministry in desending order? For example Finance first down to MCYS or MEWR last?
Posted by
Anonymous |
May 04, 2007 11:29 PM
6 weeks no action; I guess the blooger has given up; maybe I will give up soon also; meaningful political discussion is just too hard in this country
sgsociety.com
Posted by
Anonymous |
June 02, 2007 5:58 PM
hey T,
Do you support the ministers' pay hike? Just to hear your opnion.
Posted by
Anonymous |
August 16, 2007 6:59 PM
damm
Posted by
Anonymous |
January 07, 2009 10:26 AM
Where is the justice in Singapore??
I can see that Singapore's Strait Times has again stated prejudiced and false allegations concerning Mr. David Hartanto Widjaja. Now I can truly see the ignorance of Singaporean people and newspaper. Mind you all Strait Times reader that DAVID HARTANTO WIDJAJA'S DEATH WAS NOT CAUSED BY SUICIDE BY HIM CUTTING HIS WRIST, IN YOUR SINGAPORE POLICE REPORTS IT IS CONFIRMED THAT HE DID NOT HAVE ANY SLITWOUND WHAT SO EVER ON HIS WRIST. WHAT HIS FAMILY WITNESSED INSTEAD WHEN THEY ATTENDED THE REVEALING (NOT THE AUTOPSY) OF DAVID'S BODY, WAS THAT DAVID SUFFERED SLASH WOUNDS ON HIS NECK (THROAT) AND ALSO ON HIS BACK
THE STORY OF HIS DEPRESSION FROM LOSING HIS SCHOLARSHIP WAS ALSO A LIE. STORIES SAYING "HE KEPT HIS PARENTS IN THE DARK ABOUT IT" WAS ALSO A LIE GENERATED BY YOUR SINGAPOREAN MEDIA.
DAVID HAS ALREADY INFORMED HIS PARENTS OF HIS PROBALE CONDITION OF LOSING HIS SCHOLARSHIP SINCE 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE DAY HE DIED. AND HIS FAMILY BEING A MIDDLE CLASS FAMILY HERE IN INDONESIA HAVE EXPRESSED CASUALLY WITH DAVID THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE A PROBLEM IN PAYING HIS LAST SEMESTER TUITION FEE.
STATEMENTS STATING THAT DAVID GOT ANGRY AT PROFESSOR CHAN KAP LUK FOR GIVING BAD GRADES FR HIS FYP, CANNOT BE FARTHER FROM THE TRUTH , SINCE HIS PAPERS WERE NOT YET DUE, NOT YET SUBMITTED, AND NTU HAS NO POLICY IN INFORMING STUDENTS REGARDING THEIR GRADES BEFORE THE OFFICIAL ISSUE.
This link is a record of the interview made with David's father and brother by a reputable Indonesian Television RCTI in Seputar Indonesia. They have not been permitted to see David's body immediately, and was disappointed to see how the crime scene - professor Chan KapLuk's office was wiped clean from any evidence and blood spatters in as soon as 7 hours after the incident.
WITH ALL DUE RESPECT I DEMAND THAT SINGAPOREAN PUBLIC AND MEDIA REFRAIN FROM MAKING SUCH PREJUDICED STATEMENTS, ONE SUCH AS THIS ONE
"On Monday, David Hartanto Widjaja, 21, an Indonesian student whose scholarship was terminated, stabbed Associate Professor Chan Kap Luk, 45, in the back during a discussion in his office at the NTU campus, then slit his own wrists before fleeing and falling four floors to his death shortly after.
Prof Chan, who suffered injuries to his back and right hand, has been discharged from hospital and is on medical leave."
IT IS ALREADY MARCH 7 2009, AND A TOP MEDIA SUCH AS STRAIT TIMES HAVE NOT INDEED GET THEIR FACT STRAIGHT. WHEN WE INDONESIANS HAVE ALREADY BEEN AWARE THE EMERGING TRUTH SINCE THE DAY AFTER DAVID'S DEATH. (2/3/2009)
AND CEASE ALL ATTEMPTS TO CONCEAL NEW FINDINGS AND EVIDENCE SUCH AS THE KNIFE (WHICH HAS LOST IT'S HANDLE MIRACULOUSLY-CONVENIENTLY OBSCURING WHO'S FINGERPRINTS WAS ON IT), DAVID'S WOUNDS, AND PROFESSOR CHAN KAP LUK HIMSELF, WHOSE WORD HAS BEEN SOLELY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT ON WHAT REALLY HAPPENED THAT DAY.
http://video.okezone.com/play//2009/...uh-kejanggalan
AND FOR ALL OF YOU TO KNOW, CLAIMS OF DAVID BEING A DEPRESSED LONER, AN INTROVERT ON THE VERGE OF LOSING IT, A POTENTIAL KILLER - WERE ALL LIES.
ASIDE FROM HIS POSITION AS PRESIDENT IN ONEOF NTU'S MATH GROUP (THEREFORE HE HAS TO BE POPULAR AMONGST HIS PEERS), HE WAS ALSO REMEMBERED BY ALL HIS FRIEND BE IT IN HIS GAMING COMMUNITY OR HIS HIGHSCHOOL, ANDEVEN AMONGST NTU STUDENTS THEMSELVES TO BE A POSITIVE, CHEERFUL, OUTGOING FRIEND. ONE OF HIS FRIEND AT HIS GAMING FORUM, PEOPLE WHO HAS NEVER KNOWN HIM IN REAL LIFE DESCRIBE HIM AS A BRIGHT SOUL BEHIND THE USERNAME "MAJIN" (IN COMPLETE TERA MAJIN= EARTH DEMON IN JAPANESE)
DONT BELIEVE ME? ENTER THIS LINK:
http://destiny.enjoymmo.com/forum/vi...age%3D1&page=1
I understand that you singaporeans are reasonable and a proud nation, please do not tarnish your international reputation by obstructing justice here. Show that you are a true Singaporeans by pushing your government to COMMENCE A THOROUGH AND TRANSPARENT INVESTIGATION REGARDING DAVID'S DEATH. SINGAPORE MEDIA HAS INDEED INFLICTED PAIN BEYOND IMAGINATION TO DAVID'S FAMILY BY THEIR FALSE REPORTS, and I encourage you to challenge them for TRUTH! Any less would be humiliation and disgrace for the departed.
Also, start an investigation on Chan Kap Luk! for goodness sake he is the only living link to the whole thing!
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